YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler Review: Built Tough, with a Few Tradeoffs

If you're in the market for a high-performance backpack cooler, the $325 YETI Hopper M20 is likely already on your radar. It’s one of the most rugged soft coolers in the YETI lineup—and easily one of the most talked-about on the market right now. After testing the Hopper M20 on a paddle boarding trip with friends, I walked away impressed by its ice retention, thoughtful design touches, and overall durability. But I also discovered a few quirks that you’ll want to know before pulling the trigger.

In this hands-on review, I’ll break down what the Hopper M20 gets right and what could use some tweaking. I've used it on a number of outings and I'll cover how it performs in real-world use, with insight into its comfort, closure system, capacity, and cooling power.

Final Verdict: Built Like a Tank, but Not Perfect

Overall, I’m impressed by the YETI Hopper M20 backpack cooler. It keeps ice all day (and even into the next day), feels like it could survive a bear attack (but it can't so get a hard cooler if you need the protection), and has one of the slickest closure systems I’ve used. But it’s not flawless. The non-adjustable clips and narrower opening take some getting used to, and the comfort could be better for long treks.

Still, if rugged performance and premium build quality are high on your priority list, the Hopper M20 is a worthy investment—and a cooler that’ll last you for many adventure seasons to come.

My Rating: 4.2/5 Stars

Pros and Cons Based on My Use

What I Like

✅ MagShield magnetic closure is fast and satisfying to use

✅ Outstanding ice retention (especially with proper pre-cooling)

✅ Top-tier build quality—this thing is bombproof

✅ Waterproof and leak-resistant

✅ Backpack design is great for hauling more gear, fishing trips, etc...

What I Don’t Like

➖ Opening doesn’t stay open wide like the Hopper Flip - I'm being nit-picky, but the mouth of the YETI Hopper M20 backpack cooler doesn't want to stay fully open. I've cursed at it more than once when trying to dump ice in it. 

➖ Expensive, even by premium cooler standards – Everyone knows this is what you get with the YETI name. It has exceptional quality, so I'm not saying it is overpriced, but no doubt you are also paying for the brand leader. 

➖ Stiff and rugged design isn't cushy - The Hopper M20 does a great job carrying it's load, but it isn't the softest backpack you'll wear.    

Specs on the YETI Hopper M20

• Capacity: 18 cans (with 2:1 ice-to-can ratio)
• Weight: 5.6 lbs
• Exterior Dimensions: 15.3" × 9.9" × 18.1"
• Interior Dimensions: 11.6" × 8.9" × 14.0"
• Material: High-density DryHide™ shell, MagShield Access (magnetic top with buckles)
• Real-World Ice Retention: 2 days
• MSRP: $325

What is the Yeti Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler?

The Yeti Hopper M20 is a premium soft-sided backpack cooler that combines the convenience of hands-free carrying with the superior insulation performance Yeti is known for. This isn't just another soft cooler with straps thrown on it – it's a purpose-built backpack cooler designed for serious outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable cold storage during active adventures.

How Much Can the YETI Hopper M20 Hold?

You should use a 2:1 ice ratio with any cooler, which means twice as much ice as food and drink. My experience is that you can bend this rule slightly on day trips, but it is super important for maximum ice retention.

A cooler will not stay cold if there is a bunch of empty space. If you only fill it with a few cans and a small amount of ice, then expect things to stay cold only for a couple of hours before the ice melts. My recommendation is to pile on more ice to fill as much space as you can. 

On paper, the M20 can carry up to 36 cans of your favorite beverage or 22 pounds of ice while keeping your hands free, making it ideal for activities where traditional coolers would be impractical. Whether you're hiking to a remote fishing spot, paddleboarding to a secluded beach, or cycling to your favorite picnic location, the Hopper M20 transforms how you transport cold refreshments. When using the proper amount of ice you'll drop to 18 cans. I've been able to pack drinks and sandwiches for four people, along with some fruit. On my first paddle board excursion with this backpack cooler I included extra beverages for each person along with our food, to fully load the Hopper M20.

Best way to pack a backpack cooler

Here is my typical routine:

• Pre-cool it overnight. This is a very important step for proper performance of any cooler. I either fill it with a bag of ice or stick the cooler (lid open) in my fridge the night before.
• Place an ice pack on the bottom. I like to start with an ice pack that fits squarely on the bottom of the cooler. Both this YETI pack and RTIC pack are good options
• Add contents. I start with beverages on top of the ice pack. I wouldn't put my sandwiches in a freezer baggie directly on the ice pack. Just like packing your grocery bag, you want to layer contents with strongest containers on the bottom.
• Fill with ice. As you layer in contents, fill empty space with loose ice.

Ice Retention: What I’ve Seen in the Real World

After testing on a few hot days, I'm very impressed with the ice retention of the YETI Hopper M20. I didn't think a backpack cooler could perform this good. On my first test I pre-cooled the M20 with an 8 lb bag of ice for only 90 minutes. I then packed it as I described above. We went out on paddle boards and the pack was in the sun for almost 5 hours. Door-to-door was 7 hours. At the end of the day the ice pack was still frozen and even had loose ice frozen to it. There was of course ice melt in the bottom of the cooler, but an impressive amount of ice was left. You can take this backpack cooler on an overnight and get two days of performance out of it, even in warm weather.

Can You Use Dry Ice in the YETI Hopper M20?

No—this cooler is not compatible with dry ice.

Dry ice can damage the liner and the backpack cooler can actually burst, as the MagSheild closure is airtight. If dry ice is important to you, you’ll need a hard-sided cooler like the YETI Roadie 24 or Tundra 45.

MagShield Magnetic Closure: Cool Innovation, With One Catch

One of the standout features of the YETI Hopper M20 backpack cooler is the MagShield closure. It’s a clever system that uses a magnetic strip to snap the top shut. Once closed, you simply fold it over and secure it with side-release buckles.

Compared to traditional roll-tops or zippers, this is faster and cleaner. I really like how easy it is to operate the MagShield and it creates a tight seal to help lock in cold. That said, the opening doesn’t stay propped open like the YETI Hopper Flip series, which made it frustrating at times when I was trying to dump in a bag of ice. On more than one occasion, ice spilled onto the floor because the top wouldn't stay open wide enough. Overall this is my biggest complaint about this cooler. 

Check out our review of the YETI Hopper Flip 18

Another thing worth noting: the side-release buckles are tight and non-adjustable. While the magnetic closer is a piece of cake with one hand, these clips are another story. You need to push down on the top to get the slack needed to attach the buckles. This isn’t an issue for me, but younger users struggle to close them.

Carry Comfort: Rugged but Stiff

The Hopper M20 is built to last, and it feels like it. The high-density DryHide shell shrugs off scratches, water, and general abuse. I really like the rugged exterior. 

But when it comes to carry comfort, it's not my favorite. The padded backpack straps are solid and better than most hard coolers—but not as plush or ergonomic as other soft backpack coolers I’ve tested. The M20 also rides a bit stiff and boxy on the back. You’ll feel the difference the longer it’s on your back.

It’s more than manageable, but if you prioritize comfort and price more than ice retention and build quality, then something like the $139.95 Ice Mule Pro is a better choice.

Final Thoughts

If you regularly take your cooler on adventures away from the car, or need to free up your hands for other gear, then a backpack cooler is a great choice. I expected a big tradeoff with ice retention, but the YETI Hopper M20 has proven that backpack coolers can keep food cold for more than a day. The quality of materials and construction on this Yeti are second-to-none. My complaints are minor and none are a deal breaker. As long as you are willing to pay for it, the Hopper M20 is the top end of backpack coolers.