Checking into my Vermont hotel, I counted at least three YETI coolers in the lobby. It makes sense—this is a destination where you leave with a car full of craft beer, cold brew coffee, and local cheese, and you need somewhere to put it all. I brought the YETI Tundra 35 along for exactly that reason, hoping to keep everything cold over the weekend and on the drive home to Boston.
I’m always a little paranoid about food temperature, so I was relieved that not only did the ice stay intact for three days, but everything inside the cooler stayed just as cold as it would have been in a refrigerator.
Here’s my honest review of the YETI Tundra 35.
Features
The Tundra 35 is well thought out from top to bottom. The handles are military-grade polyester rope rather than plastic, which makes a real difference when two people are hauling a full cooler across a parking lot. The T-Rex Lid Latches (YETI’s patented closure system) are made from flexible material instead of hard plastic, so they hold up better over time and are easier to pull shut when the cooler is packed to the brim. Underneath, non-slip feet keep it from sliding around in the car, and tiedown slots let you strap it securely into a truck bed or onto a boat.
The Vortex drain system was one of my favorite details. Opposing drain holes let you empty the cooler quickly and completely, while still being completely leakproof. Inside, a removable basket keeps dry goods out of the ice water, which I used for snacks and a few odds and ends. I fit three six-packs, several cans of cold brew, and assorted food in there with room for enough ice to keep everything cold. The cooler can hold up to 39 cans or 29 lbs of ice.
A few bonus features worth mentioning: the cooler works just as well for keeping hot food hot, which is handy if you’re cooking in advance for a trip. No hungry bears came knocking at my hotel room door, so I didn’t get to test this firsthand, but the Tundra 35 is certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC) for use in bear country. And on a purely aesthetic note, I chose the “rescue red” bright cherry color, and the cheerful hue really does spark joy every time I use it.
Size
The Tundra 35 is the smallest cooler in the Tundra line, and I found it to be the perfect size for two people going away for a weekend. It would also be great for day trips to the beach or tailgating. Larger groups might want to upgrade to a bigger size, but keep in mind that bigger isn’t always better—to keep things cold longer, the cooler should be fully packed with ice or chilled items.
| Width | Depth | Height | Weight | |
| Exterior | 21.1” | 15.9” | 15.4” | 21.4 lbs |
| Interior | 13.8” | 9.4” | 10.8” |
How Long Does the YETI Tundra Stay Cold?
Once I got home and emptied out the food and drinks, I ran an unscientific test: I left the remaining ice in the cooler and checked on it every 24 hours. It stayed fully intact for two days, showed a little melt on day three, but still had enough ice to keep things cold through days four and five.
Tips for Keeping the YETI Tundra Cold for Longer
Pre-cool the cooler with ice, then dump that ice before loading it up with your actual contents. Use a 2:1 ratio of ice to food and drinks, and fill any empty space with more ice. Keep it out of direct sunlight, don’t drain the meltwater, and try not to open it more than you have to. Using dry ice or rock salt can keep the cooler cold for even longer. Here’s how the rock salt method works:
- Fill the cooler with your cans or bottles and plenty of ice.
- Generously sprinkle rock salt on top of the ice.
- Close the lid.
Is it Worth the Money?
At $295, the YETI Tundra 35 is an investment, but it’s one that’s easy to justify. Sure, there are plenty of cheaper coolers on the market, but the lower price is reflected in ice retention and durability. The hinges crack, the latches fail, and a few seasons in you’re shopping for a replacement. The YETI keeps ice for nearly five days, the hardware is built to last, and the whole thing is well-engineered. It’s a buy-it-for-life purchase, and YETI backs that up with a five-year product guarantee.
