Whether you are going fishing, tailgating, or on a long camping journey, you need a high-end cooler that will keep ice for several days. Regular coolers that keep ice for about one day just won’t do the trick. You can perhaps bring these regular coolers to work or a one-day journey. But for the more adventurous, there are some better options.
For the past several years, the Yeti cooler has been the go-to product when it comes to purchasing a cooler that is tried and true. Many people say that the reason why they are so popular is due to their advertising. But there is another reason; the Yeti coolers simply have excellent ice retention and are built to last. Since they do cost a little more than other high-end coolers, some would like to know how other coolers compare.
The Igloo Yukon coolers have often been compared to the Yeti. The Igloo company has been making coolers since the 1940s and has garnered quite a legacy in the cooling department. So which one of these companies produces the better coolers?
In choosing between various brands, one must consider quality, features, and price. In this Yukon vs Yeti cooler comparison, we will be going over the similarities and differences between these two brands.
Yukon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers
What Makes The Yukon And Yeti Coolers Popular?
You may be wondering why these coolers have garnered plenty of attention. While there are other coolers that are comparable to the Yeti, this review is specifically about the Yukon vs the Yeti.
But before we get into the various differences between them, here is a brief list of what makes them similar.
- Higher-end coolers: While traditional coolers only hold ice for about one day, these coolers hold ice for several days.
- Freezer-like gasket and lid: One of the reasons why these coolers are so great is because they are practically airtight. They hold cold air in and warm air out better than the average cooler. The built-in gasket ensures that there is no leakage.
- Thick walls: Due to the thick walls of these coolers, they are set apart from regular coolers in terms of ice retention.
- Very durable: Regardless of any differences between them in terms of ice retention (which we cover below), they are both highly durable and made for rugged usage.
- Warranty: Both the Yeti and the Igloo companies offer a warranty. But while the Yeti offers an ironclad lifetime warranty, Igloo only offers a 5-year warranty.
While it makes sense to believe that either one of these coolers will do the trick, they have a couple of differences that may be of importance to you.
Comparing The Yukon VS Yeti Coolers
Below, we have listed the main features of each of these coolers. Most of these features differentiate one from the other and make them unique.
Since there is no way to compare these coolers by comparing specific models, we have chosen to compare the Yukon 50 to the Yeti Tundra 45 hard coolers. We’ve chosen these models because they happen to be pretty popular, as well as being similar in size.
Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler 
- Very popular with excellent customer ratings
- Highly effective Permafrost insulation
- Comes in white, tan, and light blue
- Heavy-duty T-latches That will not break
- Tie-down slots Inside the molding that allows you to tie it down to a boat, a truck, or at the campsite
- Comes with a dry goods tray
- Weight: 23 pounds
- Holds 34 pounds of ice
- Holds 28 beer cans using a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio by volume
- Outside dimensions: 16 1/8″ x 15 3/8″ x 25 3/4″
- Inside dimensions: 9 3/8″ x 10 5/8″ x 18 3/8″
- Comes with a lifetime warranty
- Provides excellent customer service
- The YETI Tundra 45 combines versatility with durability with a capacity of up to 26 cans with a recommended 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio
Igloo Yukon 50 Cooler
- More cost-effective than the Yeti
- Ice does not last quite as long as the Yeti; up to three days.
- Comes in white and tan colors
- The rotomolded casing is as durable and high-quality as the Yeti
- Has a fishing ruler on the lid
- The lid comes with a textured, raised surface upon which you can work
- Reversible skid/anti-skid feet
- Can fit dry goods baskets on the inside. However, it is bought separately.
- Weight: 32.1 pounds
- Holds 34 pounds of ice
- Outside dimensions: 33.5″ x 17″ x 17.5″
- Inside dimensions: 85.3″ x 43.2″ x 44.5″
- Internal dimensions (bottom): 23.0″ x 10.8″ x 11.7″
- 5-year warranty
- Integrated fish keeper scale measuring tool on lid
In Conclusion
According to many customer reviews, the Yukon seems to have less ice retention length than the Yeti. Perhaps it is no wonder that the Yeti coolers are generally more expensive than the Yukon coolers.
That being said, you are paying a premium for having a lifetime, ironclad warranty with the Yeti. And, the premium you are paying is not much more than around $50 over other coolers like the Yukon. In this case, we have a distinct preference for the Yeti coolers.