If you have decided to go with YETI for your new cooler, you have made the right decision. The next thing to do is choosing a model that fits your needs the most, but do you know where to start and how to choose? In this post, we will walk you through multiple steps to find the best small YETI coolers.
Here are the best small YETI coolers (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best For Fishing (Soft-sided YETI Coolers): Yeti Daytrip Packable Lunch Bag
- Best For Hiking (Soft-sided YETI Coolers): Yeti Hopper 8 Flip Portable Cooler
- Best For Trekking (Soft-sided YETI Coolers): Yeti Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Sided Cooler
- Best for skiing (Soft-sided YETI Coolers): YETI Hopper M30
- Best For Hunting (Soft-sided YETI Coolers): Yeti Hopper Two Portable Cooler
- Best for boat (Hard-sided Yeti Coolers): YETI Roadie 20 Cooler
- Best For Short Trips- Hard-sided Yeti Coolers (Hard-sided Yeti Coolers): Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler
- Best For Camping- Hard-sided Yeti Coolers (Hard-sided Yeti Coolers): Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler
- Best For Extended Ice Retention- Hard-sided Yeti Coolers (Hard-sided Yeti Coolers): Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler
- Best Wheeled Cooler- Hard-sided Yeti Coolers (Hard-sided Yeti Coolers): Yeti Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler
| 10 Best Small Yeti Coolers | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Fishing | Yeti Daytrip Packable Lunch Bag
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Best For Hiking | Yeti Hopper 8 Flip Portable Cooler
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Best For Trekking | Yeti Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Sided Cooler
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Best for skiing | YETI Hopper M30
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Best For Hunting | Yeti Hopper Two Portable Cooler
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Best for boat | YETI Roadie 20 Cooler
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Best For Short Trips- Hard-sided Yeti Coolers | Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler
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Best For Camping- Hard-sided Yeti Coolers | Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler
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Best For Extended Ice Retention- Hard-sided Yeti Coolers | Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler
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Best Wheeled Cooler- Hard-sided Yeti Coolers | Yeti Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler
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Best For Fishing (Soft-sided YETI Coolers): Yeti Daytrip Packable Lunch Bag
- Portable and lightweight – the weight of two pounds & measured by 8.75” L x 5.75” W x 8.75” H
- Secure – magnetic closure
- Flexible – packable construction
- Stylish – six color options
- The clasp is difficult to latch
A portable, lightweight, and flexibly fold-over YETI cooler might be what you’re finding for the next fishing trips.
For you, we suggest the YETI Daytrip Packable Lunch Bag, measured by 8.75” L x 5.75” W x 8.75” H but you can adjust its size to fit your food loads if wanted. All the materials (lining and shell) are food-safe to use.
The magnetic closure keeps your food and beverage securely during movements. Using superior temperature-holding power, this small YETI bag can keep your foods hot/cold for a day.
| Yeti Daytrip Packable Lunch Bag Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2 pounds |
Outside Dimensions | 8.75” L x 5.75” W x 8.75” H |
Inside Dimensions | 9” tall, 8” wide, and 6” deep |
Can Capacity | 4-5 cans |
Ice Retention (Days) | 1 |
Highlight Features | weight of two pounds & measured by 8.75” L x 5.75” W x 8.75” H magnetic closure packable construction six color options |
Stylish, compact, flexible, and able to retain foods’ heat within a day, the YETI Daytrip Packable Lunch Bag is our pick for fishing.
Best For Hiking (Soft-sided YETI Coolers): Yeti Hopper 8 Flip Portable Cooler
- Durable and great resistance to the wild - DryHide Shell
- Closure – 100% leak-free HydroLok zipper
- Easy visibility and accessibility - wide, opening mouth design
- The zipper is tough to use at first
You’ll need this compact cooler on those a-day hiking trips.
It is designed to pack your foods/beverages and retain their heat during the trip. But the biggest selling point is you don’t have to baby it thanks to the 100% waterproof DryHide Shell, which also resists abrasions, punctures, and mildew.
The wide, opening mouth design is a bonus for easy visibility and accessibility to your food/beverage. Yet, when not in use, its HydroLok zipper keeps everything well-secured inside.
Built with a big, wide shoulder strap, it is comfortable for hiking. Besides, it’s guaranteed to be completely leakproof with a capacity of 6 cans plus ice.
| Yeti Hopper 8 Flip Portable Cooler Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 2.8 lbs. |
Outside Dimensions | 11 x 8 x 10 inches |
Inside Dimensions | 10" x 6" and 7" deep |
Quart Capacity | 6 quarts |
Can Capacity | 6 cans |
Ice Retention (Days) | 1 |
Highlight Features | DryHide Shell 100% leak-free HydroLok zipper wide, opening mouth design |
Nothing is more fantastic than having a hot/cold drink after hikes. To make your wish come true, the YETI Hopper 8 Flip Portable Cooler was created.
Best For Trekking (Soft-sided YETI Coolers): Yeti Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Sided Cooler
- The efficient weight distribution of your goods – wider and taller than other Hopper Flip counterparts
- Enhance security and stability – added with removable chest and waist straps
- Durable - a leak proof zipper and waterproof materials with DryHide technology
- The zipper is hard to open at first
- The straps could be more comfortable
- It has smell out of the box
The YETI Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Sided Cooler will be a great gift for any trekker. It’s designed as a backpack with two well-padded shoulder straps, a chest strap, and a waist strap to keep it in place behind you while trekking.
You can remove the chest and waist straps if not wanting.
Meanwhile, its interior is spacious, with a capacity of 20 cans plus ice.
The shell is as durable as the previous YETI cooler, featuring a leak proof zipper and waterproof materials with DryHide technology.
| Yeti Hopper Backflip 24 Soft Sided Cooler Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1 Pound |
Inside Dimensions | 12 5/8 x 6 ½ x 15 inches. |
Can Capacity | 20 cans |
Ice Retention (Days) | 1 |
Highlight Features | wider and taller than other Hopper Flip counterparts 20-can capacity added with removable chest and waist straps a leak proof zipper and waterproof materials + DryHide technology |
Designed to extend your trekking trip rather than slow you down like most other coolers would do, the YETI Hopper Backflip 24 is our recommendation for trekkers.
Best for skiing (Soft-sided YETI Coolers): YETI Hopper M30
- Roomy – capacity of 28 pounds of ice or 20 cans
- Great durability - double-stitched design, RF welded seams, leak proof liner, and waterproof shell
- Leakproof and secure - Hydroshield magnetic closure and two quick-release buckles
- Need little tricks with the magnetic straps to hold them open
- Struggling to dry it out
YETI Hopper M30 is like the dream cooler for any skier because of its perfect size, capacity, and performance.
It can hold 28 pounds of ice or 20 cans at a time with no loosened stitching or leakage issues, all thanks to the double-stitched design, RF welded seams and leak proof liner. On the outside, the material is waterproof, UV-protection, puncture-free, and mildew-resistant.
For extra leakproof level, it is also built with Hydroshield magnetic closure and two quick-release buckles. Yet, the mouth is wide open when unzipped for accessibility/visibility.
| YETI Hopper M30 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Outside Dimensions | 25 x 12 x 17.5 inches |
Quart Capacity | 28.8 |
Can Capacity | 20 cans |
Ice Retention (Days) | two to three days |
Highlight Features | the capacity of 28 pounds of ice or 20 cans double-stitched design, RF welded seams, leak proof liner, and waterproof shell Hydroshield magnetic closure and two quick-release buckles |
We highly recommend the YETI Hopper M30 for anyone who wants to extend their skiing trips with step-up experience.
Best For Hunting (Soft-sided YETI Coolers): Yeti Hopper Two Portable Cooler
- Extra-large interior – a measurement of 26” x 13” x 19.5”, with a capacity of 20+ cans plus ice
- Comfortable to hauling food – tapered design + wide shoulder strap
- Easier to access the contents – upgraded design
- 4 color options are suitable for the hunting environment
- The zippers need time for breaking-in
- Slightly lack flexibility
The YETI Hopper Two Portable Cooler is reasonably sized for hunters. Its dimensions are 26” x 13” x 19.5”, with a capacity of 20+ cans plus ice. The ice retention is also longer than other soft-sided YETI coolers, up to 2 days, at least due to our tests.
This model uses the HydroLok zipper to keep itself securely shut when not in use, and a waterproof DryHide shell.
A tapered body with an ultra-wide shoulder strap helps hours of hauling foods/beverages. We also appreciate its upgraded design for extra ease of accessing the contents.
| Yeti Hopper Two Portable Cooler Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 6.1 Pounds |
Outside Dimensions | 26. inches x 13. inches x 19.5 inches |
Quart Capacity | 20+ |
Ice Retention (Days) | 2 |
Highlight Features | measurement of 26” x 13” x 19.5”, with a capacity of 20+ cans plus ice tapered design + wide shoulder strap upgraded design 4 hunting-friendly color options |
All-in-all, for a large group of hunters or extended hunting trips that big beverages and foods need carrying, the YETI Hopper Two 40 comes in handy.
Best for boat (Hard-sided Yeti Coolers): YETI Roadie 20 Cooler
- Bear-resistant & heavy-duty - FatWall design and PermaFrost Insulation + Rotomolded technology
- Secure - heavy-duty rubber patented T-Rex lid latches
- No complaint
With dimensions of 20 x 14 x 15 inches, a weight of 15 pounds, and a capacity of 14 cans, the YETI Roadie 20 Cooler is suitable for boats.
Its construction includes an ultra-thick bear-resistant tested FatWall design and PermaFrost Insulation, which can keep your food/beverage/ice for days of use. Along with the Rotomolded technology, it is built to last, especially when used in wildlife.
A big bonus is a heavy-duty rubber patented T-Rex lid latches, just like the Tundra, to keep the contents from leaking.
| YETI Roadie 20 Cooler Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 15 lbs. |
Outside Dimensions | 20 x 14 x 15 inches |
Inside Dimensions | 19 in long x 13 3/4 in wide x 14 3/8 in high |
Quart | 20 |
Can Capacity | 14 cans |
Highlight Features | FatWall design and PermaFrost Insulation + Rotomolded technology heavy-duty rubber patented T-Rex lid latches |
We’d like to suggest the YETI Roadie 20 Cooler for anyone who loves boating activities.
Best For Short Trips- Hard-sided Yeti Coolers (Hard-sided Yeti Coolers): Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler
- 30% better thermally in performance than the Roadie 20 - measured by 16 1/2” L × 14 1/2” W × 17 1/2” H and weighs 12.8 pounds
- Space-saving & versatile – taller build
- Too short straps
The YETI Roadie 24 Cooler is professionally designed to capably keep 24 pounds of ice stay ice or 18 cans plus ice from two to four days, depending on the weather.
It is measured by 16 1/2” L × 14 1/2” W × 17 1/2” H and weighs 12.8 pounds. Compared to the Roadie 20, it gives a 20% larger capacity but is 10% lighter in weight. Therefore, the overall performance is 30% better.
A big plus is that it doesn’t take up your horizontal space because the design is just taller built. From that point, it’s not only perfect for hauling cans but also big bottles (up to 2L).
About the constructions and materials, this cooler is similar to its predecessors.
| Yeti Roadie 24 Cooler Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 12.8 lbs. |
Outside Dimensions | 17.1 x 14.3 x 18 inches |
Inside Dimensions | 16 1/2” L × 14 1/2” W × 17 1/2” H |
Quart | 24 |
Can Capacity | 18 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio |
Ice Retention (Days) | 4 |
Highlight Features | measured by 16 1/2” L × 14 1/2” W × 17 1/2” H and weighs 12.8 pounds taller build |
All-in-all, for those short trips under 4 days, the YETI Roadie 24 Cooler is your perfect companion that can comfortably fit anywhere, whether your car passenger or driver’s seat.
Best For Camping- Hard-sided Yeti Coolers (Hard-sided Yeti Coolers): Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler
- Easy to transport – two handles & sized reasonably
- Make ice stay ice up to 3” - ultra-thick PermaFrost Insulation
- Extra convenience - an additional dry goods basket
- Heavy
- Might not enough for a big family
The Tundra 35 is a bit heavier than the two YETI coolers above, in turn, it is a bigger size and can keep up to 20 cans chilled at a time for four days.
To improve portability, it has two handles so two adults can lift it up and carry around easily.
Again, it is constructed with T-Rex Lid Latches and Rotomolded technology for bear resistance, decent durability, and sturdiness. Making it stand out from other counterparts is the ultra-thick PermaFrost Insulation, which can help ice stay ice up to three inches.
Another huge plus is an additional dry goods basket.
| Yeti Tundra 35 Cooler Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 20 lbs. |
Outside Dimensions | 21.38 x 16.13 x 15.75 inches |
Quart Capacity | 35 quarts |
Can Capacity | 20 cans |
Ice Retention (Days) | 4 |
Highlight Features | two handles & sized reasonably ultra-thick PermaFrost Insulation an additional dry goods basket |
Designed with superior durability and insulation for top-notch ice retention and performance, the Tundra 35 is ideal for camping.
Best For Extended Ice Retention- Hard-sided Yeti Coolers (Hard-sided Yeti Coolers): Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler
- Keep the contents always dry – the dry goods basket
- Spacious – a 26-can capacity & interior measurement of 25 ½” L x 16” W x 15 ½” H
- Perfect for long-term trips – ice retention duration of 6 days
- Heavy and cumbersome
- Wish it had two wheels
- It has smell once unboxing
Depending on the weather, Tundra 45 can keep ice staying ice for up to 6 days, which is also the recorded duration out of YETI coolers. It’s also reasonably sized to keep 26 cans at a time without cramping your space.
Just like other Tundra models, this also comes with a dry goods basket for your experience enhancement.
| Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 23 lbs. |
Outside Dimensions | 26 x 16 x 16.75 inches |
Inside Dimensions | 25 1/2 in long x 16 in wide x 15 ½ in high |
Quart Capacity | 45 |
Can Capacity | 26 cans |
Ice Retention (Days) | 4-6 |
Highlight Features | the dry goods basket a 26-can capacity & interior measurement of 25 ½” L x 16” W x 15 ½” H ice retention duration of 6 days |
The YETI Tundra 45 Cooler’s performance is across the board for its unparalleled extended ice retention.
Best Wheeled Cooler- Hard-sided Yeti Coolers (Hard-sided Yeti Coolers): Yeti Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler
- Roomy – feature 55-quart capacity & able to keep 45 cans at a time
- Heel-friendly towing – curved design
- Easy to transport – one handle and two transportation wheels
- The handle is short for tall people
- Not compatible with the dry goods basket
Biggest in the smallest YETI coolers, this model offers a 55-quart capacity, which can hold up to 45 cans at a time or 55 pounds of ice (only).
Of course, it is bulky and hefty but we like that the construction includes a welded aluminum StrongArm handle with good grips, along with two big, never-flat wheels. Not to say that its design is thoughtfully curved that the heel of your feet never hits the cooler.
| Yeti Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 32 Pounds |
Outside Dimensions | 28.25 x 18.63 x 19.5 inches |
Inside Dimensions | 19” x 13 5/8” x 11 1/4” |
Quart Capacity | 55qt |
Can Capacity | 45 |
Ice Retention (Days) | 7-10 |
Highlight Features | Quart Capacity: 55 curved design two big, never-flat wheels a welded aluminum StrongArm handle with good grips |
Of all of the small YETI hard-sided coolers that we have tested, the Tundra Haul Portable Wheeled Cooler proved to be the best-wheeled option.
How To Choose The Best Small YETI Cooler?
Key Design Features
YETI coolers come with many awesome features, so when shopping for a cooler from this brand, you should consider carefully and look for the features you need the most.
First of all, YETI coolers feature very thick, heavy-duty insulated walls to maintain the temperature of your things. In a YETI cooler, ice can last for 7 days.
Secondly, they have rubber, thick, heavy-duty T-shaped latches. They are so tight that you have to pull down quite hard to be able to lock them.
Next, the coolers sit on rubber feet to avoid slipping, which is especially useful when you use them on a boat with wet floors. Thanks to these feet, the air can pass underneath the cooler to avoid retaining ambient heat from the floor or the ground.
YETI coolers come with military-grade polyester ropes that act as the handles securely mounted to the cooler. These handles are strong and more reliable than plastic ones.
Then, there is a thick rubber gasket that creates a tight seal to lock in cold and keep in any smell that may attract wild animals. The interlocking hinge will not easily fall apart like cheaper models.
YETI coolers also feature a leak-proof spout that drains water quickly to remove any excess liquid.
The coolers can also be bear-proof if you lock them with a padlock in the corner.
Last but not least, most models come with a small wireframe basket to help you keep things organized.
Ice Retention
Considering what coolers are made for, ice retention becomes the most important factor of a cooler and it’s good news that YETI makes coolers with insulation in mind.
To get good ice retention, you should look for the following characteristics. YETI coolers are made of rotomolded plastic that prevents ice from melting for a long time. The coolers could also be made of the same materials as in a HAZMAT suit to keep things cold.
However, keep in mind that you will never get the same ice life as advertised on the product because closed-room tests don’t take direct sunlight and actual activities into account.
Materials & Durability
As we mentioned before, roto-molding is a big factor that makes a cooler durable. This is a process in which a liquid plastic polymer is added to a rotating hollow mold. Then, the plastic cools down a bit, and more molten plastic is added while the mold keeps spinning. From this process, you get seamless, uniform, and thick walls.
For the ice chests, the plastic is added over top of thick insulation, which generates a seamless thick-wall cooler. This, in turn, will help increase the durability and life span of the cooler.
Why Is Yeti Reliable?
YETI was founded 14 years ago with the sole purpose of making the best coolers for everyday use. Operating to meet consumers’ needs, this company makes products that can please both professionals and hobbyists.
YETI coolers are trusted by users for multiple awesome features, but here are the most important reasons why you should go with it:
Unmatched insulation, thick walls, and superior ice retention
Indestructible construction
Leak-proof and easy-to-carry
FAQs
Hard-sided vs. soft-sided coolers?
These two types of coolers have different characteristics, making them suitable for different uses.
Hard-sided coolers offer better ice retention, much greater capacity, and they are more durable. On the other hand, soft-sided coolers are more lightweight, highly portable, and easier to store.
All in all, soft-sided coolers are great for everyday use if you carry them to school, the gym, or sports field, and you can carry them on your shoulders. Meanwhile, hard-sided coolers are perfect for rugged environments and extended trips.
What cooler is comparable to a Yeti?
You can consider Pelican ProGear Elite coolers that can offer many similar features with a YETI.
Do small YETI coolers keep ice the longest?
Regardless of the size, YETI coolers keep ice the longest compared with competitors in the industry, ranging from 4 to 7 days.
Are Yeti coolers as good as Ozark?
Yes, comparisons show that YETI coolers are actually overall better than Ozark coolers. Both brands can keep ice for a long time, but YETI’s ice retention capabilities seem better. Besides, YETI coolers are lighter, which is important if you go camping or any other trip.
What material are YETI coolers made of?
YETI makes coolers from food-grade polyethylene with UV resistance and dry ice compatibility.
What makes a YETI cooler so special?
YETI coolers stand out from rivals for several factors but the construction material is probably the most important. It uses rotomolded plastic that’s denser and more insulation than normal cooler plastic. The material also allows a cooler to be formed in one piece without seams, improving the overall performance.
What cooler size should I get?
Before choosing a size, you should remember that you will have to fill 30% to 50% of the cooler with ice, so think about that and how much stuff you will put in. For reference, a 40-quart cooler is good for a one-day trip with 3 people while a 50-60-quart cooler is good for 3 people on a 3-day trip.
Do YETI coolers have a lifetime warranty?
No, they don’t. You will only get a maximum 5-year warranty.
Can yeti coolers float?
Yes, they actually float even if completely filled.
Can YETI coolers keep ice cream frozen?
Yes, they can keep ice cream frozen for 24 hours, even better if you put ice inside.
Why are YETI coolers expensive?
YETI coolers are expensive partly because of their material, which is rotomolded plastic to deliver the best performance of all competitors.
How long can coffee stay hot in a YETI cooler?
In a YETI cooler, your coffee can stay hot for 5 to 6 hours.
Conclusion
We hope that this comprehensive guide has helped you figure out what to do to choose the best small YETI coolers. Apparently, you need to pay special attention to ice retention and key features with your needs in mind. Good luck!
Bryan Listor
