YETI Roadie 24 vs. YETI Tundra 35 Cooler: Comparison Review AC and Fans, July 18, 2025July 18, 2025 Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip, a long camping excursion, or just want a reliable cooler for everyday use, the YETI Roadie 24 and the YETI Tundra 35 are two popular choices that often come up in the conversation. In this comparison review, we’ll break down the key differences, pros and cons, and help you decide which cooler fits your lifestyle best. YETI Roadie 24 Cooler The YETI Roadie 24 Hard Cooler lives up to its reputation as a premium cooler built for serious road trippers and outdoor enthusiasts. Its rotomolded construction is impressively rugged yet lighter than previous models, making it easier to carry around. The DoubleDuty shoulder strap adds notable convenience, and the cooler’s size is cleverly compact — small enough to fit behind a car seat but still roomy enough to hold 33 cans or 26 pounds of ice. Ice retention is excellent, with several users reporting that contents stay chilled for multiple days, even in warm conditions. The cooler can even double as an extra seat, making it versatile for camping or tailgating. Despite its strengths, the Roadie 24 isn’t perfect. When fully loaded, some users find it too heavy, especially for longer walks or solo carrying. While the new slimmer profile helps, the cooler can still be bulky for smaller vehicles or limited storage space. A few reviewers mentioned that while it’s sturdy, the size might be overkill for quick trips or solo outings. Nevertheless, features like the Bestdam Drain Plug and LipGrip handles help offset some of the downsides. Overall, it’s a solid investment for those needing durability and extended cooling performance on the go. Key Features, Pros, and Cons Key Features: Rotomolded construction for durability and lighter weight DoubleDuty shoulder strap for easier carrying Bestdam Drain Plug for convenient water release LipGrip handles that stay out of the way Compact design fits behind car seats Pros: Excellent ice retention Dual-use as cooler and seat High-quality build and materials Comfortable to carry with strap Available in stylish color options Cons: Price may be high for casual users CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON YETI Tundra 35 Cooler The YETI Tundra 35 Cooler delivers impressive cooling performance in a durable, compact package. With up to 3 inches of PermaFrost insulation and a bear-resistant FatWall design, this cooler is built for serious outdoor use — keeping ice frozen for days even in the heat. Its rotomolded polyethylene construction makes it tough enough to withstand drops, rough terrain, or heavy use at campsites and fishing trips. The Tundra 35 holds up to 20 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio and includes a handy dry goods basket to keep snacks or items from getting soggy. Customers also appreciate its eye-catching Wild Vine Red color and clean design. Despite its strengths, the Tundra 35 has some drawbacks worth noting. The interior capacity may feel smaller than expected due to the thick insulation, which sacrifices usable space for performance. At 20 lbs empty, it’s portable but still somewhat heavy, especially when fully loaded. Opinions on value are mixed — while many users say it’s worth the price for its cooling ability and build quality, others find it a bit expensive for its size. Still, if you need a nearly indestructible cooler that keeps contents cold for extended periods, the Tundra 35 is a strong contender. Key Features, Pros, and Cons Key Features: Up to 3 inches of PermaFrost insulation Bear-resistant FatWall design Rotomolded polyethylene construction T-Rex heavy-duty lid latches Includes dry goods basket Pros: Excellent long-lasting ice retention Extremely durable and rugged build Stylish color and compact form Works well for various outdoor activities Includes useful dry storage basket Cons: Smaller interior space than expected CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON Comparison Review: YETI Roadie 24 vs. YETI Tundra 35 Cooler Here’s a comprehensive comparison to help you decide which one fits your lifestyle better. Design and Portability Both coolers share YETI’s signature rotomolded construction, offering extreme durability for outdoor adventures. However, there are noticeable differences in portability and form factor. FeatureRoadie 24Tundra 35Exterior Dimensions16.6″ W x 14.1″ D x 17.4″ H20″ L x 16.1″ W x 15.25″ HWeight (Empty)13.3 lbs20 lbsCarrying StyleDoubleDuty shoulder strap + handlesSide handles onlyFits Behind SeatYesLess compact for small cars The Roadie 24 is noticeably lighter and includes a shoulder strap, making it easier to carry solo — especially for day trips or urban adventures. In contrast, the Tundra 35 is bulkier and heavier but also more solid and robust, better suited for multi-day camping trips. Capacity and Insulation Both coolers excel in ice retention, thanks to YETI’s PermaFrost insulation and thick walls, but their storage styles differ. FeatureRoadie 24Tundra 35Capacity33 cans or 26 lbs of ice20 cans (2:1 ice-to-contents ratio)Insulation ThicknessPolyurethane foam, thinner wallUp to 3” of PermaFrost insulationBear-ResistantNot certifiedCertified bear-resistantIncluded AccessoriesDrain plugDry goods basket The Tundra 35 wins in thermal insulation, offering up to 3 inches of PermaFrost and certified bear resistance — features valuable in remote, wildlife-prone areas. However, the Roadie 24 can hold more cans due to a slightly taller and narrower build, even though its insulation is thinner. Functionality and User Experience User reviews for both models highlight excellent performance, but some trade-offs exist in usability and convenience. Roadie 24 shines in mobility. With the DoubleDuty strap and compact design, it’s ideal for short trips, solo use, or city dwellers who want a reliable cooler without bulk. It also fits behind the car seat, which makes it a favorite for road trips. The added drain plug is useful, although some users wish it had wheels. Tundra 35, on the other hand, is better for longer stays or shared use. Its rugged structure and included dry goods basket make it practical for organizing meals and supplies, especially in remote locations. However, some users find the internal space smaller than expected due to thick walls, and its weight can be a burden without wheels or a strap. Final Verdict If you’re looking for a lightweight, daily-use cooler that’s easy to carry and perfect for road trips or beach days, the YETI Roadie 24 is the better choice. It balances capacity, portability, and durability well. If your needs are more rugged and extended, such as multi-day camping, fishing trips, or outdoor work where insulation and structure are critical, the YETI Tundra 35 offers more robust protection and thermal performance. FAQ Is the YETI Roadie 24 good for solo travelers? Yes, the Roadie 24 is particularly well-suited for solo travelers. Its lighter weight, shoulder strap, and compact design make it easy to carry and ideal for fitting behind a car seat — perfect for one-person road trips, picnics, or daily use. How long does ice last in the Tundra 35? With up to 3 inches of PermaFrost insulation and a bear-resistant FatWall design, the Tundra 35 can keep ice frozen for several days depending on external conditions and usage. Many users report ice retention of 3–5 days under normal use. Which cooler is easier to carry? The Roadie 24 is easier to carry, thanks to its DoubleDuty shoulder strap and lower empty weight (13.3 lbs vs. 20 lbs). The Tundra 35 is bulkier and heavier, and lacks a strap, making it less convenient for short walks or solo hauling. Does the Tundra 35 have a drain plug? Surprisingly, the Tundra 35 does not come with a built-in drain plug. This can make emptying melted ice slightly less convenient compared to the Roadie 24, which includes YETI’s Bestdam Drain Plug for easy drainage. Are either of these coolers good for air travel? Neither cooler is ideal as a carry-on due to their dimensions and weight, but the Roadie 24 may be manageable as checked luggage depending on the airline. For air travel, soft-sided or smaller hard coolers may be more practical. Enjoyed this review of YETI Roadie 24 vs. YETI Tundra 35 Cooler? Then be sure to check out our other guides. Best 8000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Best 10,000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Best 12000 BTU Portable Air Conditioner Best 8000 BTU Window Air Conditioner Best 12000 BTU Window Air Conditioner Best 10,000 BTU Window Air Conditioner Best Whole House Fan Best Portable Evaporative Swamp Cooler Best 18000 BTU Mini Split Cooler cooler