The LoadOut GoBox from YETI is a waterproof, rugged container for truck beds, whitewater rafts, and anywhere you need to haul gear.
It’s been more than a decade since YETI upended the cooler world with a burly, rugged food-hauler that can withstand the rigors of seagoing boats and bears. Since then, the brand has “YETI-fied” many products. It sells rugged, insulated mugs and cups. It builds arguably the world’s nicest bucket. And it makes the toughest tote bag money can buy.
And today, it announces a foray into burly cargo boxes that will pit it against the competition in a new way. Meet the YETI LoadOut GoBox, a simple waterproof box that should withstand anything you can throw at it.
YETI LoadOut GoBox: A Brief First Look Review
YETI sent over a LoadOut GoBox for our team to examine yesterday. We’ve had it for less than 24 hours, so these are indeed early impressions.
But the impressions are good. The LoadOut GoBox is exactly what you’d expect of a box YETI built. It’s heavy. It’s rock solid. The latches click shut with authority. It’s just one very rugged-feeling box.
The inside is simple, with a removable tray and center divider. These organizational touches are simple and functional. In the top is a nice Pack Attic deployable pouch, which could prove very useful. It has a large compartment big enough to fit a 15-inch MacBook Pro (we tried), which means you could use this beast to stow a computer for a dinghy trip across a rough harbor or raft trip down the Grand Canyon. Two other compartments in the fabric pouch add utility for smaller objects too.
On the outside, multiple tie-down points allow you to strap it onto the roof of your Jeep or deck of your boat. Two locking points allow you to secure it shut, creating a simple safe for the wilds (as long as you lock it in place).
Similar to YETI coolers, it’s a few-frills product that should last forever. And indeed, this one carries a 5-year warranty — a warranty I doubt you’ll ever use.
YETI LoadOut GoBox: Versatile and Expensive
At 20.58 inches long, 14.7 inches wide, and 11.19 inches high, the LoadOut GoBox strikes us as a useful size. It’s a bit larger than most tackle boxes and a little smaller than a large toolbox. But it should fit most valuables up to a 400mm f-2.8 camera lens, or a Glock and a bunch of ammo. That’s the beauty of it: You can use it for anything you can dream up.
But it does cross into a new market for YETI, one that is wrought with competition from brands like Pelican, OtterBox, and Flambeau. There are several high-end box manufacturers in the market today, so it’s an interesting place for YETI to stake a flag. However, YETI’s solution is somewhat unique from most of these brands. Whereas Pelican tends to build specialized gear (e.g., camera cases, gun cases, and first-aid kits), the LoadOut GoBox is a one-box-for-everyone solution.
Will consumers buy it? We’re guessing yes. But with a $250 price tag, most folks will think hard about this investment.
For those who need to haul fragile items aboard boats, in truck beds, or, well, wherever, the LoadOut GoBox is a potential solution. It hits the market today in White, Tan, and Charcoal.
YETI is offering the chance to win a kitted-out YETI LoadOut GoBox curated by YETI Ambassador Conrad Anker. People can enter for a chance to win a YETI LoadOut GoBox packed with Conrad’s favorite camping gear by following YETI on Instagram and commenting on the LoadOut GoBox Ambassador Gear Sweepstakes Instagram post. The giveaway opens on May 2, 2019, at 8:00 a.m. CST and ends at 11:59 p.m. CDT on May 10, 2019.
