Gear Review: the Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler - Buy oR BUST?
If you're clicking on this post you're probably on the hunt for a new cooler. Luckily for you I'm diving deep into the Yeti Tundra 65 Cooler complete with an ice test at the end to give you a real look at its performance. Let's go ahead and jump right in.
Overview and Build Quality
I’ll start out by noting that we got our hands on this cooler after winning it in Sitka Gear’s Diverge 12 photo contest. Unfortunately for us, we didn't get to choose the color but Yeti does offer a range of colors on this cooler if you want something a little more spicy. Pricing starts at a hefty $350 on Yeti's website, but with discounts for certain groups like teachers and military personnel you can bring the cost down significantly.
This cooler is made in the Philippines and boasts a solid 5-year warranty for manufacturing defects. It's ruggedly built just like the Yeti 24 I've owned for over 5 years without a complaint. I’ve never had any manufacturing defects like squeaky hinges or leaks, just some minor scratches.
Size and Capacity
The Yeti Tundra 65 can hold about 52 lbs of ice if you're exclusively using it for ice storage or up to 42 cans with a recommended 2:1 ice-to-can ratio (though I'm still figuring out what that means exactly!).
Features and Functionality
Now, onto its features:
Handles: Nylon rope handles with rubber grips are sturdy and comfortable, though I prefer grabbing it from the recessed handles underneath for added grip.
Vortex Drain Plug: Simple to operate with one hand, no leakage issues so far.
T-Rex Latches: Easy one-handed operation that are low maintenance and get the job done.
Tie Down Slots: Perfect for securing it in a truck bed or on the boat.
Rubber Gasket: Provides a solid seal that claims to be commercial freezer-quality and I've had no issues to the contrary.
Ice Test Results
For the ice test, I packed in 38 pre-chilled drinks and around 32-35 lbs of ice, slightly overfilling it. After 12 hours, the ice had settled nicely, forming solid blocks. Over the course of five days, it maintained ice remarkably well, with substantial melting visible around day five. The cooler potentially go longer under better test conditions like pre-chilling the cooler with a sacrificial bag of ice. Overall the ice test proved that the cooler does great retaining ice for long periods of time.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Attractive Design: It's undeniably a good-looking cooler.
Durability: Built to last a lifetime, making its price tag easier to swallow over decades.
Performance: Excellent ice retention, meeting expectations and then some.
Cons:
Not Made in America: A downside for those preferring domestic products.
Price: At $350, it's steep—definitely a luxury purchase.
Weight: It's heavy, even when empty, which might be a deal-breaker for some.
Bear Proofing Accessory Not Included: Claimed to be bear-proof, but the necessary locks to make it bear-proof are sold separately, which seems misleading.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while I wouldn't personally shell out $350 for this cooler unless heavily discounted or I had a gift card, its durability and performance are top-notch. For big events or those needing a reliable, long-lasting cooler, it's a solid investment. If budget is a concern, you might find better value elsewhere. Consider this a luxury buy with premium build quality and excellent ice retention.
If this review helped you decide, drop a comment below and share your thoughts! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and stay tuned for more content like this. Thanks for reading!