Coolers are an essential piece of gear for outdoor adventures, camping, boating, tailgating, and more. With the ability to keep food and drinks cold for days on end, a high-quality cooler makes any excursion more enjoyable.
Two of the top cooler brands on the market are Yukon Outfitters and Yeti. But how do they compare? Which is the better choice?
In this detailed comparison guide, we’ll examine the key differences between Yukon Outfitters and Yeti coolers. We’ll look at ice retention, build quality, features, sizes, design, warranties, and more.
By the end, you’ll know which brand is better for your needs and budget.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Yukon Outfitters | Yeti |
| Ice Retention | 4-7 days | 6-10+ days |
| Build Quality | Decent, polyethylene | Excellent, roto-molded |
| Features | Drain plug, rope handles | Vortex drainage, rubber latches, tie-downs, bottle opener |
| Size Options | 28qt, 50qt, 75qt | 22qt – 350qt |
| Design | Basic colors and styling | Custom colors and graphics |
| Cost | $40 – $100 | $200 – $700+ |
| Warranty | 90 days | 5 years |
Key Differences Between Yukon Outfitters And Yeti Coolers
- Ice Retention
The main job of any cooler is keeping contents cold.
So ice retention is a top priority when comparing cooler brands.
Yukon Outfitters uses thick insulating foam in its coolers, ranging from 2” in the smallest models up to 3” in the largest options.
This thickness rivals many high-end coolers and allows Yukon coolers to retain ice for 4-7 days.
Yeti is the undisputed leader when it comes to ice retention.
Its patented Rotomolded construction uses 2-3” of polyurethane foam insulation. Models like the Yeti Tundra 65 can hold ice for 6-10+ days, even in hot conditions.
For marathon ice retention, Yeti is hands-down the better choice. But Yukon coolers still perform well for multi-day camping trips, beach days, and similar shorter-term uses.
- Build Quality
Cooler durability also makes a big difference in real-world performance and lifespan.
Cheap plastic hinges and latches will lead to early cooler failure.
Yukon Outfitters utilizes a roto-molded polyethylene exterior on its coolers.
This is a rugged, stiff, resilient type of plastic that resists dents, cracks, and abrasions.
The lid features commercial-grade rubber latches to seal in the cold air.
Yeti basically invented the roto-molded cooler and sets the standard for bombproof builds. Their Tundra line uses roto-molded construction on the body, lid, and even the hinges. Thick rubber latches clamp down the lid tightly while integrated hinge rods provide long-lasting strength.
Both Yukon and Yeti build very sturdy, durable coolers. Yeti excels in lid strength and hinge design, but Yukon also makes a respectable product. For standing up to years of adventures, Yeti again takes the win.
- Features
Modern coolers contain more bells and whistles than just insulation.
Handy features like drainage plugs, tie-down slots, bottle openers, and more all add real convenience.
Yukon Outfitters keeps it simple, focusing just on core ice retention.
Most models include a drain plug and rope handles. The Yukon 75 adds tie-down slots and a bison logo latch.
Yeti offers much more versatility and functionality. All Tundra models have a Vortex drain system, Permafrost insulation, heavy-duty nylon rope handles, and interlocking lid latches. Most sizes add molded-in tie-down slots and a built-in bottle opener.
For maximizing convenience, Yeti provides more useful features. But Yukon still hits the basics like drainage and handles. This category comes down to your needs.
- Sizes
Having multiple size options allows you to pick the perfect cooler for each outing or occasion.
Yukon Outfitters offers their coolers in just three sizes: a 28-quart model, 50-quart model, and 75-quart model. This covers small, medium, and large needs but lacks huge sizes for massive storage.
Yeti offers an impressive range from compact to massive. Sizes start at a 22-quart Roadie and go up to the giant 350-quart Tundra 350. Popular sizes like the 65-quart, 105-quart, and 210-quart are perfect for most vacations, parties, and weekends.
For versatility, Yeti’s range of sizes clearly beats out Yukon’s limited selection. You can find a properly-sized Tundra cooler for any situation.
- Design
Visual appeal and style might not seem important for a cooler. But a stylish look adds pride and self-expression. Coolers are often shown off at parties, events, and gatherings after all.
Yukon Outfitters coolers have a very simple, minimal design. They come in just two colors: white/gray or tan/brown. The exterior lacks any logos or graphics beyond a small brand badge. Clean lines give Yukon coolers a low-key, inconspicuous look.
Yeti offers far more variety and customized appearance choices. Tundra coolers come in over a dozen colors from bright blues to earthy greens. You can even fully customize the color with Yeti’s new Custom Shop.
Multiple graphics, logos, and decals add style to the exterior. Unique soft-touch texturing provides a premium feel.
For appearance and personalization, Yeti easily offers more stylish, eye-catching cooler designs than the generic Yukon models. This gives you pride in owning a Yeti cooler.
- Cost
With superior build quality and features usually comes a higher price tag.
Cost can become a significant factor when making purchasing decisions.
Yukon Outfitters coolers are very affordable, especially compared to premium options. Their 28-quart model starts at just $40.
The 50-quart midsize model costs only $60. Even the giant 75-quart size stays under $100 at just $90.
Yeti commands premium pricing due to its performance reputation and quality construction. The smallest Roadie 22 still costs $200. More popular options like the Tundra 65 start at $350, with the Tundra 105 at $450. Larger models get up into the $700+ range.
If you want maximum value, Yukon Outfitters provides impressive cooling at unbeatable prices. Yeti demands 2-4X cost but delivers equivalent performance gains.
- Warranty
A decent warranty provides peace of mind in case defects arise down the road. Short warranties usually indicate lower confidence in long-term durability.
Yukon Outfitters only provides a 90-day limited warranty on its coolers. This covers defects in materials and craftsmanship for the first 3 months. Any issues outside that short window are not covered.
Yeti offers an industry-leading 5-year limited warranty on all hard coolers. This protects against manufacturing defects for half a decade – an eternity in cooler years. Yeti clearly stands behind their products.
For buyer protection and confidence, Yeti’s exceptional 5-year warranty dwarfs Yukon’s mere 90 days. This shows how Yeti expects years of reliable performance.
Also Read: Comparison of YETI And Coho Coolers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Pelican, Orca, Grizzly, and RTIC offer similar high-end rotomolded coolers that compete with Yeti for ice retention and durability. They cost 20-50% less but lack some of Yeti’s perks and reputation.
RTIC is probably the closest cooler to Yeti performance at a cheaper price point. Their ice retention is nearly as strong and they offer 5-year warranties. Pelican and Grizzly are other great rotomolded options costing a bit less than Yeti.
For the price, Yukon Outfitters makes very solid coolers. Their insulation keeps ice frozen for 4-7 days, rivaling $200+ coolers. Build quality is decent though not indestructible like a Yeti. Overall an impressive value cooler.
On average, a Yukon Outfitters cooler will retain ice for 4-7 days. The lower cost 28-quart model may only go 3-4 days while the giant 75-quart version could exceed a week. Performance is directly tied to exterior temperatures and usage. Colder weather and less opening help ice retention.
The Verdict
When comparing Yukon Outfitters vs Yeti coolers, Yeti comes out as the clear winner for most criteria. Only on price does Yukon have a significant advantage.
Yeti offers industry-leading ice retention thanks to its thick polyurethane foam and perfected rotomolded construction. Nothing beats a Yeti for keeping contents frozen for over a week, even in baking heat.
Build quality and durability also favor Yeti. From virtually indestructible hinges to sturdy rubber latches, Yukon can’t match Yeti’s standards. Those details ensure a Yeti can last for many years or even decades.
More size options, customizable appearance, bonus features, and an epic 5-year warranty all add value to the Yeti brand. You certainly pay a premium over Yukon’s budget prices, but serious cooling performance has a cost.
That said, Yukon Outfitters makes an outstanding value cooler. For just a bit over $50, you can get multi-day ice retention – a feat unthinkable for cheap styrofoam coolers. Yukon works very well for shorter trips without breaking the bank.
We recommend Yeti coolers if you seek the pinnacle of extended ice retention and durability. But Yukon models excel for basic cooling at a bargain price point. You can’t go wrong with either brand – pick the cooler that best fits your budget and needs.
