Yeti Hopper 20 vs 30: Which is the Best Soft Cooler?

Whether you’re planning a camping adventure or a road trip, a good quality soft sided cooler is all you need to keep your drinks and food cold.

The Yeti Hopper 20 vs 30 comparisons will provide you with a detailed account of two best-selling soft coolers on the market.

You either have a soft cooler, or you don’t, but if you don’t have one, we recommend buying either of the two soft coolers mentioned above. 

Yeti’s Hopper cooler collection is impressive. It is crafted for all types of adventures.

Yeti Hopper coolers are 100% leak-proof and portable. They’re durable and versatile too. The coolers are manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit adventure enthusiasts with different requirements.

So, whether you’re on a rugged kayak trip or mountain climbing adventure, Yeti Hopper coolers can be a good buy. 

Bottom Line Up Front: I personally prefer going with the easier to carry Yeti Hopper 30 here. The Yeti 20 has been discontinued in most retail locations, so it makes sense to stick to the 30. If I need extra capacity, I level up with my Yeti Tundra 65 for the campsite and then use the Yeti Hopper 30 for portability around camp or off the beaten path. 

Main Differences Between Yeti Hopper 20 vs 30

The main differences between the Yeti Hopper 20 vs 30 are:

  • Yeti Hopper 30 is almost 1 pound heavier than Yeti Hopper 20
  • Yeti Hopper 30 is almost 1.5 inches longer and 3 inches wider than Yeti Hopper 20
  • Yeti Hopper 30 can hold 30 pounds of ice,  whereas Yeti Hopper 20 can only hold 20 pounds of ice
  • Yeti Hopper 30 can hold 6 more soda cans than Yeti Hopper 20
Editor's Pick
YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler
$449.99

The new M30 offers a great balance of ENOUGH SPACE while still being remarkably portable. It's definitely a top "default pick" that I highly recommend for most use cases.

Check Price at YETI Check Price at REI.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

While Hopper 20 can only store 18 cans of soda and 20 pounds of ice, Hopper 30 can easily store 24 cans of soda and 30 pounds of ice. However, Hopper 30 is costlier than Hopper 20.

In the Yeti Hopper 20 vs 30 comparisons, we’ll discuss both products in details. We’ll list their specifications, features, pros and cons, and a lot more. Keep reading to learn more about Yeti Hopper 20 and 30.

How to Choose the Best Soft Cooler on the Market

yeti

When looking for a soft cooler, there are several factors you should consider. Depending upon your needs, you may be looking for a small, portable soft cooler or a large soft cooler to store large quantities of food and drinks.

So, to help you make an informed purchase, we’ve put together a list of important factors you should consider while choosing the best soft cooler for your trip. 

Storage Size of the Cooler 

When considering the storage size, make sure you take into account both insulation and non-insulated storage capacity.

For instance, if you come across a soft cooler having 100 quarts of storage capacity, it does not necessarily mean it can actually store 100 quarts of drinks and food you want to cool. 

Smaller soft coolers typically come with separate compartments for chilled and non-chilled items. So, if you want to carry a variety of things, the separators can come in handy. At the same time, if you want to carry perishable items, you may find the separators annoying. 

Another important thing you need to check is the shape of the cooler. For instance, if you have a 7-inch footlong that consumes 4 quarts of volume, it may not fit in a 7-quart soft cooler if the shape of the cooler is not optimized for carrying the footlong. Therefore, while choosing a soft cooler, make sure you consider the items you’ll be carrying. 

Lastly, make sure you also consider the space consumed by ice or ice packs. To maximize the cooling period, many people carry extra ice. However, the extra ice will consume extra volume. 

Size of the Cooler 

The second size you may want to consider is the size of the soft cooler and how much space will it take up. As a matter of fact, soft coolers can be pretty large. Therefore, you can find it somewhat challenging to carry store and transport them. If you end up buying a soft cooler that’s too large, you may run into space-related issues. 

Typically, soft coolers that are more durable come with thicker walls for extending the ice life. In some cases, the walls can be up to 3 inches thick. So, if you’re planning to buy a super-insulated soft cooler, make sure you free up space to store it without any hassles. 

A great benefit of buying a soft cooler is that you can easily manipulate its dimensions once it’s empty or semi-empty. 

Editor's Pick
YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler
$449.99

The new M30 offers a great balance of ENOUGH SPACE while still being remarkably portable. It's definitely a top "default pick" that I highly recommend for most use cases.

Check Price at YETI Check Price at REI.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

The material of the Cooler

In most cases, the outside of soft coolers is made of different types of fabrics. And, the insulation ability, durability, strength, and waterproof-ability may vary from one fabric to another. Soft coolers by high-end brands are typically made of intertwined nylon, which is pretty durable and tough. 

Many soft coolers also use rubber in their design; however, only in some spots. Some brands also use rubber seals to build an air-tight barrier between the cooler and the lid. Other places where you may find rubber include rubber handles, grips, wheels, gaskets, and drain plugs. 

Ease of Carrying

A soft cooler, especially when fully loaded, can become difficult to carry. Both ice and the other items inside the cooler can add significant weight to the soft cooler. Therefore, make sure you buy a soft cooler that has a lid handle, side handles, shoulder straps and/or wheels. 

  • Lid handle – The lid handle is located on the lid of the soft cooler and help a great deal in carrying the cooler. Lid handles allow you to walk comfortably while carrying the cooler and allow you to keep one hand free. Nevertheless, single lid handles are not as sturdy as the side handles and are good for small soft coolers only. 
  • Side handles – The side handles are located on both sides of the soft cooler. One or even two people can carry a heavy soft cooler easily using the side handles. Most side handles are plastic pivoted. 
  • Shoulder strap – Shoulder straps allow you to carry the soft cooler on your shoulders. This way, both your hands will remain free. So, if you want to carry more items while you’re loading your car or climbing difficult terrains, you can easily do it without taking multiple trips. Most shoulder straps come with extra padding for comfort. 
  • Wheels – Many large-sized soft coolers on the market come with wheels. As you can clearly see from the name, the wheels allow you to carry heavy soft coolers easily. You can simply pull or push the soft cooler to move it. 

Insulation

Insulation is a critical factor you cannot afford to miss as it determines the performance and quality of the soft cooler. 

While some people want soft coolers that can store ice for almost a week, others want soft coolers that can store ice for a few hours or days. Almost all reputable soft cooler brands on the market sell soft coolers that can store ice for a few hours or a day.

If you’re looking for a soft cooler to store ice for 2-3 days, you may want to consider one that is very soft-sided. However, if you’re looking for soft coolers to store ice for more than 4 days, you may want to consider the premium brands and models. 

External Storage

The external storage can come in handy if you’re planning a picnic with kids. You can make the most of the external storage to store items such as potato chips, candies, sunglasses, sunscreen lotions, car keys, and a lot more. 

Yeti Hopper 20 vs 30 – A General Comparison

 

Yeti Hopper 20

Yeti Hopper 30

Model

Hopper Two 20

Hopper Two 30

Country of Origin

China 

China

Weight 

4.4 lbs. 

5.5 lbs. 

Height 

10.65 inches 

16 inches 

Width 

20 inches 

22.6 inches 

Length 

10 inches 

12 inches 

Material 

840-denier dual-side thermoplastic urethane

840-denier dual-side thermoplastic urethane

Type 

Soft cooler 

Soft cooler 

Capacity

   

Bottom Drain

No 

No

Drink Holders 

No

No

Lid Gasket

No 

No

Insert Trays

No

No

Wheels 

No

No

Section Dividers 

No

No

Manufacturer Warranty 

3 Years

3 Years 

How We Tested Yeti Hopper 20 and Yeti Hopper 30 Coolers

yeti hopper cooler

Both coolers have been thoroughly tested and vetted by our outdoor gear experts.

We thoroughly scanned the market, carefully read existing user reviews, and used our own experiences testing these coolers to put together the Yeti Hopper 20 vs 30 comparison. We tested both products in less optimal conditions to bring out the best in them. 

We tested the coolers over several days and weeks. All in all, we evaluated them on weight, dimensions, capacity, durability, ice retention, and built and construction. 

Yeti Hopper 20 vs 30 – A Detailed Comparison

Let’s walk through the main differences between Yeti Hopper 20 and 30. 

Weight

As you can see from the above table, Yeti Hopper 30 is approximately 1 pound heavier than Yeti Hopper 20. So, if you don’t like to carry heavy stuff, you may want to consider Yeti Hopper 20. 

Capacity 

This is a critical area of consideration. The number in the name of the soft cooler signifies its capacity. So, Yeti Hopper 30 can hold 30 pounds of crushed ice, while Yeti Hopper 20 can only hold 20 pounds of crushed ice.

Our experts were pleased with Yeti Hopper 30’s capacity as it did not let them run out of ice for almost 3-4 days in a row.

So, if your ice demand is high and you want to squeeze in a little over a dozen cans in the soft cooler, you may want to consider Yeti Hopper 30 over 20. You’ll be surprised to know that at a 2:1 ice ratio, Yeti Hopper 30 can store almost 6 soda cans more than Hopper 20. 

Dimensions

From the outside, Yeti Hopper 30 is approximately 1.5 inches longer than Yeti Hopper 20. Not only this but Yeti Hopper 30 is also 2 inches wider than Hopper 20. And, from the inside, Yeti Hopper 30 is approximately 3 inches wider than Hopper 20. So, yet again, if you require a large-size soft cooler, you may want to consider Yeti Hopper 30.

YETI Hopper 30 Portable Cooler


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Durability

Our experts tested Yeti Hopper 30 and 20 for durability. And, when it comes to durability, both Yeti Hopper variants are terrific. They survived the toughest of tests and we noticed no scratches or tears even after dragging the soft coolers on rugged terrains, especially Yeti Hopper 30 which is a little heavy to carry when hiking. 

Ice Retention

In the Yeti Hopper 20 vs 30 comparison, ice retention is a critical point of concern. But, the good news is that both Yeti Hopper 20 and 30 can keep ice for almost 28-72 hours depending upon the outside temperature. However, in the case of direct sunlight, you can expect the ice to last for a little over 24 hours. 

Both Yeti Hopper soft coolers come with ColdCell insulation, a closed-cell rubber foam that provides solid thermal retention. The ColdCell insulation is thicker on the bottom and sides to keep your drinks and food items properly chilled. 

Built and Construction

Both Yeti Hopper 20 and 30 are made of a high tenacity fabric known as the DryHide Shell. The special fabric is waterproof and UV as well as puncture-resistant. The inner lining is antimicrobial, FDA food-grade, and mildew resistant.  

We also tested both products for their leak-proof design and the results were appealing. Even after all the ice melted into water, there was no sign of leakage or spilling from the soft coolers. 

When it comes to carrying options, both Yeti Hopper 20 and 30 come with a variety of handles. You can use the two large straps to carry the soft coolers with one hand or use the smaller straps on the ends to carry the soft coolers with two hands. On both sides of the handles, you’ll find the Hitchpoint Grid that is actually a MOLLE-style arrangement.

The Hitchpoint Grid allows you to clip different accessories such as keychains, torches, bottle openers, and so on, onto the cooler. This way you can eliminate carrying an additional waist pouch or small backpack (backpack cooler). 

Read also: The Yeti Tundra 65 Review

Yeti Hopper 20 – Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Durable and good quality 

Expensive

Puncture-proof 

The side zippers are not very user-friendly. 

Can store ice for up to 72 hours depending upon the outside temperature and weather conditions 

No separate compartment for food

Leak-proof design 

 

Portable 

 

Consume less storage space

 

Well-constructed with a sturdy body

 

Great ColdCell insulation

 

3 sets of reinforced handles

 

DryHide shell that makes the soft cooler waterproof, UV-resistant, and mildew resistant

 

Hitchpoint Grid to fasten keys, bottle openers, small torches, and other accessories

 

Yeti Hopper 30 – Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

Noteworthy design

The zipper openings are small and tight 

More storage capacity for hold ice and cans

Very expensive 

Durable and sturdy

 

Value for money 

 

Easy to carry 

 

Suitable for long trips 

 

Consumes lesser space as compared to many bulky soft coolers on the market 

 

Made of high-quality materials 

 

Leak-proof design

 

Excellent ColdCell insulation

 

3 sets of reinforced handles 

 

DryHide shell that makes the soft cooler waterproof, UV-resistant, and mildew resistant

 

Hitchpoint Grid to fasten keys, bottle openers, small torches, and other accessories 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Yeti Hopper 20 and 30

Question: How many cans of beer can Yeti Hopper 20 hold?

Answer: Yeti Hopper 20 can hold approximately 18 cans of beer while Yeti Hopper 30 can hold approximately 24 cans of beer. 

Question: Which cooler keeps ice the longest?

Answer: Both Yeti Hopper 20 and 30 keep ice the longest based on the outside temperature conditions. 

The Verdict: Yeti Hopper 20 or 30?

Editor's Pick
YETI Hopper M30 Portable Soft Cooler
$449.99

The new M30 offers a great balance of ENOUGH SPACE while still being remarkably portable. It's definitely a top "default pick" that I highly recommend for most use cases.

Check Price at YETI Check Price at REI.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.

Now that you’ve read the detailed Yeti Hopper 20 vs 30 comparison, have you been able to make a clear choice? Well, your choice would completely depend upon your requirement. 

If you’re planning a long road trip or adventure in the mountains, Yeti Hopper 30 can be a good pick as it has more storage capacity.

Whereas, if you’re planning a day outing with your family during the sultry summer months, you may consider buying Yeti Hopper 20 that has lower storage capacity and is more portable than Yeti Hopper 30.

Also, if you’re low on space but planning almost a week out, you may find Yeti Hopper 20 more suitable as it consumes less space. So, as you can see here, different permutations and combinations are possible based on your requirements. 

Bottom Line Summary: I personally prefer going with the easier to carry Yeti Hopper 30 here. The Yeti 20 has been discontinued in most retail locations, so it makes sense to stick to the 30. If I need extra capacity, I level up with my Yeti Tundra 65 for the campsite and then use the Yeti Hopper 30 for portability around camp or off the beaten path. 

We hope you found the Yeti Hopper 20 vs 30 comparison helpful. If you have any more questions regarding any of the products, feel free to post them in the comments section below. 

Further Reading on Coolers

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