As shoppers, we try to look for the best value for our buck. This means we won’t turn down paying less for a product that serves the same purpose and has a similar quality to the top-rated brand Yeti. A relatively new brand to outdoor gear, Yeti is known for a variety of products such as their Yeti cooler bags, Yeti ice chests and other adventure necessities.
However, high quality comes a high price point which not all people can afford. As with many companies that have built successful brands, Yeti is seeing its products being “knocked-off”, with competitors emerging with similar products. As consumers, we’re not going to turn down a better deal for an ice chest if the quality is on par. Let’s take a look at the top-rated Yeti alternatives for coolers on the market today.
View all the 10 Best Yeti Knockoffs on the Market Below
1. Coleman Cooler | Steel-Belted Cooler – Best Value
Yeti coolers are heavy-duty, so to find the best Yeti knockoff will require a sturdy build as well. The Coleman cooler is a high capacity and robust cooler that comes in multiple colors. The design sort of has a throwback element and reminds us of coolers from the 70s. The retro design has a 54-quart capacity or the equivalent of holding up to 85 cans! It’s great for a day out on the beach or into the backwoods with the capability of ice retention for up to 4 days!
The steel build is made to last for years and the Coleman Cooler comes with comfort-grip steel handles to help with all the heavy lifting.
PROS
- Comes in many colors
- 54-quart capacity
- Stainless steel hardware
- Comfort grip handles
- 4-day ice retention
CONS
- The latches are not very strong
- Ice retention is lower in hotter climates
Why We Like It
We love the retro look of this adorable cooler. It can hold a decent amount and has many colors for you to choose from.
2. Coleman Excursion Portable Cooler – Best Budget
This is a smaller cooler from Coleman that isn’t a big commitment if you are new to outdoor gear. Its 9-quart capacity (holds up to 9 cans) makes it the best yet knockoff for those looking for a simple ice chest for small excursions. It features a single bail handle to make toting this portable cooler around without straining your muscles. Made in the USA, this Coleman mini cooler is a top-rated Yeti knockoff that will perform the basic functions and not take up too much space.
PROS
- Compact size
- 2 different colors
- Durable lid
- Comfortable bail handle
- Made in the USA
CONS
- Can be difficult to open
- Ice retention is lower on hot days
Why We Like It
The compact size of the Coleman Excursion cooler is very appealing for those will small families or ones who go on shorter trips.
3. Igloo BMX Family with Cool Riser Technology
If you are looking for something slightly bigger than our best budget option but want a bit more pizazz, the Igloo BMX is one of the best Yeti alternatives for you. It has a 25-quart capacity with cool riser technology, which elevates the cooler off the ground for more effective ice retention. Add in the extra thick foam walls, reinforced latches and a triple point grab handle, you have yourself a Yeti knockoff that can withstand the elements. The Igloo BMX, like Yeti coolers is engineered to deliver superior ice retention performance.
PROS
- Heavy-duty construction
- Extra thick foam walls
- Durable handle
- Cool Riser technology
- Easily portable
CONS
- Thin insulation
Why We Like It
The Igloo BMX family cooler is just the right size for most activities and is sturdily built to last for years.
4. Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Zipperless Hardbody Cooler
Coolers can come in a variety of different designs. Like Yeti, manufacturers have also created soft coolers and bag-like coolers like this one from Arctic Zone. The heat barrier in this hardbody cooler will reflect instead of absorbing heat and therefore prolongs the coldness of the contents. Arctic Zone features a patented lid on this cooler that is zipperless and can be flipped open for easy access. The entire cooler is leakproof with water-resistant material that is easy to clean.
PROS
- Patented zipperless lid
- Leakproof
- Waterproof
- Reflects heat
- Comfortable shoulder strap
CONS
- The shoulder strap can still weigh down your shoulders
- No handle
Why We Like It
We like the leakproof construction with waterproof materials because we know that it’s not fun to clean up a cooler with melted contents.
5. CleverMade Collapsible Cooler Bag
Made to resemble a picnic basket, the Clevermade Collapsible Cooler Bag is another Yeti knockoff to rave about in terms of durability and functionality. The soft cooler can hold up to 50 cans plus have room left for ice. Two side hinges are present that serve to keep the shape of the cooler when it is open. To close the collapsible cooler bag, just push down on the side hinges to fold it flat for storage. It’s the perfect size for delivery, sports events and picnics.
PROS
- Leakproof design
- Can hold up to 50 cans
- Side hinges for support
- Folds flat for storage
- 3 different colors
CONS
- Copious amounts of water may still leak through
- Can be a bit difficult to open
Why We Like It
A collapsible cooler bag like this one offers a level of convenience not found with box coolers. It can fold flat, be stored in your car and kept out of the way when not in use.
6. RTIC Insulated Soft Cooler Bag
RTIC coolers have gained traction over the years for being very well-made, and this is why they take a spot on our top list of Yeti knockoff options. This soft cooler option is also on the smaller side, but can still hold up to 30 cans. The strong cooler is made from leakproof and puncture-resistant material with an antimicrobial lining to keep your contents fresh. RTIC coolers outrank and outperform its competitors with superior ice retention performance and soft shape that holds its structure even when empty.
PROS
- Puncture-resistant material
- Anti-microbial lining
- Leakproof design
- Holds its shape
- Can hold up to 30 cans
CONS
- The zipper can be hard to work
Why We Like It
RTIC coolers take the utmost care when it comes to keeping your food and drinks cool. The anti-microbial lining can keep the contents fresh and mildew-free.
7. Pelican 20 Quart Elite Cooler
A Pelican cooler can also run up the price a little but is still nothing compared to Yetis, even Yeti coolers on sale. Pelican coolers are known for extreme ice retention that can last for days. The Pelican 20 quart cooler can attribute this to the heavily insulated cooler walls and the freezer-grade gasket.
The cooler comes in a variety of colors and the carry handle is paired with high end locking latches and a stainless steel bottle opener among other winning features. The non-slip rubber feet pads and self-draining cupholders add to the functionality of the cooler that’s backed by a lifetime warranty. There is nothing stopping you from giving the Pelican cooler a try.
PROS
- Lifetime warranty
- Comes with a bottle opener
- Non-slip feet
- Self-draining cupholders
- Heavily insulated for ice retention
CONS
- Larger than what you expect a 20-quart cooler to be
- The ice won’t keep for more than a couple of days
Why We Like It
The Pelican cooler is top-notch in terms of quality on our Yeti knockoff reviews list. It features prime insulation with a freezer-grade gasket all in a small profile.
8. ENGEL Cooler/Dry Box 13 Qt
Don’t let the modest design of this Yeti-like ice cooler fool you. It features molded polystyrene insulation encased by a lightweight but durable polypropylene outer shell. Not only does the Engel cooler have a handle, but it features a shoulder strap as well, which isn’t something we often see with a hardshell box cooler. The rubber gasket is airtight that will keep everything inside fresh and cool. Without anything inside, Engel coolers only weigh about 3-7 pounds, making them one of the lightest choices.
PROS
- Durable polypropylene outer shell
- Polystyrene insulation
- Shoulder strap and handle design
- Lightweight
- Airtight EVA rubber gasket
CONS
- Not made in the USA
Why We Like It
We like the inclusion of a shoulder strap as well as a handle for versatility. The advanced insulation materials can also keep the contents cooler for longer in these ice chests.
9. Igloo Polar Cooler
For those in the market for a larger cooler that will let you stay out for longer, the Igloo Polar Cooler can keep the ice for up to 5 days! The ultratherm insulation in this simple ice chest can withstand temperatures up to 90-degrees Fahrenheit. With an impressive 120 quart capacity, the Igloo Polar Cooler is one that can keep food for everyone in your family and more. The swing handles on the side for easy portability can be latched down to keep out of your way. The cooler even features a drain plug for a hose to drain excess liquids.
PROS
- Ultratherm insulation
- Keeps ice for up to 5 days
- 120-quart capacity
- Swing handles for movement
- Features a drainage plug
CONS
- The lid could seal even tighter
Why We Like It
The product is as advertised and could easily keep the contents cold for at least 3 days, making it the perfect companion for weekend trips.
10. Coleman Cooler | Xtreme Cooler
This Coleman cooler has a simple yet spacious design with a 100-can capacity. The heavy-duty cooler can double as a seat thanks to the tightly sealed lid that can support up to 250 lbs. It can even serve as a short table with 4 cupholders built into the top of the lid to hold your drinks. The Xtreme cooler earns its name with the heavy insulation designed to keep the contents cold for up to 5 days in high heat. The Coleman Xtreme cooler has a smooth texture that is easy to wipe clean in case of messes.
PROS
- Spacious yet simple design
- Strong lid that supports up to 250 lbs
- 4 cupholders on the lid
- Heavy-duty insulation
- Keeps ice up to 5 days
CONS
- The handles and hinges are a little weak
Why We Like It
The Coleman Xtreme is by far the most versatile cooler we have come across. It not only keeps your contents cool for a significant period but also doubles as a stool and short table.
Best Yeti Knockoff Buying Guide
We all know Yeti is a great brand for outdoor equipment, so when it comes to finding the best Yeti knockoffs, you want it to serve the same purposes. In order to match a knockoff Yeti to the real thing, you want it to be durable, functional and convenient. To ensure that, we put together a list of things to look out for.
Capacity
One of the very first things to consider is the size of the coolers. How much do you need to keep in your cooler? Do you go on trips with a large party? These are all questions to ask yourself when figuring out the right size. Also, keep in mind the types of items you tend to carry.
For example, beer and soda cans can easily stack up to make the most of your storage space. However, if you like foot-long subs, then you may need to look into a cooler that offers more horizontal storage space regardless of the quart capacity.
Look at the design of the cooler, if it features insulated and non-insulated space, the advertised size will be a sum of both areas. Take into consideration that the actual storage of the insulated space. Also, keep in mind that soft-sided coolers will have a little extra give compared to a hard one.
Then comes the sizing of the cooler itself. It’s less of an issue with soft coolers since most of them can fold for storage. Hardshell coolers will take up more space and not be so easily stored away. Look at how much room your vehicle or storage space can afford you to determine the right sizing.
Material/Construction
Manufacturers often boast of strong and durable materials when it comes to the construction of their coolers. Some Yeti coolers have a blend of 2 or more materials to maximize the beneficial properties of each that results in an overall better product.
Plastic – Plastic material is ubiquitous in the cooler world and is often the go-to choice for hard coolers. Plastic is hardy, lightweight and can withstand a lot of impact. It’s also quite affordable and does well in the insulation department. Plastic isn’t a bad choice at all, but when it’s reinforced with steel or aluminum hardware and handles, it only adds to the durability of the coolers.
Rubber – The rubber refers mostly to the gasket and seals. Rubber is often incorporated for its high-performance and gripping properties. You may also see them in the form of rubber feet for your cooler to give it a non-slip bottom. Rubber won’t take up the majority of the construction and more commonly used as a reinforcing agent.
Metal – In Yeti-like coolers, metal will be a prevalent construction material incorporated in the design. They are most commonly seen in the hinges, handles, zippers and other fine details of coolers. Coolers with metal hardware are considered to be on the high end in terms of quality and can also run up the price. The result of these higher-priced coolers is a more aesthetically pleasing look and durability.
Fabric – As seen in most collapsible coolers, fabric coolers aren’t as resistant to impact as the plastic options but they can still offer the same level of insulation and strength if built right. Look for soft fabric coolers that feature thick insulation and tear-resistant fabric for the most robust build.
Handle/Strap
How easily portable and transportable coolers are have a lot to do with the handles and straps on the design. Bear in mind the contents you intend to store and the overall weight of the coolers. You may find handles on the sides or top with or without a shoulder strap. Let’s take a look at the different types of carrying methods and what they can do for you.
Side Handle – Handles on the side are often seen on larger and heavier coolers. The drawback of this carrying method on larger coolers is that you will need more than one person to lift it. These handles can come with a comfort grip, be in the form of rope handles, have a latch-down feature or simply press down into molded sides.
Top Handle – Coolers with top handles are usually of a smaller size, regardless of the outer shell. This is meant to make it easy for a single person to carry the cooler, but it is not as tear-resistant as side handles. With a significant amount of weight, the stress could easily wear on the handle. Rope handles are a common variation of the top handle and with reinforced stitching, they can handle heavy contents.
Shoulder Strap – A shoulder strap could accompany any or all of the above handles. However, the shoulder strap is more commonly seen on smaller coolers, and can make it very convenient for the user. Strapping the cooler on your body leaves your hands free for other activities.
Insulation
A cooler’s main function is insulation. To keep the contents cool for periods up to 10 days, you need advanced padding technology. How often do you go on trips and how long do they last? What do you intend to keep in your cooler? These questions contribute to how long you need the insulation to last before needing a refill of ice. The general answer would be: as long as possible!
Coolers that have about 10 days of ice retention is top of the line. You will more often see coolers like Yeti to have around 7 days of cooling power. However, the weather conditions and the contents can cause a drop in this timeline.
Even the most basic coolers can offer a few hours of insulation. Anywhere between 1-3 days can be obtained by soft or plastic coolers of significantly durable construction. You will need to shell out more money for intermediate designs to reach a length of 4-6 days and anything beyond 7 days will only be offered by premium designs that can cost a hefty penny.
Waterproof?
You may not realize this, but not all coolers do well with water. Even though the contents inside might consist mostly of liquids, when moment they start to melt is the beginning of your intense cleanup. Not only that, but external sources of water such as precipitation can also damage the structure of your coolers. Look for waterproof and leakproof material to minimize cleanup and prolong the life of your coolers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RTIC really as good as Yeti?
Yes, RTIC is as good as Yeti when it comes to the construction, insulation and design. You get the features you would want in a Yeti cooler but at a much more affordable price.
What cooler is comparable to a Yeti?
RTIC, Canyon, Igloo and Pelican coolers are all comparable to Yeti coolers in terms of usability, efficiency, construction and insulation.
Is Ozark Trail cooler as good as Yeti?
The Ozark Trail cooler is a reliable option for basic insulation and construction, but still lacks the ice retention capabilities Yeti coolers have.
Are Orca coolers as good as Yeti?
Yes, Orca coolers excel in ice retention rates and come at a much lower cost than Yeti coolers. For this reason, Orca coolers are a great budget option for adventures that want the durability and performance of the Yeti at a friendlier price point.
Conclusion
Yeti coolers are the industry standard for quality. However, they do cost a pretty penny, which is why finding an option that can perform ice retention like Yeti coolers but are more budget-friendly is so inviting. All of our top choices will provide significant ice retention rates and protect the contents inside with durable construction. Like Yeti, these other brands work to keep your satisfaction at 100% with excellent customer service.
Expert Tip
Using ice blocks instead of cubes will help with cold retention and reduce the risks of leakage.
Did You Know?
You can line your coolers with an aluminum wrap to enhance the cooling abilities.
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