Pelican vs. RTIC vs. YETI: Who Makes The Best Cooler? (2023)
While RTIC coolers offer value, the YETI team is innovative and places emphasis on attention to details and quality. If you are looking for premium quality that will last years to come, YETI coolers are hard to beat, but we will offer a few insights to consider.
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Our Take:

CONS
- Industry-pioneering innovation
- Premium pricing
- "Industry-leading quality"
- More than 20 coolers to choose from
- Accessories enable you to build your perfect cooler
- Superior Insulation
- Lifestyle gear available
Jump to: Full Review


CONS
- Direct-to-consumer model
- Not much effort given to differentiate product from first-movers
- Pricing
- Performance
Jump to: Full Review


CONS
- Original design
- Premium pricing
- Industrial-grade
- Performance
- Soft coolers built for adventure
Jump to: Full Review


CONS
- Forward-thinking design
- Awkward shape
- Functional storage system
- Overbuilt for some users
- One-of-a-kind product
- Quality construction
- Pre-filled cans offer convenience
Jump to: Full Review
Full Review:

Coolers have come a long way in the past decade, primarily driven by some of the brands we reviewed below, including YETI, RTIC, Pelican, and GOAT. Some of my best childhood memories involve family day trips to the beach and Saturdays spent at the local ballfield.
The family cooler was a centerpiece for both of those experiences, but sadly, the cooler didn’t get the job done. Ice turned to water, and the contents became awkwardly soggy, more wet than cold.
Gone are those days.
We've created the most comprehensive YETI vs RTIC vs Pelican review to help find the best fit for you. We even threw in a newcomer (GOAT) to shake things up a bit!
Today's equipment retains ice and cold temperatures for days on end, and these are the coolers we recommend:
There are so many brands that sometimes it is hard to know which one you should invest your hard-earned money in buying. In our opinion, YETI makes the highest quality coolers, and continues to innovate with new products and features.
Pelican coolers are also well made, and would be worth considering if you prefer underdog brands to their mainstream rivals. GOAT Box Co. coolers are your best bet if you need help with organized storage.
Which Cooler Should You Choose?
There are surprising differences between the brands that might help you decide on which cooler is right for you. Most people initially think they will decide between YETI and RTIC for obvious reasons, but they aren't the only brands that should be considered. Pelican and GOAT also make durable coolers that might work well for your needs.
RTIC vs. YETI
RTIC is more affordable than YETI most of the time, but does the quality hold-up? Both YETI and RTIC coolers are made from rotomolded construction that will keep ice frozen for days when adequately sealed. The differences between YETI and RTIC are much more subtle design features.
We prefer YETI, but for someone looking to save a little money, RTIC is a reasonable alternative.
If RTIC coolers look a lot like YETIs, that's because they do. In fact, in 2017, RTIC had to make a
financial payment to YETI and agree to redesign some of their product portfolios. They look so much like YETIs that sometimes people ask if they are made by the same company, which they are not.Both companies were founded by brothers in Texas, which sometimes adds to the confusion. John and Jim Jacobsen founded RTIC in 2015, following Roy and Ryan Seiders establishing YETI in 2006.
So yes, the companies are very similar, but they are not the same company. The most significant difference between YETI and RTIC is that RTIC is a direct-to-consumer retailer, meaning you can only buy their products online.
YETI Review
If it weren’t for YETI, I probably wouldn’t be writing this article right now. YETI built a better mousetrap
, and turned a niche industry into a lifestyle industry. Just as our grandfathers divided their loyalties between Ford and Chevy, there are now people who divide their loyalties between YETI and RTIC or other competitors.That type of loyalty isn’t something you might expect from the cooler segment, but that says everything you need to know about the quality and innovation. Nowadays, when you buy a cooler, you might be tempted to buy a matching hat and t-shirt as a proud token of your ownership, and that would be completely understandable.
YETI turned the cooler business into a lifestyle brand that was entirely representative of our favorite memories and dreams.YETI is best known for its rotomolded construction hard coolers, designed to keep ice cold for days.
Literally. It will keep ice cold for days. Beyond the innovative, rotomolded constructions, its coolers come equipped with heavy-duty hinges, latches, and handles because any good product is only as good as its weakest link.If it weren’t enough for YETI to be the innovator in the cooler space, they’ve also developed over 20 variations of coolers so that you can find exactly what you need. Whether you are taking a day hike or hitting the open seas looking for your next big catch, YETI sells a premium cooler for your adventure. Here is an overview of YETI’s line-up:
YETI Roadie Hard Cooler
YETI’s Roadie is designed to slide behind the driver’s seat or passenger seat as the perfect road-trip companion. While slim enough to fit behind your seat, it is also tall enough to hold a wine bottle, perfect for a day excursion to and picnic at your favorite remote location. The YETI Roadie is compatible with a dry basket if there are snacks or other goodies you want to keep out of the ice and compatible with a seat cushion if you think you might need to rest your feet.
YETI Tundra Hard Coolers
The YETI Tundra series comes in a hard-to-believe twelve variations and sizes. The smallest Tundra, the YETI Tundra 35 Hard Cooler, is small enough to fit inside an inner tube if you are looking to float down the river with some cold beverages and snacks but still boasts up to three inches of YETI’s PermaFrost insulation.
The YETI Tundra might be what started the broader cooler culture revolution, and spawned the creation of brands ranging from RTIC to ORCA coolers.
On the other end of the spectrum, the YETI Tundra 350 Hard Cooler is massive. If you need a good cooler to manage your latest catch or kill, or perhaps if you are eyeing a more industrial use such as large event management or catering, this is the cooler for you.
At well over $1,000, this is a very serious cooler equipped with freezer quality gasket circles and an interlocking lid that provides a form-fitting barrier to protect outside temperatures from impacting internal temperatures.
Of course, most people don't need anything near the Tundra 350 size range. With twelve hard cooler variations, YETI has a cooler to meet every possible need, ranging from the Tundra 35 and the Tundra 350.
One of our personal favorites is the Tundra Haul Hard, which adds wheels and a pull handle to the Tundra series’ legendary quality. This is the perfect cooler for family outings, where parents are wrangling both kids and gear. My big question about this model was the wheels, but the Tundra Haul Hard sports single-piece construction tires that are impact-resistant and puncture-resistant.
YETI Soft Coolers
YETI sells seven different soft coolers, ranging from the Daytrip Lunch Bag to another one of our personal favorites, the Hopper Backflip Soft Cooler. The YETI Hopper is engineered as a backpack, complete with a chest strap and belt most frequently found on hiking packs. The backpack is equipped with a 100% leakproof zipper and is ready for a trip into the wild or a family beach trip.
YETI’s soft-sided cooler line features a closed-cell rubber foam known to provide superior insulation compared to old-school soft lunch boxes.
Niche YETI Coolers
As the industry leader in outdoor coolers, YETI has a few products that don’t fit into traditional categories, and they are worth mentioning.
For instance, be sure to check out the YETI V Series, which looks retro because of its stainless steel exterior but is as innovative as any product YETI has ever made. While having a retro feel to it, the V Series is YETI’s fusion of their ever-so-popular Rambler () and their legendary Tundra coolers. You know you found a quality, high-end product when it is made with stainless steel construction.
Speaking of those Ramblers, they don’t fit into the cooler category, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention they are the best drinkware, bar none, anywhere on the planet. I don’t even know how many Ramblers I have in my house, but it's a lot.
YETI also makes ice buckets with a rope handle, which are insulated and perfect for keeping beverages cool during a backyard party or while tailgating; and water coolers, which are perfect for keeping your little leaguers, big leaguers, or construction crews cool and hydrated.
Also, YETI's Vortex Drain Plugs enable your cooler to drain out melted ice while the plug is still mostly closed. These special drain plugs work with the Roadie, Tundra coolers, and the TANK ice bucket. YETI has thought of everything to keep your cooler contents cold.
Are Yeti Coolers Worth It?
If you want to buy the best quality cooler on the market, perfectly designed to meet your specific need, YETI is the obvious choice. There is a reason you see random people in the grocery store wearing YETI hats and t-shirts. It isn’t because YETI’s logo is so incredible or because they have trend-setting t-shirts; it’s because YETI makes premium products that are representative of the adventurous lifestyles, so many of us want to live.
To be clear, if you start comparing prices, YETI is usually a little more expensive than the competition, but they built the modern cooler market and sell the best products money can buy.
By the way, this review is only focused on coolers, but YETI sells other gear now too. Be sure to check out their waterproof tote bags, camp chairs, outdoor blankets, and pet gear.
If you plan on spending any time at all outside, chances are YETI has gear and equipment that will improve your life, and the coolers are second-to-none.
SUMMARY PROSCONS
- Industry-pioneering innovation
- Premium pricing
- Industry-leading quality
- More than 20 coolers to choose from
- Accessories enable you to build your perfect cooler
- Superior Insulation
- Lifestyle gear available
RTIC Review
The benefit of RTIC’s model is that they don’t have to build retailer mark-up and other expenses into their pricing, so some of their products are a little bit more affordable. Their website claims that RTIC 20 customers can save up to 35% versus “the competition,” and their slogan is “Overbuilt. Not Overpriced.”
So what does all of that mean?
RTIC offers a very similar product portfolio as YETI but usually sells its products at a lower price point, though honestly weren't not sure the price difference is that significant at this point.
Like YETI before, RTIC’s bread and butter product is the rotomolded hard cooler, but they have various coolers to meet your needs. They have also ventured into other camp and cookout equipment, such as a propane campfire grill, but we will focus on their cooler-like portfolio here.
RTIC Hard Coolers
RTIC currently sells their RTIC Hard Cooler in five sizes ranging from 20 quarts capacity up to 145 quarts capacity. We like that the smallest cooler, the RTIC 20 Quart, has a sturdy metal handlebar with comfort grip handle. It's big enough for about 24 cans, plus ice, so this is a convenient cooler you could use for a family beach trip or head into the woods in the early morning.
On the larger end of the spectrum, the RTIC 145 Quart Hard Cooler is a big boy that will keep you supplied for days if needed. It is large enough for 155 lbs. of ice, or over 36 gallons of water.
RTIC Soft Coolers
RTIC primary Soft Pack Can Cooler comes in 4 different sizes. It sports 2 inches of closed-cell foam insulation, so like Yeti, this is a way better product than any cooler you might have purchased at the local grocery store in the past. It also is 100% leakproof, and we like that it has an antimicrobial lining to combat mildew, which is sometimes a problem with soft coolers in particular.
In addition to the RTIC Soft Pack, RTIC sells five other variations in their soft cooler line-up, including a backpack similar to Yeti’s Backflip model. Our favorite RTIC soft product is the RTIC Day Cooler Insulated Tote Bag. Tote bags are easy to carry and work exceptionally well for family day trips.
The RTIC Day Cooler Insulated Tote Bag comes equipped with a zippered pocket on the inside of the bag and the same mildew resistant properties mentioned earlier.
A soft-sided cooler is a must for quick picnic trips, or even for your daily lunch. RTIC has a solid selection of smaller cooler bags for you to choose from.
Are RTIC Coolers Worth It?
RTIC coolers are functional and affordable alternatives to the industry leaders, YETI. While we prefer YETI coolers stylistically, RTIC will get the job done at a lower price. While RTIC has various sizes, YETI has more options and higher quality from top to bottom. Still, RTIC might be the right choice if you infrequently use your cooler or if the price is your main consideration.
And by the way, if you are trying to figure out what RTIC stands for, it’s pronounced more like “Arctic.” Makes more sense now, right?
SUMMARY PROSCONS
- Direct-to-consumer model
- Not much effort given to differentiate product from first-movers
- Pricing
- Performance
Is RTIC Really As Good As YETI?
It's a close call. YETI is generally more innovative and has more options, but the quality that RTIC offers is close to the quality that YETI offers. We prefer YETI for their originality, and out of respect for them being the first mover, but RTIC is a good option if you need to save a few dollars.
How To Choose Between YETI and RTIC
When choosing between YETI and RTIC, you need to think through how you realistically plan to use the cooler, and how important price is for you. For some people, the bottom line is that price is the most important thing they consider. If that is the case for you, then the choice is pretty clear. Go with a RTIC cooler.
On the other hand, if you consider versatility, color options. longevity, and a variety of other considerations, then we recommend you go with a YETI cooler. And here is another thing some people won't say, but that we are going to be honest about: A YETI cooler has much more of a cool factor to it.
Pardon the pun, but it's also a reality in many circles. YETI has a certain reputation among people with high-end coolers.
Now, maybe that doesn't matter to you, and if it doesn't, more power to you. If that is the case determine how you will use your cooler the most often, and then find the cooler that fits your need the best.
We start with this, because YETI generally has more options than RTIC, so if you just want an ice bucket to sit in your backyard so you can drink cold beverages while playing lawn games with family and friends, YETI has you covered. In the same way, if you need the perfect cooler to take on a roadtrip, YETI has you covered there too.
If you just need a standard cooler to take to the beach and to the ball field, both brands make solid coolers that will get the job done, so it may just be a matter of determining what colors you want, and how much the brand name matters to you.
Pelican vs. YETI
When you look at an RTIC product, the first thing you might think is that it looks just like a YETI. On the other hand, a Pelican cooler looks distinctly like a Pelican, and in our minds, it says something about a company that they will put original thought and design into their product.
And in fact, Pelican is innovative in its own right. They sell a lot more than just coolers, including everything from BioThermal cases to iPhone cases, so the company has a lot of experience and know-how that they put into making top-tier coolers.
Do you know how Pelican got started?
Dave Parker designed a floating bob in his garage to mark where divers were under the water. He named the device the “Pelican Float,” which was the beginning of years of innovation. The best part of the story is that the original Pelican Float was made from twine, a hockey stick, and a metal weight.
Dave’s next product was a durably-cased first aid kit for divers. That durable casing was famous for protecting personal items, not just first-aid items; it became the foundation of what Pelican’s business looks like today. Decades of innovation are now evident in their products.
Pelican Review
YETI remains the standard-setter, but Pelican makes a phenomenal cooler. YETI still offers a larger range of choices, but if you are looking for something different than what everyone else has, you should feel confident buying a Pelican.
So, how does Pelican compare to the gold standard?
Well, in comparing Pelican vs Yeti, the question isn't really about performance. Instead the question is about choices and style. Both brands make reputable ice chests that will keep your drinks cold for hours, even days, on end.
If you are looking for an alternative to YETI or RTIC, you could just buy an Igloo, but we recommend you try something a little different. The Pelican team makes excellent products that are less ubiquitous than Igloo coolers, and that will work just as well as a YETI.
While Pelican’s portfolio is a little more streamlined than the competition, they seem to focus on providing performance products to serious customers. There are no cheaply made lunch containers added to the line-up just so they can throw their logo on yet another product, but if you are looking for heavy equipment that gets the job done, Pelican might be for you.
Pelican Hard Coolers
The smallest Pelican hard cooler is the 14QT Personal Cooler, designed as a dry box to keep your personal belongings from getting wet. That might be confusing if your first thought is that ice turns to liquid, but the 14QT is probably best used with Pelican Ice Blocks. The personal cooler is equipped with straps to hold utensils and small snacks like granola bars, as well as a tray for larger snacks you want to keep above the ice.
Of course, the built-in bottle opener might be the most frequently used feature.
Pelican coolers range from the 14QT Personal Cooler up to the massive 150QT Elite Cooler. The 150QT Elite is perfect for taking on the open seas and even has an integrated fish scale on the lid’s topside.
This premium cooler has various premium features that again highlight Pelican’s dedication to innovation and thoughtfulness. A Pelican Elite Cooler is a high-quality product.
Consider the sloped drain and threaded plug you might choose to attach a garden hose to or consider the wide latches designed to be opened easily even when you are wearing gloves. Pelican truly designs top-notch equipment, and it is so durable the Elite Series products are guaranteed for life.
Mentioning that the Elite Series products are guaranteed for life might be underselling their durability.
How so?
Pelican’s Elite Series coolers are certified as BEAR RESISTANT by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. Dang. That’s the coolest certification I didn’t even know my cooler needed, but it shows Pelican Elite Coolers are of the highest quality.
If you don't need a bear resistant cooler, be sure to consider the 20QT elite cooler, which is perfect for a family daytrip. Currently, it is available in unique color palettes, too, which is nice if you want something different than the traditional white color. It also has cup holders built-in to the lid. This is a great hard-sided cooler that you will use time and time again.
Pelican Soft Coolers
Pelican only offers two soft products, but they might be the most functional soft coolers on the market. These aren’t made for keeping your lunch cold or for a picnic at the park. Pelican’s soft coolers are made for adventure.
The Pelican Dayventure Backpack has a two-compartment design, with the bottom compartment large enough to fit six cans, plus Pelican’s ice packs. The top container then can be used for additional cold storage or as a dry compartment to keep food or personal belongings protected from the elements. This extreme backpack also has an exterior pocket that you can use to keep personal belongings secure.
Pelican’s other soft cooler is Dayventure Sling, and to our knowledge, it is the only sling cooler on the market designed to be worn like a sling. While the Dayventure Sling is big enough for 12 cans or multiple bottles of wine, the slender design makes it perfect for stowing in the bow of a kayak or behind the seat in your vehicle. This long design is much less awkward than the boxy nature of most competitor soft products, so there is a good chance this turns into one of your favorite pieces of outdoor gear.
Pelican Wheeled Coolers
Premium coolers don’t often have wheels, but Pelican it is worth mentioning that Pelican offers two coolers with wheels. YETI recently added a wheeled version of their Tundra cooler, which puts Pelican’s two models in rare company.
The Pelican wheeled coolers come in 45QT and 80QT sizes, offering an option perfect for any adventure. Both sizes have up to 10 days of ice retention, a built-in bottle opener, and a trolley pull-handle.
It’s everything you could want in a cooler, plus wheels. These are popular coolers for a reason. When you see someone with a Pelican Elite Cooler, you know they did their homework.
Are Pelican Coolers Worth It?
We have a lot of respect for Pelican products. The company stands on its design and innovation, and its elite cooler series is considered bear-resistant. Pelican also makes the toughest cooler with wheels and the best designed soft coolers among competitors.
Pelican coolers come at a mostly affordable price, probably more in line with RTIC than YETI.
If you are in the market for a new cooler but hoping for a cheaper price point than YETI, we recommend Pelican over RTIC. And don't forget that some of the Pelican Elite Series products are bear proof!
SUMMARY PROSCONS
- Original design
- Premium pricing
- Industrial-grade
- Performance
- Soft coolers built for adventure
GOAT vs. YETI
We love companies that think differently and try to make something unique and innovative for the marketplace, and GOAT is nothing if it is not uncommon and creative. GOAT doesn’t just make a cooler; they make an entire adventure system. So, clearly, they have set themselves apart from YETI on the design front, which is much more than other competitors have done.
GOAT Box Co. Review
A GOAT product isn’t your average product, and if we are honest, the 70QT cooler is almost an accessory to the storage system.
Still, if you live parts of your life off the grid, exploring, fishing, or hunting, then the overall GOAT system might be a game-changer for you. Heck, if you often tailgate, this system might be a game-changer.
Since GOAT Box Co. is relatively new, and since customers are purchasing a storage system as much as they are buying a cooler, we will explain the entire storage system.
It's a little different than what we have done for the competitor brands, but we think it will be helpful given GOAT’s unique positioning in the market. It's a new brand, so you might not know the name, but they make high-quality coolers. For those that prefer a little extra storage and organization, it might be the ideal cooler.
GOAT Box Co. HUB
GOAT Box Co.’s HUB is a 70-quart, rotomolded product similar to the others we have reviewed. The GOAT Box Co. team now offers a few capacities, but the 70 quarts cooler was the original, and is close to the perfect size for most activities. It's big enough to keep you fed and hydrated, but not so big you could cater an entire party from the contents of one cooler.
GOAT products are built for durability and performance. That is probably all you need to know about the GOAT’s construction because the real differentiator is that each of the four corners is designed as a housing system for GOAT’s CAN system, which we will explain more about shortly. Compared to other larger coolers, GOAT's HUB 70 gets the job done, despite the awkward shape.
While the awkward shape may take a little getting used to, the system is designed to make your adventures more organized, and function and GOAT Box Co. succeeds in this goal. The cooler’s front also has a stash net built to compliment the front turrets perfectly, providing another convenient location to store less sensitive goods.
If you are headed somewhere with your cooler strapped into the back of a truck, the odd shape of the 70 qt. HUB might be fine, but fortunately, the team has developed a new size with more traditional dimensions. The HUB 50 has a little less volume than the larger model, but the streamlined shape makes the product much more reasonable for the average Joe.
If you prefer larger sizes this doesn't help much, but for most people, the HUB 50 will be the best bet. It has internal capacity for plenty of water bottles, food, and other beverages of choice.
We LOVE the HUB 50 because it is a little more practical than the HUB 70, and you can take it anywhere. Just think about all of the problems this product solves when you drag a cooler down to the beach.
I love the beach, but getting all of your stuff down to the beach can be a pain, and keeping sand out of your personal belongings can seem like a losing cause. The HUB 50 and can system give you way to keep your beverages cool, while also keeping sand out of your keys and phones.
That alone is enough reason to consider buying one. The extra features compared to other other brands, and even more expensive coolers, is really quite impressive. In terms of quality, and even the intellectual property associated with the design, GOAT created something new and different, and there's something to be said for that.
GOAT Box Co. CAN
While the HUB is a modular store system built around a cooler, GOAT Box Co.’s CAN is the innovative foundation of that modular storage system. The CANs fit perfectly in the HUB’s four turrets and can be purchased empty or pre-filled for specific purposes by GOAT.
The CAN itself is built to last, using the same polycarbonate that NASA uses. It has a waterproof gasket that will protect and preserve each CAN’s contents and is BPA-free if you plan on loading up a can with some beef jerky or another favorite snack.
But what would you use the CANs for? Glad you asked.
GOAT Box Co. sells several pre-filled bundles that give you a better idea of their intended use. The Pandemic CAN includes 5 KN95 masks, five nitrile gloves, and five hand sanitizer packets. .
The Basic First Aid CAN includes a Hiker Med Pack, Burn Med Pack, CPR Med Pack, Upset Stomach Med Pack, Allergies Med Pack, Cold & Flu Med Pack, and Headache Med Pack.
You can use the CAN system, empty or pre-filled, to prepare for any and every situation. Of course, not every situation is so dire. Suppose you plan on using your GOAT Box Co. system for tailgating.
In that case, you might opt for the Favorite Flavors CAN, which includes the ROLL, a Dizzy Pig Favorites Sampler, Tabasco sauce, Cholula sauce, Twang Beverage Rim Beer Salts and Twangers, and Pendery’s Black Pepper Salt.
This is just a sample of some of their pre-filled cans, which hopefully help illustrate the GOAT Box Co. system’s endless possibilities.
GOAT Box Co. RACK
Think you might need to keep more than 4 CANs, so you are ready for any situation. GOAT’s RACK solves this problem. The RACK is intended to be left at home, in a garage or mudroom, and is designed to store up to 8 CANs.
When you head out on your adventure, grab the CANs you need from the RACK, and hit the road, ready for a zombie apocalypse or a weekend in the woods.
Are GOAT Coolers Worth It?
The truth is that the GOAT system isn’t for everyone.
Some people need a family cooler that will get them to the local ball field and back. On the other hand, if you are an adventurer at heart, then the GOAT cooler might be the cooler and modular storage system you never knew you needed. It might be the perfect solution for your tailgating routine, for your next camping trip, or your next off-the-grid excursion.
An exterior beverage holder is about the only thing the GOAT coolers are missing, but the ample storage and ingenuity are plenty to make up for this.
The GOAT team offers a wide range of pre-filled CANs, but if you don't need one of their pre-filled curations, you can use the CAN in lieu of a dry goods basket. GOAT may not come in the variety of colors that some of the alternatives offer, but they make a reliable cooler that has cold retention efficacy on par with the other roto-molded cooler brands.
The question really becomes whether the system meets your needs?
If you are an outdoor enthusiast, who needs the ultimate in outdoor gear to sustain wilderness for long periods of time, then the GOAT cooler is the perfect cooler to throw on the back of an ATV and head into the woods.
SUMMARY PROSCONS
- Forward-thinking design
- Awkward shape
- Functional storage system
- Overbuilt for some users
- One-of-a-kind product
- Quality construction
- Pre-filled cans offer convenience
Deciding On The Right Cooler
In decades gone by, buying a new cooler wasn’t that big of a deal.
Families bought the same Coleman-type cooler that every other family bought. They kept everything cold for a little while, but they don’t compare to modern versions of this basic yet technologically driven family mainstay. Still, if you are in the market for a new cooler for the first time in a while, you might be caught off guard by the number of options and prices.
Modern coolers are a worthy investment, and they come in all shapes and sizes. But it is essential to think through what is important in making your decision. When we completed our reviews, these were some of the things we considered:
Quality Construction - Will the cooler be durable, and is it made with modern technology? Does it have a reinforced drain plug? Does it use effective insulation?
Innovation - Does the cooler offer anything new or unique feature to the market? What insulation method is used, and how many inches of insulation are added?
Intended Use - How versatile is the cooler? Can it be used for multiple purposes, or would the user need to buy additional coolers for general purposes? How many pounds of ice does it need to hold?
Value - Does the cooler offer a reasonable value proposition to the user? Do innovation and design choices justify the price?
Our Favorite Cooler
There is one brand that many other brands have tried to mimic, and there is one brand so reputable that followers wear logo clothing as a symbol of their identity. That brand is YETI. Sure, they make much more than coolers these days, but premium coolers are the foundation of what the brand would become and what other brands would eventually try to copy.
If you are in the market for a cooler, we recommend you purchase a YETI. Their rotomolded, pressure-injected insulation design changed the industry, and with more than 20 coolers to choose from, they have the perfect cooler for your needs.
If you want to go against the mold and are interested in coolers like YETI, you might consider a Pelican cooler. Still, for most situations, there isn't much reason to buy anything other than the original. YETI.
Our favorite YETI is the Tundra Hard Haul Cooler with wheels. It’s the perfect cooler for everyday exploration. You can easily pull it to the local ball field or take it to the local tailgate, and if you have something more serious in mind, the Tundra Hard Haul Cooler is tough as nails and will get the job done.
YETI makes durable products, with plenty of cool features, and they sell products perfect for any situation. On beautiful days, and in extreme weather conditions alike, you deserve a product you can trust. Whether you are taking a day trip or a long road trip, a fishing trip or beach trip, YETI will faithfully be by your side.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Yeti team offers a generous limited warranty on most of their products to ensure you as the customer can rest assured in your investment. Many coolers, including the YETI Tundra series and the YETI Roadie Series, have five-year warranty periods. Some non-cooler products, such as the YETI Camino Carryall or the YETI Lowlands Blanket, have 3-year warranties. If you puncture or scratch your YETI products, don't expect a replacement; however, they take care of any workmanship or material defects in quick order.
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RTIC products don't come with the same generous warranty as YETI. Most RTIC products come with a one-year warranty, while the day coolers only come with a 90-day warranty. For the warranty to be honored for ice retention, you will have to follow specific ice retention testing procedures as evidence.
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Like the competition, Pelican's warranty does not cover the latches, handles, wheels, or drains. Still, the brand does guarantee any of its roto-molded products will be free of material or workmanship defects for up to a year from the date purchased. Other Pelican products, such as injection-molded cases, come with a limited lifetime warranty, but roto-molded cases generally do not. Since roto-molded coolers don't frequently have limited lifetime warranties, it is important to look at the number of years on the limited warranty. Not many companies live up to YETI's generous warranties stretching as a 5-Year warranty on many coolers, which is another reason YETI's premium price may be worth the investment.
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GOAT products have premium pricing, which is understandable given it is a one-of-a-kind product. And while they don't have many size options, for now, they do have a generous warranty. The hub and rack come with a five-year limited warranty, and the cans have a one-year limited warranty.
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No, RTIC is one of YETI's main competitors. The brand is not owned by YETI. In fact, in years gone by, the two companies had a high-profile legal dispute. They are definitely not part of the same company.
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