People always want to know what the “best” item in a certain category is. We often focus on firearms, like the best Glock or the best shotgun. However, today we’re focusing on a different segment of the outdoor space: Best cooler. This isn’t so much a comparison as it is a review of what we currently use as our “best cooler” — the YETI Tundra Haul.
What We Like About the YETI Tundra Haul
The first thing that stands out is the portability. Wheeled coolers make life easier, and that’s certainly the case here. We took the Tundra Haul out for multiple runs on sand and the wheels never clogged up, which is an experience we’ve had with similar coolers from other brands.
Next is size. Outside dimensions of the Tundra Haul are 28.25 inches long by 19.5 inches high by 18.625 inches wide. The inside dimensions come in at 19 inches long by 13.625 inches high by 11.25 inches wide. To speak in terms we’re familiar with, let’s look at how many beers that equates to. YETI claims that the Tundra Haul fits 45 cans of beer using a two-to-one ice-to can ratio. That is incorrect. We managed to sneak 47 cans in there.
The Tundra Haul also weighs 37 pounds empty. It sounds like a lot, but even with it filled to the brim, it wasn’t hard to move or maneuver. Overall, it’s big enough without being obnoxious to move.
Lastly is ice retention. In that regard, we had no problems. For us, it held ice for the better part of three days. YETI is pretty clear on how to get the most out of their coolers as far as ice retention goes.
Final Thoughts
The one knock we constantly see on YETIs is their price tag. The Tundra Haul retails for $399.99. Are there similar, cheaper options available from other companies? Yes. Do they hold up as well? Eh, not really. We like the ruggedness of the YETI Tundra Haul. It’s taken an unintentional beating so far, and it’s no worse for wear.
If the price bothers you, sorry, but that’s the way it works. It’s the same thing with guns — you can’t pay for a Honda and expect a Ferrari. You pay for what you get. And for what you get here, the Tundra Haul is worth the value.
There aren’t a ton of accessories for the Tundra Haul, so we might like to see more options there. But other than that, it lives up to what we expected.
We mentioned sand earlier, so obviously it’s gone for a few strolls on the beach (see photos). We plan on taking it out into the real outdoors this fall for a few shooting adventures. Given our experience so far, we doubt there’ll be any issues. For more information, please visit Yeti.com.
