10 Best Outdoor Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Tundra 35 cooler is a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts needing a balance between capacity and portability. It can comfortably hold about 20 cans with enough ice to keep everything cold, thanks to its thick 3-inch PermaFrost insulation and FatWall design. This means ice stays frozen for a long time, ideal for camping or day trips. Durability is a strong point here—the cooler uses tough rotomolded plastic construction that makes it nearly indestructible and even certified bear-resistant, so it’s great for rugged environments.

The T-Rex lid latches are built with heavy-duty rubber to prevent breakage, which means fewer worries about malfunctioning parts on your adventures. In terms of size and weight, it’s fairly portable at 20 pounds and sized so one person can carry it comfortably. However, it might be a bit heavy when fully loaded, which is something to consider if you plan long hikes. One minor downside is that it’s made of plastic, so it requires hand washing and careful cleaning. The cooler also comes with a dry goods basket for organizing items separately.

If you want a cooler that combines excellent insulation, toughness, and a decent size, the YETI Tundra 35 is a reliable pick, especially for those who need a cooler that will last many seasons and handle rough conditions well.

The YETI Hopper Flip 18 is a compact and sturdy soft cooler designed for outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, and water sports. It holds up to 16 cans plus ice, making it a good size for personal use or short trips. One of its standout features is the ColdCell insulation, which is a special closed-cell foam that keeps ice frozen longer than most soft coolers. This means your drinks and food stay cold throughout the day.

The cooler is built tough with a DryHide shell that resists water, punctures, and abrasion, so it can handle rough outdoor conditions without easily getting damaged. It also uses a HydroLok zipper that is completely leakproof, preventing spills and messes. In terms of portability, the cooler is fairly light at about 5 pounds empty, and its dimensions make it easy to carry and store in small spaces.

While it is very durable for a soft cooler, it may not keep ice as long as some hard coolers with thicker insulation. Additionally, it is not as rigid or spacious as larger hard coolers, which could be a consideration if you need to store more items or protect fragile contents. The YETI Hopper Flip 18 is suited for people who want a reliable, portable cooler with excellent ice retention for day trips or personal use in outdoor settings.

The YETI Roadie 32 Wheeled Cooler is a sturdy and well-designed option for outdoor activities like camping, fishing, hiking, and picnics. It has a 32-quart capacity, which is enough to hold a moderate amount of food and drinks for a small group. One of its strong points is excellent insulation using polyurethane foam, helping keep ice frozen longer than many other coolers, which is ideal for extended trips. The cooler is also built to last, featuring durable polyethylene construction and components like neverflat wheels that resist punctures and impacts—great for rough terrain or crowded events. Portability is a big plus here: the retractable periscope handle and smooth-rolling wheels make it easy to move around without heavy lifting, while the LipGrip handles and BearFoot non-slip feet add convenience when carrying or placing the cooler on slippery surfaces like boats. Additionally, the included dry goods basket can serve as a built-in cup holder or organizer for smaller items.

The cooler weighs about 13.5 kilograms (around 30 pounds) when empty, which might feel heavy if you need to carry it for long distances without rolling. Also, while the 32-quart size suits most casual outings, it may be a bit small for larger groups or longer trips requiring more storage. The YETI Roadie 32 offers reliable performance with strong ice retention and rugged build quality, making it a durable and convenient cooler for those who prioritize portability and durability over massive capacity.