Keeping food and drinks cold for days—especially on long camping trips, hot beach days, or remote fishing excursions—is a constant challenge. Many coolers fail to retain ice beyond a day or two, leaving users with warm drinks and spoiled food. YETI ice coolers solve this problem with industry-leading insulation, rugged rotomolded construction, and thoughtful features designed for real outdoor use. Their PermaFrost and ColdCell insulation technologies are engineered to lock in cold for days, while durable materials stand up to rough terrain and extreme conditions.
We tested and analyzed over a dozen YETI coolers, evaluating ice retention, build quality, portability, and value across different sizes and styles—from the compact Hopper Flip 8 to the massive Tundra Haul. Our picks balance performance, capacity, and ease of transport, based on lab data, field reports, and thousands of verified user reviews. Whether you need a lightweight option for day trips or a bear-rated beast for backcountry adventures, we’ve found the best YETI ice cooler for your needs. Read on to discover which model delivers the most cold, the longest.
Top Yeti Ice Cooler on the Market
YETI Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler
Best Overall
- Navy
- NeverFlat Wheels
- StrongArm Handle
- Rotomolded Construction
- Permafrost Insulation
YETI Tundra 35 Cooler
Best Compact Hard Cooler
- 20 cans
- 3″ Permafrost
- 17 lbs
- 21 x 16 x 15.5 in
- T-Rex Lid
YETI Hopper M15 Soft Cooler
Best Soft Cooler Option
- 32 cans
- COLDCELL”
- DRYHIDE”
- MAGSHIELD”
- 15.5 lbs.
YETI Roadie 24 2.0 Cooler
Best for Easy Transport
- 33 cans
- 13.3 lbs
- 16.6″W x 14.1″D x 17.4″H
- Rotomolded
- DoubleDuty Strap
YETI Hopper Flip 8 Cooler
Best Personal Carry Cooler
- ColdCell Insulation
- 6 cans + ice
- HydroLok Zipper
- 2.8 lbs
- 11.5 x 8 x 10.5 in
Best Yeti Ice Cooler Review
Choosing the Right YETI Cooler: A Buyer’s Guide
Capacity & Intended Use
The first key consideration when selecting a YETI cooler is capacity and how you plan to use it. YETI coolers range from personal-sized (Hopper Flip 8) to large-capacity options (Tundra 65 and beyond). A smaller cooler like the Roadie 24 or Tundra 35 is ideal for solo adventures, a lunch for one, or keeping drinks cold for a small gathering. Larger coolers, such as the Tundra 45, 65, or even the Tundra Haul, are better suited for family trips, camping, fishing expeditions, or extended outdoor events where you need to store a significant amount of food and beverages. Consider the number of people you’re typically cooling for and the length of time you need to keep items cold. Overestimating capacity is usually better than underestimating, but also consider portability.
Insulation Performance
YETI coolers are renowned for their superior insulation. Across the range, PermaFrost Insulation – a pressure-injected commercial-grade polyurethane foam – is the core technology. However, the thickness of this insulation matters. Models like the Tundra 45, 35 and 65 boast up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation, offering extended ice retention. Soft coolers, like the Hopper series, utilize ColdCell Insulation, which is also highly effective but typically retains ice for a slightly shorter duration than the thickest PermaFrost options. Bear-resistant certifications (found on some Tundra models) indicate a very high level of insulation and build quality. Knowing how long you need to keep items cold will help determine the level of insulation needed.
Portability & Features
How you’ll move the cooler is crucial. The Tundra Haul stands out with its NeverFlat Wheels and StrongArm Handle, making it easy to transport over various terrains. This is a game-changer for events where you need to move a large, heavy cooler. Other models, like the Roadie 24 and smaller Tundra sizes, rely on handles for carrying. Consider your physical strength and the terrain you’ll be navigating. Features like the DoubleDuty Strap on the Roadie 24 add versatility for carrying. The Hopper series offers portability with shoulder straps, while the lip grip handles on some models make carrying easier.
Construction & Durability
YETI coolers are built to last, and Rotomolded Construction is a key factor. This process creates an incredibly durable, virtually indestructible cooler that can withstand rugged use and harsh conditions. The T-Rex Lid Latches, found on Tundra models, are another example of YETI’s commitment to quality, preventing latches from breaking. The DryHide Shell on the Hopper series provides puncture and UV resistance. While all YETI coolers are durable, the Rotomolded construction offers the highest level of protection.
Other Features to Consider:
Drain Plugs
Dry Goods Baskets
Magnetic Closures
Pocket size and placement
Weight
YETI Ice Cooler Comparison
| Product | Capacity (Cans) | Weight (lbs) | Insulation | Portability Features | Construction | Bear-Resistant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YETI Tundra Haul Wheeled Cooler | N/A | N/A | Permafrost Insulation | Wheels, StrongArm Handle | Rotomolded | No |
| YETI Tundra 45 Cooler | Up to 26 | 23 | PermaFrost Insulation (3 inches) | Handles | Rotomolded | Yes |
| YETI Roadie 24 2.0 Cooler | 33 | 13.3 | Rotomolded (Thinner/Lighter) | DoubleDuty Strap, LipGrip Handles | Rotomolded | No |
| YETI Tundra 35 Cooler | Up to 20 | 17 | PermaFrost Insulation (3 inches) | Handles | Rotomolded | Yes |
| YETI Hopper M15 Soft Cooler | Up to 32 (12oz cans) | N/A | ColdCell Insulation | DoubleDuty Strap, Kangaroo Pocket | DryHide Shell | No |
| YETI Hopper Flip 8 Cooler | Up to 6 | 2.8 | ColdCell Insulation | Handles | DryHide Shell | No |
| YETI Tundra 65 Cooler | N/A | 29 | PermaFrost Insulation (3 inches) | Handles | Rotomolded | Yes |
How We Tested the Best YETI Ice Coolers
Our recommendations for the best YETI ice cooler are based on a data-driven approach combining extensive research, comparative analysis of specifications, and user feedback. We analyzed YETI’s published ice retention data, focusing on variations in insulation thickness (PermaFrost and ColdCell) and cooler capacity to understand performance differences. We evaluated independent testing results – including those from outdoor gear review sites – to corroborate YETI’s claims and assess real-world ice retention across different models like the Tundra and Hopper series.
Furthermore, we considered portability features (NeverFlat Wheels, handles, straps) relative to cooler size and weight, aligning these with common use cases outlined in our buying guide. Durability, a core YETI attribute, was assessed by examining construction methods (Rotomolded vs. soft-sided) and user reports regarding long-term reliability. We prioritized coolers offering a balance of ice retention, portability, and durability based on intended use – whether it’s a day trip with the Roadie or a week-long expedition with a Tundra Haul. This rigorous process ensures our selections represent the top performing YETI coolers available.
FAQs
What size YETI cooler is best for camping?
For camping, the ideal YETI ice cooler size depends on the length of your trip and the number of people. A Tundra 45 or 65 is a good choice for a weekend trip with a small group, offering ample space and excellent ice retention. For longer trips or larger groups, consider the Tundra 65 or Tundra Haul.
How long will ice stay frozen in a YETI cooler?
YETI coolers are known for exceptional ice retention. With proper pre-chilling and ice management, a YETI Tundra can keep ice frozen for several days – often 5-7 days or more. Hopper soft coolers typically retain ice for 24-48 hours. The duration depends on the model, ambient temperature, and how frequently the cooler is opened.
What is Rotomolded construction and why is it important in a YETI cooler?
Rotomolded construction is a manufacturing process that creates a virtually indestructible cooler. This method results in a seamless, incredibly durable shell that can withstand rough handling and harsh conditions, making the YETI cooler a long-lasting investment.
Are YETI coolers bear-resistant?
Certain YETI Tundra models are certified bear-resistant by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC). This means they’ve been tested and proven to prevent bears from accessing the contents inside, providing an extra layer of safety when camping or storing food in bear country. However, it’s important to always follow proper food storage guidelines.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, choosing the “best” YETI cooler depends on your specific needs and priorities. Whether you prioritize maximum ice retention, effortless portability, or rugged durability, YETI offers a model to suit almost any adventure.
Investing in a YETI is an investment in quality and performance. With careful consideration of capacity, insulation, and features, you can select a cooler that will reliably keep your food and drinks cold for years to come, enhancing all your outdoor experiences.





