I am a big fan of this size range, as I’m able to store a lot in these coolers and really get away for a few days—sometimes even up to a week—while still having everything cool as ice!
I’m going to look at some mid-tier-sized Yeti Tundra hard coolers, specifically, the Yeti Tundra 65 vs. the Yeti Tundra 75.
Keep in mind that this is where things begin to get heavy. However, they have one of the best ice-to-cans ratios, at 2:1. I can easily see great ice efficiency at these sizes.
I do consider these to be in the mid-tier size grouping because, yes, there are even bigger Yeti sizes out there for when one needs to escape into the wilderness with all the necessities.
You will also want to consider that both models can get quite heavy and that it may be a team effort when it comes to hauling them, as you'd need to be extremely strong to lug these around by yourself.
Also, they're not meant to be carried on a hike or as part of a large excursion. They're more about being hauled briefly to the spot where they'll be living for the next week.
Main Difference Between Yeti Tundra 65 vs. Tundra 75
The Yeti Tundra series is uniform when it comes to how they are made and their features. The major differences between the Yeti Tundra 65 vs. the Tundra 75 are pricing, capacity, and weight.
The Yeti Tundra 65 comes in at 29 pounds empty with a 52-quart capacity. The Yeti Tundra 75 weighs in at 34 pounds with a 79-quart capacity. This is a significant boost that the Yeti Tundra 75 has over the 65.
The Yeti Tundra 75 is also larger by a few inches on all sides compared to the 65, leading to its heavier weight yet huge increase in capacity.
However, when it comes to pricing, the Tundra 75 is more expensive than the Tundra 65 and has the biggest jump in cost between sizes, which is another factor to note.
What I Like About the Yeti Tundra 65
The Yeti Tundra 65 is the first size where you start seeing how great a high ice ratio is and how much longer everything can stay cooler because of it.
It’s a fantastic option for spending a long weekend with close friends and ensuring that cold brews are readily available.
It's also a more rectangular shape, which makes it more stable than boxier Yeti options.
It still comes with those T Rex® latches that make sure nothing will fall out, even when the cooler is tipped on its side.
Combine this with the Interlock™ Lid System and you'll have a cool temperature on the inside, regardless of how hot it gets outside.
The cooler also comes with Fatwall™ insulation, meaning those three inches of insulation aren't as big an issue as it is on other models.
This is also one of the few models that you can customize with an MLB logo. Baseball fans will likely appreciate this the next time they barbeque for a big game.
What I Don’t Like About the Yeti Tundra 65
At this size, it does start to get heavy and can be difficult to handle by yourself. This ends up being a two-person job at a minimum, which makes me wonder, “Why not just go to a larger size?”
The cooler is only 29 pounds without anything in it, so I can transport it easily in many cases, but I prefer to use this for at-home events or quick trips to the local lake or fishing spot.
Yeti Tundra 65 - Pros And Cons
Pros:
- You can start to see the ice management
- An interesting option due to its price point as compared to larger items
- Considered lightweight versus larger options.
Cons:
- Feels as if going smaller or bigger might be a better option
- At times, it doesn't feel like it has a niche as a weekend cooler or a long journey cooler
What I Like About the Tundra 75
This Yeti cooler feels so big, yet is transportable. The Yeti Tundra 75 is where the real fun can begin.
It's able to pack so much. Whether it's cool beers at the beginning of the journey or hunted wildlife at the end of the trip, there will be plenty of space.
Once I learned how to handle this beast, it was simply about finding the right spot for it and leaving it there for the duration of the trip.
It's so strong and durable that I can put my legs up on it, sit on it, or use it as a table to hold my food and drinks or play cards into the night.
Don't worry about dents or dirt, as this has Rotomolded construction.
What I Don’t Like About the Tundra 75
While I prefer this as a great option in the mid-tier class, it becomes almost unmovable for some when it's at full capacity.
In addition, it can be annoying to lug this cooler from point A to point B, so take a moment before determining where to set it down.
It also starts getting pricier than the smaller models as we enter the larger-sized Yeti Tundra series.
Yeti Tundra 75 - Pros And Cons
Pros:
- The perfect cooler for your first adventure into the wilderness (and those that follow)
- Doubles as a table or seat
- Has a huge capacity
Cons:
- Very expensive compared to other models of the same size
- Can get prohibitively heavy
FAQs
How do I maximize the temperature effect in either of these coolers?
Here, you want to know just how much ice and what type of ice to use. Use as big of an ice cube as possible, and maybe even consider the Yeti Cooling ice pack to help support things (it's reusable).
The bigger the ice cubes, the slower they melt and the longer they can keep the cooler cold.
Keep in mind that these are perfectly insulated coolers, making them an excellent option for when you want to keep things warm and at a certain temperature, like when you’re ready to have your next barbeque and want to smoke some meat.
How many cans does a Yeti Tundra 65 hold vs. a Yeti Tundra 75?
There won't be any shortage of beers or foodstuffs when it comes to either of these two coolers, as they both come with dry racks to keep your food cool.
The Yeti Tundra 75 can hold up to 57 cans of beer or up to 66 pounds of ice!
The Yeti Tundra 65 holds 42 cans or up to 56 pounds of ice. This is a significant drop from the Yeti Tundra 75, which raises the question of where the Tundra 65 stands.
Can I carry either the Yeti Tundra 65 or the Tundra 75 myself?
I wouldn’t recommend it. Unless you’re truly in good shape and don’t mind carrying 50+ pounds (or more), depending on the situation, you’ll need someone who's also quite strong to help you move it.
Both models come with the right type of hauling equipment, but be careful; they might seem lightweight until you feel how heavy they are when full.
Final Thoughts
No matter what, one of these models should be a staple in your quest for the right cooler collection.
If you can move the Tundra 75 via your vehicle, go for that, as you'll get much more capability with it.
You won’t be disappointed with the Tundra 65, though, with it being significantly lighter by five pounds and a bit less bulky to handle and carry.
Both coolers work well when combined with either of the smaller models on any type of trip.
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Brandi Jangula
Brandi Jangula is a writer born and raised in the Midwest. The Badlands and Black Hills of South Dakota provide some of her favorite locations to hike and camp with her three adventurous boys. Brandi also enjoys cooking, reading, and attending her children's sporting events in her spare time.
