Rugged Road vs. Yeti Coolers: Which Cooler Brand Is Best for Your Outdoor Adventures?

As you prepare for the next season of outdoor festivities and road trips, you may find yourself in need of a new cooler. For years, Modern Builders Supply has carried a variety of Yeti Coolers. Since 2006, Yeti coolers have been a reliable choice for outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, and traveling. They're known for their durability and long lifespan. Until recently, Yeti was the only cooler brand available on our website.

Now, MBS Outdoor Adventures has added a new line of coolers. Founded in 2016, Rugged Road offers a collection of high-performance coolers that both adventurers and casual travelers can rely on. In 2022, Rugged Road reinvented its product line with the launch of the new V2 coolers, which feature a drain plug, non-slip feet, a gasket seal, an improved warranty, and accessories such as a snack rack and a sliding divider.

Unsure which cooler is right for you? This guide compares Rugged Road and Yeti to help you make an informed decision.

Rugged Road coolers emphasize a lightweight yet durable design, making them exceptionally portable. They use a Fridgite™ insulating core composed of thin, high-density walls to retain cold. The exterior features a Rigorite™ Outer Shell, a blast-resistant coating originally developed for military use, which offers excellent durability and impact resistance. This design resists dents and scratches. Despite their toughness, these coolers are so lightweight they can be easily lifted with one hand, even when fully loaded.

Yeti coolers are primarily constructed from two materials:

• Rotomolded Polyethylene: This seamless, one-piece construction offers exceptional durability and resistance to harsh conditions.
• Polyurethane Foam Insulation: Pressure-injected into the space between the inner and outer walls, this foam provides Yeti coolers with their superior temperature retention.

One major difference between the two brands is weight. Yeti coolers are thicker and more robust but also significantly heavier than Rugged Road models. For instance:

• Rugged Road 45 V2: 9 lbs
• Yeti Tundra 45: 24.6 lbs

While Yeti offers enhanced toughness, Rugged Road is the more portable option.

Both brands deliver reliable ice retention.

• Rugged Road advertises up to 7 days of ice retention.
• Yeti typically holds ice for 5-7 days, depending on external conditions.

Here's a comparison of the features offered by each brand:

Rugged Road

• Drain plug
• Multi-purpose lid (reversible, includes built-in cup holders, and doubles as a cutting board)
• Double-handle system for easy carrying
• Snack rack
• Magnetic latches
• Detachable handles
• Non-slip surface
• Floats upright

Yeti

• Dry goods basket
• DoubleHaul™ handles
• BearFoot™ non-slip feet
• Leakproof drain system
• T-Rex™ lid latches
• NeverFail™ hinge system
• AnchorPoint™ tie-down slots
• More available add-ons

Both warranties cover manufacturing defects for the original purchaser only. Products may be replaced or refunded at the company's discretion. Be sure to read the full warranty terms for each brand to understand what is and isn’t covered.

Yeti: Best for those who prioritize durability and ruggedness, ideal for hunting, long road trips, or rough environments. Yeti also offers a wider range of accessories. However, its larger coolers tend to be slightly more expensive.

Rugged Road: A great option for anyone looking for a lightweight, easy-to-carry cooler. The V2 25, 45, and 65 models are priced similarly to Yeti, but the 85 and 115 models are more affordable. Perfect for lightweight camping, beach trips, and boating, especially since it floats.