The YETI Hopper M30 (see image) is not your average tote bag. This soft cooler has enough storage capacity to hold up to 28 lbs of ice. It also features exceptional durability that won’t begin to fray as you toss it around.
YETI has gone soft and the masses couldn’t be happier. The rugged durability of the YETI Hopper M30 and BackFlip 24 is revolutionizing how we think of soft coolers. Both offer enough space to keep you fed for a day. However, YETI’s hard sided coolers, such as the Tundra 35 and 45, are a better choice for a weekend’s worth of storage capacity.
If you’re in the market for a soft cooler, the YETI Hopper M30 and BackFlip 24 are highly coveted. These daytrippers are ideal for feeding 2 to 3 people on the journey of your choice. The 7lbs YETI Hopper M30 is perfect for a beach day. Meanwhile, the 5.3 lbs YETI BackFlip 24 can be hauled up to a peak for a picnic with a view. Despite the adventure, both are good options if you’re looking for a grab and go cooler.
Differences between the YETI Hopper M30 and BackFlip 24
Capacity
I find the YETI Hopper M30 and BackFlip 24 are just the right capacities to bring some provisions along for a day trip.
At a 28 lbs ice capacity, the YETI Hopper M30 offers a mere 3 lbs more worth of ice space than the YETI BackFlip 24. Meanwhile, they both have a 20 can capacity when using the recommended 2:1 ice-to-can ratio by volume.
While it’s not much, that extra ice will give you slightly better ice retention if packed right.
Portability and Comfortability
There’s no doubt that the YETI Hopper M30 and BackFlip 24 can be more easily carted about than some of YETI’s hard sided coolers. I’m talking to you, Tundra 350. However, comfort is another story.
The YETI BackFlip 24 features a nifty backpack style design with less than ideal execution. The rigged boxy shape and high rise waist strap are awkward and rather uncomfortable.
At 5.3 lbs empty, most of the weight will wind up on your shoulders. Which could be a lot considering how much you pack in.
Meanwhile, the YETI Hopper M30 comes with two carrying options. Sling it over your shoulder like a messenger bag or toss it in the car like a tote bag. The padding provides added comfort which is unfortunately canceled out by the weight.
The YETI Hopper M30 weighs 7 lbs empty. Add in all your snacks, sandwiches, condiments, and bubbly beverages, and we’re talking a serious unbalanced load at your hip.
Neither option screams comfort. That said, both feature personal sized portability.
If you plan on taking either one trekking, go with the YETI BackFlip 24. For short distances, the YETI Hopper M30 is a better choice.
Ease of Use
The YETI BackFlip 24 (see image) features a nifty backpack style design with less than ideal execution.
Both the YETI Hopper M30 and BackFlip 24 feature some drool worthy user-friendly features along with some noticeable challenges.
The YETI Hopper M30 has an upgraded design offering a wide magnetic strip opening so you can stash and grab contents without peering into a dark abyss. Additionally, two non-adjustable buckles at the top lock everything into place.
The drawback, it’s not leakproof. Although, it is leak-resistant. As long as you aren’t carrying it upside down, odds are good that all the sloshing liquid will remain inside.
The YETI BackFlip 24, on the other hand, has a lid that fully zips open. This is helpful when trying to find the right configuration for contents inside. However, no matter how you pack it, the contents on the bottom will be harder to get to.
There’s also the issue of stability. The YETI BackFlip 24 is easy to tip over making it harder to load. Based on this, I’d go with the YETI Hopper M30. It’s harder to tip over and a cinch to load.
Use
The grab and go design of the YETI Hopper M30 and BackFlip 24 make them a good choice to ice your food and beverages for a day. They’re easy to pack in the car and only take a single person to haul which opens up a range of possibilities.
For instance, the tote meets messenger bag design of the YETI Hopper M30 is paired best with picnics, grocery store runs, and beach days. The YETI BackFlip 24 is better for anything that requires a bit of hiking. Pack it full and take it to your favorite fishing hole or swimming hole.
The YETI cooler finder is also a nifty tool to help you decide which one is best for your intended use.
Value
For a soft cooler, the YETI Hopper M30 and BackFlip 24 have astounding durability. The fabric alone can resist punctures and UV rays. And, they can resist mildew.
This optimum quality and durability make the YETI Hopper M30 and BackFlip 24 a solid buy. However, I wish there were some additional features and portability improvements for such a hefty price.
For instance, the YETI BackFlip 24 could use some dry storage for gear. Especially when you consider this is likely to be the only pack you’re hauling around. The YETI Hopper M30 could also use a dry storage compartment and adjustable buckles to bear down the load.
Unless your heart is really sold on a soft sided cooler, I’d go with a hard sided cooler like the YETI Tundra 45. It’s the same price as the YETI Hopper M30 and BackFlip 45 but has a larger storage capacity.
The YETI Hopper M30 (see image) has an upgraded design offering a wide magnetic strip opening so you can stash and grab contents without peering into a dark abyss.
Conclusion
The YETI Hopper M30 is not your average tote bag. This soft cooler has enough storage capacity to hold up to 28 lbs of ice. It also features exceptional durability that won’t begin to fray as you toss it around.
The YETI BackFlip 24 offers the same durability with a backpack style design. Toss it on and hike to your destination with up to 20 cans of your choice inside.
If you’re looking to go soft, both these options are worth considering. However, for the price, you could also go with a hard sided cooler from the YETI Tundra series.
