10 Best Outdoor Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Tundra 35 cooler is a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts needing a balance between capacity and portability. It can comfortably hold about 20 cans with enough ice to keep everything cold, thanks to its thick 3-inch PermaFrost insulation and FatWall design. This means ice stays frozen for a long time, ideal for camping or day trips. Durability is a strong point here—the cooler uses tough rotomolded plastic construction that makes it nearly indestructible and even certified bear-resistant, so it’s great for rugged environments.

The T-Rex lid latches are built with heavy-duty rubber to prevent breakage, which means fewer worries about malfunctioning parts on your adventures. In terms of size and weight, it’s fairly portable at 20 pounds and sized so one person can carry it comfortably. However, it might be a bit heavy when fully loaded, which is something to consider if you plan long hikes. One minor downside is that it’s made of plastic, so it requires hand washing and careful cleaning. The cooler also comes with a dry goods basket for organizing items separately.

If you want a cooler that combines excellent insulation, toughness, and a decent size, the YETI Tundra 35 is a reliable pick, especially for those who need a cooler that will last many seasons and handle rough conditions well.

The YETI Hopper Flip 18 is a compact and sturdy soft cooler designed for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and water sports. It holds up to 16 cans plus ice, making it a good size for personal use or short trips. One of its standout features is the ColdCell insulation, which is a special closed-cell foam that keeps ice frozen longer than most soft coolers. This means your drinks and food stay cold throughout the day.

The cooler is built tough with a DryHide shell that resists water, punctures, and abrasion, so it can handle rough outdoor conditions without easily getting damaged. It also uses a HydroLok zipper that is completely leakproof, preventing spills and messes. In terms of portability, the cooler is fairly light at about 5 pounds empty, and its dimensions make it easy to carry and store in small spaces.

While it is very durable for a soft cooler, it may not keep ice as long as some hard coolers with thicker insulation. Additionally, it is not as rigid or spacious as larger hard coolers, which could be a consideration if you need to store more items or protect fragile contents. The YETI Hopper Flip 18 is suited for people who want a reliable, portable cooler with excellent ice retention for day trips or personal use in outdoor settings.

The YETI Tundra 45 Cooler is a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts who require a reliable cooler for camping, tailgating, or beach trips. With a capacity of 45 quarts, it can hold up to 26 cans effectively when paired with the recommended ice-to-contents ratio of 2:1. One of its standout features is the impressive ice retention capability, thanks to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation and a robust FatWall design, ensuring your drinks stay cold for extended periods.

Durability is another strong point, as its rotomolded construction makes it virtually indestructible, able to withstand tough outdoor conditions and even bear encounters, as it is certified bear-resistant. Portability is considered, though with a weight of 23 pounds, it may require some effort to transport for long distances. However, its sturdy design and convenient dimensions (25.5 x 16 x 15.5 inches) still make it manageable for most users.

In terms of additional features, the T-Rex Lid Latches are noteworthy, ensuring the lid stays secure without the risk of breaking. The inclusion of a dry goods basket is also a nice touch, enhancing usability when organizing contents. The YETI Tundra 45 Cooler is an excellent investment for those who prioritize durability and ice retention, making it perfect for serious outdoor activities, despite its weight and price considerations.