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# Best 35 Qt cooler 2025: Yeti Roadie 35 vs. RTIC 35
The 35 qt cooler is a versatile size, balancing portability with ample storage space. It’s perfect for weekend camping trips, tailgating, or keeping food and drinks cold on job sites. Choosing the right cooler can be a significant investment, and understanding the nuances between top brands is crucial. This review focuses on two leading contenders: the Yeti Roadie 35 and the RTIC 35. We’ll delve into their features, benefits, and drawbacks to help you determine which one best suits yoru needs.
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## Key Features Analysis
The Yeti Roadie 35 and the RTIC 35 both aim to provide remarkable cooling performance and durability, but thay achieve this through slightly different designs and materials.**Insulation:** Both coolers utilize rotomolded construction with polyurethane foam insulation.
The Yeti Roadie 35 boasts up to 3 inches of PermaFrost Insulation in the walls and lid. This dense insulation, combined with a freezer-quality sealing gasket, provides exceptional ice retention.Yeti’s rotomolding process ensures uniform wall thickness, minimizing weak spots and maximizing insulating power.
The RTIC 35 also utilizes rotomolded construction and polyurethane foam insulation, but the thickness of the insulation is generally considered slightly less than the yeti. RTIC advertises “up to 3 inches” in some promotional materials, but self-reliant tests often reveal a slightly thinner average insulation layer. However,the difference in ice retention isn’t always dramatic,and RTIC’s design still performs admirably.
**Construction & Durability:** Rotomolded construction is a hallmark of premium coolers.Both the Yeti Roadie 35 and RTIC 35 feature a rotomolded polyethylene shell. This manufacturing process creates a seamless, one-piece construction that is incredibly durable and impact-resistant. This makes them ideal for rough environments and demanding use.
The Yeti Roadie 35 showcases exceptional build quality with heavy-duty T-Rex Lid Latches made from molded rubber. These latches are designed to withstand years of abuse and provide a secure seal. yeti’s commitment to robust construction is evident in every detail, from the integrated tie-down slots to the durable carry handles.
The RTIC 35 is also built tough. while its latches are robust, they are not quite as beefy as Yeti’s T-Rex latches. RTIC’s latches are still durable and effective at sealing the lid, but some users find that they require a bit more effort to close securely. The overall build and materials feel comparable to the Yeti in terms of durability,making it a strong contender.
**Size & Capacity:** External and internal dimensions impact usability.
The Yeti Roadie 35 has exterior dimensions of 25.3″ x 16.5″ x 14.6″ and interior dimensions of 18.3″ x 9.1″ x 10.8″.This gives it a nominal capacity of approximately 35 quarts,providing ample space for food,drinks,and ice for a weekend outing.
The RTIC 35 has slightly different external and internal dimensions. The external dimensions are 22.5″ x 15.5″ x 15″ and the interior dimensions are approximately 17.5″ x 9.5″ x 11″.While the claimed capacity is also 35 quarts, some users find the interior space slightly more usable due to the shape.
**portability:** The weight and handle design are key.
The Yeti Roadie 35 weighs approximately 20 pounds empty. this weight, combined with the durable heavy duty handle grip, makes it manageable for one person to carry short distances. The handle is designed for agreeable gripping, even when the cooler is fully loaded.
The RTIC 35 weighs in at around 22 pounds empty, making it slightly heavier than the Yeti. It also features a heavy duty handle. While the weight difference is not drastic, it can be noticeable when carrying the cooler over longer distances, especially when fully loaded. This weight difference might be attributed to different construction techniques or insulation densities.
**Features:** Additional features enhance the user experience
The Yeti Roadie 35 includes a stainless steel handle, a built-in BearFoot Non-Slip Feet, and a Vortex Drain System. The BearFoot feet prevent sliding on smooth surfaces, while the Vortex Drain allows for easy emptying of melted ice water.
The RTIC 35 includes molded tie-down slots, non-slip feet, and an oversized drain plug. The tie-down slots allow you to secure the cooler to your truck bed or boat, while the oversized drain plug makes it easy to empty the cooler quickly.
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## Core Benefits
Both the Yeti Roadie 35 and the RTIC 35 offer significant benefits to users seeking reliable cooling performance and durability.
**Superior Ice Retention:** The insulation in both coolers ensures extended ice retention, keeping contents cold for days. The Yeti Roadie 35, frequently enough regarded as the industry leader, can maintain ice for 3-5 days depending on environmental conditions and usage.**Unmatched durability:** Rotomolded construction provides exceptional impact resistance. both coolers are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, making them ideal for camping, fishing, hunting, and tailgating.
**Versatile Portability:** The 35-quart size strikes a balance between capacity and portability.both the Yeti Roadie 35 and the RTIC 35 are manageable for one or two people to carry, making them suitable for a wide range of activities. they are small enough to fit in most vehicles while still providing ample storage space.
**Reliable Performance:** Both coolers are built to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh conditions. The durable construction and robust insulation ensure that your food and drinks remain cold, even in extreme environments. This reliability makes them ideal for outdoor adventures and demanding work environments.
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## faqs Section
**Which cooler offers better ice retention, the Yeti Roadie 35 or the RTIC 35?**
The Yeti Roadie 35 generally offers slightly better ice retention due to its thicker insulation and tighter seal. However, the difference is often marginal, and the RTIC 35 still provides excellent ice retention for most applications.
**Are these coolers bear-resistant?**
Yes, both the Yeti Roadie 35 and the RTIC 35 are certified bear-resistant when secured with appropriate locks. This is an crucial consideration for users in bear country.
**What is the best way to prepare these coolers for use?**
Pre-chilling the cooler before loading is essential for maximizing ice retention. We recommend placing ice packs or sacrificial ice in the cooler for several hours before adding your food and drinks. Also, minimize opening the cooler frequently to prevent warm air from entering.
**Are replacement parts available for these coolers?**
Yes, both Yeti and RTIC offer replacement parts for their coolers, including latches, drain plugs, and gaskets. This extends the lifespan of your cooler and ensures that you can continue to use it for years to come.
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## Competitor Comparison
### Product Comparison Overview
#### Yeti roadie 35
* **Insulation:** up to 3 inches of permafrost Insulation
* **Latches:** T-Rex Lid Latches (Molded Rubber)
* **Handle:** Stainless Steel Handle
* **Weight:** 20 lbs (empty)
* **Price:** Higher tier
#### RTIC 35
* **Insulation:** Polyurethane Foam Insulation
* **Latches:** Heavy duty Latches
* **Handle:** Heavy Duty Handle
* **Weight:** 22 lbs (empty)
* **Price:** Mid tier
#### Coleman Xtreme 30 Qurt Cooler
* **insulation:** ThermOZONE Insulation
* **Latches:** Hinged lid
* **Handle:** Portable Carry Handle
* **Weight:** 10 Lbs (empty)
* **Price:** Low tier
### Key Differences Summary
the Yeti Roadie 35 excels in insulation and latch design and overall brand recognition in the premium cooler market, while the RTIC 35 offers a slightly larger interior size with excellent cooling performance at a lower price point. The Coleman Xtreme is great for a cheaper alternative but has very less ice retention compared to the other two. For users prioritizing ultimate ice retention and brand prestige, the Yeti Roadie 35 is the superior choice. though,for those seeking excellent value and performance with a slightly larger interior the RTIC 35 is a compelling option.
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## Ideal User Profile
**Outdoor Enthusiasts:** Campers, hikers, and anglers who need a durable and reliable cooler for keeping food and drinks cold for extended periods. These users prioritize ice retention, portability, and rugged construction.
**Tailgaters and Event Hosts:** Individuals who frequently host gatherings and need a cooler that can keep beverages cold for hours. These users value capacity, durability, and ease of use.
**Construction Workers and Job Site Professionals:** Professionals who work outdoors and need a cooler that can withstand harsh conditions and keep lunches and drinks cold throughout the day. These users prioritize durability,ice retention,and portability.
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## Buying Recommendations & Conclusion
When considering the Yeti Roadie 35 and the RTIC 35, assess your specific needs regarding budget, ice retention requirements, and intended use. The Yeti Roadie 35 is ideal for situations requiring maximum ice retention and durability, while the RTIC 35 offers excellent value for budget-conscious consumers.
both the Yeti Roadie 35 and the RTIC 35 represent excellent choices in the 35-quart cooler category. The Yeti Roadie 35 stands out for its superior ice retention and robust construction but comes at a higher price. The RTIC 35 offers excellent performance and durability at a more affordable price point. Choosing the right cooler depends on your specific needs and priorities.
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