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Unless you have a Yeti cooler, you’re likely all too familiar with this common summer letdown: You open your cooler on a hot day to pluck a cold drink out of the ice, only to see nothing but cans and bottles floating in water, not a cube in sight. No matter how much ice you stuff into some coolers, they just don’t get the job done.
Yeti changed the game and revolutionized the cooler world forever. Whether you’re looking for a good cooler for camping or a boat cooler, the beloved brand has it all—and more. The best Yeti coolers keeps ice longer, so you can keep food and drink cold for days, and that’s vital for anyone who spends time outdoors. We've spent months using, testing, and, quite frankly, just enjoying some of Yeti's most popular coolers to narrow down the top of the top below.
Best Overall: Yeti Tundra Haul
Best Soft Cooler: Yeti Hopper M30
Best Hard Cooler: Yeti Tundra 45
Best Backpack Cooler: Yeti Hopper M20
Most Portable: Yeti Roadie 15
Best Large: Yeti Tundra 160
Most Versatile: Yeti Roadie 48
Best Overall: Yeti Tundra Haul
Specs
Weight: 37.5 lbs
External Dimensions: 28.1″W x 18.6″D x 19.6″H
Capacity: 82 cans
Pros
Smooth-rolling wheels make it easy to pull
Impressive ice retention
Very spacious
Convenient handle
Cons
Heavy
Of all the Yeti coolers I've used—and I've been fortunate enough to use (and own) a lot—the Tundra Haul is by far my favorite for really almost any occasion. The highlight is the fact that it has wheels. If you've never experienced a wheeled cooler, get ready for your life to be changed. Once you go wheels, you never go back. The Haul is easy to pull around thanks to the impact-resistant wheels and comfortable-to-hold aluminum handle. I've rolled this guy over all different terrain—including the beach, gravel, and a muddy forest floor—with no issue.
Of course, it also comes with Yeti's superior ice retention, so your drinks, food, etc. will stay frosty cold all day long (and even for multiple days!). The 82-can capacity is plenty spacious enough for day trips, long afternoons on the boat, or weekend adventures. This is easily my favorite cooler, and in my mind, the most versatile. —Amanda Oliver, Director of Commerce
Best Soft Cooler: Yeti Hopper M30
Specs
Weight: 6.8 lbs
External Dimensions: 25.2″W x 11.9″D x 17.3″H
Capacity: 26 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio
Pros
Wine bottles fit vertically
Wide opening, easy to fill
Wipes down clean with ease
Multiple carrying options
Cons
Magnetic strip closing can make it difficult to fill alone
If you need a day cooler to bring with you to the beach, lake, or sports field, this Yeti soft cooler is the one to get. The redesigned Yeti Hopper now has a wide opening to make packing a breeze. The strong magnets and quick-release buckle keep the cooler closed and able to withstand being moved around without opening. It's perfect to throw over your shoulder and go.
Best Hard Cooler: Yeti Tundra 45
Specs
Weight: 24.6 lbs
External Dimensions: 25.6″W x 15.9″D x 15.5″H
Capacity: 45 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio
Pros
5-year warranty
Durable construction
Bearproof design when secured properly
Form-fitting lid closure
Cons
Large and heavy to carry alone, especially when filled
This is the Yeti I first used on a long DIY fly fishing trip, and it blew me away. Even in hot Florida heat, the Yeti Tundra 45 hard cooler kept all of our drinks, food, and snacks ice cold. The well-built and durable construction includes 3 inches of PermaFrost insulation to make sure your contents stay cold. This cooler will excel in even the hottest of conditions, which is why we dubbed it the best ice chest, as well.
Best Backpack Cooler: Yeti Hopper M20
Specs
Weight: 5.6 lbs
External Dimensions: 18.1″W x 9.9″D x 18.1″H
Capacity: 18 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio
Pros
Hands-free carrying
Leak proof closure
Durable, high-density materials
Mildew resistant
Cons
Somewhat difficult to fill
Doesn’t keep ice as long as other Yeti designs
After the success of the Hopper Backflip, Yeti’s first-ever backpack ice chest, the design has been redone with the Hopper M20 Backpack. Yeti ditched the zippered top for a magnetic closure with roll top, making it one of the best backpack coolers. Going zipper-less make the new Hoppers more durable and comfortable in the long run. I've been using it for a few seasons and can attest that it is easy to wear all day long. The weight is evenly distributed—even while fully loaded—and I've had no issue carrying it for hours, even while pregnant. The Yeti Hopper backpack retains its go-anywhere, cold-holding ability, perfect if you’re out for a hike or out on the water.
Most Portable: Yeti Roadie 15
Specs
Weight: 9.6 lbs
External Dimensions: 16.9″W x 11.2″D x 14″H
Capacity: 22 cans
Pros
Lightweight, compact, and portable
Comfortable carrying strap
Durable and rugged—can take a beating
Cons
Not big enough for longer days or trips
I had a chance to be one of the first to test out the Yeti Roadie 15 when it came out last year. The smallest hard cooler in Yeti's lineup, the Roadie 15 is just what you would want when you don't need a huge cooler. Say, you're just taking a few beers out on the boat or packing a picnic for a quick hike. It's more lightweight than other hard coolers (even non-Yeti coolers), yet it's built just as tough and sturdy. I've been rough with mine, and it's yet to sustain any damage or scratches. It keeps ice cold for hours just like every other Yeti, and it has the rubber latches I love for keeping the lid securely closed in transit. The handle, while short, is comfortable to carry, especially given that this one isn't too heavy. —AO
Best Large: Yeti Tundra 160
Specs
Weight: 53.4 lbs
External Dimensions: 45.2″W x 19.4″D x 21.3″H
Capacity: 160 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio
Pros
Bear proof with IGBC-approved locks
No slip feet
Tie-down slots for secure transport
Leakproof and easy to drain
Cons
Large and heavy
The Yeti Tundra 160 is made for those looking for more storage space. It is perfect for holding elk, deer, and large fish. It is a popular choice for hunters and anglers who need large spaces to keep meat cold for an extended period of time. It can hold up to 141 pounds of ice, and weighs 54 pounds when empty.
Most Versatile: Yeti Roadie 48
Specs
Weight: 13.1 lbs
External Dimensions: 16.6″W x 14.0″D x 17.4″H
Capacity: 24 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio
Pros
Small, portable design
Quick latch closure
Fits liter soda bottles upright
Easy to keep clean
Cons
No drain
When it comes to Yeti coolers, you pay for premium products. That means the budget pick is still going to cost you some money. The Yeti Roadie 24 hard cooler has a small design to fit behind the driver or passenger seat and be carried easily. You get the durability of the hard cooler paired with the easy-to-transport capability of a small cooler. You won’t throw it over your shoulder, but it is still easy to carry with the strength to survive tough conditions. It only weighs 12.8 pounds while empty and has a comfortable handle to carry-in and carry-out.
How We Tested Yeti Coolers
Last year, I took a 12-day DIY fly fishing trip to Florida, where I spent almost every day on the boat from sunrise to sunset. Each morning, we stopped at the gas station and filled our Yeti 45 cooler with ice, drinks, and food for the entire day. Each evening we watched the sunset over the bay as we enjoyed cold drinks and sandwiches right out of the Yeti.
That’s because Yeti Tundra coolers and Yeti Roadie coolers are rotomolded, which is also the same process to make some of the toughest kayaks out there. The Yeti Tundra hard cooler is even grizzly-resistant. The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) has approved Tundra hard coolers and Yeti Roadie hard coolers for use on public lands occupied by grizzlies. The Yeti hard cooler construction also contains over twice the insulation compared to other coolers and ice chests on the market. For outdoorsmen, the durability of Yeti hard coolers cannot be understated. I also use my Tundra as a casting platform on my boat and as a table/cooking station in my hunting camp, and it never lets me down. They’re the best coolers out there.
All Yeti coolers are field-tested and field-proven to keep all of your essential drinks and food cold as long as possible, but some are better for certain pursuits than others.
What To Consider When Choosing a Yeti Cooler
First, think about how you’ll be using the cooler most times. Are you planning to bring it to the beach? Is it for camping adventures with the family? Does it need to fit on your boat? Is a durable hard-sided cooler or an easily transported soft cooler better for your purposes? These questions will help narrow down your options. You want the right size cooler so you can bring everything you need without it taking up too much room.
Remember that the more empty space in a cooler, the less efficient it will be, so don’t get one too large for your purposes. For situations like long extended hunting or camping trips, it might be worth getting a large cooler with plenty of storage. If you need to be mobile, a smaller Yeti cooler or portable cooler will do.
FAQs
Q: Is a Yeti cooler really worth it?
Yeti coolers are worth it for people looking to get the absolute maximum performance out of a cooler. If you are heading on adventures where you need to keep ice cold for as long as possible, then Yeti is the way to go. Yeti coolers are engineered to be put through tough conditions and still get the job done at the highest level. If you are a diehard outdoor enthusiast then I would highly recommend a cooler that is built specifically for people like us.
Q: How to choose a Yeti cooler?
When choosing a Yeti cooler, you should keep in mind the type of activities you do and what you need out of your cooler. If you’re looking for a beach cooler to carry around, then the Yeti Hopper M30 soft cooler is the way to go. If you need something to keep your big catch cold on the water, then a larger hard cooler is tailored for you. It comes down to understanding what you want to get out of your cooler and matching those needs with one of their products. No matter what type of outdoor activity you do—Yeti has a cooler for you.
Q: How long does ice stay in a Yeti cooler?
Due to many variables, it is hard to put an exact number on how long a Yeti cooler will retain ice. Things like the volume of ice, type of ice, outside environment, and sunlight exposure all impact how long ice will last. Based on my personal experience, I’ve had ice last up to six days in my Yeti Tundra 45 hard cooler. Again, ice retention is going to vary in every situation. There are ways to minimize outside variables to increase ice retention, and Yeti has put together a list of tips and tricks to keep ice longer.
Final Thoughts
The debate about whether or not a Yeti cooler is worth it comes down to a personal choice. I have been beyond satisfied with my Yeti products, and they have aided many great days in the field. There are numerous options tailored for different pursuits and adventures. Think about your outdoor activities and how the best Yeti coolers can add to having an even better experience. I can tell you that as I drank a cold beverage after a long day of fishing in the Florida heat, I was happy to be a Yeti owner.
Why Trust Us
For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.
