Yeti Hopper Vs. Roadie: What’s The Best Cooler?
PRODUCT COMPARISON
Yeti Hopper (Flip 12)
Yeti Hopper is a lightweight softshell cooler. It is available in several different sizes and models, including an option you can wear just like a backpack.- Dimensions: 10” x 11.5” x 15.6”
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
- Capacity: 13 cans of beer/16 lbs of ice
- Material: DryHide Shell; HydroLok Zipper
- Insulation: Closed-cell rubber foam
Yeti Roadie 24
Yeti Roadie is a classic hardshell cooler with a generous capacity, sturdy exterior and premium insulation. Some Roadie models even claim to be bear resistant!- Dimensions: 17.5” x 16.5” x 15.25”
- Weight: 12.8 lbs
- Capacity: 18 cans of beer/24 lbs of ice
- Material: UV-resistant polyethylene
- Insulation: Permafrost Insulation
Can’t decide between the Roadie and the Hopper portable coolers from Yeti? Then you’re definitely in the right place! This detailed comparison examines all the features of these two coolers and points out the good, the bad and the ugly about both of them.
Yeti coolers are very popular coolers and for good reasons – they offer excellent performance at a reasonable price point. When you put your beer in a Yeti cooler, you can have peace of mind knowing it will stay cool for hours, and in some cases for days. But should you pick up the lightweight Hopper or the incredibly tough Roadie? That’s what we’ll help you figure out below!
Hardshell vs. Softshell Construction
The most obvious difference between these two Yeti coolers is the construction. One if a sturdy hardshell cooler while the other is a lightweight softshell cooler. There are pros and cons to both types of coolers, and that’s what I will cover in this section.
The Hopper is a waterproof cooler, available in a few different sizes and styles. There’s even an option with a backpanel and shoulder straps, allowing you to wear it like a backpack. This is a great feature for people who usually carry the cooler on hikes, since it allows for better load distribution, ultimately making the cooler lighter.
And generally – the difference in the weight of these coolers is nearly 10 lbs, which is mostly impacted by the plastic vs fabric exterior. The insulation also impacts the weight, since these coolers each have their own type of insulation inside, but more on that later.
The hardshell Roadie cooler is heavier and bulkier but offers slightly better insulation. It’s able to keep your food and drinks cold for longer, at the cost carrying convenience.
So, which is better