Updated March 2023
The Tundra 45 is a popular cooler from YETI that many hunters and outdoorsman rely on to keep items ice-cold for extended periods of time. I have personally owned the YETI Tundra 45 for four years and have used it on many trips. The information below is my honest review of the YETI Tundra 45 cooler including both pros and cons.
For the longest time, I thought of coolers as a commodity item. The cheaper the better as long as they get the job done. When I bought the Tundra 45, I was skeptical about how a cooler could cost so much, but I liked the idea of having a quality cooler that would hold up during all of the outdoor activities I do. After using the YETI Tundra 45 for some time now, I can confidently say that it lives up to its name and price tag.
Product: YETI Tundra 45 Cooler
Specifications
- Weight: 22 pounds
- Exterior Size: 25.5”L x 16”W x 15.5”H
- Interior Size: 19”L x 10.5”W x 11.5”H
Pros
- Ice Retention
- Durable
- Quality
Cons
- Heavy
- Small Size
- Price
Ice Retention
When it comes to holding ice, the Tundra 45 excels in this area. This cooler definitely keeps ice longer than your average cooler. On weeklong camping trips in the summer, this cooler held ice for almost the entire trip. On another three-night camping trip in 90-degree weather, this cooler held ice while in the trunk of a car with minimal ice melt. The Tundra 45 is built with 2-inch PermaFrost insulation which consists of commercial-grade polyurethane foam packed into the walls. When it comes to keeping ice, the more insulation a cooler has, the colder items will stay inside. I also use a YETI Refreezable Ice Pack with my cooler which is both convenient and reusable.
Another reason why I like this cooler is because of the air-tight lid. YETI’s ColdLock gasket seal combined with its heavy duty rubber latches keep this cool completely sealed to keep cold air in and warm air out. The gasket seal helps tremendously in keeping ice longer. The biggest complaint I have with most cheap coolers is that they don’t close tightly, allowing cold air to escape and ice to melt quicker. The rubber latches on the Tundra 45 are very easy to use and keep the lid closed tightly.
One tip I have for making ice last longer is to “prime” your YETI cooler before each use. Priming a cooler allows for the insulated walls to absorb and distribute the cold temperature before you load with food, beverages and ice. I have personally noticed that when I take my Tundra 45 directly from the garage or basement and load up with food and ice right away, there will be some initial ice melt before the cooler absorbs the cold. To prime a YETI cooler, I have found it best to put a large block of ice or a bag of ice cubes in the cooler for at least a few hours, or even the day before, to allow for the cold to be absorbed by the insulation. You will notice that some of the ice will melt, but the inside of the cooler will feel cold to the touch. Now, when you load the cooler for a trip, it will hold ice much longer.
Durability
The second reason I like the Tundra 45 is because of its extreme durability. This cooler is virtually indestructible and is also certified as bear resistant. The Tundra 45 is built to last many years. My experience with most cheap coolers is they end up breaking after a few years due to overuse or damage from transportation. The Tundra 45 has such solid construction that there are very few ways to damage it. When you lift this cooler up, you can feel by its weight and sturdiness, that the Tundra 45 will last a long time.
In addition to the durable body of this cooler, the military-grade polyester rope handles are very easy to use. They have comfortable grips and stay out of the way when not in use. Unlike plastic handles on many cheaper coolers, YETI’s rope handles stand very little chance of breaking.
Another feature that adds to the Tundra 45’s durability are the non-slip feet that keep the cooler in place whether in a car, on a table or on a boat.
Quality
The overall quality of the Tundra 45 is superior to all other coolers out there. The lid on this cooler is assembled with a solid 2 hinge system that interlocks with a form-fitting barrier. The lid also has holes for locking with a padlock. The Tundra 45 has an air tight drainage plug that is easy to screw in and out and comes with a basket for keeping dry goods at the top of the cooler.
Weight
There is no doubt that a cooler with 2-inch thick insulated wall is going to be heavy. Although the weight of the Tundra 45 adds to its durability, it can get heavy when loaded up with food and ice. The extra effort in transporting this cooler is something minor that you will get used to over time. The rope handles make this cooler easy to carry by yourself or with someone else.
Size
The Tundra 45 is the size of a standard cooler but because of the 2-inch-thick walls, you lose a lot of interior storage space. This cooler is rated to hold up to 26 cans with a 2:1 ice ratio. The Tundra 45 is fine for a weekend trip for 2 or 3 people but is probably not large enough for a family of 4 or 5. If you plan on using this cooler for a family for more than a few days, you will want something with more space, such as the YETI Tundra 65.
Price
The Tundra 45 retails for around $299 in most places. Although this seems like a hefty price tag for a cooler, the quality and durability of the Tundra 45 is well worth it. A YETI cooler may be the last cooler you buy for a long time, which pays for itself over the long run. If you can get over the price of the Tundra 45, you will not be disappointed with this product.
Features:
- T-Rex Lid Latches – Heavy-duty rubber latches are made to never break.
- AnchorPoint Tie-Down Slots – Molded tie-down slots for easy mounting to a boat, trailer or truck bed.
- NeverFail Hinge System – Two hinge pins and interlocking design prevent the hinge from ever breaking.
- InterLock Lid System – Creates a form-fitting barrier against the heat.
- ColdLock Gasket – A freezer-quality gasket circles the length of the lid to block out the heat and lock in the cold.
- LipGrip Handles – Stay out of the way and make carrying the cooler easier.
- DoubleHaul Handles – Military-grade polyester rope for extra durability.
- Vortex Drain System – Leakproof, rugged, and designed for quick and easy draining.
- Barefoot Non-Slip Feet – Prevent sliding to keep your YETI in place.
Where to Purchase the YETI Tundra 45:
Summary
Overall, the YETI Tundra 45 is a great all-around cooler that holds ice for extended periods of time and extremely durable. I would recommend this cooler for anyone looking to buy their first quality cooler that they plan on keeping for years to come. For more articles and buyer’s guides, please check out other posts from Bowhunting Depot!