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Last Updated on January 10, 2023
YETI specializes in durable outdoor gear products, including ice chests, soft coolers, and insulated, stainless steel drinkware. However, its wide range of soft and hard coolers garnered attention in the market for their robust design and long-lasting materials.
If you’re considering buying a YETI cooler for your next adventure or party, we’ll list our top recommendations based on size and occasion. Check our list below, and see which one suits your needs.
Our Best YETI Coolers for 2023:
- YETI Tundra Haul – Best Overall
- YETI Roadie 48 – Best Small Wheeled Cooler
- YETI Tundra 45 – Best Medium Hard Cooler
- YETI Tundra 160 – Best Large Hard Cooler
- YETI Hopper M30 – Best Soft Cooler
- YETI Tank 85 Ice Bucket – Best for Parties
- YETI Roadie 24 – Best for Travel
The 7 Best YETI Coolers to Beat the Heat
Whether you need a cooler for a summer party or the great outdoors, YETI’s coolers provide various sizes and designs to keep your food and drink cold (check out my lemon drop shot).
1. YETI Tundra Haul – Best Overall
- The Haul is the first-ever YETI cooler on wheels. Perfect for taking the Tundra's legendary toughness and unmatched insulation power the extra mile
- NeverFlat Wheels – A solid, single-piece tire construction that is impact- and puncture-resistant
- StrongArm Handle – A durable welded aluminum arm with comfortable grips. The curved design tracks left or right for heel-friendly towing
- Rotomolded Construction - Makes it armored to the core and virtually indestructible
- Permafrost Insulation - Pressure-injected commercial-grade polyurethane foam in the walls and lid makes sure your ice stays ice. Note: Tundra Haul is not compatible with the dry goods basket
The YETI Tundra Haul is the first YETI cooler with wheels and is one of the brand’s most popular models.
We put this on top of our list for its large capacity, cooling performance, indestructible design, and puncture-resistant wheels, making it convenient to move plenty of goods in any terrain.
However, some people might not like its bulky size since it takes up a lot of room, especially when traveling. Also, unlike regular Tundra products, this one doesn’t come with a dry goods basket.
Specifications
- External Dimensions: 28.1 (W) x 18.6 (D) x 19.6 (H) inches
- Interior Dimensions: 19.1 (W) x 11.4 (D) x 14.1 (H) inches
- Beer Only: 82 cans
- Ice Only: 64 lb
- Wine Only: 19 bottles
- Item Weight: 37.5 lb
- Colors: Navy, White, Tan, Nordic Purple (Limited Edition)
Bottom Line
The YETI Tundra Haul is one of the toughest and most transportable coolers on the market. We recommend this for outdoor gatherings, camping, and tailgating.
2. YETI Roadie 48 – Best Small Wheeled Cooler
- Easy enough for long treks, tall enough for chilled wine, big enough for an all-day tailgate
- PERISCOPE HANDLE: Retractable for convenience and built strong for extra-hefty provisions.
- NEVERFLAT WHEELS: Solid, single-piece tire construction is impact and puncture-resistant.
- LIPGRIP HANDLES: Stay out of the way and make carrying your catch easy.
- BEARFOOT NON-SLIP FEET: Prevent sliding on the boat or in the backseat.
The YETI Roadie 48 is a small, tall, boxy cooler with solid wheels and a retractable handle. It looks similar to a piece of luggage but has enough space to carry up to 76 cans of beer or 54 lb of ice.
It’s one of the most portable YETI products, thanks to its size and wheels. Based on experience, it also keeps refreshments and comestibles cool for the day and more.
Specifications
- External Dimensions: 19.8 (W) x 20.1 (D) x 20.6 (H) inches
- Interior Dimensions: 14.5 (W) x 11.4 (D) x 15.8 (H) inches
- Beer Only: 76 cans
- Ice Only: 54 lb
- Wine Only: 15 bottles
- Item Weight: 28.3 lb
- Colors: Charcoal, Navy, White
Bottom Line
The YETI Roadie 48 is a small but sturdy cooler for transporting goods better, and it’s one of the best coolers for tailgates, road trips, and boat excursions.
3. YETI Tundra 45 – Best Medium Hard Cooler
- The YETI Tundra 45 combines versatility with durability with a capacity of up to 26 cans with a recommended 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio
- Ice stays ice thanks to up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and an extra thick FatWall design is certified Bear-Resistant
- The Rotomolded Construction makes the Tundra armored to the core and virtually indestructible so wherever you decide to take it, this portable cooler’s sturdy construction will stand up to the rigors of the journey
- All Tundra coolers feature T-Rex Lid Latches constructed of heavy-duty rubber so you’ll never see another busted latch and has patented keeper technology
- The Tundra 45 dimensions are 25 1/2 in long x 16 in wide x 15 ½ in high with an empty weight of 23 lbs NOTE: All Tundra models come standard with one dry goods basket.
The YETI Tundra 45 boasts an all-purpose size since it can carry provisions for several people for a few days. It also fits crabs and fish, making it ideal for a fishing boat.
Ultimately, we like its three inches of PermaFrost and tight latches since they help keep the meat cold and seal it from heat. Moreover, the cooler uses rotomolded construction, so it’s impact-resistant.
However, we found it too heavy to move around. Although the durable handles help, it’s not as portable as the previous two coolers.
Specifications
- External Dimensions: 25.6 (W) x 15.9 (D) x 15.5 (H) inches
- Interior Dimensions: 18.3 (W) x 9.4 (D) x 10.7 (H) inches
- Beer Only: 54 cans
- Ice Only: 37 lb
- Wine Only: Not Compatible
- Item Weight: 24.6 lb
- Colors: Navy, White, Tan, Nordic Blue (Limited Edition), Nordic Purple (Limited Edition)
Bottom Line
The YETI Tundra 45 provides the right size for any occasion. It’s one of the best YETI coolers for backyard cookouts, fishing, and camping trips.
4. YETI Tundra 160 – Best Large Hard Cooler
- The YETI Tundra 160 is designed for those guys and gals who are in the field or on a boat season after season, for whom ordinary coolers just won’t cut it. Durable? You bet.
- Will keep your ice… well ice thanks to up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and an extra thick FatWall design is certified Bear-Resistant
- The Rotomolded Construction makes the Tundra armored to the core and virtually indestructible so wherever you decide to take it, this portable cooler’s sturdy construction will stand up to the rigors of the journey
- All Tundra coolers feature T-Rex Lid Latches constructed of heavy-duty rubber and made with patented technology so you’ll never see another busted latch
- The Tundra 160 dimensions are 45 in long x 19 1/2 in wide x 21.5 in high NOTE: All Tundra models come standard with one dry goods basket.
The YETI Tundra 160 provides plenty of space for outdoor fans who need more room for their haul.
In our experience, this hard cooler holds more than enough food and beverages for several days. Plus, it keeps the meat cold and fresh for days, making it an excellent choice for anglers and hunters.
Although there are bigger options than the Tundra 160, this size is one of the more portable options since the larger ones can be difficult to move. However, note that it’s still relatively heavy.
Specifications
- External Dimensions: 45.2 (W) x 19.4 (D) x 21.3 (H) inches
- Interior Dimensions: 37.3 (W) x 12.2 (D) x 16.3 (H) inches
- Beer Only: 229 cans
- Ice Only: 154 lb
- Wine Only: 45 bottles
- Item Weight: 53.4 lb
- Color: White
Bottom Line
The YETI Tundra 160 is one of the best YETI Coolers for big parties, fishing trips, hunting, and long road trips.
5. YETI Hopper M30 – Best Soft Cooler
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The YETI Hopper M30 is one of the best YETI soft coolers, especially after its updated design. Its Version 2.0 design makes the wide-mouth opening stay open and close better with a gentle push.
As a result, you can fill these cooler bags quickly and conveniently access your food and beverages. Also, based on personal experience, the YETI Hopper M30’s high-density fabric makes it waterproof and leak-proof.
Specifications
- External Dimensions: 25.2 (W) x 11.9 (D) x 17.3 (H) inches
- Interior Dimensions: 17.3 (W) x 9.1 (D) x 14.4 (H) inches
- Beer Only: 42 cans
- Ice Only: 32 lb
- Wine Only: 13 bottles
- Item Weight: 6.8 lb
- Colors: Charcoal, Navy, Nordic Blue (Limited Edition), Nordic Purple (Limited Edition), Nordic Alpine (Limited Edition)
Bottom Line
The YETI Hopper M30 soft cooler is highly portable since you can fill and carry your ice or beverages with a bag. It’s suitable for day trips and beach days.
6. YETI Tank 85 Ice Bucket – Best for Parties
- The YETI TANK 85 can hold up to 60 longnecks, 51 blue crabs, 24 mullet & menhaden, 98 slices of watermelon, 20 gallons of trash can punch, or 2 bushels of oysters
- Features Permafrost Insulation which means all of your drinks stay colder for longer
- The DoubleHaul Handles and Vortex Drain System make hauling, loading, and draining simple
- The YETI TANK 85 is ready for cookouts, championship tailgates, family get-togethers, and more
- The YETI TANK 85 dimensions are 25 ½ in long x 25 ½ in wide x 19 ½ in high with an empty weight of 20 lbs, NOTE: YETI Tank Lids sold separately.
The YETI Tank 85 Ice Bucket is the perfect party bucket since it has enough space to carry over 100 beer cans or one keg of beer. We also like its no-sweat design, which keeps the exterior from sweating.
However, if you think about it, the YETI Tank 85 is just a bucket, leaving your cold drinks exposed to heat. The brand offers a bucket lid, but you must buy it separately.
Nonetheless, although it’s not as practical as others on the list, it still gets the job done.
Specifications
- External Dimensions: 25.7 (W) x 25.7 (D) x 19.4 (H) inches
- Interior Dimensions: 16.1 (W) x 16.1 (D) x 17.9 (H) inches
- Beer Only: 111 cans
- Ice Only: 100 lb
- Wine Only: 20 bottles
- Item Weight: 37.5 lb
- Colors: White, Tan
Bottom Line
The YETI Tank 85 Ice bucket is the best cooler to beat the summer heat during beach or backyard parties with friends.
7. YETI Roadie 24 – Best for Travel
- Made for the road and ready to go – The Roadie 24 Hard Cooler packs more while taking up less space. It’s built tall to accommodate critical bottles of wine and slim enough to squeeze behind the driver’s or passenger’s seat of a car
- HEFTYHAULER HANDLE - Designed for easy hauling and comfortable carrying
- ROTOMOLDED CONSTRUCTION - Evolved to be thinner and lighter-weight for easier transport, while still incredibly tough
- QUICKLATCH - Flexible, simple, and built for quick, one-handed cooler access
- The Roadie 24 holds 18 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio or 24 lbs of just ice. It measures 16 1/2” L × 14 1/2”W × 17 1/2” H
The YETI Roadie 24 is a small cooler made for traveling. Thanks to its size and strap, it’s one of the easiest coolers to carry. Also, since it’s tall, we like that it holds bottles vertically.
However, note that this hard cooler doesn’t have a drain. Nonetheless, it chills all your goods for the duration of your trip.
Specifications
- External Dimensions: 16.6 (W) x 14 (D) x 17.4 (H) inches
- Interior Dimensions: 10.8 (W) x 8.1 (D) x 13.4 (H) inches
- Beer Only: 33 cans
- Ice Only: 26 lb
- Wine Only: 8 bottles
- Item Weight: 13.1 lb
- Colors: Charcoal, Navy, White, Tan, Nordic Blue (Limited Edition), Nordic Purple (Limited Edition)
Bottom Line
The YETI Roadie 24 is one of the best YETI coolers if you need a portable cooler for quick road trips, day trips, and weekend excursions.
What Should You Consider Before Buying a YETI Cooler?
While YETI offers the same durability across its range of products, considering the following factors will help you narrow down the best cooler:
Type of Cooler
Choose between a hard or soft cooler. YETI’s hard coolers feature durable shells that withstand extreme pressure and damage. Meanwhile, its soft cooler, like the YETI Hopper, uses lightweight and soft materials, ideal for traveling.
If you need a cooler to last in harsh conditions, we recommend getting a hard cooler to keep your meat, food, or drinks cold. In contrast, choose a soft cooler if you need a convenient cooler for day trips to the beach.
Capacity
Different occasions call for different cooler sizes.
If you’re always on the go and need to store plenty of ice, food, or refreshments, a large-sized cooler will help you keep and transport them easier. Meanwhile, a quick barbeque with friends only requires a small cooler.
If you’re stuck on how much capacity to choose, consider getting one small and large size. However, feel free to stock up on different sizes if you’ve got the budget. As a result, you’ll have a suitable cooler for any situation.
Portability
The best YETI coolers in this list are all portable. However, notice how each has a different way to transport them.
For example, the YETI Tundra Haul and YETI Roadie 48 come with wheels, making them easy to move around. Meanwhile, YETI’s large coolers have latches, and the YETI Hopper M30 has straps and handles.
So, regarding YETI’s portability, consider how you want to transport your cooler instead of looking at the size.
Type of Closure
How do you want to access your ice or goods? The type of closure your cooler has can make it easier or harder for you to take your item, especially when in a hurry.
YETI’s coolers come with a latch, zip, or magnetic closure. Its hard coolers come with latches to keep your items sealed tightly. If you prefer to protect your goods from external damage, we recommend getting latch closures.
In contrast, the YETI Hopper M20 uses a magnetic closure, while the YETI Hopper Flip soft cooler has a zipper. Both types of closures make it easy to get your drink, making them excellent choices for trips or hikes.
Each type of closure does a great job of keeping your goods cool, so choosing one depends on your purpose or preference.
FAQs
What Is Special About a YETI Cooler?
YETI coolers, especially the YETI Tundra line, are known for their toughness since they have rotomolded construction, which is the same process for building solid kayaks. The brand even showed its cooler’s durability against a grizzly bear.
Also, its soft and hard coolers are tried and tested in keeping liquids and food cold longer than other brands.
Is YETI Worth Buying?
YETI coolers offer many features, making them worth buying.
Their distinct features include fat walls designed to retain coldness, permafrost insulation for maintaining your ice or cold drinks’ temperature, and rotomolded construction to withstand extreme adventures.
Ultimately, it’s worth it for people looking for a high-performance, long-lasting cooler.
How Long Will a YETI Keep Ice From Melting?
Many variables affect ice retention, making it difficult to say how long it’ll keep your ice or drinks cold. Many say their ice last for days, and based on personal experience, it lasted up to six days with the YETI Tundra 45.
However, note that ice retention varies according to the type of ice, amount of ice, sunlight exposure, and external environment.
What Is the Most Popular YETI Cooler?
According to the website’s best sellers, the top three popular YETI coolers are the Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler, Tundra 65 Hard Cooler, and Roadie 24 Hard Cooler.
What Is the Best Color for a YETI Cooler?
YETI’s most versatile colors are white and Tan since they blend with most environments. When choosing a color, note that dark colors absorb more heat than light ones.
If you’re concerned about ice retention, consider getting a white cooler. However, color may not make much difference, so we recommend choosing your preference.
Which YETI Cooler Should You Use?
When deciding which YETI cooler to get, we recommend choosing according to your needs. Each cooler caters to specific capacities and adventures for your convenience.
Consider the outdoor activities you’ll be doing with your cooler to find the most suitable product. Regardless of your choice, we think YETI is a durable brand you can use in any situation and season.
Which YETI cooler is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
