If you know anything about the premium cooler market, you probably already know that Yeti has been the leader in that category for quite a while now. Sure, the Austin-based company has seen some compelling rivals arrive on the scene in recent years, but it remains the most recognizable brand in the space. Some of this is due to clever marketing, and some is due to their outstanding line of products, which continues to expand and grow to meet the needs of consumers. Such is the case with its newest product, the Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler, which delivers everything we would expect in terms of durability and performance while greatly improving mobility.
Rugged Construction
One of Yeti’s signature design qualities has always been the rugged construction of its coolers. In the early years of the company, it demonstrated that durability by shooting a video of a very large grizzly bear mauling one of its Tundra coolers. It was an effective advertisement, to say the least.
That same high-quality construction exists today across the entire line of Yeti products. In fact, the company is still known for its over-engineered approach to everything it builds. That includes the new Roadie 48, which is tough and dependable as you would expect. From its rugged rotomolded shell to the hinges used on the lid to the tie-down points integrated into its design, the Roadie 48 feels like it can take all the punishment you can dish out and survive with nary a scratch.
The Go-Anywhere Yeti
What is different about the Yeti Roadie 48 is that, unlike most other coolers in the Yeti line-up, it comes with a set of built-in wheels. Essentially, the company has taken the design of its popular Roadie 24 model, doubled it in size, and made it easier to move around. A telescoping handle slides out from the top and provides the perfect balancing point for pulling the Roadie over rough terrain, even when fully loaded. This saves having to lug a heavy cooler to the campsite, something that isn’t always easy.
As you would expect from Yeti, the Roadie 48’s wheels are designed to be just as durable as the rest of the cooler. They are constructed from a solid material that prevents them from ever going flat while allowing the tires to roll along in a surprisingly smooth fashion. The rugged handle plays a significant role in this as well, giving the person pulling the Roaide plenty of confidence that the cooler will survive no matter where it goes.
Performance and Capacity
The other defining characteristic of a Yeti product is performance. The company has set the standard for keeping the contents of its coolers cold for extended periods of time. That holds true for the Roadie 48 as well, which in my test was able to keep ice frozen for as much as five days, even in sweltering weather conditions. When not used in extreme heat and humidity, I would expect the cooler to perform even better.
The Yeti Roadie 48 provides plenty of room for food, drinks, ice, and other items as well. Officially, the cooler can carry up to 42 beverage cans, with room left over for ice. Mixing and matching canned drinks and food items for a camping trip still allows for plenty of cargo, but for those who need a little extra room, Yeti also offers the larger Roadie 60 Wheeled Cooler. This higher-capacity model offers the same characteristics as its sibling but with 12 more liters of cargo space. Both versions ship with a basket to assist with organization and to keep dry goods separated from the ice.
Value
The Yeti Roadie 48 sells for $450, which is pricey even by Yeti standards. That makes it a product that isn’t for everyone, as there are obviously less expensive options that will fill the needs of most consumers. But, as with other high-end outdoor gear, those who need and appreciate the level of performance offered here will find that this cooler is worth every penny. Most people don’t need to keep ice frozen while in the field for days at a time, but if you happen to fall into the category of someone who does (an overlander, hunter, angler, etc.), you’ll be extremely satisfied with what Yeti has made here. Adding the wheels is icing on the cake, making it easier to get the Roadie to and from the campsite.
To find out more about the Yeti Roadie 48 Wheeled Cooler, visit the company’s website.
Buy the Roadie 48 directly from Yeti or Amazon
Kraig is an outdoor and adventure travel writer based in Nashville, TN. Over the course of his career, he has contributed to numerous online and print outlets, including Popular Mechanics, Gear Junkie, Outside Online, National Geographic, Digital Trends, Business Insider, TripSavvy, about.com, and of course The Adventure Blog.
