I used to roll my eyes at Yeti products. To me, they seemed like overpriced status symbols for the van life crowd. Sure, they worked—but were they really that much better than the cheaper alternatives? I couldn’t see how the steep price tags could be justified… until I saw one in action.
Now, I wasn’t testing a full-blown cooler or anything major—just one of their insulated drinking cups, like the one in the photo. But if this little guy is any indication of the brand’s overall performance, I’ll be investing in a Yeti water bottle soon—and maybe a cooler, too. (Yeti folks, if you’re reading this, I’m available for reviews!)
Here’s what changed my mind about Yeti insulated products
Some friends and I were heading to the California State Fair in Sacramento in triple-digit heat, classic late-July weather for the region. Right before we left, my friend handed me a Yeti cup filled with ice water. During our 45-minute drive to the fairgrounds, I drank the water and by the time we parked, the cup was 3/4 full of ice, but had no water. We left it behind in the car.
Four hours later, after baking in a closed-up car in 100+ degree heat, the cup still had nothing but ice. Not cold water—just solid ice cubes. No exaggeration.
I haven’t tried Yeti’s big-ticket coolers (yet), but if they work even half as well as this cup, I’d say they’re more than worth the investment. My friends who own them swear by them, and I can see why. When you factor in how much ice and hassle they can save over the years, they could easily pay for themselves.
My friends also note that their Yeti products are equally efficient at keeping things hot as they are at keeping things cold.
So, yes… Yeti may have a status-y vibe—but underneath the hype is some seriously impressive performance. I stand corrected.
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RVT1220
Yetis are great until you drop it and it loses it’s vacuum. I have purchased other stainless vacuum bottles and they work, but not as well. Is a Yeti worth the cost?, that’s up to you and your needs
Yeti’s corporate HQ is located in Austin, Texas. Ya know, where it can be 100+ degrees for days on end during the summer? Given the price, Yeti is pretty proud of its products, but they had an incentive to do it right.
The old adage you get what you pay for is generally true. Better engineering and higher quality materials cost more, but in the case of Yeti is well worth it. Btw, we have a couple of coolers too and they’re really good as well.
Yeti is great but we’ve found RTIC is just as good & half the price.
I thought the same way years ago, when my son who lives in TX shared a similar story and told me “it’s worth it Mom!” Over the years I’ve been given a variety of insulated drinking cups and none of them have been as good as my Yeti. We live in AZ and I put it to the test every day, and yes, it passes! 😉
America’s Test Kitchen did a video comparing different coolers and Yeti won for keeping items cooler longer.
https://youtu.be/IwCKYZWn9-4?si=lrYUaAQsSwJUWB9Z
There are TONs of other not YETI products that perform as well at half the cost. Why not do a comparison of other similar products instead of just an advertisement for Yeti, which some of us cannot afford or we chose to spend our money more wisely. Look at those made by Iron Flask (which we love and are every bit as good as Yeti) or even the Walmart knock off brand Ozark Trail which are pretty good for half the price–much better if you have kids who drop and loose thing. “bubba” brand also makes some great insulated products–using one right now as I type. Then there is RTIC.
Some of those are probably made in the same factory on the same line. My Yeti says “Designed in Texas, Made in China”
Isn’t Trump going to make these in the USA? lol, double the price then!
While I have not tried ALL other brands, I have tried MANY, and none came close to Yeti’s performance. That is why. It is NOT advertisement, it was and is my own personal experience and I stand by it. Are there other good ones? Maybe so. Probably so. But in my 60+ years, I have yet to come across any that perform this well.
Have one for soda while driving and another for beer when I get to the campspot. Love them.
After checking the price of a Yeti cooler, we bought the large thick sided Lifetime cooler with wheels from Wal-Mart for Way less than half the price of Yeti. It holds ice for 5 to 7 days, and we open it fairly often. I’m doubting that a large Yeti cooler can keep ice more than a week, but don’t know anyone with a Yeti to compare results with.
My Yeti cooler held ice for a week. you have to follow Yeti’s directions.
Thanks, I’m glad to hear that the Yeti performed well. I don’t hear any complaints about Yeti. I’m just saying the Lifetime performed about as well for much less money.
Our Magellan cooler that is similar to Yeti that we bought from Academy Sports & Outdoors works very well.
Thank you for relating your experience and recommendation, Cheri! Interesting, but remains beyond my willingness to purchase. 😉 Have a great week and safe travels!
If you’re a veteran and signed up on id.me you can get a discount from Yeti.
I’ve found out a long time ago, “buy once, cry once”. I have several Yeti products. They are of excellent quality.
Yes. Yes they are. We found out from first-hand experience. And we’ve heard all the “WalMart and other brands are just as good”. No, they’re not.
Saw a test comparing Walmarts Ozark with Yeti and they were about tied…We have both and I think that is true…