This closure method is pretty trick, almost fun. The front two T-Rex rubber lid latches are also molded into the design so they can’t be ripped out or knocked off. The rear NeverFail hinge is made from a one-piece thick stainless steel rod running through molded-in beefy plastic hinges, unlike other coolers who use injection molded flimsy plastic bits or live hinges which are attached on. Ice was refreezing to itself around the contents…no kidding! ![]() As a result, on a blisteringly hot 108+ degree Fahrenheit summer day, the internal temperature of the cooler was almost too cold to the touch. Simply pick up some dry ice at the local grocer, wrap it in some paper towels, toss it in, and then cover with regular ice. They can handle the -109☏ temperatures, where other coolers will become brittle and crack. ![]() Speaking of trucks, there are also built-in BullDog strap guides that allow you to strap down the cooler without fear of it getting knocked off. It also helps keep the cooler up and off of the hot ground. Those with pickup trucks will appreciate that. The BearFoot non-marking feet grip to surfaces snugly, keeping the cooler where you place it. It would be pretty nice if they added a strap to prevent loss, similar to a Nalgene cap. Though I do fear I may completely unscrew it and misplace it. It keeps the water in (which you should do, since that water is cold) without leaking and then lets it out when you’re done with it. The Vortex drain system is a gasketed screw-in drain plug that does its job well. So I will admit, when stocked full with ice and cans, it can be a bear to lift. YETI does claim the Tundra 50 can hold up to 32 cans. There are also two handles molded into the sides as well, so you have two carry options. All this extra thickness does make it considerably heavier than most other coolers though, coming in at 25 lbs…empty.įortunately, even full, one person can carry this cooler around because of its user-friendly and comfortable DoubleHall handles, made from squishy textured foam and marine-grade rope. The YETI folks wanted to provide enough insulation for even the most demanding professional deep-sea fishermen, who need their catch to stay frosty while out on the ocean for multiple days on end and without access to ice at the corner store. You’ll see YETI goes to extremes when it comes to the build and performance of the coolers throughout this review. The super thick FatWall walls and lid are filled with YETI’s PermaFrost insulation foam (up to 2 inches in thickness vs most coolers that use 1/2 inch), which is the main reason this cooler can keep the heat out and the cold in. You can learn more about roto-molding here. Some info on roto-molding…it is a way to seamlessly construct a complex 3D form in an extremely durable manner, ensuring an even wall thickness throughout. I’ve seen standard-issue Igloo coolers completely cracked, shattered and broken apart after only one year due to exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. Fortunately the plastic is highly UV-resistant, which is incredibly important. YETI’s Tundra coolers are made from a single piece of rotationally-molded food grade plastic that is nearly bulletproof. Not to be confused with their Roadie collection (very similar, smaller, less volume, more transportable, etc). Let’s focus on the Tundra series of YETI coolers. ![]() Well, we’ve been using this YETI Tundra 50 Cooler (11.8 gallons / 44.7 liters) for over two years now. Through a bit of serendipity, my girlfriend and I were given a YETI as a gift from a family member…without them even knowing we were interested in these coolers, or knowing that they gifted us the exact model we were interested in (even down to the color). And I could see that these coolers were in a league of their own. I was no different, but I like to think I have an eye for quality. Most of us mortal folks are used to Igloo cooler prices at Walmart, coming in between $30-$60. Spending over a thousand bucks on a cooler might sound nuts, but do understand these are used for professionals for serious use. Some of these models even range up to a painful $1399, like the Tundra 420 (when our buddies from Huckberry came to Austin, we visited the YETI headquarters and were actually able to lay inside of this massive model). Was it really worth it? At $379.99 USD, you can see why I was a bit hesitant to jump into the frigid ice water. The cost was the only thing holding me back. Hook, line and sinker, I had my next big gear purchase zeroed in. I’ve wanted a YETI Cooler since 2009, the very moment I first discovered the product’s existence. Do I agree? Or were these claims just hype? Let’s see. Over the past few years I’ve had dozens of people tell me that “ YETIs are the best coolers on the planet…they keep ice for days, even up to a week“.
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