Roto-Molded Coolers

[Nick Williams]

These coolers are popping up everywhere anymore, it seems, but I'm curious as to everyone's preference who has one. Obviously the Yeti is probably the most popular, at least from where I'm sitting, but since are multiple other brands out there, is anyone using one of those? Do you like it? Pros? Cons? Or is the Yeti really a cut Above the rest?

[hoglaw]

I don't have a clue about any of the competing brands. I have a Yeti Tundra and it's perfect for me. The deal on these is that I don't think they "keep ice" much better than a good Coleman 5 day. If folks are opening and closing the lid all the time and reaching in there, the best cooler in the world won't stop heat exchange. What I like about the Yeti is that it's indestructable. No broken latches, no broken drain, no dents or dings. Mine fits perfectly in the middle of my 17' canoe, but I could definitely benefit from a lighter cooler when canoeing. I use mine more in my trout boat. I can stand on it, use it as a step to get down from the motor deck, leave it in there and let it slide around - basically just forget about it. Is it worth $400 in ice keeping performance? Probably not. But it's nice feeling like I'll never need another cooler.

If the competing brands make one that's just as tough and doesn't have components that will break or wear out, I'd say go for it if you can get one for less money. I'm pretty sure you'll notice no difference in the ability to keep ice.

[sms_alum]

Exactly what hoglaw said. I have had my Yeti for 3 years now and it is indestructable. Keeping beer cold when you are opening it every 15 minutes won't change, but you could run over them with a truck.

That being said you could buy a new coleman once a year for the next 10 years and still have some money left over.

[Flysmallie]

I don't think we live in an area where we have to worry about keeping ice in a cooler as long as you are smart about it. If you need to get in there every 15 minutes then you need a separate smaller beer cooler.

I like my Coleman but they are run $100ish. Plus it is destructible. It has more dents and scratches and a shitty latch but that just gives it character. And it keeps ice for at least 3 days since that's all I've really tested it.

I'm holding off on a Yeti till I have a flats boat to put it in.

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

I wont use a Yeti for the simple fact my buddy got one and we put a bunch of beers in it for a while, when we went to drink them they were frozen. Im sure they would be good for keeping food, but as far as a day trip cooler i would go cheap

[Al Agnew]

I wont use a Yeti for the simple fact my buddy got one and we put a bunch of beers in it for a while, when we went to drink them they were frozen. Im sure they would be good for keeping food, but as far as a day trip cooler i would go cheap

I think you need a smiley face on that post, or a hyperbole notice.

[aarchdale@coresleep.com]

I guess it was a good problem to have

[Ham]

the salt in our water from the water softener will freeze drinks in my cooler. Just sayin.

[fishinwrench]

Yeti's are a fashion statement. Nobody I know "needs one", but if you want one and can afford it, then get ya one.

They ARE nice.

[jdmidwest]

I use a Max Cold from Igloo. It will hold a bag of ice for at least 4 days. It has a tight insulated lid, a handle to pull it around, and wheels to roll on. I never worry about broken hinges or a broken drain plug, it has neither. The friction fit lid works great, don't have to worry about it blowing off when the boat is in tow. I can sit on it and drink a frosty cold beverage. Never tried to stand on it. I have cooked a few meals on top of it with the propane one burner.

I would surely buy another if this one fails. But it takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

$25 bucks. The money I save will buy a nice fly rod, trolling motor, or more beer than I will drink in a summer.

You have to remember, the Yeti is a fictional creature, a myth. An Igloo is what eskimo's use to insulate them from the outside temps.