Yeti Tundra 45 Review

The Yeti Tundra 45 is a rotomolded cooler with indented and covered rope handles. It has a dual-size drain, a dry storage basket, tie-down loops, and is Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) certified.

Insulation

Providing 98 hours of sub 40°F temperatures during our insulation testing, the Tundra 45 does just about average when compared to the others its size. If your concern is less about fresh food and more about cool drinks, this mid-sized model went on to maintain internal temperatures of 50°F for 108 hours locked inside our hot testing room. While this performance is impressive, it's worth noting that the Tundra 45's roughly 35-quart capacity is also one of the smallest in this grouping, giving proportionally more ice and less dead space within, furthering its ice retention properties. It's still a high-quality piece of gear though, with a rubber seal around the lid and secure latches to hold in that cold air while you're out in hot weather.

Moving and Lifting

Tipping the scales at over 30 pounds, the Tundra 45 is a bit heavier for its volume than the general trend among models we tested. Its smaller size helps to make up for it a bit, while the low profile of this mid-sized chest helps it be manageable by a single person, even when loaded up with provisions for your day. Just like much of the competition, the Tundra 45 has two sets of handles that we find very convenient for facilitating solo carry (indented handles under the sides of the lid) or two-person lugging (rope handles with grooved, rubber grips). The rubber feet help this cooler stay in place when you finally get it where you want it.

Packable Space

Though we find the roughly 35-quart capacity to be both useful and convenient, we do think the name of this cooler is a touch misleading. Yeti prominently lists the dimensions of this model's interior in its description, which can easily be calculated (we also measured it) to show that the Tundra 45 actually has a volume of a little over 34 quarts. This is a theme across many of the Yeti coolers we've tested over the years. Again, we appreciate the actual volume and convenient sizes of the models we've tested; we're not stoked on the lack of consistency between model names and volumes.

The Tundra 45 has an internal height of 10.25 inches, which doesn't quite let a standard 2L bottle of soda or a standard bottle of wine stand upright. When opening the Tundra 45, the lid stays open without sitting at a 90-degree angle, making it extra easy to access. The Tundra line of coolers prioritizes a longer, lower shape that makes it easier to locate small contents even when the chest is filled with slushy ice water.

Ease of Use

The Tundra 45 has a small channel that effectively drains meltwater from its dual-sized drainage port. It also comes with a convenient dry goods bin that hangs inside the cooler — though its widely spaced wires aren't ideal for holding smaller items. To accompany tie-down slots on either side of the lid, Yeti has added shallow channels that help hold a webbing strap in place as it travels up and over the edges of the lid.

This model has been certified “bear resistant” by the IGBC, with locking front corners to actually keep critters out when used with Yeti's cooler locks — which we have tested. They fit perfectly and seem to work well (though no actual bears attempted to break in during our testing). However, they can be challenging to fit the key into, as the keyhole faces directly toward the ground and can't be rotated upward for easy viewing.

Yeti's T-grip rubber latches continue to be a favorite in the face of dozens of similar options, with their needle-threading combination of flexibility and strength. However, this particular unit arrived with a few issues we aren't excited about, most prominently the gap between the ends of the rubber gasket around the lid. The cooler isn't airtight or leakproof.

Should You Buy the Yeti Tundra 45?

The Tundra 45 is an expensive cooler that's built to last. It combines a simple design with several functional features and a family of additional accessories that just might be your dream cooler kit. It's a great mid-sized cooler for those who need a little extra strength and performance from their gear. If you use your cooler a lot and want something that lasts, this one is worth the investment. If you only need an infrequent picnic partner or camping companion, this beefy box might be overkill.

What Other Coolers Should You Consider?

Yeti makes a handful of other models worth checking out. The Yeti Roadie 24 is a personal-sized option that performs just about the same in its insulation performance. For a larger, more portable option, check out the Yeti Roadie 60. This rugged model has wheels and a handle, allowing it to roll along just about anywhere you plan to go.