YETI COOLER vs COMMON SENSE: Why not to spend over $200 on a cooler
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ค. 2024
- Watch me spend irreplaceable hours of my life analyzing & debunking the pyramid scheme that is overpriced "hard coolers". This video is part 3 in a series detailing all the component parts of my car-camping setup.
Links to purchase the recommended 'treeline' cooler mold
amzn.to/3y1seSo - 45qt Amazon commercial brand
amzn.to/3xVG9Z1 - 45 qt Landworks brand
amzn.to/3Qr0M7E - 60 qt Seavilis brand
amzn.to/3zTe4no - 60 qt Xspec brand
(Last updated 6/17/22)
A note to those currently shopping around:
In the time between posting this video and now, the volatile cooler market has seen a lot of price fluctuation. These links may not always be up to date. My advice is to set your amazon search filter to show you the $100-$200 options, like so : amzn.to/3zTe4no
#yeticooler #hardcooler #yeti #cooler
Intro animation by Molly Garret
![[FULL EP.14] เซียนหรั่ง สอน มาร์ชจุ จับปูนา ฮากระจาย | เฮ็ดอย่างเซียนหรั่ง | One Playground](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/M8mPjd_T2lo/mqdefault.jpg)
Great video! I just need a cooler that will last 3 days in 110-115 ° Temps. I can't justify paying $400 for a cooler or $259 for igloo imx which is the one I want. I feel like aside from inflation, that Yeti showed other businesses that, yes consumers will happily pay $400 for a cooler. Then other businesses followed driving prices up even more. So thanks Yeti.
I love your humor. Also great editing and overall execution, thank you!
Thank you :-) Glad you enjoyed it!
Agree. Interesting and entertaining videos.
totally.
Excellent production value and great information. Cant believe you only have 800 subscribers. I'm sure that will grow quickly.
Thanks Tyler!
This video was well edited and put together! I like your style.
Best advice on coolers out there!!!! Thanks girl for your time, efforts, and $ you spent to make this vid! Cute pup.
Thanks Hesty!
Great video. You may not know yet, but instead of using ice cubes, freeze jugs and bottles of water and use them as giant "icepacks". The beauty is nothing to drain and no icepond sloshing around. If you ever want a water you can pull one out to thaw as youd have a boatload of them in the cooler. I seen another hack where buddy cut and fit dense insulation sheets on the inside of the cooler. They were snug, but easily removable. You sacrifice volume for another couple days of cooler temperatures.
To do this isn't exactly cheap...You need a cooler big enough(over 100 Litres idealy and they arent exactly cheap), and of course you have to purchase your water and insulating board. Still cheaper than a yeti or arktic. To take ANOTHER step further. Store the cooler inside the vehicle and not the trunk or trailer. Also once you are at the camp ground place it in the shade(duh you already know that). but elevate it on some logs or rock for airflow, and to prevent the cooler from getting in contact with a different temperature surface. You can also cover the cooler with a wet towel or insulated blanket....
Youre basically crossing every t and dotting every i for the least amount of money as possible. It does make a big difference. Seems nerdy and stupid but do you want cold beer on day 3 or piss warm IPA that taste like shit? That still sounds bad...am I a nerd or an alcoholic? God damn it.
Underrated youtube channel! Great info. Keep uploading!
LOVE the energy of your videos. Excited for whatever you make next.
Hey Thanks Benjamin!
The roto-mold rabbit hole, oh Lord I had no idea what I was getting myself into and you're proving it...... 😳
A couple of modifications that might enhance the ice retention of your treeline is to line the wire basket with a plastic bag (with small hole to drain to bottom).. this will isolate the basket contents from the rest of the cooler, and the air space will insulate the basket considerably from warming via conduction. Melt water will conduct heat from the edges of the cooler otherwise and increase meltdown. Another modification would be to cut a fitted panel of *Reflectix (Home Depot or Lowes) and place over top of basket. This will help to decrease any radiant heat (If there's a space between lid top and reflectix top surface) transfer from cooler lid to interior content. Those mods may add a day or more to ice retention
This is definitely worth testing! Thanks for the detailed tips
Loving your channel. Well produced vids and useful info. Thanks from another 4Runner sleeper.
Hey thanks!
By far, one of the best reviews I've seen. Good job
Why thank you Chao
Absolutely awesome video. You do terrific work, and will grow quickly. Thanks again!
Thanks Grant :-)
I like people who don't like wasting money. Good video.
Thanks!
Thanks for your time and effort with this, and thanks for sharing.
Amazing video. I think you would make an excellent detective or lawyer. You make convincing arguments in a calm and logical way. Thank you for saving me from my future Yeti purchase.
“This is in no way shape or form to be construed as legal advice” but you are welcome :-)
This my fave channel! #1 best cooler purchase advice video on the internet!!!!!!!
:-) Shucks!
Great vid that just validated my purchase of the 20qt Amazon Professional Cooler(also labeled as a Treeline, Expec, Landworks, etc). I too fell victim to YETI's marketing and bought the new Roadie 24 but then sent it back. I just couldn't justify spending $200+ on a COOLER. This Amazon Professional cooler is built like a tank and should last a long time. And it only cost me $105.00! Oh and for those who already have one, the huge Amazon Professional logo is just a sticker that you can easily peel off :)
Glad to hear you have found the light!
Very nicely done. You are definitely one person contributing to making America great again! And, thank you!
Love your content. Hope to see more from you in the future .
Another great video! For years I had an original Coleman Steel Belted cooler, until the latch fell off. I guess I could have just bought another latch but upon closer inspection the metal was beginning to separate from the plastic. I started looking for a replacement. I looked at the Yeti's but just couldn't bring myself to spend that kind of money. Finally bought an Igloo BMX 72 Qt cooler for $160. Ive been very satisfied.
Oooo Those old colemans are cool!
I love your editing style and content. Subscribed hoping you'll post more videos. Thanks.
Hey thanks emmie!
Your effort!!!! Love this
Treeline is still sold at Tractor Supply. And sometimes they have significant sales.I got my 60qt Treeline for $99. Also RTIC 52qt cooler is slightly different than the other Rotomolded coolers. Most 45qt coolers are 29-30 lbs but the RTIC 52 is 21lbs. And RTIC comes with basket,a divider that is like a ice pack, and normally $199 but frequently on sales for $179. Though with ocean containers (used to ship from Asia factories) reaching $20,000 per container vs $4,000 container pre-COVID and other significant material cost increases, prices are going to rise.
All excellent points and good info!
This was the video I didn't know I needed in my life.
Really great video! ill be sure to watch out for those feature when I shop for a cooler
Great info here! Also can’t wait for your lighting video if you still plan on that. Also rad that you’re a Midwesterner - I’m in St Louis
Woo STL!
@@kendellharbin about to start making some videos myself on my build. Have a Forester I’ve been working on.
This video was very helpful, thank you
I'm so glad. You're welcome!
Love the quality content! 👌🏽
Glad to hear it!
I love your storytelling style. New subscriber here, great content!!! Thank you for sharing. It's taking me months to decide on a cooler for our global overland expedition.
Thanks for this feedback -- I am jealous to hear to are about to embark on a global trip!!
@@kendellharbin Don't be jealous, attack your goals one by one, go for it, we are not the first or last to embark on such journey. Having the vision and the passion towards your aspirations and goals are the true motor to all your adventures. It's hard work, challenging and lot's of planning, however, experiencing new countries and their cultures through over landing is wonderful and life changing. Best of luck!
I didn’t ever consider a Yeti. I ended up with a BougeRV 23 qt. DC fridge or freezer (pick one). Very happy with it. I also waited for a sale and got it for $175.
That tells you how big a rip off yeti is when you can buy an actual refrigerator for the same price or less.
I found your video helpful and affirming, as I basically feel the same as you about the overpricing gig.
I ended up ordering a super nice 45qt. Catergator from Webstaurant . It was $164.99. My only complaint is that a week later it went on sale for $129.99! I contacted store to see about returning and re-ordering at sale price but they charge a 30% re-stock fee so not worth the hassle. BTW, this is the same exact mold as the Yukon 45 which retails for $229.99
Happy to hear I can provide some affirmation. The whole thing is a racket, really. Getting any kind of deal feels like a win in the capitalist arena of cooler consumerism
wow I love this channel!
I really loved your video, thank you.
Interesting, lots of great information in this video ... Thank you
Thanks!!
Nice video, Like your vibe and all the information you shared 👍😇
Why thank you!
nice video, and thanks for the comparison with logic
I do what I can
I bought a Gott 50 quart cooler in late 90s. I still have it and am using it today to keep food warm. It does that. You can get the same cooler for around $25.00. I don't use ice; I use bottles I freeze then use them. It works for days; it even keeps bags of ice, for drinks, frozen. Anybody buying a $200.00 cooler has too much money to spend. BYW if you do dump ice in keep in mind it's ice water that cools, not ice.
mostly being made in the USA is a critical and important part of the Yeti experience... some of us don't fancy the idea of having a Chinese sweatshop made cooler for our outdoor experience.
What about you chinese sweat shop made phone? I guess we all must pick our battles when it comes to consumerism...
@@kendellharbin well, I actually own a Samsung made in Korea ... but that said, some things we have no choice .. prime example is Mac computers .. but when and where I have a choice, I DO NOT buy made in China when I can avoid it..
Thank you for a great video. Having been in the manufacturing business, we see these general designs with different labels as a result of doing so much business in countries like China. Regardless if you have a patent here, the Chinese government forces companies to give up all their product information. It then gets mass produced then sold on commercial sites. Anyone can then create a company and begin selling without any product development whatsoever!
Preach Bill!
Just an FYI in the case of Yeti: they don't have patents on their roto-molded cooler designs. They ripped the design off of an exiting cooler company popular with fishermen in Japan.
@@cooper9917 the plot thickens!
@@cooper9917 how do you know?
@@cooper9917 what are your sources about it?
This was fantastic! Thanks
I like your research and presentation. I felt like I got ripped off buying yeti now I am looking for fridge instead of coolers
Hey Thanks. And yeah, really I should have titled this video 'evidence as to why a fridge is better if you can afford it, but if not just buy a cheap cooler because it doesn't matter too much'.... ha!
WOW, thank you for this video. I just come off vacation a few weeks ago and said I need a new cooler. I was looking at the Yeti and the Orca. Something just didnt sit right with me for the price they charge. The one with wheels was $500.00!!. I saw your video and was so surprised about the coolers basically being all the same except for the name. Well I found a very nice one for $230.00 with wheels at 45 quart by XSPEC. Thank you for all your hard research I am very happy with my new find ❤
You should look into the RTIC Ultralight. It comes with a basket and a divider that doubles as an ice pack. I don't really have a need for the divider and don't use it, but I do use it for "pre-cooling" I'll freeze that, put it in the night before along with a big cup of ice on each side.
Probably not as good as loading it up with ice, but it recently kept a lot of ice frozen over a 3 day period for me and the first day it sat in my car that was parked in direct sunlight for 5 hours... So, color me impressed.
Divider that doubles as I’ve pack! Okay that I can get behind
Love this video… sure, there a few gaps in the science but you clearly (with some beautiful sarcasm) admit that… the point is that you think about this whole thing differently from almost every other video out there… and you hit the nail on the head about keeping food dry because I’m watching all these guys on fishing trips with a box full of beer thinking “yeah but what about packs of cling film wrapped meat!?” (Which aren’t exactly watertight)… I’m now search for coolers that have a basket.
Love the style and animation, matching your nails with the prompts etc… really refreshing and different : )
Chris, thank you for this, and especially for noticing the nail color details!
My solution to keeping food dry is to freeze drinking water bottles ahead of time. Keeps food cold, dry, and I can drink the water too.
Woo! Been waiting for this one since the camp supply video, lol. Really love your style of video and it is a crime that you don’t have more subs. I’d since scored a used Igloo IMX 24qt for $40 but was waiting for this vid before making a choice on the full size cooler. Please keep doing what you’re doing! The effort you put into your vids really shows. Sittin tight for the next, hopefully, in the series.
Stay awesome! 🖖🏽🤓
Thanks for this thoughtful comment mike!
I’m proud of your decision to make a cooler video. Unless you bad mouth the one I ordered 2 days ago. Then I am not proud. Thank you for your service/possible disservice
Ha! Thank you. And you're welcome.
first off your hens are beautiful!!! not as beautiful as my hens of course but beautiful just the same. great video i bought a 45 qt treeline a few months ago and im really happy with it. i went camping with a friend of mine last week and it did just as good as his yeti in the high desert in california.
Nice vid!
I wonder how any of these would compare to a box made of 2" insulation foam.
I never got into the Yeti thing but have considered one fo the other rotomolded coolers that all are less. I have watched the same cooler challenges we've all seen and it occured to me, not exactly like you use a real cooler. They open and rifle thru them for a minute and shut them. Might work if you were looking for a drink, but not so much for dinner (and doing this 2-4 times a day). Last year I bought a 25 qt Igloo BMX for something like $70. I have thought I might just do a few cheaper little hacks (foam in the lid, a false lid, etc), because it's not too bad. I'll never get more than a 2-3 days anyway, and it's what I'm getting.
This is exactly what I'm saying. Yes, Jay!
Thank you! I was about to get caught up in all the hype. You’ve just saved me some $$$.
Just doing my job folks :-)
Subscribed, liked all vids i've seen! I dig your content. Your 4runner set up is 10/10! I'll be copying your platform. Keep up the good work, stay safe out there! :)
Excellent review.
I think it is overall best to have a secondary smaller cooler just for the drinks as well. (main for food)
Totally agree - if you have the space this is a good method
If you’re going out into the backcountry for several days, hunting or fishing, then pre-chilling any cooler really is the only option. Using those freeze packs (the ones with lower freezing point than ice) as a base layer also makes a huge difference. Of course making sure all your food is pre-chilled/frozen is key. Again, this is for serious outdoor scenarios where gas station ice is not an option. If you just need a cooler for parties or weekend car camping, you don’t need a rotomolded cooler. But following those rules with any cooler, will get you through a whole weekend nicely. I was given a Yeti, and though it works well, and is well-made, I’d never pay full price for one.
all excellent points!
I just bought a tree line cooler yesterday. I hope it was a good buy.
I’d say it’s a good choice!
Not supposed to drain the water. It introduces air which doesn't keep things cold. I've been using Coleman Xtreme 5 day coolers for the last 10 years and they do indeed keep ice for 5 days. I have some gripes about some parts of it, but they get the job done and were very affordable.
Things may not stay quite as cold, but ice lasts longer with no water
Well done! Suggestions on a wheeled cooler?
I’d check out the ‘Amazon commercial’ brand version of this same mold - they have a wheeled upgrade I believe
Lifetime 55qt, $144.44 at Walmart, checks every box in this video, made in USA. When it comes to coolers, ease of transport is key. Check it out!
@@linschien Sounds even better! Thanks for the ho tip
Not sure what you're channel is about but enjoyed your scientific analysis of the coolers and the style was "Caseyesue" but with your own twist. Sub'd 👍🏼
I just got a treeline for my birthday a few days ago and I love it! I would never buy yeti
treeline for liffeeeee
Well just bought a 2002 4 runner 3 weeks ago at a fair price and it’s got 187000 miles on it and it runs great, and yes it’s going to be my hopefully get a small fishing boat hauler🛶 + overnite camping rig, 🏕and I had just found a Coleman 30qt. cooler at the local Goodwill store that looked like brand new for $4.98 and of course had to try it out , I tossed a 16 lb bag of ice in it with drinks and it lasted 2- 3/4 days inside the back of the vehicle ( mind you I live in west central Florida ) the outside temps were 80 ish but as we know the inside of a vehicle can get a lot warmer inside , I think I got my money’s worth , looking forward to using it and viewing more of your( cool !) vid’s 👍, now were’s my dam fishing pole🤔 🎣
Hekk yeah dave! Sounds like you scored
Ice will keep longer with less air in the cooler. If you don't fill up the cooler all the way with food/drink and ice, the ice will melt faster.
do u have a comparison on the plug in coolers?
Nope, they are too rich for my blood
You are awesome! Thank you
Nice.. I see people are defensive about your test. I'm guessing that's because they've already bought a $500 cooler. I saw you put ice in all of them and show how long it took the ice to melt in each. That's good enough for me. Good job.
Ha! I suspect you are right. I think I need to make that “100% science” claim more obvious
Immediately subscribed.
do you have a video on your shower & tolet setup
Not yet, shower is coming! My toilet is a bush :-)
So, in 90 degree heat, what is the best cooler out there? Still skeptical!
If you are using it for food (opening and closing often) nothing will last more than 3 days. Buy a fridge if you can!
Reminds me of the Dr. Squatch brand who just rebadge soaps and jack the price up 5x.
This was a great review Vid...I appreciate the info you have provided... florida rules
The 6 days guaranteed is more if you don’t open and close the cooler....fishermen would take ice with them offshore for trips that’s last days and they don’t open and close the cooler till they are ready to use all the ice
Interesting point!
this is amazing and you sound like sarah vowell HUGE BONUS
55 qt Coho currently on sale for $99 at Costco..seems like a great price for this size and specs.. may get one today if they have any available
Oh Yes I just saw this at my local costco for $138 - Still a good price. I say snag it if you can!
Yep.. I picked it up for $99 at Costco… Show me another rotomolded cooler with this price to quart ratio.. Gotta love Costco..Hoping it performs well for many years
Well I have tried multiple times to find these manufacturers that sell ice chest blanks. No luck , zero, nada. Help please, can you give me a one or more links to these?
China google AHIC coolers. From the web page it appears that they do most of the copy designs.
I love your video content and production!
I keep used1.5 litre Ice tea jugs or zip lock bags filled with water in the freezer for when I need cooler ice. Block ice is better for two 0r three days. Get a cheap digital thermometer to monitor the inside temperature in the cooler , If you need a lot if cubed ice Costco Business Centers her in Canada sell it much cheaper than grocery stores or gas stations.
These are all great tips!
Can you link the basket you bought for it?
Unfortunately it's not longer listed as being available at home depot. But if I find it elsehwere I sure will let you know! There's gotta be more than one 'likea glove' fit out there.
Being the owner of 2 yeti coolers my choice may be marginally better or worse than the rest and that makes me feel great thank you 😂
haha id say the same if invested nearly a thousand into coolers
@@Murmurrr Not even close, try $400 even
Agree with it all except the LaCroix. Either Waterloo or a store brand is better. IMO.
Okay fair. I find that different brands excel at different flavors though. For instance, LaCroix nailed the grapefruit, but waterloo does coconut better. CALL ME CRAZY.... but I dont have allegiance to any one brand
That’s funny, snail runner. As a fellow 4Runner owner I understand!
I keep frozen 2 liter soda bottles in my deep freezer to charge my coolers.
file this under hot tips. Thanks!
Rtic has 2.75" of insulation and Yeti has 2.25" they are different blanks. FDA also recommends keeping fridge at 38f (below 40, as 40 is the not in the safe) Rotomolders will often use very similar design queues. None of these coolers are currently under $200. Buying 2x$159 coolers (because of lack of warranty) within 2 years, vs buying a $250 cooler for 10 years....
Damn inflation
What basket was it that you found
I wish I could give you more specifics. It was the most unidentifiable thing you could ever find in a home depot...
You’re a good story teller and should make more videos.
As for the the coolers, I think people should avoid them and go instead with a proper 12v fridge like IceCo.
Thanks! And yeah, I agree. The more long-term traveling I do, the more I recommend a 12v fridge. That being said, if you often jump between car and boat (the low budget kind with no power) the cooler is a good portable option I find.
@@kendellharbin I just found your videos while researching car camping conversions and I really like them. I would love to see you continue the series and cover the topics you mentioned in the first video!
Thanks dad!
Thank you!!!!
I knew it, the Yeti design concept was copied too fast, with no patent infringement. Well done.
Just bought a tree line cooler… not at all discontinued
I got a $65.00 Colman 25 years ago, and it still to this day outlasts my friends $400.00 yeti. Yeti sucks for the price.
I love to hear this!
I refuse to spend more than 60 bucks on a cooler. Great video tho!
I think this is actually a really sane position to take. I'm just in too deep!
This is great informative video! But, something that is often over looked is warranty and warranty PROCESS. Warranties are nice, but they’re irrelevant if you have to jump through hoops to take advantage of it or it’s denied for something or the other. Yeti goes above and beyond for warranties claims. I’m sure there’s other companies that do as well, and paying a lot more for that might not be worth it to some, but in my opinion should be considered as a major part of the value of a product and not just the physical characteristics of the product itself.
Excellent point Colton. I totally agree that warranty and customer service are a valuable factor to consider in the purchase of a large item. However, I am not sure sure I can justify "needing a warranty" for a cooler. Ha! Call me old fashioned.
@@kendellharbin consider if you are a serious camper or hunter and a bear gets into your bear proof cooler though. the random chinesium knockoff brands like treeline probably wont care. or exist anymore. while yeti, orca and engel likely will be around much longer. it is true that a lot of "brands" share the exact same mold basically, but its companies like yeti that spend money doing r & d and have better warranties and customer service, then china makes knockoffs because they couldnt possibly care less about patents or laws that stop that sort of thing here. its a pretty big problem overall and part of why exporting the majority of our manufacturing to china has hurt so many while people simply think "oh ill just buy this cheap knockoff brand, its basically the same thing". there are some cooler manufacturers that make more in america and their products are probably more unique, probably more expensive too. orca, pelican, grizzly, even some igloo for example. in general thats just the way things work these days because the vast majority of people are far more concerned about saving some $$ than buying american/local. and a lot just dont know its happening at all too. but these days its just 1 factory in china makes a product that 10 different brands all buy and slap their sticker on, including some "luxury brands" in some categories. so there is definitely a coolergate scandal, just a matter of who actually designed the products vs who is dropshipping somebody elses stolen designs from china. and im pretty sure that treeline model is now being sold under the "amazon commercial" brand as a generic "rotomolded cooler". i just saw some of those on amazon today and it has the same 2 angles and latches so very likely from same place. good comparison though! even if the winner was some random chinesium, they arent necessarily inferior products so not always a bad choice. and greetings from south kc, probably the worst place to do any sort of heat related test when its a giant, overly humid, sticky 120 degree sauna through the summer months!
@@turdferguson7686 All such great points to consider. And thank you for validating that a.) coolergate is real, b.) Just because something is a knock off, doesnt mean it's inferior, and c.) KC is depressingly hot these days. I just took my cooler for a day trip to lawrence on the 4th and everything was melted by the end of the day. No cooler is safe.
@@kendellharbin ha, nothing is safe in this nasty weather. and its time to spread the word on coolergate because everybody needs to know!
The problem with Yeti warranty is you have to ship the entire cooler back to them at your expense. Try finding a cheap and solid packaging that will handle a 50 quart cooler and then you have the massive amount it cost to ship something this heavy and bulky across the country. And what isn't covered by their warranty? Of course the item that breaks the most which is the lid latches. Those are $17.00. And expect to replace them once a year if you use the cooler more than half a dozen times a year. There are several American made coolers that have much better warranty. If you are going to spend that kind of money purchase a Kong cooler. The latches are better and easier to use and ice retention is a bit better. Their warranty is lifetime instead of 3 to 5 years.
Short end of the story, YETI has the best name, nothing else.
Exactly.
Great video production and very enjoyable! There are lies, d@mn lies, and statistics. I would put cooler tests next! I can see why you wanted to dump the water since dryness was your primary criteria, however you're tossing out a huge cold mass which is at 32 degrees Fahrenheit and would continue to cool your food up to a food safe temperature of 40 degrees. Say you tossed out 10 liters of water ( 2.64 gallons.) That's 10,000 mI X 8 degrees (40-32) or 80,000 calories of cooling wasted. I also agree with a comment below that the warranty and your ability to access it should be on your list at #10.
This is a fair point!
I got a Yeti half price . Truly a great cooler. But I would never spend the money if it was not half the price.
Kong coolers are made in USA plus accessories are pretty cool
Looking to buy a new 70quartish cooler, have been doing research but not in depth like you, thanks for exposing those frauds! lol 🤣
Glad I could help ;-)
@@kendellharbin :)
So then I can assume the Lifetime brand at Walmart will perform pretty much the same, give or take a little!
I'd say so
Is that the Joyful swamp goblins home at the end? Also, I can't believe you deleted my comment. WOW, I'm not picking you up from the airport tomorrow. good luck!
Yes it is, and i swear I didnt. That right there is some magic shit. Too powerful to live on the internet, exploding like a suepr nova
Melted Ice water inside a cooler actually helps keep the rest of the ice around longer.
a fair point!
Wait- was that guy petting an alligator ?!??
You better believe it. Florida!