This is one of the better reviews I've seen. Great job! I just went through the recall where my M30 was recalled and the Hopper 18 is what Yeti offered as the solution. I don't think I am going to be disappointed. Especially since I never liked the magnetic closure on the M30 anyway. It was very awkward to hold open while loading or unloading. Thank you for posting this review.
*The outside fabric of the cooler is wonderful. I like the gray and blue. I have not used it yet, but by the way it looks and feels I think it will be great.*
This was a really good review! You answered all of my questions and even touched upon the zipper lubricant that no one else talks about. I didn't even know about it.
So, we have both. But we also have two young kids. I’d say the 18 is what we use the vast majority of the time. We tend to use the 12 only when traveling very light or for just me on a quick overnight/day trip. If you’re light packers the 12 will probably be fine, but again, we use the 18 much more for any more than one person.
Thanks for the review. I am on the fence between this and the Roadie 24. Portability is the main thing for me and a soft cooler is much easier to lug around as opposed to a hard cooler. It's pretty rare that I need a hard cooler and it doesn't help that my gf already has a hard cooler that takes care of that need.
I have the 20 which the Roadie 24 replaced and it works great......it's probably way heavier than the softside but it is a tank...i just wish they sold a softside with wheels because I would be all over that!!!!
Thanks for the feedback, and I agree. I tend to exhibit a little OCD with things I want to last a long time, which probably explains why I apply it so often. 👍
Great review. I have the cooler but have lost the zipper lube. You mentioned that Yeti sells it, but I cant find it on their website either. Just curious if you had any other suggestions or where you were able to find more of it. Thanks!
@@kyletaylor4674 I use mine as a lunchbox for work andI have yet felt like the zipper needed lube at all. Haven’t used the stuff in months and my zipper is fine. Honestly, any lubricant that you deem fit would work if needed.
Thanks for this review! My husband is sold on the M30 but I’m still leaning towards the Flip 18. I am primarily going to be using it to take my 3 toddlers to the beach and also to keep snacks in for longer outings since we live in the desert. I’m worried the M30 is going to be too bulky for getting around while also keeping track of the kiddos. What are your thoughts?
Thank you for watching. The M30 is great but I prefer the shape and accessibility of the hopper. If you need both hands free for the kiddos perhaps consider the backpack.
Thanks! I own this one, a Yeti Hopper M30 a variety of their drinkware and a YETI hard cooler. Hopefully I will get aroudn to reviewing the other items soon. Good to know about the volume...
Can you please link to the bottle opener you liked from amazon? Thanks for the review! I picked one up today and love it but was surprised that the warranty is only 3 years. I’m mostly worried about the zipper breaking.
I’ll see if I can find the bottle opener. Regarding the zipper, I completely understand. In my experience if the zipper does break it will be inside of 3 years, allowing you to get a replacement.
My preference is the Flip 18. I find the M30 to be a bit awkward, both when loading and when carrying. When choosing between the 18 or the 30 I go with the 18 almost every time.
Thank you! I actually did a video on how long ice lasted(linked below). This weekend I will be doing another ice test with this cooler but using both bagged ice and YETI ice. My experience is that including supplemental ice (i.e. YETI ice), greatly increases the lifetime of the bagged ice. Thanks for watching! th-cam.com/video/KDIzAFKop4c/w-d-xo.html
Typically they provide one w the Hopoer 18 purchase. If not then yes, I think any type of Vaseline like lubricant will work. Might have to check on warranty though and whether that would impact a replacement if the zipper broke.
Good job making the video ! Just got mine today let’s see. Put 10 lbs ice in to see how long it lasts also that lubricant- how do you apply it to zipper ? Thanks !
I was about to buy one until you said it had to be cooled 20 mins before used. I don’t have time for that.....I want something I can throw ice in and go.
Thanks for watching, and I hear you. It still works well without pre-cooling but if you want it to provide maximum cold retention pre-cooling is the way to go. It does create a challenge but I just throw an ice block in there prior to loading it and heading out.
For me it's definitely the Hopper 18. I always find the shape of the 30 a little awkward and I find myself having trouble reaching items at the bottom (similar to a big purse). The Hopper 18 is the right shape and size for our use. Also, the Hopper 18 fits in the overhead bin of a plane so when we travel to the beach etc I can pack it with personal items, carry it on and then use it while on vacay.
I think it’s personal preference and each one has its advantages but I prefer the shape of the hopper as it’s easier to get to the bottom of the cooler. The backpack is very upright and doesn’t allow for easy access to the bottom. Having said that if you’re going to be walking with it a lot the strap setup of the backpack is definitely more convenient. Hope that helps and thank you for watching.
thanks just saw your reviews after I got the H18, wondering if you keep the zipper lube inside even with the food in? Just wondering it that will be safe? If that is what I understand by keep it inside all times. Thanks
Richard Peace I got the backflip 24 I use for travel or kayaking and the flip 12 for work When I go out for a long time I use the backflip 24 for drinks with ice and the flip 12 for sandwiches with ice packs
This is one of the better reviews I've seen. Great job!
I just went through the recall where my M30 was recalled and the Hopper 18 is what Yeti offered as the solution. I don't think I am going to be disappointed. Especially since I never liked the magnetic closure on the M30 anyway. It was very awkward to hold open while loading or unloading.
Thank you for posting this review.
*The outside fabric of the cooler is wonderful. I like the gray and blue. I have not used it yet, but by the way it looks and feels I think it will be great.*
Great review but I only use the zipper lube every six months after a deep clean of the cooler. I haven’t experienced any issues with my zipper.
This was a really good review! You answered all of my questions and even touched upon the zipper lubricant that no one else talks about. I didn't even know about it.
Thanks for the good review, Rich! I’m late in the game. For 2 persons, would you say 18 better size than 12, yet still easy to carry around?
So, we have both. But we also have two young kids. I’d say the 18 is what we use the vast majority of the time. We tend to use the 12 only when traveling very light or for just me on a quick overnight/day trip. If you’re light packers the 12 will probably be fine, but again, we use the 18 much more for any more than one person.
Thanks for the review. I am on the fence between this and the Roadie 24. Portability is the main thing for me and a soft cooler is much easier to lug around as opposed to a hard cooler. It's pretty rare that I need a hard cooler and it doesn't help that my gf already has a hard cooler that takes care of that need.
The Roadie will no doubt hold ice longer but the Hopper is no slouch and for portability it’s the way to go. 👍🏼
I have the 20 which the Roadie 24 replaced and it works great......it's probably way heavier than the softside but it is a tank...i just wish they sold a softside with wheels because I would be all over that!!!!
Well-done! I just purchased a Hopper 12...looking forward to using it on my shorter trips (I also have a 75 Tundra for longer trips)...
Great review Rich, I know it was 3 years ago but still very relevant. Thank you sir! Sold
Glad it was helpful!
Great review, keep em coming!!!
Man, thats a great detailed review! Thanks Rich
Thank you for the kind words. Glad it was helpful.
Thank you for the review. Good job. The review was very helpful in my decision to make a purchase.
Thank you! Just ordered mine.
You don’t need to use the lube every time you use the cooler. Once every few months in more than enough.
Thanks for the feedback, and I agree. I tend to exhibit a little OCD with things I want to last a long time, which probably explains why I apply it so often. 👍
Great review. I have the cooler but have lost the zipper lube. You mentioned that Yeti sells it, but I cant find it on their website either. Just curious if you had any other suggestions or where you were able to find more of it. Thanks!
@@kyletaylor4674 I use mine as a lunchbox for work andI have yet felt like the zipper needed lube at all. Haven’t used the stuff in months and my zipper is fine. Honestly, any lubricant that you deem fit would work if needed.
Well, you have me sold. Thanks!
Thanks for this review! My husband is sold on the M30 but I’m still leaning towards the Flip 18. I am primarily going to be using it to take my 3 toddlers to the beach and also to keep snacks in for longer outings since we live in the desert. I’m worried the M30 is going to be too bulky for getting around while also keeping track of the kiddos. What are your thoughts?
Thank you for watching. The M30 is great but I prefer the shape and accessibility of the hopper. If you need both hands free for the kiddos perhaps consider the backpack.
Thanks for this. Just bought one!
Awesome! Hope you like it.
Great overview!
Good review, thanks! What other yeti products do you have? About the video... I only had sound coming out of the left speaker and not the right
Thanks! I own this one, a Yeti Hopper M30 a variety of their drinkware and a YETI hard cooler. Hopefully I will get aroudn to reviewing the other items soon. Good to know about the volume...
Can you please link to the bottle opener you liked from amazon? Thanks for the review! I picked one up today and love it but was surprised that the warranty is only 3 years. I’m mostly worried about the zipper breaking.
I’ll see if I can find the bottle opener. Regarding the zipper, I completely understand. In my experience if the zipper does break it will be inside of 3 years, allowing you to get a replacement.
Richard Peace Thanks! Very interested in your opinion on the M30 and which you prefer
My preference is the Flip 18. I find the M30 to be a bit awkward, both when loading and when carrying. When choosing between the 18 or the 30 I go with the 18 almost every time.
Good review my man
You did an excellent job on this review video!!!
From your real world experience how long does it keep ice (with and without pre cooling)?
Thank you! I actually did a video on how long ice lasted(linked below). This weekend I will be doing another ice test with this cooler but using both bagged ice and YETI ice. My experience is that including supplemental ice (i.e. YETI ice), greatly increases the lifetime of the bagged ice. Thanks for watching!
th-cam.com/video/KDIzAFKop4c/w-d-xo.html
Great review, thanks!
I understand to lubricate but on outside and inside or on top of the teeth? Or all 3. Great review.
Thank you for watching. I would recommend all three.
Do you have to buy yeti lubricsnt or csn you use somethjng like vaseline?
Typically they provide one w the Hopoer 18 purchase. If not then yes, I think any type of Vaseline like lubricant will work. Might have to check on warranty though and whether that would impact a replacement if the zipper broke.
Good job making the video ! Just got mine today let’s see. Put 10 lbs ice in to see how long it lasts also that lubricant- how do you apply it to zipper ? Thanks !
I just lightly apply it to both sides of each (upper and lower) zipper.
Thank you for the review
I was about to buy one until you said it had to be cooled 20 mins before used. I don’t have time for that.....I want something I can throw ice in and go.
Thanks for watching, and I hear you. It still works well without pre-cooling but if you want it to provide maximum cold retention pre-cooling is the way to go. It does create a challenge but I just throw an ice block in there prior to loading it and heading out.
Since you have both, would you recommend the M30 or the Flip 18?
For me it's definitely the Hopper 18. I always find the shape of the 30 a little awkward and I find myself having trouble reaching items at the bottom (similar to a big purse). The Hopper 18 is the right shape and size for our use. Also, the Hopper 18 fits in the overhead bin of a plane so when we travel to the beach etc I can pack it with personal items, carry it on and then use it while on vacay.
Thx, just picked one up..king crab orange!
Love that color!
For someone that already has a roadie 24 and tundra haul, would you recommend the flip 18 or flip backpack?
I think it’s personal preference and each one has its advantages but I prefer the shape of the hopper as it’s easier to get to the bottom of the cooler. The backpack is very upright and doesn’t allow for easy access to the bottom. Having said that if you’re going to be walking with it a lot the strap setup of the backpack is definitely more convenient. Hope that helps and thank you for watching.
Great review! How has it held up since this video? Thanks
Perfect
@richpeace5575 thanks for the response! We'd love to see and update video 😊🙏
Question will it hold 6 32oz bottles of Gatorade
thanks just saw your reviews after I got the H18, wondering if you keep the zipper lube inside even with the food in? Just wondering it that will be safe? If that is what I understand by keep it inside all times. Thanks
I store the lube inside of the cooler when it's not in use. When the cooler is in use I keep it out.
Great review! Just bought the yeti hopper 12. Feel like doing a panga28 review? Lol $400 later....
Try out the yeti backflip 24
I may do that!
Richard Peace I got the backflip 24 I use for travel or kayaking and the flip 12 for work
When I go out for a long time I use the backflip 24 for drinks with ice and the flip 12 for sandwiches with ice packs
The bottle opener yeti sells is absolute trash!! Glad I’m not the only one!!