The Best Alternative to Yeti Coolers

Here I am going to review the best Yeti alternative for Coolers and Water bottles. When it comes to coolers, flasks, tumblers, and drinkware, Yeti is widely considered an industry standard. However, in terms of durability, quality, ice retention, and performance, only a few brands can become an alternative to Yeti.

There are numerous cheap coolers, bottles, and tumblers that are straight-out imitations. Unfortunately, however, most of these don’t even come close to the real thing. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t find a good choice on the market. A few high-quality brands have risen to the challenge, and we have written before about the Best Hiking Water Bottle, but this post is all about finding something other than Yeti.

Many of them offer comparable coolers and bottles, often at more affordable prices. Each of them shares some similarities with products such as Tundra or Rambler and brings something unique to the table.

If you are looking for bottles and coolers like YETI, the following products won’t disappoint:

Coolers Like Yeti

Our Top Pick: ORCA 58 Quart

Features:

  • Holds ice up to 10 days
  • Durable molded construction
  • Lifetime warranty

Grizzly 75 Cooler — Best in Terms of Durability

Large Grizzly cooler

Specifications:

  • Capacity: 75 qt (70.1 L)
  • Weight: 34 lb
  • Ice retention: Up to 4 days
  • Material: Roto-molded LLDPE plastic

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Pros

  • Made in the USA
  • Extremely durable
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Recessed handles
  • Impressive capacity

Cons

  • Pricey

Of all the Grizzly coolers on the market, the Grizzly 75 hard-sided cooler makes the best Yeti alternative. When it comes to high-end, hard-sided coolers, Grizzly Coolers are undoubtedly among the most durable ones. In addition, all Grizzly Coolers are ruggedly built, and the same goes for the 75.

It features a burly drain plug and dependable hinges and latches. Even after extensive use, the seal on the lid will hold up well against leaks. When it comes to burliness, it’s an excellent cooler, if not the best one.

The cooler has three rubber pull-down latches. They are straightforward to secure and undo. However, draining the cooler can be a bit of a hassle. It drains very quickly, but you can expect a lot of splashing.

Even though it weighs just as much as the Yeti Tundra, the Grizzly cooler has a significantly bigger storage capacity. It can hold up to 85 cans of beer with 20 lb of ice.

As for extra features, the Grizzly 75 comes with pin-style hinges, recessed and extended handles, ruler marking on the lid, and two internal dividers. However, it only comes in two color options.

The Grizzly cooler is advertised as a 10-day cooler, but this may be a bit of a stretch. Realistically, it will keep your drinks ice-cold for 5 days. However, when it comes to ice retention, Grizzly coolers are comparable to more traditional models, such as the Coleman Xtreme.


REI Co-op Cool Haul 18 Soft Cooler — Best Soft-Sided

REI Co-op Cool Haul 18 Soft Cooler

Specifications:

  • Capacity: 18 qt (17 L)
  • Weight: 3.9 lb
  • Shelf food life: 55 hours
  • Carry style: Messenger bag

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Pros

  • Much cheaper
  • Leakproof internal ice chest
  • Flexible
  • Easy to transport
  • Solid insulation

Cons

  • The exterior and the zipper are not leakproof

If you are looking for a soft-sided Yeti alternative, the Rei co-op Cool Haul 18 is undoubtedly among the soft coolers you must check out. It is similar to Roadie and Hopper coolers in size but costs half the price.

And even though it isn’t similar to Yeti coolers in terms of ice retention, or other hard-sided coolers for that matter, the Cool Haul 18 has a lot going for it.

It will keep your food and drinks below 40°F for up to 55 hours. While it may not sound impressive, the REI Co-op Cool Haul 18 soft cooler can keep ice longer than most other soft-sided coolers on the market.

The internal ice chest is removable and entirely leakproof. Considering the weight of the REI Co-op Cool Haul 18 soft cooler, its storage capacity is quite impressive. This soft-sided cooler can hold 28 cans.

It is one of the most flexible soft-sided coolers. The Cool Haul 18 can easily accommodate long, tall, or oddly shaped objects. In addition, it comes with an attached bottle opener and external slip pockets for extra, non-insulated storage.


ORCA 58 Quart — Best in Terms of Ice Retention

Large Orca cooler

Specifications:

  • Capacity: 58 qt (54.8 L)
  • Weight: 36 lb
  • Shelf life of food: Up to 10 days
  • Material: Roto-molded polyethylene

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Pros

  • Durable
  • Sturdy
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Made in the USA
  • Impressive ice retention

Cons

  • Pricey

Many say that Orca coolers are the next best thing to Yeti. Yeti and Orca coolers have a lot in common, and both brands cost almost the same. The Orca 58 Quart cooler comes very close to the Yeti Tundra 65 cooler in terms of insulation, portability, and durability.

Thanks to its thick construction, the Orca 58 Quart cooler is more durable and sturdier than the average ice chest. It can maintain refreshing beer temperatures of 50°F or safe food temperatures of 40° for days on end.

To seal its contents, the Orca 58-Quart cooler features an impressive rubber gasket. It just may be the best option when it comes to insulation. It can keep ice from melting for up to 10 days.

There’s also an integrated hinge that helps make the cooler bear-proof. It is as solid as they get. The Orca 58 cooler is an IGBC-certified bear-resistant product. Since it’s a heavy-duty alternative, the Orca 58 is super sturdy to sit or stand on.

The cooler is quite user-friendly. The drain is straightforward to use; the cooler has a sloping channel that allows for a complete water exodus. So that you can secure your cooler in transit, it has tie-down points on either end.

Most Orca coolers, including this one, come with cargo nets for extra storage. Like most Yeti coolers, Orca coolers are 100% made in the USA. They also come with a lifetime warranty.


Pelican Elite 70

Large pelican cooler

Specifications:

  • Capacity: 70 qt (68 L)
  • Weight: 33.3 lb
  • Ice retention: 7 days
  • Material: Polyurethane

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Pros

  • Super durable
  • Easy to transport
  • Lifetime guarantee on all Pelican Elite Coolers
  • Large capacity
  • Great insulation
  • Also comes as a wheeled cooler

Cons

  • Heavy

Pelican coolers have an imposing and unusual exterior, but don’t let it fool you. Pelican coolers really live up to their name by offering excellent insulation performance, sturdy construction, and user-friendly design.

The Pelican Elite cooler is undoubtedly one of the best Yeti cooler replacements when it comes to value for money. Compared to roto-molded coolers, the Pelican Elite is quite light. Still, it has similar ice retention properties to the average Yeti cooler.

The Pelican Elite can hold ice for seven days. So you can count on it to keep your food safe on multi-day trips.

Everything on the Pelican Elite hard-sided cooler is hard-molded plastic, including the extended handles and the latches. It’s one of the most rugged-looking coolers you can find. It comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you can rest assured it’s built to last.

It is effortless to use the Pelican Elite. You can engage the latches by pushing them down and release them by pushing a button. In addition, the Pelican Elite is one of the few high-end coolers that feature a small plastic extension on the drain. So on top of allowing you to attach a garden hose, it minimizes dripping and splashing.

Despite being one of the heaviest coolers, the Elite 70 is very portable. This is thanks to its convenient, all-hard plastic handles. If you are looking for a wheeled cooler that makes a great choice, be sure to check the Pelican Elite wheeled version.


Canyon Cooler Outfitter 35 Quart

Canyon Outfiter cooler

Specifications:

  • Capacity: 35 qt (33 L)
  • Weight: 22 lb
  • Ice retention: 6 days
  • Material: Roto-molded polyurethane

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Pros

  • Easy-to-use, recessed latches
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Bear-proof
  • Great value for money
  • Leakproof

Cons

  • No extra features

If you want to get a cooler that’s cheaper, do know that Canyon Coolers are one of the more affordable cooler brands. So even if you buy one of the most expensive Canyon Coolers, you will spend at least $100 less than you would on a similar Yeti cooler.

Unlike Yeti Cooler, the Canyon doesn’t use T latches that protrude outside of the cooler. They are just as secure as the latches on the Yeti but much easier to undo. You can easily do it with one hand.

The Outfitter is entirely leakproof. It performs just as well as, if not slightly better, than Yeti when it comes to ice retention. If you leave it outside at the height of summer, it will hold ice for about 4 days. It is also one of the few coolers like Yeti that come with a lifetime warranty.

Thanks to the boxy, angular design, there’s almost no wasted space. Also, unlike most coolers, including Yeti Cooler, the name of the Outfitter isn’t misleading. The capacity is exactly 35 quarts.


Coleman Xtreme 70 — The Most Affordable

Blue Coleman cooler

Specifications:

  • Capacity: 68 qt (64 L)
  • Weight: 12 lb
  • Ice retention: 4 days
  • Material: Polyurethane

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Pros

  • Reliable like but cheaper
  • Good usability
  • Decent insulation
  • Made in the USA
  • Easy to use drain

Cons

  • One of the least durable coolers on the list

If you are looking for a cooler like Yeti but cheaper, Coleman may be the best cooler brand for you. Costing just a fraction of the price of the Hopper, the Coleman Xtreme cooler is the most budget-friendly choice instead of the Yeti Cooler on the list.

It isn’t leakproof, lockable, or airtight like high-end Yeti cooler alternatives, but it offers impressive ice preservation. As a result, it will easily get you through a summer weekend in the great outdoors.

The Coleman Xtreme can hold 100 beverage cans. However, the cooler has a weight limit of 250 lb.

The Coleman Xtreme cooler will keep your food and drinks below 40°F for four days despite having very thin walls. If you use a 2:1 ice to food ratio or chill the cooler before you head out, it will keep everything cold for even longer.

Even though the Coleman Xtreme cooler offers great value for the money, it doesn’t compare to Yeti coolers in terms of durability. Its thin, flimsy hinges may be its biggest flaw.

The Coleman Xtreme cooler is designed to be simple and functional. It doesn’t come with many bells and whistles, but the lid and the opening drain are very easy to use. If you value simplicity, this cooler may indeed be the best for you.


Engel 65

Engel cooler

Specifications:

  • Capacity: 54 qt (51 l)
  • Weight: 25 lb
  • Ice retention: 5 days
  • Material: Roto-molded polyurethane

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Pros

  • Leakproof
  • Includes bottle opener
  • Comparatively lightweight
  • Great insulation
  • 10-year warranty

Cons

  • The latches take some getting used to

The Engel 65 cooler is another high-end Yeti cooler alternative that doesn’t cost much as the real deal. Even though Engel coolers are becoming more and more expensive, like most cooler brands, you will still save $50 to $100 if you go with this model.

Thanks to the airtight rubber gasket and two inches of high-performance insulation, the Engel 65 cooler can keep the interior below 40° for a full five days.

Like Yeti coolers, Engel coolers are IGBC certified, so you won’t have to worry about bears stealing your food. The interlocking hinge is impressively sturdy and quiet. The silicone gasket is great as well. You can flip the cooler on every side; it won’t start to leak.

Compared to other coolers like Yeti, Engel coolers are most similar to the real deal in color options. You will have a hard time finding another cooler with a color almost the same as Yeti’s signature Aquifer Blue.

The Engel 65 doesn’t come with an impressive lifetime guarantee like most Yeti-like and Yeti coolers; a 10-year warranty covers it.

If you are looking for a cooler like Yeti Tundra, you will like the rope handles on the Engler 65 cooler. When the cooler is full, the rope handles make it easier for two people to carry it around. If you are looking for a smaller one, there’s also a 25-quart version of the Engel cooler.


Igloo BMX 25 Cooler — Best in Terms of Portability

Igloo BMX cooler

Specifications:

  • Capacity: 25 qt (24 L)
  • Weight: 11.3 lb
  • Ice retention: 2 days
  • Material: Blow-molded plastic

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Pros

  • Featherweight
  • Very portable
  • Easy to use
  • Budget-friendly
  • Comfortable handle

Cons

  • Not airtight

The BMX 25 cooler is an excellent replacement to 20-quart Yeti coolers. It’s also the most portable model of all the other Yeti alternatives on the list. Although Igloo models are among the most budget-friendly ice chests on the market, it is surprisingly lightweight and reliable.

The cooler brand claims that the product can retain ice for 4 days. However, these tests are always done in specific, controlled circumstances. Realistically, the ice retention isn’t as impressive—it can hold ice for a couple of days. Still, you can rely on the BMX cooler if you plan a weekend getaway at the beach.

The BMX is great for those who prioritize ease of use. When you open the lid, it will stay open, allowing you to load the cooler with one hand easily. You only need one hand to unhook the rubber latches as well.

There are tie-down holes in all four corners, so you can easily secure the cooler. Even up against higher-end 20-quart models such as the K2 Coolers Summit or the Yeti Roadie, the BMX cooler is pretty portable and lightweight.


RTIC 65 — The Easiest to Use

Large RTIC cooler

Specifications:

  • Capacity: 65 qt (61 L)
  • Weight: 35 lb
  • Ice retention: 6 days
  • Material: Roto-molded polyurethane

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Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Durable
  • Two large drains
  • Comfortable handles
  • Great insulation

Cons

  • 1-year warranty

Tough and beefy, all RTIC coolers are designed to last. RTIC coolers come in almost the same sizes as Yeti coolers. This goes for both hard-sided and soft-sided coolers.

Of all the RTIC coolers on the market, the 65 stands out the most due to its heavy-duty handles, flawless drain system, and airtight lid gasket.

The cooler also includes non-slip feet on the bottom that lend it extra sturdiness. Compared to others on the list, the RTIC 65 is the easiest cooler to use. It comes with not one but two drain plugs.

For quick loading and unloading, the lid is designed to stay open. The cooler also includes flexible rubber latches. Even when compared to similar latches on other coolers, they are very easy to maneuver.

The cooler is on the heavy side, but the squishy foam grips on the handles make it much easier to carry. Unlike Yeti, RTIC is not famous for its generous warranty policy. RTIC coolers come with a short 1-year warranty, which is their only significant downside. If you are interested in RTIC bottles as well, check out our Hydro Flask vs RTIC bottle comparison.

If you are interested in other alternatives to Yeti, you also may want to check out my You also may want to check out Walmart Ozark Trail vs Yeti comparison.

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