YETI Hopper M30 2.0 Tote Soft Cooler Review
Easy-to-load cooler bag with superior ice retention
August 29th, 2025
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Our verdict
The YETI Hopper M30 is a beast of a cooler across the board. It can hold up to 26 cans (if you’re using their recommended 2:1 ice-to-cans ratio, more if you’re willing to sacrifice some ice), weighs a mere 7 pounds, and sweeps the board in terms of being leakproof. The two longer handles make this cooler bag easy to pick up and go, while an easily clipped and detached cross-body strap makes walks down to the shore or across the park even more comfortable.
Despite its soft cooler tote-bag look, the Hopper M30 is durable. You can toss the M30 in the back of a truck, chuck it out onto the grass, drag it through sand and gravel, and it’ll still hold strong. (Reinforced straps and durable buckles help with that, too.) We attached ours to a SUP, tossed it from the top of a fire engine, and let a curious puppy nibble on the edges, and it held up beautifully without spilling a drop.
Another thing we like? Instead of a zipper closure like most soft coolers, the YETI Hopper M30 2.0 uses magnets in each lip (MagShield, as YETI calls it) to seal in the cold. Once the magnets connect, fold the opening over to one side and use two sets of buckled straps to keep everything locked up, avoiding having to wrestle with an angry zipper, like found on most other soft coolers. And yes, the contents still stayed in and totally leakproof, even when the ice melted.
YETI Hopper M30 2.0 Tote Soft Cooler
We've been testing the YETI Hoppers for 3 years now. We tested the YETI Hopper M30 2.0 on trips to the river and the beach in Maine in direct 90-degree sunlight, as well as using it as an impromptu cooler for almost a month when our fridge failed while staying at a mountain cabin in the Sierra. We can say confidently that this soft cooler can retain ice for over 48 hours, and is reliable for keeping perishable food and beverages cold.
As a cooler bag, the YETI Hopper M30 is also a semi-collapsible cooler for folks who live in small apartments or looking for a well-insulated bag that takes up the least room in the garage. If it’s within your budget, YETI Hopper M30 is a high-quality and long-lasting choice for folks who want cold drinks and food without the storage requirements of bulkier coolers.
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YETI Hopper M30 2.0 Specifications
Capacity: 42 cans (no ice) / 32 lbs of ice / 13 wine bottles
Dimensions: 25.2" W x 11.9" D x 17.3" H
Weight: ~7 lbs (empty)
Best for: Large groups, extended trips, boat/vehicle transport
Closure: MagShield magnetic system with Quick-Release buckles
Materials: DryHide shell, ColdCell closed-cell foam insulation
Carry Options: Shoulder strap, dual top handles, rear grab handle
Accessories: HitchPoint Grid for gear attachment
Warranty: 3-year warranty
Price: $350 ($370 for Wetlands Camo color)
Comparison table
| SOFT COOLER | COOLER TYPE | CAPACITIES AVAILABLE | CANS IT CAN FIT | WEIGHT (LBS) | MSRP* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YETI Hopper M30 2.0 Soft Cooler | Tote bag | 15, 30L | 42 | 7.0 | $350 |
| Yeti Hopper Flip Cooler | Rectangular | 8, 12, 18 L | 13 | 3.1 | $250 |
| YETI M20 2.0 Backpack Soft Cooler | Backpack | 12, 20 L | 36 | 5.6 | $325 |
| REI Trailgate 30L Weekend Cooler | Rectangular | 20, 30 L | 24 | 5.9 | $160 |
| RTIC Soft Pack 30 Can | Rectangular | 12, 18, 20, 40 cans | 30 | 4.0 | $100 |
Who is it for?
Large groups and families needing high-capacity cooling for long day trips or weekends
Boat and RV owners wanting easy-loading access with wide-mouth design that can hold taller containers like wine bottles
Premium buyers prioritizing maximum ice retention and YETI build quality
Kayakers, rafters, or canoers seeking hands-free loading with stay-open magnetic closure
Groups planning weekend trips requiring substantial food and beverage storage
Those wanting versatile carry options with multiple handle configurations
Small apartment dwellers who want a cooler for camping but need something collapsible
People who like to buy things only once, because this cooler will last a very long time
How we tested
We tested the YETI Hopper soft cooler tote bag side-by-side with other soft coolers on ice retention tests
We tested the YETI M30 Hopper 2.0 M30 for three summers on rivers and lakes in Maine, carrying cans of beer and snacks on hot summer days. Another tester spent a summer taking the M30 2.0 Hopper M30 to lakeside picnics and kayaking trips in the Sierra. As a result, we can say we've tested the YETI M30 Hopper M30 in hot, humid climates as well as hot, dry, high altitude climates. In both types of environments, the Hopper M30 excels.
In addition to day trips and weekend trips, one of our testers ended up relying on the M30 2.0 for almost a month when the refrigerator at a mountain cabin quit working, and kept perishable food cold and safe for consumption for four people. (You can read the full story at Our Favorite Summer Gear We’re Testing Summer 2025). During that time, we got to know this cooler really well including how long we can push it before needing to get fresh ice, the best way to dump out water, and exactly how many days of groceries will fit inside.
We also ran systematic "lab" tests on the YETI Hopper M30 2.0. In our ice retention test, the YETI Hopper M30 held its ice in 90-degree direct sunlight for more than 10 hours and still had half of its ice in frozen form nearly 24 hours later. After 36 hours in an average of 75-degree weather, the ice had melted, but the water was still cold.
We compared the YETI Hopper M30 side-by-side with other soft coolers and it was among the strongest performers for ice retention. This is notable because most wide-mouth design coolers tend to expose the contents to warm air at higher rates than other coolers.
In another "lab" test, we compared the YETI Hopper M30 2.0 against other soft coolers on a 75-degree weekend, putting 10 pounds of ice in on Friday afternoon and checking in throughout the weekend to best simulate using it on a car camping trip (we were, in fact, camping). By Sunday night, there was still about ¼ of the ice left and the water was still cold (and keeping the food cold as well). It was all water by Monday morning
What we liked
The YETI M30 2.0 soft cooler can fit a lot of food inside and you can fit taller items like wine bottles inside.
Superior ice retention for a bag-style soft cooler
Taller design can accommodate wine bottles or taller containers
Lightweight
Tote-bag style cooler is very easy to load
Daisy chains on the outside of the cooler can be used to attach accessories, water bottles, etc.
Leakproof magnetic closure
Semi-Collapsible and easy to store away
Lots of colors and patterns to choose from
What could be better
Price
No extra pockets
Falls over fairly easily
Features
MagShield Access and usability
The YETI Hopper M30’s ultra-strong magnets create a leak-resistant seal that stays open during loading and unloading. Its wide-mouth opening provides excellent visibility and access to contents. The stay-open design allows for one-handed packing and unpacking. The MagShield closes easily, and seals tight without having to wrestle with zippers. The Quick-Release buckles add extra security for transport and rough conditions. The mouth is so wide and the soft cooler is so deep that YETI has a warning not to leave it open near children or animals as they could fall in.
It's worth noting that the older version of the YETI Hopper M30 (and smaller M20 version) were both recalled in March of 2023 because the magnets could fall out and if swallowed, could cause a health risk. They've since found a better way to secure the magnets inside the cooler. And it goes without saying, but don't eat any magnets, no matter where they came from. And with any of the YETI Hoppers with magnets, be careful with the magnets if you have a pacemaker as it could potentially cause some interference.
Close-up on the wide mouth opening of the YETI Hopper M30 2.0 soft cooler tote bag. During the ice retention test, this is the amount of ice still inside after 20 hours on a 90F day.
Cooling performance and capacity
YETI’s proprietary ColdCell Flex insulation made of closed-cell foam insulation provides exceptional ice retention (78+ hours). It has a large, 42-can capacity—which can work for group events and extended adventures. Unlike many soft coolers out there, its wine bottle compatible design accommodates various container shapes. The RF-welded (radio frequency welded or high frequency welded) leakproof liner eliminates weak stitching points. Overall, we found the Hopper M30 maintains a consistent, cold temperature, even in extreme heat conditions.
It's worth noting that YETI explicitly warns not to use dry ice with this cooler because it is so leakproof, the extra pressure caused by dry ice could cause it to explode.
Durability and construction
The older version of the M30 cooler became our go-to for responding to emergencies with our volunteer fire department. In the process, it has been thrown around in the back of the truck with equipment a lot and has seen no signs of wear.
The DryHide high-density shell fabric resists punctures, UV rays, and abrasions. Both interior and exterior materials are treated for mildew resistance. Despite countless hours and days in the back of a vehicle getting hit by direct sunlight, neither of our coolers shows any sign of color fading.
The double-stitched carry handles are designed for heavy-load durability. The YETI Hopper M30’s premium construction and quality make for long-term outdoor use, and capable of withstanding drops, scrapes, and rough transportation. We've dropped it many times and it still looks eerily new.
Portability and carry options
The YETI Hopper M30 provides multiple options for carrying configurations: shoulder strap, dual top handles, rear grab handle. Its tote-style design distributes weight evenly for comfortable transport, while the messenger bag-style shoulder strap allows for hands-free carrying. The YETI Hopper M30’s is lightweight (~7 lbs) compared to hard coolers of similar carrying capacity. Since its tall and thin, its compact profile fits well in vehicles, boats, and storage areas.
Storage and organization
The YETI Hopper M30 is easy to clean with some dish detergent, baking soda, and a hose.
The large single compartment maximizes packing efficiency, while the wide opening eliminates the need to unpack the entire cooler for access. The interior surface is easy to clean, with smooth RF-welded seams.
The YETI Hopper M30’s HitchPoint Grid system (essentially, strong and secure daisy chains on the outside of the cooler) allows for easy attachment of accessories and other gear, and is compatible with YETI Sidekick Dry Gear Case and bottle accessories (neither of which we tested).
Performance in the field
Ice retention
When compared to similar size/weight soft coolers we tested, the YETI Hopper M30 shines in the ice retention category, providing 3+ days of ice retention while maintaining temperatures below 40 degrees inside. In our ice retention test, the YETI Hopper M30 held its ice in 90-degree direct sunlight for more than 10 hours and still had half of its ice in frozen form nearly 24 hours later. During another test, after 36 hours in an average of 75-degree weather, the ice had melted, but the water was still cold. While the insulation on this cooler bag isn't as good as the YETI Tundra hard cooler or the YETI Flip soft cooler, it's by far the best tote-bag style (wide-mouth soft cooler) we’ve encountered when it comes to keeping items cold.
Ice retention on the YETI Hopper M30 tote bag after 5 hours at 90F.
Loading/unloading
We really like the Hopper M30's revolutionary magnetic closures. The MagShield Access closure makes access effortless—the opening stays open when you need it to (for grabbing items or when dumping in ice) and closes easily.
With the magnetic system, we could manage opening the cooler, grabbing a cold can, and closing it all with one hand (ideal for lazy lounges on the beach). This is in sharp contrast to earlier versions that used a zipper closure, which could sometimes get stuck.
Portability
The YETi Hopper M30 has handles and a shoulder strap to make loading it in your vehicle or walking it into a campground easier.
The Double-Stitched Carry handles generally work well to make larger weight loads more manageable. We found the tote carrying option to be the most comfortable for bearing weight, as we could hold it close to our body.
However, when fully loaded, it becomes uncomfortable carrying it as a messenger bag for longer distances (like a 15 minute walk to and from the grocery store). Ultimately, we found the Hopper M30 2.0 to be best for shorter distances.
If you’re looking for a soft cooler backpack for maximum carrying comfort, check out our winners in our Best Soft Coolers guide.
Durability
The YETI Hopper M30 uses closed cell foam insulation to keep its ice retention game strong, and their DryHide double-TPU exterior material is UV, puncture, and abrasion resistant, and waterproof–much like the exterior of an inflatable kayak or raft. So, you can toss the M30 in the back of a truck, chuck it out onto the grass, drag it through sand and gravel, and it’ll still hold strong. (Reinforced straps and durable buckles help with that, too.) We attached ours to a SUP, tossed it from the top of a fire engine, and let a curious puppy nibble on the edges, and it held up beautifully without spilling a drop.
Capacity
When you're following YETI’s recommended 2:1 can-to-ice ratio, we found that the Hopper M30 can hold a lot of food and beverages of various container sizes and stay cool. This was especially true when using it on grocery runs, and we had no issue keeping a full load of perishable groceries cold on a long drive back to the house. We found the larger storage capacity of the M30 perfect for large groups (around 6 people) when you need plenty of snacks and drinks for an outing. If you’re thinking you don’t need that much space (or don’t want to carry that much weight) the smaller Hopper M15 is an excellent option with the same design, just smaller capacity.
YETI Hopper M30 vs. similar coolers
Testing the YETI M30 2.0 cooler (light blue) vs. other similar soft coolers.
While we’ve tested other soft coolers, we found that the YETI Hopper M30 2.0 was one of our favorites overall for its incredible magnetic opening, leakproof abilities, and ice retention, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other soft coolers that we tested or might be better for your cooling needs. As previously stated, if the YETI M30 seems too large and that you’ll never fill it to capacity, the YETI Hopper M15 offers the same premium quality but is just smaller (and a bit easier to lug around).
We also tested the RTIC Soft Pack 30, and it won our Best Cooler for Road Trips because of its value, leakproof zipper, streamlined design that made it easy to pack into a trunk with a lot of other items. While we found the overall quality of the Hopper M30 to be better (and prefer the magnets to their zipper), the RTIC Soft Pack 30 has a price you can’t beat and is ideal for packing because of its square shape. But it isn't as collapsible for storage once you get home.
Another soft cooler contender on the market is the REI Campwell 18L Folding Cooler—an affordable tote cooler beloved by many. While its canvas exterior and zipper are not waterproof, it is easy to haul around and performs beyond its price. It also converts from a tote into a rectangular cube or can be completely flat. If you’re looking for a soft cooler that is collapsible for convenient storage but don’t want to pay YETI pricing, the REI Campwell 18L Folding Cooler might be a better option.
Should I buy the YETI Hopper M30?
Buy if you need large-capacity cooling (especially for wine bottles or taller items) with leak-proof performance and prefer innovative magnetic access over zippers.
Skip if you're budget conscious, need lightweight portability for long carries, or want extensive exterior storage pockets.
Where to buy the YETI Hopper M30?
The YETI Hopper M30 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.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Yeti
Pros: Best selection of colors including seasonal colors, free shipping on orders $50 and up, customized products available
Similar products
REI Trailgate 30L Weekend Cooler
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 leakproof, shoulder strap not very comfy for its size and proportions, not many fun color options
At around half the price of the Hopper M30, the Tailgate 30L is a great cooler that does mostly everything you want a soft cooler to do. Even though it’s not totally leakproof, it keeps snacks and drinks cool, and its square design makes it convenient to pack and tote around. It doesn't have as wide of a mouth opening and it has a zipper, which requires two hands to operate. It's the winner for best budget cooler in our soft coolers guide.
REI Trailgate 30L Weekend Cooler
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 Hopper M30. The RTIC Soft Cooler 30 won Best Soft Cooler for Road Trips in our Best Soft Coolers guide.
RTIC Soft Pack 30
Cooler Type: Cooler Bag/Tote
Capacity: 24 cans
Other capacities available: 6, 12, 48 cans
What we like: Ice retention, durable exterior, wide mouth, external pock
What we didn't like: Not leakproof
From an initial ice retention test, the Polar Bear Cooler 24 series did okay with holding onto ice in direct sunlight and shade, but it didn’t blow us away. We appreciated the wide-mouth opening, which made loading ice and cans exceptionally easy and gave us great access to finding exactly what we needed throughout the day. The handles are tough, the shoulder strap is padded, and the metal hooks that attach the wide-open mouth ends are heavy-duty. For a good cooler for picnics, day trips, and days by the water without the pricey frills, we would certainly recommend the Polar Bear 24 Soft Cooler.
Polar Bear Nylon Soft Cooler Series 24
Why you should trust us / About the author
Josette Deschambeault is 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.
Josette 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. You can read all of Josette's stories on her author page.
Liz Thomas is an award-winning writer and the Editor-in-Chief of Treeline Review.
Liz ended up relying on her YETI Hopper M30 when her refrigerator broke during a month-long trip to a mountain cabin (read the full story at Our Favorite Summer Gear We’re Testing Summer 2025). During that time, she got to know this cooler really well including how long she can push it until getting new ice, the best way to dump out water, and exactly how many days of groceries will fit inside.
Liz 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.
