If you’re looking for the best-performing, mid-sized cooler on the market, you can’t go wrong with the Tundra 45 ($325) from YETI. The biggest downside is the hefty price tag, but for its excellent performance, reliability, and durability, it could be the last cooler you buy. The Tundra 45 is a great size for a weekend camping trip. It could also be your trusty, beverage-holding companion at a family barbecue.
The brand pioneered the rotational molding technique of cooler-making that many brands have adopted today, and is now synonymous with top-of-the-line insulation. Since its debut in 2008, the Tundra has dominated the high-end cooler market, with many imitators trying to match its now-classic design.
I’ve long had a YETI cooler in my quiver. I’ve brought it all over the western United States for long road trips, routinely throwing it in the back of the truck, dragging it out to picnics and swimming holes. It lived up to the hype time and time again, thanks to its superior insulation qualities and robust design.
In short: The YETI Tundra 45 remains at the top of its class in the world of coolers. Excellent ice retention and a durable build make this cooler as reliable as they come. YETI is a popular brand for a reason. The quality of its products is top-notch, and you’re sure to find them at any outdoor retailer you visit.
To see how this champion of Ice retention stacks up to the competition, take a look at GearJunkie’s guide to the best coolers.
- Capacity: 37 quarts
- Materials: Rotomolded polyethylene/urethane foam insulation
- Dimensions: 25.75" x 16.125" x 15.4"
- Weight: 23 lbs.
Pros
- Rotomolded design
- Retained ice for the full 10 days of testing
- Dry goods basket included
- IGBC-certified
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy
YETI Tundra 45 Review
Cooling Performance
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/12/MTC3906-1-700x467.jpg)
Rotomolding
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/12/DSC03362-700x467.jpg)
Size and Volume
Weight
Ease of Transport
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/12/DSC03376-1-700x467.jpg)
Durability
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/12/MTC3917-700x467.jpg)
Other Features
![](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2023/12/MTC3915-1-700x467.jpg)