YETI Tundra Haul Hard Cooler Review

We purchased the YETI Tundra Haul Hard Cooler so our reviewer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

When cult-favorite brand YETI introduced its YETI Tundra Haul Hard Cooler, the tailgating faithful rejoiced—and so did everyone else. It’s not hard to get behind a super-durable rolling cooler that’s literally bear-proof and can keep ice cold for days, but before you click buy, read our take below. We tested the Haul on long days by the pool in the desert and on a few camping trips to see if it lives up to the brand’s reputation. 

Design: Grizzly-tested for toughness 

One of the hallmark features of the YETI Tundra Haul Hard Cooler is its tough-as-nails rotomolded construction. Rotomolding, in basic terms, is a plastic-forming process that uses heat and rotation to produce hollow, one-piece parts. The cooler is then built with a “Neverfail Hinge” system that uses two hinge pins and interlocking design for unmatched durability.

The end result is an extremely tough cooler with extra-thick, hollow walls and strong outside corners. The Tundra Haul is also certified bear-resistant and approved for use on public lands and in national parks occupied by grizzlies. Essentially, it’s indestructible.

Aside from their toughness, YETI coolers are popular because they look good and are easy to use. In this case, we like that the cooler’s drain plug is on the opposite end from the T-bar handle, so all we had to do was lift the handle to drain it. 

The cooler also has two “T-Rex” lid latches and keepers, which are made of heavy-duty rubber and molded directly into the cooler’s body. We’ve never used rubber latches on a cooler before, but we loved these! They lock in quickly, and don’t budge unless you want them to. 

Portability: Goes anywhere

With the YETI brand’s reputation for extremely durable coolers, we weren’t surprised by the quality and toughness of the Tundra Haul’s two single-piece tires and T-bar handle. The ‘Neverflat’ tires are impact- and puncture-resistant, and they roll easily over all kinds of terrain. 

We tested the tires extensively on rocks, gravel, dirt trails, and pavement, and they were essentially a dream come true. We loved that the wheels don’t have grooves where rocks or gravel can get lodged in. 

The cooler’s “Strongarm” handle is made from welded aluminum and has comfortable grips for holding. It clicks into place when you want to wheel the cooler and tucks down neatly when you don’t. The cooler also has side “Lipgrip” handles for when you need to lift it up without the wheels. 

During our testing, we thought the Haul was comfortable to walk with, even when it was filled to capacity. The shape and size of the cooler evenly distribute the weight over the wheels, so we didn’t feel like it was going to tip over. We hauled this cooler in our SUV, as well as in the backseat of a smaller car, using it for car camping and a few road trips with no issues.

Capacity: Large and versatile

The size of this cooler makes it perfect for both single-day use or long trips. It can hold 55 pounds of ice alone or 45 drink cans with ice. 

We really appreciated the size of this cooler. Though it’s heavy, it’s not too large and not too small. We liked it equally for camping as we did for days at the pool or tailgating. 

Insulation: Stays cool for days

The Tundra Haul is built with extra-thick walls and has two inches of pressure-injected polyurethane foam insulation. It features a freezer-quality gasket that circles the length of the lid to block out the heat, and it’s also dry ice compatible, if that’s your thing.

Basically, this cooler stays cold for a really long time. Following the manufacturer's instructions, we packed our cooler with as little air space as possible, using a roughtly 3-to-1 ice to contents ratio, and it maintained its icy temperature for six days! We think it could last even longer in cooler temperatures, as we tested it in the desert.

Price: Very expensive

It’s not a secret: YETI coolers are expensive, and the Tundra Haul is no exception, with a price tag of $400. You can find a comparably-sized rolling cooler for much cheaper, but for it’s durability and insulation, the Tundra Haul is worth every penny. Plus, it comes with a five-year warranty.

Competition: Different styles to suit your needs

Coleman 62 qt. Xtreme Heavy-Duty Cooler with Wheels: A trusted outdoor gear brand for many years, Coleman makes a great rolling cooler for people who like to keep things simple and inexpensive. The Coleman Xtreme Heavy-Duty Cooler has wheels for easy transport and a spacious 62-quart capacity, but it won’t match the YETI Tundra Haul’s insulation and durability.

RovR RollR 60: For around the same price as a YETI, you could also opt for a Rovr cooler. The RovR RollR 60 is similar to the Tundra Haul, sporting a certified grizzly bear-resistant design, all-terrain rubber tires, and high-density foam insulation. The RovR is arguably even more versatile, as well, boasting features like a removable dry bin, optional bike tow, and wagon bin.