Yeti 45 vs 65 – Which Cooler is Best?
Yeti is one of the most popular cooler brands. It creates coolers of different sizes under the Tundra series. Yeti 45 has 28-cans capacity while Yet 65 has 42 cans capacity.
One common misconception is that these coolers have different cooling degrees. While Yet 65 is larger, it doesn’t maintain a low temperature more efficiently than Yet 45. Both use the same thick wall insulation and materials to keep ice-cold for up to a few days.
Yeti 45 characteristics
- 23lbs weight
- 16.1” × 15.4” × 25 .8”
- 28 cans capacity
Yeti 65 characteristics
- 29lbs weight
- 17.2” × 16” × 30.6”
- 42 cans capacity
Yeti 45 vs 65
Capacity compared
Can capacity is the main difference between the Yeti 45 and the Yeti 65. While the names of the coolers have numbers, these numbers don’t refer to the number of cans each holds. They are made according to a 2:1 ratio of ice per can. The final result allows the Yeti 45 to hold 28 cans while Yeti 65 holds 42 cans.
How much storage capacity do I need?
When it comes to choosing between 28 cans and 42 cans you need to estimate the number of people and the number of days the cooler needs to be used. The larger Yeti 65 is best for large groups while the smaller Yeti 45 is best for families and small groups.
One of the easiest ways to ensure can remain cold as long as possible is to choose the right size cooler. A small cooler is easier to handle and efficient to clean. A large cooler needs more ice but it also cools more drinks.
The capacity of the Yeti cooler is important when estimating the number of cans a person drinks per day. This number can then be multiplied by the total number of people in the group to find out which Yet cooler is going to be best for a particular situation.
Both of these can be used by small groups but large groups might only consider the Yeti 65. This is one of the best coolers for parties and multi-day events where refrigeration isn’t possible.
User testing shows both Yeti 45 and Yeti 65 keep cans cool for a few days. 6-7 days is a commonly reported period before the ice melts completely. In some of the most positive experiences, users report cans remained cold and ice only melted completely after 9 days.
The performance of both coolers is impressive. But both can be improved by not being stored in direct sunlight or next to heat sources such as engines and exterior parts of AC coolers.
Does the weight of the Yeti cooler matter?
The weight of the cooler is in close connection to its size. There’s only a small 6lbs difference between these coolers. However, having to move a cooler that is too large is often at least a 2-person job. This is why users who choose the Yeti 65 often complain about its heavy size when filled with cans and ice. The difference to a full Yeti 45 weight is considerable.
As a result, both coolers represent one of the ideal options for families or groups of at least 2-3 people as they are heavy. Alternatively, you can keep them in the same place, ideally out of the sun.
Features
Both Yeti coolers come with interesting features which makes them equally appropriate for cooling.
Proper insulation
The hard-shell case design makes for excellent double-wall insulation. These coolers are ideal in almost any weather, particularly in hot summertime weather. The hard case construction also recommends both coolers for high durability as they’re expected to last for years.
Durable T-Rex rubber latches
Moving parts are equally durable on both coolers. Users get durable T-Rex rubber latches. These last long even when exposed to UV light when one of the coolers is stored in direct sunlight. Plastic latches have been shown to crack in time under the high heat of the summer and when stored in direct sunlight.
Interlocking lid system
One of the most interesting features of the coolers is the interlocking lid system. This lid system allows the coolers to efficiently cool ice and cans for days even when the temperature and the outer humidity level change.
Other coolers come with a simple locking lid and rubber sealing. But the interlocking system is more efficient at trapping cold air inside the cooler. Both the Yeti 45 and the Yeti 65 use the same practical design which allows users to store the coolers out in the sun, even if this is not necessarily recommended.
Accessories
Yeti Ice packs are available for both coolers. These are efficient containers you fill with water and add to the freezer. You then use them as ice on top of your cans or stored food instead of classic ice cubes or together with classic ice cubes.
The main benefit of these accessories is that melted ice turns into water that is trapped inside the container. There’s no water inside the cooler which means there’s no cleaning and no bacteria build-up inside the cooler as this is specific to humid environments.
Pricing
Prices are calculated according to the size of the Yeti 45 and Yeti 65. These prices reflect their storage capacity. All other accessories are cross-compatible which means they have the same cost.
Yeti coolers are competitively priced and they can be further improved by using Yeti Ice cooling bottles instead of constantly buying ice from a store.
Some users say they would like built-in transportation wheels for the price. But Yeti only offers these wheels on the Tundra Haul Hard Cooler. It might be the only drawback of the coolers.
Final words
Apart from the Yeti 35, the Yeti 45 and the Yeti 65 coolers are the smallest from the brand. The largest cooler of the company is the Yeti 350. This is what recommends both the Yeti 35 and 45 for small groups, couples, or small families out camping or enjoying a few days at the lodge away from electricity or more permanent cooling options.
Both systems work efficiently with the same design and the same materials. The choice of Yeti cooling accessories is also the same. However, there is a difference in capacity. This recommends the Yeti 45 for small groups who don’t need too many drinks while away in nature. Yeti 65’s large capacity is mostly recommended for larger families or larger groups.
Some users note the Yeti 65 is ideal even for small groups when they consume up to 5-6 cans per day. This means up to 4 people can enjoy multiple drinks for a few days using this larger Yeti cooler.
However, both systems can be improved in their performance with Yeti accessories such as can holders and Yeti Ice bottles. These can be extended the cooling temperature of the coolers up to a week and even further when considering storing the cooling box in a shaded spot.
Both coolers suffer from melted ice issues when stored in direct sunlight in hot places such as on the metal surface of a boat. Ice can melt as quickly as 2-3 days when the coolers are stored in these conditions.
How To Keep Food Cold When Camping – 11 Easy Tips
16+ Hiking in the Summer Tips and What to Wear to Stay Cool
6 BEST Summer Camping Tips + Gear to Stay Cool
