Over the past couple of years, YETI Coolers have been all the rage. But are they worth the cost?
Founded in 2006, the company set out to create a cooler that would stand the test of time. Overbuilt latches and lids, designed to handle just about any outdoor adventure.
While it is hard to argue that YETI has done a phenomenal job with the marketing of these high-end, ice storage containers. They may not be for everyone.
Here are a few of the Biggest Complaints surrounding YETI Coolers.
The Cost
I still remember the first time seeing a display for these coolers and thought, “Wow, those are pretty cool”…then I looked and the price tag.
Hundreds of dollars on a box to store Ice?
This may not come as a surprise to anyone who has looked at the price tag of one of these coolers, or any YETI branded product. They are not cheap.
Unfortunately, spending this kind of money – on a box to store ice – has prevented many people from buying one for their next backyard cookout.
Priced (and built) for Demanding Outdoor Adventures
These are not your average coolers.
And here is where the root of this complaint comes from. Is it worth it?
Well it depends.
It depends on your needs. If you are planning a week-long camping trip into a remote area and need a rugged cooler that will keep ice for a few days, then yes.
To keep a six-pack cold at an afternoon party…probably not.
The Weight
Even empty, these things are heavy.
As an example.
The popular Yeti Tundra 35 (quarts) cooler weights 20lbs, empty
vs
A molded Coleman cooler (36 quarts), comes in at roughly 6lbs, empty
That comes out to roughly 3.5 times the weight for the same amount of storage capacity! Add in the ice, drinks and food. These coolers can get pretty heavy.
Why are Yeti Coolers so heavy?
Yeti coolers are made from polyethylene (starting in powder form) and pumped with over the twice the insulation compared to most ordinary ice chests. Using a process called “roto molding” the polyethylene is rotated and melted to create a tough, one-piece, seamless shell.
Add in the heavy duty gaskets and rubber latches.
The Complaint?
They are heavy when compared to your “normal coolers”. This is even more evident when you get into the larger sizes and pack them full of food, ice and drinks.
Status Symbol, (my cooler is better than yours)
When it comes to high end coolers, the brand YETI is at the top of the list.
Bringing high-end coolers to those of us that didn’t know we needed a cooler to keep ice for 7 days. Although many other names have entered the market they remain as the brand which all others are compared against.
Many other options on the market…
Even with many other companies producing coolers that may be every bit as good (if not better), at a more affordable price. Think Beats Headphones.
They just don’t have the brand recognition like YETI does.
The styling, the logo – the exclusive club.
YETI Guys
Conclusion, Final Thoughts
Are they worth it?
Yes and no.
It is no doubt, even with the few complaints above, that they make a high quality product. They have top notch styling, great color options and excellent marketing.
If you have the extra money, like the styling and frequently take adventures where ice has to last…then yes I think they are well worth it.
More Articles for the Adventurous Type:
• Water-proof Duffel Bags
• Eco Zoom Wood Burning Rocket Stove
So, what do you think? We would love to hear from you, biggest complaints or things you like most about your coolers. Leave them in the comments below.
Leave a Reply