If you’re worried about ice, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 (see image) holds up to 16 pounds. So, you can pack in all your goods along with enough ice to keep everything cold for a long day.
The YETI Hopper Flip 8 and 12 are the epitome of convenience. From the portability to durability, these personal coolers are like an adult lunchbox on steroids. Although, neither are good options if you need to pack in food for more than a day. For that, I would recommend another option like the YETI Tundra 35 or 45.
For personal-sized carry, the capacity and size of the YETI Hopper Flip 8 and 12 are perfect for everyday use. The YETI Hopper Flip 8 fits 8 cans which will keep you fed and quenched as you spend the morning fly fishing the river. The YETI Hopper Flip 12 fits a bit more food at a 13 can capacity. The extra storage will come in handy when you picnic with a friend on your next full day of SUPing.
Differences Between the YETI Hopper Flip 8 and 12
Capacity
You wouldn’t go trail running in heavy, clunky hiking boots, would you? Gear should match the activity. This includes coolers.
The YETI Hopper Flip 8 and 12 are solid go-to coolers for day use. The YETI Hopper Flip 8 offers 8 cans of beer capacity or 10 pounds of ice. This is perfect for the famished couple who want to scarf down lunch when they return to the trailhead.
If you need to leave first thing in the AM to get there, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 can offer more room for sustenance. The 13 cans of beer capacity will accommodate a few extra snacks and hydrating beverages.
If you’re worried about ice, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 holds up to 16 pounds. So, you can pack in all your goods along with enough ice to keep everything cold for a long day.
Considering the extra storage space, I’d go with the YETI Hopper Flip 12.
The YETI Hopper Flip 8 (see image) is 8” × 10 1/2” × 11 1/2” on the outside.
Size
The thing I love about the YETI Hopper Flip 8 and 12 is how well each one packs in the car. The YETI Hopper Flip 8 is 8” × 10 1/2” × 11 1/2” on the outside. Meanwhile, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 is a size up at 10” × 11 1/2” × 12 5/8”.
Both options can fit on the passenger seat for easy access. Although, the YETI Hopper Flip 8 will fit a touch better behind the passenger seat giving your co-pilot more leg room.
If you need different dimensions, take a look at the YETI cooler finder. They have a range of soft and hard coolers in a variety of sizes.
Weight
The YETI Hopper Flip 8 and 12 are light as a feather compared to other YETI coolers.
The YETI Hopper Flip 8 is only 2.8 pounds empty. Remarkably, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 weighs less than half a pound more at 3.1 pounds empty.
Add in the max ice capacity and we’re talking 12.8 pounds and 19.1 pounds for the YETI Hopper Flip 8 and 12, respectively.
This is just to give you a rough estimate of what you’re dealing with. Obviously, the real packed weight will vary according to contents.
Put it that way, the YETI Hopper Flip 8 is the better choice in this category.
Value
The YETI Hopper Flip 12 (see image) fits a bit more food at a 13 can capacity.
I’ll say this, you can get a soft cooler for a fraction of what the YETI Hopper Flip 8 and 12 will cost you. Although, other brands won’t have the same quality.
If portability, packability, and seriously tough durability rank high on your list, the YETI Hopper Flip 8 and 12 are the soft coolers of choice.
With both, you’ll get excellent ice retention all packed into one leakproof cooler. The top of each fully flips open for better access. Meanwhile, the padded shoulder strap and top handle allow for an easy grip.
Better yet, these two options offer exceptional quality built for everyday use.
Investing in the YETI Hopper Flip 8 and 12 is worth the consideration. Especially when you account for how often cheap soft coolers get busted.
However, the YETI Hopper Flip 12 will cost you a bit more. What you get in return is a greater storage capacity. This could potentially make your break your day depending upon your trip.
Considering the two are so close in price, I’d pay the extra fee and go with the YETI Hopper Flip 12.
With that in mind, the YETI Hopper Flip 8 and 12 may be overboard for your daily needs. If you aren’t likely to be dragging your soft cooler through brushy and rocky terrain, you could easily get away with a less expensive option.
Conclusion
If you’re building up a collection of all things YETI, you may want to add either the YETI Hopper Flip 8 or 12 to your gear list. These personal-sized coolers are easy to pack, load, and carry.
As for what they carry, the YETI Hopper Flip 8 can keep you fed for a day with the 10 pound ice capacity. Feed a friend or stay out longer with the 16 pound ice capacity of the YETI Hopper Flip 12.
I’m sure as a YETI fan you already know you are going to throw down big bucks for either. So if you want to save some money, you can opt for a less expensive brand. Just know the quality may not be up to snuff compared to YETI.