First Look: YETI Camp Chair, Cooler Backpack

This year looks to be a big one for YETI as it launches numerous new products, including many firsts for the brand.

Stop sitting on that cooler. Many of us love the durability of our YETI Tundras (and buckets) and have used them for impromptu benches on camp outings. But that changes today with the introduction of YETI’s first camp chair, the Hondo Base Camp.

The packable camp/travel seat headlines a bunch of gear to be released this spring, including backpack coolers, wine tumblers, and a cooler tote.

YETI Hondo Camp Chair

The Hondo Base Camp chair retails for $299.99 exclusively online and at the brand’s Austin, Texas, flagship store.

After “years of research, testing, and development,” YETI landed on an aluminum and mesh design. It weighs about 16 pounds and folds up small when in transport.

According to the brand, the Hondo uses a breathable mesh, inspired by the same fabric found in climbing harnesses. It eliminates pressure points on the seat and back, YETI notes.

From what we can see, the chair alone is free from many bells and whistles (cup holder?), but Hondo add-ons will be sold separately.

According to Gear Patrol, YETI’s tests showed the Hondo could hold more than 3,000 pounds, and its finish resisted sunlight, salt water, and fresh water.

A carrying bag for the chair totes small items like phones, keys, and wallets. It hangs off the back of the chair when not in use.

Spring 2018 New YETI Products

YETI also noted a handful of other new products for 2018 in the Hondo announcement.

Jumping on the growing cooler backpack trend, YETI expands the soft-side Hopper line with the Backflip 24.

This $299.99 soft-side backpack cooler has shoulder straps and marks YETI’s first cooler backpack offering.

Larger than the Hopper Two 20 (and smaller than the Hopper Two 30), the Backflip 24 will hold 20 beverage cans or 25 pounds of ice. At launch, it will be available in gray only.

A padded shoulder yoke and sternum-and-waist belt help manage the insulated load.

YETI launched a carryall tote bag, but with the brand’s trademark muscle built in.

The Camino Carryall 35 is waterproof and made from the same material as the submersible Panga duffel. An open top, two nylon handles, and daisy chains down the front and back make up the $149.99 Camino’s build.

The open-top carryall will come in YETI’s gray, light-blue, and sand-brown options.

Rounding out this year’s products are a waterproof gear bag and new tumblers. The $50  Sidekick Dry bag holds a phone, fishing license, and other pocket items.

And YETI proves a good vintage has its place among outdoors enthusiasts by introducing the 10-ounce Rambler Wine Tumbler ($25).

All of YETI’s spring products will be available on https://yetius.pxf.io/c/381569/1026334/13394?subId1=gjgcnewsgeneral&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.yeti.com%2Fen_US, where you can also sign up for more info. We’ll be sure to get our hands on some of these to review soon.