With the YETI Tundra 65, you get all the same technology as the YETI Tundra 75 at a less expensive price.
Update: YETI just launched its newest (and smallest, and cheapest) hard cooler - the Roadie 15. Here's our first look at it.
YETI has long cemented itself as the king of coolers. Reliable, rugged and high-performing, their hard coolers have practically become status symbols for the adventuring type.
When it comes to their flagship line of Tundra hard coolers, the YETI Tundra 65 and 75 are two of the most popular sizes. These coolers can handle everything you need for an extended weekend and beyond (depending on the size of your group and your cooling needs). However, if you’re looking for a true beast that keeps your group outdoors for a week, the YETI Tundra 125 is a better option. This mammoth cooler is designed with long journeys in mind.
That said, both the YETI Tundra 65 and 75 are solid options for numerous days. With a 57.2-quart capacity, the YETI Tundra 65 has ample space to feed a couple for a 3- to 4-day journey. For longer trips or groups of four, the 74.8-quart capacity of the YETI Tundra 75 is a better option. Of course, this can vary depending upon the size of the group and the quantity of food and drinks you need to keep cool. This nifty tool from YETI can help you decide.
Differences Between the YETI Tundra 65 and 75
Despite the same technology and design, there are some differences between these two coolers. Here are the must-knows.
Capacity
The main feature that sets the YETI Tundra 65 and 75 apart is the overall capacity. The YETI Tundra 75 is slightly more robust on the outside so you can carry more on the inside.
Specifically, the YETI Tundra 75 can house a whopping 78 pounds of ice. In beer language, that translates to 131 cans. We hope you're thirsty. Meanwhile, the YETI Tundra 65 holds up to 58 pounds of ice, or 77 cans.
If you need extra storage space, go with the YETI Tundra 75.
Size
The YETI Tundra 75 is like the big brother of the YETI Tundra 65. This cooler features a 33.4" x 17.8" x 17.6” exterior as opposed to the 30.8" x 17.3" x 16" exterior of the YETI Tundra 65. Neither are space savers.
With that in mind, you will shave off a few inches with the YETI Tundra 65. Of the two, this is certainly the more packable option - "packable" being a relative term when you're talking about monster hard-sided coolers.
The YETI Tundra 65 in its happy place.
Weight
Clocking in at 29 pounds when empty, the YETI Tundra 65 is 5 pounds lighter than the Tundra 75.
While that may not sound like much, this is the base weight. Add in all your contents and the load gets way heavier, way quick. Your back may thank you for that 5-pound savings.
Although, if the cooler isn’t likely to leave the truckbed, the extra weight won’t make much of a difference. That is, as long as you have an extra hand to hoist it in there.
Portability
Both the YETI Tundra 65 and 75 can be comfortably gripped by either the LipGrip™ or DoubleHaul™ handles. That’s gearhead jargon for the indented handles and rope handles on both sides of the cooler.
Regardless of how you grip, both models are tougher to haul once filled. Remember that 29 lbs and 34 lbs empty weight? You’re likely to want an extra set of hands for transport, especially with the YETI Tundra 75.
Of the two, the reduced size and weight make the YETI Tundra 65 the better option here. However, I truly wouldn’t want to trek too far with either.
If you need something that's functional and highly portable, YETI’s cooler finder tool is a resourceful guide.
Usage
Both these coolers are designed for rugged outdoor use. Factor in weight, portability, and size, and you’ll find each one is better suited for different activities.
For instance, the extra space of the YETI Tundra 75 allows for more provisions, reducing town trips when staying in a remote wilderness cabin. Meanwhile, the YETI Tundra 65 is a great companion for the weekend warrior couple looking to bust a camp somewhere in the woods.
Both the YETI Tundra 65 and 75 are long-term investments. Their tough-as-nails exteriors matched by excellent ice retention on their interiors makes them worth every dollar.
Color
Call me superficial, but if I’m throwing down hundreds of dollars on a cooler, I better like the color. So here are your options.
The YETI Tundra 75 comes in white and tan. The YETI Tundra 65 offers a lot more color options: white, tan, navy, charcoal, rescue red, big wave blue, agave teal, and king crab orange. While color preference is highly subjective, take note that the darker the color, the more heat it absorbs.
Value
Both the YETI Tundra 65 and 75 are a long-term investment. Their tough-as-nails exteriors matched by excellent ice retention on their interiors makes them worth every dollar. And that's a lot of dollars - $350 for the Tundra 65 and $450 for the Tundra 75.
However, I completely understand that the high price point may be a deal breaker. With the YETI Tundra 65, you get all the same technology as the YETI Tundra 75 for $100 less.
Technology and Features
Both the YETI Tundra 65 and 75 feature the same technology and features. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included.
FatWall™ Design
Three inches of ridiculously thick insulation to maximize ice retention.
PermaFrost™ Insulation
The inside walls contain polyurethane foam to retain cool temperatures and avoid heat loss.
Rotomolded Construction
Tough as nails construction and uniform wall thickness made from food-grade UV-resistant polyethylene.
The YETI Tundra 75 can house a whopping 70 pounds of ice. In beer language, that translates to 57 cans. Meanwhile, the YETI Tundra 65 holds up to 52 pounds of ice or 42 cans.
T-Rex™ Lid Latches
Highly durable rubber latches that lock into the hard body.
Interlock™ Lid System
A form-fitting barrier that secures the lid into the cooler body like the perfect puzzle piece.
DoubleHaul™ Handles
Strong, military-grade polyester rope handles fitted with a riveted rubber gripe.
LipGrip™ Handles
Two indent handles on the side for an easier grip.
AnchorPoint™ Tiedown Slots
Built-in slots to secure the cooler to a vehicle or boat.
ColdLock™ Gasket
Gasket on the lid designed to retain cool temps inside.
Vortex™ Drain System
Angled drain designed to drain out any liquid sloshing around inside.
NeverFail™ Hing System
Interlocking hinges for enhanced durability.
BearFoot™ Nonslip Feet
Padding on the base that prevents the cooler from sliding around.
Conclusion
For larger groups, the YETI Tundra 75 is the clear winner of the two. The 17 7/8” × 17 1/2” × 33 1/2” exterior is big enough to store plenty of goods. However, considering you’re hauling around plenty of gear, you’ll need an extended cab or truckbed to transport this around.
If you're going out for the weekend, the YETI Tundra 65 will save you some space. Meanwhile, the interior is spacious enough to feed you and a buddy for a few days.
