Yeti designs are some of the most popular high-end coolers in the market. While it had been creating hard edge cooler boxes for a long time, it recently came out with its soft-sided cooler line called the Hopper. Yeti figured that it was time to create a soft-edged cooler for carrying around without sacrificing performance.
The original Hopper came out in 2014 and set the stage for high-end, soft-sided coolers. Due to the popularity of the original, they released the Hopper Two in March 2017. With the new version, they have made a few enhancements that were very well received by customers.
In order for you to decide which of the Hopper products you would like to purchase, we have created this Yeti Hopper vs Hopper Two comparison. Before we get into comparing them, we will outline some of their great features so that you can see why they are so great.
Not sure whether to buy soft or hard coolers? Check out our review of the Yeti Hopper vs Roadie to find out!
Yeti Hopper 20 vs Yeti Hopper Two 30
Similar Features
The amount of insulation in the Hopper and the Hopper Two is the same. Ice and heat last just as long in both. Both can hold 24 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio. See the particulars below.
- 100% leak-proof: The DryHide Shell provides 100% protection against leaks.
- Keeps ice for days: The recommended ice-to-content ratio is 2:1. This ice will last for several days in the outdoors.
- Puncture-resistant: The puncture-resistant shell protects against damage from laying the cooler down on rough terrain.
- Leak-proof zipper: The leak-proof zipper has a similar design to HazMat suits. Apart from being leak-proof, it also helps prevent heat transfer.
- MOLLE webbing: MOLLE is a standard used by many tactical bags that is used for carrying additional standard pouches by attaching them to your bag. MOLLE pouches are sold separately by various manufacturers. Since MOLLE is a standard, all MOLLE compatible bags will fit any MOLLE compatible pouch. The MOLLE webbing on the cooler bags resides on all the sides of the bag below the handles. Using this webbing, you can carry along pouches for extra volume capacity, first aid kits, utility pouches, etc…
What Is New With The Hopper Two
Some great improvements on the original Hopper. Please see below for a full list of the changes.
- Easier to access content: The original Hopper had a zipper right at the middle top of the bag. Along the ends of the zipper were some thick pieces of material that sort of got in the way from your hands grabbing the contents of the bag. With the Hopper Two, it is much easier to put content in and get content out. The zipper is not placed along the side of the top of the bag. It also has a larger opening, allow you to open the bag wider. An unexpected advantage to the Hopper Two is the fact that once the top is open, it will remain open until you shut it again. This will allow you to have one hand free when taking things in and out of the bag.
- Skinnier on top: Both of these Hopper models come in various volume capacities. With each size, the Hopper Two a slightly taller in order to allow for more tapering at the top. Customers feel that they can carry their Hopper Two more comfortably now that there is less bulk at the top.
- Additional handle: The Hopper Two has an additional back handle in order to ease portability.
Price Comparison
Because the Yeti Hopper Two is the newest version, it is also the higher-priced bag. In order to view current prices for the Hopper and the Hopper Two, please see below:
The Verdict
Our comparison of the Yeti Hopper vs Hopper Two was an easy one. The Hopper Two simply has a better, more updated features than the original. The greatest update to it is the fact that it is much easier to access the contents of the bag. Yeti has also made their bags skinnier at the top in order to facilitate carry.
While we would be willing to spend the extra money to purchase the Hopper Two, the original Hopper is also a pretty wonderful product. What do you think of the new Hopper Two? Please give us your opinion by leaving a comment below.
