YETI COOLERS: are they really that cool...or is it all a bunch of hype??

I do. My Yeti properly prepped would freeze my beer. I found out the hard way. I still had ribeyes that were pretty much frozen in my Yeti after 4 days last July. All about thermodynamics and prepping.I'm open to trying another brand cooler. That's why I like this thread. I bought my Tundra because it's branded Toyota and although a bit pricey, I want the best. Same with coolers for preserving food. Any high end cooler can be prepped and freeze beer/soda. Easily.

 

Ditto^^^^^^

 

I'm considering several brands out there. I like the price point on the Icey-Tek. Like @Mike said , pre Yeti tech, easier on the budget. I'm thinking on this one: https://www.ultimateicechests.com/Icey-Tek-55-Quart-Long-Style-Box-Cooler-p/it-55-qt-forest.htm

 

I got my pelican because it was cheaper than a yeti. Where I live, summer temps hit 110-115 daily. Cools off to 90's at night. Regular cooler, load it w drinks and ice at 7, ice is gone by 1pm at the river. That's w moving the cooler into shade throughout the day.
I usually try to freeze a bunch of water bottles to save some space too.

 

Good idea freezing the water bottles. You can use them too when they thaw out...

 

Try Siberian coolers. Those are legit!

 

K2 is also, and cheaper. I believe Pelican is the only cooler that offers lifetime warranty. Noodle has one. They're well made.

 

never heard of k2....i'll have to check em out!

agreed on pelican! i love that company...if it's military spec..you know it's good stuff! LOL

 

I have 2 Yeti coolers won 1 at a raffle then got the soft one for Christmas.. IF you pre cool them they are awesome or used some chunk ice.....

 

Just got the Yeti 65 for 80 bucks off plus a $20 gift card at REI.

 

Great buy.

 

Went to Bass Pro today to "maybe" get a replacement Yeti for the one that got swiped. Bass Pro had a 48 Sub Z cooler with camo seat and stainless handle on one end, rope handles on each end (and casters which I'm not too big on. They will come off asap.) Did some quick research on my phone . Sub Z is roto-molded tech, made in Texas by Nash Mfg. I did a side by side comparison to the in- store Yeti's. Same thickness. 1.5". Not the "refined, rich & famous" look as the Yeti. Seals looked the same. Latches looked pretty much the same. Mixed reviews like anything else. Mostly good. I don't trust reviews. I trust myself. $299 in store +tax. Went home and bought it on line free ship to store, and extra $20 discount applied, ....$249. (by the way ...a seat for my Yeti 45 was $130 at Gander Mt who is going out of business. Sorry to hear that. I've purchased a lot of firearms over the years from Gander)



Don't care for the wheels too much or stainless handle. I don't tailgate. Where I'll use it won't require wheels. I'll play it by ear once I pick it up. I'll put it thru the test and post. If it sucks it sucks. If it preserves food, freezes beer/steaks after I do my prep thing.......good to go.

 

Rtic is the way to go for sure.

My tan 65 has been going strong for some time now.

 

They were in a lawsuit(?) when I was buying. Glad to see they are ok now. RTIC was my previous top pick.

 

RTIC was another Yeti rip off. The Sub Zero I ordered today is just another roto-molded technology decent chiller cooler among many similar ones that I hope will do what I expect it to do. (Not to keep beer cold).

 

Where I go there is no one to see any label on whatever cooler I may be using. Just sayin..........Any decent cooler to preserve food for days will cost a few more bucks than a cooler from Target or Dollar Tree.

 

Heard somehng about one of the yeti founder bother's wife started rtic?

 

Alright everyone....I have a new one for you.
I haven't seen this one on this thread yet.

I have some friends in Tennessee that make Kayaks named Jackson Kayaks. They are the world leaders in quality whitewater boats and have set so many records that it will be years before anyone catches up to them. @Law323 any chance you are near Sparta, TN?

ANYWAY......they are apparently making coolers too. They are a little flashier but i really like the features:

http://orioncoolers.com/

Standard Features:

• Standing Pad
• 6 Tie Down Points
• 4 Aluminum Bottle Opener Corners
• Lockable/Certified Bear Resistant
• Low Profile Camming Latches
• Motorcycle Grip Carry Handles
• Camo Colors
• Rugged Rotomolded Shell
• 
Best-in-class 2”+ of Insulation
• 
Made in the USA
• Smart, Real-World Sizing
• 
Drain Plug
• YakAttack Tracks / RAM Integration
• 
Highly Functional Tray System
• Sectional Divider/Cutting Board (optional)

 

That's awesome!! I'm a fan of the jungle, mangrove, rockfish, blaze, and stone colors!!

I'm about 4.5 hours away! Might have to ride by when doc and I head up to Nashville or Pigeon Forge!!

 

Yep. I used to Kayak with a couple of the guys Jackson boys and girls (Eric Jackson, Dane Jackson, and Emily Jackson)

If you happen to be going that direction see if you couldn't take a quick detour. I'm working on a group buy now that i realized they were making coolers.

I really like the tie down points and the attachment features. I have yet to see that quality of features on the other coolers I've been looking into

 

That's awesome! Been thinking of taking up kayaking for a bit!

I'll definitely have to check out that detour when I'm that way east! I saw they had bottle openers on the coolers and the tie downs are a definite must have accessory!

 

bottle openers on all 4 corners, tie downs everywhere, and that track that looks similar to the rail system in the bed of your truck. I just shot a message over to my buddy to see if we can get a GROUP BUY rolling. I don't know if it will go anywhere but it's worth a shot

 

This run was in my backyard when i lived in Asheville. We used to be able to skip out of class (Brevard college) and run to the river in 30 minutes and make it back to some 2PM classes after this run. Watch the vid. It's not me but it's during the Green River Race we would do every October

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7g0jPEGfQA

 

Lucky bastard!!

 

To the best of my knowledge Pelican is the only one with a lifetime warranty. My trick is I take the one gallon jugs and add a few tablespoons of salt to the water before freezing. Salt lowers the melt point of the water by like 30 degrees if I remember right. I've had salt infused blocks of ice last in mine for weeks. Which is handy AF when I'm at the camp in WV, it's off the grid and a long way to town.

 

Late too this party however here is another brand to consider techniice sold on eBay made in Australia. I have been using these in Arizona for about 5 years now, without question better than my Canyon cooler which is great. I have a 63 and 47Q, use their ice packs as well. About half the price of the major brands. Only drawback is the are BIG (lots of insulation). Here is a link.

http://www.techniiceusa.com/

http://www.ebay.com/usr/techniice-usa?_trksid=p2053788.m1543.l2754

 

With items like a cooler a lifetime warranty is saying a ton. I love the latches and angles of the Pelicans. I'm really torn. I have a hard time forking over $400+ for anything I'm not using every week

 

I'm not even close to making it happen but I'm working on it

 

Buy once, cry once. Im probably the tightest bastard alive, just ask my wife. It's hard to go wrong with a lifetime warranty.