YETI Hopper Flip Soft Cooler Review
An in-depth review of a luxurious soft cooler that crushes competition when it comes to keeping things cold
September 2nd, 2025
Home → Gear Reviews → Camping
Our verdict
We've been testing the YETI Hopper Flip for the past three years, on everything from month-long camping trips in the Sierra, to kayaking and canoeing on lakes in Maine, to our ritualistic run to get this month's flavors from our favorite ice cream shop across Los Angeles.
Despite testing numerous other soft coolers, this is the one we keep reaching for because of its easy access, leakproof zippers, and excellent handles. With enough cooling capability to hold ice for a weekend camping trip, it's designed to maximize space while giving you just what you need for most situations.
Even though it’s on the expensive side, the YETI Hopper is worth it for people who don't like leaks, and value the premium craftsmanship, durability, and warranty of the YETI brand. It also comes in a bunch of colors and different sizes, giving you lots of options to find the model that works best with your style and space limitations.
The YETI Hopper Flip is the Best Overall winner in our Best Soft Coolers guide. You can also check out our Best Camping Coolers guide for more of our favorite coolers.
YETI Hopper Flip
12
18
We create reader-supported, mission-driven objective gear reviews that are independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
YETI Hopper Flip Specifications
YETI Hopper Flip 12 Specifications
Capacity: 24 cans (no ice) / 18 cans (with ice) / 16 lbs of ice
Exterior Dimensions: 12.6" L x 11.5" W x 10" H
Interior Dimensions: 11" L x 9" W x 8" H
Weight: 3.4 lbs (empty)
Best for: Day trips, boat outings, beach adventures, tailgating
Closure: HydroLok waterproof zipper system
Materials: DryHide shell, ColdCell closed-cell foam insulation
Accessories: HitchPoint Grid for gear attachment
Warranty: 3-year warranty
Price: $320
YETI Hopper Flip 18 Specifications
Capacity: 30 cans (no ice) / 20 cans (with ice) / 28 lbs of ice
Exterior Dimensions: 17.7" L x 11.5" W x 12.8" H
Interior Dimensions: 14.6" L x 8.7" W x 10" H
Weight: 4.5-5.1 lbs (empty)
Best for: Day trips, boat outings, beach adventures, tailgating
Closure: HydroLok waterproof zipper system
Materials: DryHide shell, ColdCell closed-cell foam insulation
Accessories: HitchPoint Grid for gear attachment
Warranty: 3-year warranty
Price: $300
Comparison table
| SOFT COOLER | COOLER TYPE | CAPACITIES AVAILABLE | CANS IT CAN FIT | WEIGHT (LBS) | MSRP* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YETI Hopper Flip Cooler 18 | Rectangular | 8, 12, 18 L | 13 | 5.1 | $320 |
| YETI Hopper Flip Cooler 12 | Rectangular | 8, 12, 18 L | 3.4 | $250 | |
| YETI M20 2.0 Backpack Soft Cooler | Backpack | 12, 20 L | 36 | 5.6 | $325 |
| YETI Hopper M30 2.0 Soft Cooler | Rectangular | 15, 30L | 42 | 7.0 | $350 |
| REI Campwell 18L Folding Cooler | Tote, cube, or flat | 8, 18 L | 12 | 1.1 | $40 |
Who is it for?
Day trippers needing reliable cooling for beach, boat, or camping adventures
Quality-focused buyers prioritizing leak-proof performance and durability
Small groups (1-4 people) wanting convenient portability with carrying handles
Outdoor enthusiasts who value premium construction and YETI brand reliability
Anyone seeking easy access with wide-mouth opening design
Those wanting expandable functionality through HitchPoint Grid accessories
How we tested
We've been testing the YETI Hopper Flip 12 and YETI Hopper Flip 18 for the past three years across the country and alongside other highly recommended softcoolers, like the REI Trailgate and RTIC Soft Pack. We brought the Hopper Flip 18 with us during a summer of canoeing in Maine. We've taken the Flip 12 on two summers of month-long camping trips in the Sierras where we used this cooler on daily trips to different hiking trailheads, lakeside kayak launches, grocery runs, and everything in between. We also tested the Hopper Flip 12 during numerous overnight camping trips in the Anza Borrego desert and the Mojave desert.
We tested the Hopper Flip as a utilitarian grocery cooler bag, performing two years of monthly runs to-and-from our favorite ice cream shop across Los Angeles carrying valuable, melt-able items (in the back of a hot car in LA traffic is no joke). It also served as our cooler on road-trips to Las Vegas, as well as countless dinner parties, backyard barbeques, and other social events.
What we liked
Extremely durable
Easy to use
Great insulation
Tons of handles
Convenient size
What could be better
Very expensive
No extra pockets
Flips upside down easily
Zipper can be tough to zip and unzip
Features
-
The ColdCell closed-cell rubber foam provides superior ice retention compared to ordinary soft coolers, keeping ice and contents cold for multiple days, even in extreme heat (100°F+). The interior liner is FDA-approved food-grade to ensure safe food contact. The interior provides an excellent 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio for optimal cooling performance, and it maintains temperature consistency throughout the cooling period.
-
The HydroLok zipper system provides 100% leakproof seal (YETI's toughest zipper). The DryHide high-density shell fabric resists punctures, UV rays, and abrasions. Both the interior and exterior materials are treated for mildew resistance. Waterproof construction handles spills and condensation without leakage, making the Hopper Flip capable of withstanding rough outdoor use and transportation.
-
The Hopper Flip’s wide-mouth flip-top opening allows easy loading and visibility of contents. Its cubed shape maximizes packing efficiency and storage convenience. The handles are comfortable, making it easy for one person to carry. Its compact footprint fits easily in vehicles, boats, and storage areas.
-
The Hopper Flip’s HitchPoint Grid system allows attachment of bottle openers, carabiners, and accessories, and is compatible with YETI Sidekick Dry Gear Case for additional dry storage. It also has MOLLE-compatible attachment points for tactical gear organization. We found the Hopper Flip 18 has sufficient capacity for day-long adventures without overpacking, and that the interior dimensions accommodated various container sizes and shapes. Things are a little tighter on the Flip 12, but with some smart packing, could get everything to work out.
-
The Hopper Flip definitely has premium YETI construction quality, with attention to details. The heavy-duty zipper includes a lubrication system for smooth operation. The reinforced stress points handle repeated use and loading, and the UV-resistant materials prevent degradation from sun exposure. With YETI, you get a 3-year warranty coverage, which demonstrates their confidence in its durability.
Performance in the field
-
We were thrilled with how the YETI Hopper Flip performed. Even in direct sunlight in 90+ degree weather during our retention test, the Hopper Flip 12 held onto its ice—about 50% of the cubes were intact after 20+ hours in the sun.
-
The YETI Hopper Flip is surprisingly comfortable to carry, with handles on the top and sides of the cooler. The cross-body removable shoulder strap made it easy to carry across the sand and through the parking lot with a few towels piled on top, but the top handle made it easy to pick up from a truck bed and walk down a few dozen feet to the river bank, too. We found the design of the cooler body distributed weight reasonably when loaded.
If you’re looking for the possibility of a backpack, check out our vote for Best Soft Cooler Backpack in our Best Soft Coolers of 2025 guide.
-
The HydroLok waterproof zipper system ensures that no water will escape, even if your cooler tips over in the car. This came in handy at the end of a long afternoon when supplies were haphazardly piled in the back seat of a vehicle, and even tipping over didn’t spill the icy contents.
-
The wide opening of the cooler makes loading and unloading simple and efficient. This feature also made locating drinks and snacks easily, as it is wide enough to see most of the contents. The one non-user-friendly feature of this cooler is the HydorLok Waterproof zipper. While it prevents leakage, and can withstand sand and grit getting in its teeth (a plus for beach days), it is incredibly hard to open, and we found we needed two hands to perform the task.
-
Part of what you pay for with the YETI Hopper Flip is its durability. The waterproof, DryHide shell is designed to be puncture resistant, so it handles walks through prickly river brush or drops on rocky shorelines. Not only can the Hopper Flip handle rugged conditions, users also report the exterior and interior are easy to clean, keeping it looking brand new.
YETI Hopper Flip vs. similar coolers
The YETI Hopper Flip looks similar to other rectangular soft coolers, but has few features that make it stand out in the line up. One thing that sets it apart is the superior ice retention. Second is the assortment of colors, with new colors being added by YETI each season. Third, there are a whole suite of cooler accessories that are designed to be compatible with other YETI products (if you are really into the brand loyalty thing).
Overall, it’s more expensive than other coolers that perform similarly. If you like the look of the Hopper Flip, but want something more affordable, the REI Tailgate or the Rtic Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler are more affordable alternatives.
Should I buy the YETI Hopper Flip?
Buy if you want premium cooling performance with leak-proof reliability and don't mind paying for YETI quality.
Skip if you're budget conscious, need backpack-style carrying, or want extra exterior storage pockets.
Where to buy the YETI Hopper Flip?
The YETI Hopper Flip is a desirable cooler, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
YETI
You can sometimes find more options when purchasing directly from the retailer. Sometimes, purchasing directly from the retailer can make it easier if you need to make a warranty return, such as if there is a defect.
Advice on where to buy
In general for gear, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns like REI or Zappos. If your funds allow, many people find it is faster to order two sizes and return whichever one didn't fit as well. Additionally, check reviews to see whether other users recommend sizing up or down.
Similar products
YETI Hopper M30
Cooler type: Soft Cooler Tote
Capacity: 30 liters (42 cans)
Other capacities available: 15 liters (32 cans)
What we like: YETI quality and ice retention, sleek design and great colors, lightweight but still performs well, magnetic closure for easy use
What we didn't like: On the expensive side, no extra pockets, slightly odd shape for packability.
The Hopper M30 is another great YETI soft cooler — this means excellent ice retention, leakproof, and a 3 year warranty. The main difference between the M30 and the Flip is their shape (the M30 is a tote, while the Flip is more square) and the closure (the M30 uses a magnetic, folding closure, while the Flip is a zipper). If you like the tote style, and easier access to your cooler, the M30 might be a good option for you.
YETI Hopper M30
Cooler type: Backpack
Capacity: 19 liters (36 cans)
Other capacities available: and 12 liters (20 cans)
What we like: Comfortable and easy portability for hefty weightload with backpack straps, magnetic closure for easy use (similar to the Hopper M30), lots of places to attach extra gear, excellent ice retention and durability
What we didn't like: On the expensive side, falls over easily when full, inconvenient when loading into a full car trunk.
Yet again, another excellent YETI cooler! What the M20 lacks in organization and storage, it makes up for in ease of transport, comfortable backpack straps, and easy access opening. This cooler won Best Backpack Cooler in our Best Soft Coolers guide.
YETI M20 2.0 Backpack Soft Cooler
Cooler type: Backpack
Capacity: 23 liters (18 cans)
Other capacities available: 33 and 40 liters (24 and 36 cans)
What we like: Durable design, comfortable to carry when full, good capacity, relatively inexpensive, bungee gear hammock on exterior
What we didn't like: Learning curve for best use, not 100% leak proof, no extra pockets
As outdoor enthusiasts, we love versatile gear pieces. The IceMule Pro23L functions as a soft cooler that doubles as a backpack and a dry bag, so it makes an excellent option for people who do a lot of water sports.
IceMule Pro 23L
Type: Semi-rigid soft cooler
Capacity: 30 cans
Other capacities available: 12, 20, and 40 cans
What we like: Waterproof construction, good straps, watertight seal, floats in water (to a point)
What we didn't like: Decent insulation, awkward shape, durability concerns
If you’re looking for similar quality to YETI, but want to spend less money, the RTIC Soft Pack 30 is a great option. While it has decent insulation and is easy to tote around, the ice retention isn’t as stellar as the YETI Hopper Flip. The RTIC Soft Cooler 30 won our Best Soft Cooler for Road Trips.
RTIC Soft Pack 30
Type: Semi-rigid soft cooler
Capacity: 30 liters (24 cans)
Other capacities available: 20 liters (18 cans)
What we like: Removable leakproof liner, front pocket for extra storage, good quality for the price point
What we didn't like: not totally leak proof, shoulder strap not very comfy for its size and proportions, not many fun color options
At nearly half the price of the YETI Hopper Flip, the Tailgate 30L is a great product that does mostly everything you want a soft cooler to do. Even though it’s not totally leak proof, it keeps snacks and drinks cool, and its square design makes it convenient to pack and tote around. This is our Best Budget choice in our Best Soft Coolers guide.
REI Trailgate 30L Weekend Cooler
Type: Soft cooler
Capacity: 18 liters (ice and 12 cans)
Other capacities available: 8 liters (ice and 6 cans)
What we like: Can fold into a square or unfold for more of a classic tote shape depending on your packing needs, lightweight and stores well, extra front pocket for storage, comfy to carry, very affordable
What we didn't like: keeps things ‘cool’ versus ‘cold,’ not totally leak proof, not easily packable when loading with other gear, folding cube option comes undone easily
This little cooler packs a punch for its price. If you’re not ready to invest in a heavy duty soft cooler like the Hopper Flip (or anything above $100), the REI Campwell Folding Cooler is a great option that is cute, easy to store, and at a price you don’t have to think too hard about. This is our pick for Best Everyday Cooler in our Best Soft Coolers guide.
REI Campwell Folding Cooler
Why you should trust us / About the author
Josette Deschambeault is a dog mom and self-proclaimed water woman who contributes to all sorts of outdoor-related publications, including Backpacker Magazine, NRS’ Duct Tape Diaries blog, Powder 7’s Lift Line Blog, and REI’s Coop Journal/ Uncommon Path Magazine.
She’s guided rock, rivers, and trails in Alaska, Colorado, Canada, and Maine, but is currently based out of Golden, Colorado. When she’s not on the water, she’s road-tripping in her ’95 Tacoma to camp in new places, or taking up the rear on the skintrack to find fresh snow.
She’s passionate about bringing food and beverages out on her adventures and is a self-proclaimed expert of all things coolers. You name it, and she’s probably tried to keep it cold and bring it out into the wilderness — from steaks to cheesecakes to growlers of beer.
She transitioned from hard-sided coolers to soft-sided coolers when she left the guiding industry and returned to being a weekend-warrior. They’re more portable, lighter, and still get the job done while taking up a fraction of the space compared to hard-sided coolers.
Liz Thomas is an award-winning writer and the Editor-in-Chief of Treeline Review. She is a former Fastest Known Time (FKT) record holder on the Appalachian Trail. She was guest editor at Backpacker Magazine, where she is currently the columnist of “Ask a Thru-hiker” and instructor of their online class, Thru-Hiking 101. Her first book, Long Trails: Mastering the Art of the Thru-hike, was the recipient of the National Outdoor Book Award for Best Instructional Book called by judges destined to become the “Bible of the Sport.” Liz has talked gear on Good Morning America (TV), in The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Buzzfeed, The Washington Post, Men’s Journal, Women’s Health, Gizmodo, and Outside Magazine. She represented the sport of hiking at President Obama’s Great American Outdoors Initiative.
You can read all of Liz’s articles on her website or Treeline Review author page.
