FAQ

What is a YETI Cooler?

A YETI Cooler is a very high quality ice chest made of either one-piece roto-molded polyethylene (similar process and material used in rugged plastic kayaks) or Fiberglass. These materials make up the outer shell and are filled with over 2" of polyurethane foam. Combining the thick insulation with a quality sealing gasket gives YETI superior ice retention. The end product is a durable, well-insulated cooler, which is then fitted with heavy-duty hardware (latches, hinges, handles, rubber feet, etc.).

YETI coolers are designed mainly for outdoor (hunting, sport-fishing, camping, boating, rafting, tailgating, paddling, barbequing), commercial (oil-field, construction, medical, catering) and other markets...like beer drinking. To learn more, watch our video.

What does roto-molded mean?

The rotational molding (roto-mold) process is a high-temperature, low-pressure plastic forming process that uses heat and biaxial rotation (i.e. rotation on two axes) to produce hollow, one-piece parts. The process has inherent design strengths, such as consistent wall thickness and strong outside corners that are virtually stress free. The rotational molding process is used for all YETI Tundra and Roadie series, giving the coolers one piece construction and unmatched durability.

What is the difference among your styles of coolers?

  • All YETI coolers are well insulated and are capable of keeping ice for long periods. In addition, all YETI products have high-quality fittings and hardware. Following are our different styles:
  • YETI Tundra coolers: One piece roto-molded plastic, very strong, durable, and rugged - our most popular series.
  • YETI Roadie coolers: Tundra's little brother (see above). In addition, the Roadie has an easy to carry stainless steel handle making it great for small purpose applications.
  • YETI Fiberglass coolers: Primarily used as a stationary marine boat cooler, higher-priced, very nice look and finish, however lacks the impact-resistance of the Tundra series.
  • YETI Sherpa, Roughneck and Lunch-mate coolers: Earlier generation coolers. High-quality ice chests, but lacking in features and innovations that set the Tundra, Roadie and Fiberglass series apart.

How strong are your YETI coolers?

The YETI Tundra is very strong. The one-piece, roto-molded construction can take years of abuse. The two inches, or more of high density foam insulation adds significantly to the structural strength. We also use heavy-duty fittings and hardware. The YETI Fiberglass, although very strong, can scratch and potentially crack if abused or dropped. This is why we recommend the YETI Fiberglass as a stationary cooler. Both types of coolers are certainly strong enough to stand on.

How long will YETI coolers keep ice?

This is a very difficult question to answer because there are so many variables that will affect the efficiency of ice retention. These variables include, but are not limited to the following: the ice quality, ice quantity, type of ice (crushed, block, cube, dry), outside environment, size of the cooler, etc.

We receive many different reports. Some customers have reported having ice after their two week trip on the river while others have said that their "crappy Igloo or Coleman cooler will hold ice better". Because of the large number of variables as well as the lack of an industry standard for measuring ice retention, claims that place a definite time (5, 10, 14 days) are questionable and should be viewed skeptically.

In the end, YETI offers over 2" of polyurethane foam in the walls and lids of our coolers combined with a freezer-style sealing gasket. Beyond that, everything else is out of our control; this would explain the large variation in ice retention time reported by our customers. For tips on maximizing ice retention, please visit max ice retention. If you can minimize the negative variables that affect ice retention, YETI coolers can't be beat.

I put a bag of ice in my YETI and a cheaper Igloo and/or Coleman, the ice lasted longer in my cheaper cooler. How is this possible?

A small amount of ice is not a good indicator of how well your cooler can retain ice. Due to the amount of insulation in the product, the cooler will retain ambient heat. Initially it will take more ice to cool down the thicker walls of the YETI. Therefore, if the cooler is starting out warm, a small amount of ice could initially melt faster in a YETI than a thinner walled cooler such as Coleman or Igloo.

Best ice retention results are achieved by filling the cooler completely with high quality ice. In addition, maximum ice retention can be attained by pre-chilling your cooler. This will sufficiently cool the insulation and inside of the cooler, which will allow the thick polyurethane walls to work for you not against you.

YETI has over 2" of polyurethane foam in the walls and lids of its coolers, which is significantly more than most common ice chests. If you use enough ice to chill the walls, YETI will most definitely outperform the competition.

What size cooler should I buy?

Please see our dimension chart for measurements. The Tundra series matches closely (usually within an inch) of many popular sized marine coolers that have been on the market for years. However, the quart size of the YETI cooler will be a bit lower due to the thickness of the walls and insulation. Another thing to consider when choosing a size is that ideally you would want to fill the cooler with as much ice as possible, minimizing air space to achieve maximum ice retention. Therefore, if you only have a small number of items to keep cool, you would want to choose a smaller cooler.

How many cans will fit in my YETI Cooler?

With plenty of ice to help chill your drinks, here is the number of 12oz cans that will fit inside the YETI Tundra and Roadie coolers.

How do I clean my YETI cooler?

Soap and water. For a more thorough cleansing, a solution of water and Clorox (6:1 ratio) may be used. For an aggressive clean and to maintain the cleanliness of your YETI, use a high pressure rinse after using the cooler.

How do I get replacement parts?

Should you need a replacement part ("my dog chewed off my latch"), just give us a call at (512.394.9384) or visit: parts on this website.

What is the YETI warranty policy?

All of the YETI coolers and products carry a 3 year warranty against defects in material and workmanship. For more info please visit warranty. If you have an existing problem, please fill out the warranty form and we will get you taken care of.

How can I get a YETI Cooler?

We have a number of dealers throughout the United States and worldwide. Check out our list of YETI Dealers here. If you do not have a dealer in your area, contact YETI for assistance at 1-512-394-9384, or buy a cooler through our online shopping cart.

How did the company get the name YETI?

The YETI (abominable snowman) is the legendary ice monster from the frigid lands of perpetual snow in the Himalayas. Despite years of searching by Sir Edmund Hillary and his crew of Sherpa mountain guides, firm proof of the YETI's existence remains elusive. Like the YETI, these coolers are tough, hard-wearing, and adapted to harsh environments. We may not have found the YETI, but we make a really great ice chest.

What options and accessories are available?

  • Seat Cushions
  • Corner Chocks
  • Tie-Downs
  • Seadek
  • Slides
  • YETI hats

For a complete list, please see YETI Accessories.

Where are your coolers manufactured?

  • Our manufacturing facility is in the Philippines.
  • Our company headquarters and U.S. distribution facility is in Austin, Texas
  • Our Canada distribution facility is in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (780.484.2350)

My latch is leaving black residue on my hands, how do I solve this problem?

Sorry for the inconvenience. Please contact us right away at 512.394.9384. In late 2007/early 2008 we had a batch of bad rubber that after exposure to the elements begins to oxidize and release black pigment. We have resolved this issue and will send you replacement latches with instructions for replacing the faulty latches.

Wildly Stronger

YETI Coolers are built to take the rugged abuse that comes with the way we work and play. Unlike ordinary coolers, which are essentially "disposable", a YETI is made to last! Read More

Keep Ice Longer

In the end, the functional purpose of a cooler is to keep the contents cold. By combining thicker walls, added insulation (especially in the lid), and a full-frame gasket, YETI Coolers out-insulate the others! Read More

Testimonials

"I've been buying coolers all my life! So have you! I'm THROUGH, DONE, FINISHED! I've got my YETI now. All I have to worry about is what to put in it." - Flip Pallot Legendary fisherman/ TV show host

"The YETI Coolers are the Rolls Royce of all coolers. I have taken mine on several flights already and they even stand up to the baggage handlers in the airports. That's the quality I need in a product." - Dick Scorzafava The Radical Bowhunter

"As professional guides we want professional equipment. YETI Coolers are definitely professional grade!" - Rick and Julie Kreuter Beyond the Hunt TV

"YETI Coolers are superior ... from the hinges and latches to the tough-as-nails construction. Best of all, they keep everything colder, longer! You can spend less and get a cooler that will fail after a couple years of hard use. Or you can step up to a YETI and own the world's finest cooler that will never let you down." - Babe Winkelman Good Fishing and Outdoor Secrets TV

"We use our YETI Coolers when traveling out of state to hunt big bucks. They are durable and most importantly keep our meat and capes cool so we can get them back home for processing! We don't leave home without one!" - Pat Reeve & Nicole Jones Driven TV

"Having spent a lifetime using cheap coolers with hinges and fasteners that inevitably break, I'm glad to see that the YETI is built like the proverbial brick outhouse. There are 2 full inches of insulation inside the rotomolded body and lid. Hinges are recessed toavoid knocks, and the lid has a massive, freezer-type seal." - John Merwin Field Editor, Field & Stream

"The YETI Tundra coolers withstand smashing, prying, scratching, biting, and tossing by hungry bears." - Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC)

"YETI coolers are one of the best I have seen. Simple, tough and keeps ice for 5 days in 117 degree heat!" - Arnie Chandola Northwest Voyageurs Little Salmon Lodge

"This is the best customer service I have ever received on any type of product that I own." - George Pugh

"I love my YETI cooler!" - Todd Moore

"I bought the YETI 105 Tundra today. Wow, this thing is built like a truck!" - Capt. Scott Swartz Founder of the Florida Fly Fishing Schools and Atlanta Fly Fishing School

"Just received my 85qt. Tundra..What a beauty!! GREAT quality is an understatement!" - Bob Popovics

"I just received my Tundra 65 qt YETI!! I figured it would be built better than the competition, but I dint think it would be THIS STRONG. The handlesand hinges are great, the seal is superb. Hell, its built better than the 'fridge in my home!! We learned a tough lesson in Houston after Hurricane Ike. There's no such thing as too much ice chest. It's a fact, we may not haveanother hurricane for another 10 years...OR we may have a cat 5 NEXT YEAR, either way, I'll be better prepared with this YETI cooler." - Brad

"I just took a 45qt. and 65qt. YETI Tundra for testing on a 5 day Smith float in Montana...Impressive!" - William Gillespie

"The cooler exceeded my expectations...which were pretty high." - Kevin Ruland

"Ya'll build one tough cooler. I have a fishing camp on Big Lake in Hackberry Louisiana. When Hurrican Ike came through, we had 5 ft of water under the camp from the storm surge. I found my YETI a quarter mile away, some 100 yards back in a tallow tree swamp. Other than a few scratches, it cleaned up very well. I am very happy to have it back. Great product!" - Jeff McDonald Houston, Texas

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