Yeti Tundra 35 vs 45 – Features and Main Differences!

When it comes to outdoor exploration and adventuring, being able to live as comfortably as possible while on your trek is very important.

While storage, in general, is oftentimes a very large problem when it comes to camping, hiking, or anything that involves being in the outdoors for extended periods of time, being able to store food should be one of your main priorities.

Depending on your setup, there are already a lot of different ways that you can store food for when you are out in nature and need somewhere to keep your daily nourishment.

If you own an RV, you likely already have some sort of refrigerator or cooler installed in your mobile home. For those that are going tent or car camping, a simple cooler may suffice just enough to keep liquids cold and food fresh. 

While a simple cooler setup may seem like an optimal way to store all of your various meats and other food items, coolers come in a wide array of different configurations, styles, building types, and much more. That’s why it’s important for you to consider your personal needs before choosing a particular cooler for storing your food to ensure that you’re making the right purchase. 

Much in the same way that coolers come in different configurations and designs, they also come produced by a wide range of different manufacturers and companies.

One of the leading manufacturers of outdoor coolers currently available on the market is Yeti, the company offers a wide range of premium cooler options that will allow you to keep your food at optimal temperatures for storage regardless of the conditions that you may be in while exploring. 

Yeti Tundra 35 vs 45

Two of their leading models are the Yeti Tundra 35 and 45 both of which offer premium cold and heat-retaining capabilities to allow you to store a wide range of different food options. While both models are fairly similar, they do come with some distinct differences.

To help you make the right purchase decision, we’re going to list some of the main differences between the Yeti Tundra 35 & 45 to help you make an educated decision about which model will be best suited for your needs.  We’ll go through all of the most important factors and features that you need to consider between the two variants which will allow you to make a logical decision about which one is best for your intended use. 

To begin, let’s take a look at a few of the main design differences between the 35 and 45 so that you can get a clearer picture of all of the capabilities they both have to offer. 

YETI Tundra 35 Cooler | YETI

The YETI Tundra® 35 is the right size for personal hauls or food for a small crew. It boasts up to three inches of PermaFrost™ Insulation and a rugged rotomolded construction for optimum adventure performance. And it fits nicely in an inner tube, making it the perfect, portable cooler to take tubing down the river.

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Main Differences Between the Yeti Tundra 35 & 45 

While the Yeti Tundra 35 and & 45 do share many of the same overall features and configuration options, they do differ in some important areas. It’s important to know about all of these differences before making your final purchase decision to ensure that you’re making the right choice about the exact model that will suit your needs perfectly. 

Make sure that you read this entire section in full so that you will know what to look for when out shopping for the right cooler that will provide you with the capabilities and accessibility options that you need most. 

  • Size- the Yeti Tundra 35 is about 4 inches shorter than the Yeti Tundra 45 which means that it’s a smaller cooler option. 
  • Storage Capacity- The Yeti Tundra 45 can hold about 9 quartz of more liquid than the 35 model which means that you will be able to store more items for preservation. 
  • Weight- the Tundra 45 weighs about 5 pounds more than the 35 model which makes it a little heavier to carry with you. 

These are some of the main differences that you will encounter when using either the Tundra 35 or 45 for your food storage needs. All of these elements will play an important role in helping you determine which one of these coolers is the optimal option for your intended use and specific food storage needs. 

Now that we’ve gone over all of the important factors you need to consider before finalizing your purchase of either the Tundra 45 or 35, it’s time to take a comprehensive look at all of the things that you need to consider when looking at the Tundra 35 or 45 for your outdoor camping or road tripping needs.

In-Depth Look: Yeti Tundra 45 or 35 

yeti on waters

Both the Tundra 35 and 45 come with an immense set of features and integration capabilities that will make your outdoor adventure that much more comfortable. However, depending on the size of your camping party and how much food you plan on taking with, both of them provide advantages when compared to the other which is something that you’ll want to educate yourself on. 

In the following section, we’re going to go over all of the most important facts and information that you need to know to make an educated purchase decision about which cooler model will provide you with optimal food storage support while out in nature.

Make sure you read this entire section in full to ensure that you’re making the right decision about which cooler configuration will be tailored for your intended use the best. We’re going to go over all of the most important variables that you need to consider when deciding which cooler will be the best option for your specific needs. 

Temperature Regulation 

The most important feature about any cooler is how well it retains the temperature inside of the housing. Yeti coolers are known for their exceptional temperature regulation ability thanks to their unique design and the materials from which they are made.

Both the Tundra 35 and 45 have the ability to keep your food, drinks, and other consumable items either hot or cold for a period of around 5-7 days with other high-end models and configurations being able to keep your items cool for approximately 10 days in total.

Both of these coolers do not vary much in terms of these factors however they will vary in terms of the overall amount of stuff that you can store inside of any given model and how easy they are to carry.

This incredible amount of cooling power is only possible thanks to the unique material used inside of the Yeti coolers which insulates the temperature at a very efficient rate making it easier for you to stay out on your outdoor trips for extended periods of time. 

The Tundra 45 can hold about 34 pounds of ice while the 35 has a maximum capacity of about 20 pounds of ice which is more than enough if you plan on staying on your outdoor exploration or trip for a short time. The larger ice capacity is perfect for those who have large families along with them out in the wild or for those that are packing a large supply for a multi-day trip. 

Yeti Tundra 35 vs 45

 

The rated storage capacity makes it easy for you to ensure that you have enough food and drinks on your trips that last for more than 2 days which is why it is a wildly popular cooler with many people. 

Weight 

When camping or exploring the great outdoors, your selected cooler must be light enough to be carried around a wide range of different environments and climates. Both the Tundra 35 and 45 come with two completely different weight classes making them more optimal for certain classes of hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 45 weighs about 23 pounds while the 35 only weighs 20 pounds in total so it’s the more portable and lightweight option to choose however with the 45 models, you get access to more storage space which is best for longer trips in the wild. 

While the differences in weight may not seem like much, it plays a huge role in the overall ice storing capacity of each cooler which is a key part in determining how long your food will last while out in nature. If you have a lot of people going on your camping or outdoor exploration trip, the weight may not be that important since you have a lot of assistance in terms of carrying the cooler.

For those smaller outdoor trips and adventures, you will want to choose the lightest model to ensure that you’ll be able to carry it with you where you need it most. 

Size & Dimensions 

Aside from weight and storage capacity, the overall sizes and set dimensions of your chosen Yeti cooler will also play a very important role in helping you determine which model is right for your specific needs. The 35 is only about 4 inches shorter than the 45 model which means that all of the other dimensions are identical in terms of width and height.

That extra 4 inches may not seem like a drastic difference however the increase in length is very visible in terms of the amount of food that can be stored in the 45 as opposed to the 35 models. 

Yeti Tundra 35 vs 45

The 35 model is more of a cube shape while the 45 is more of a rectangular shape which also gives you more access to food storage space. This elongated design will allow you to store and preserve wine bottles while on the go which is why the 45 models are recommended for those that are bringing a lot of food on their outdoor trip. 

Durability & Build Quality 

Both of these coolers are made from very high-quality materials which ensure that the cooler does not take on any unnecessary damage due to the regular use of external elements in the environment.

They are made using a technique known as rotomolded body construction which is a very durable and long-lasting casting technique that ensures that the material is nearly impermeable and indestructible. This is very evident when the coolers are in front of your face because they feel very solid and sturdy regardless of how you carry them or how much is actually inside of the container. 

Both the Tundra 45 and 35 feature the use of premium insulating material which provides a tight barrier against external temperature drops or variables that may affect the inside temperature from outside. Both coolers also feature a non-slip feet design which ensures that the cooler will remain in one place throughout the entirety of your trip.

These freezers are also packing a unique technology known as vortex drainage which facilitates a clean and efficient drain process from within the cooler anytime you’re done using it. 

Both Yeti coolers are waterproof and leakproof so you never have to worry about liquids or juices from deiced meats having to be disposed of in a messy fashion. Because of the excellent build quality of these coolers, they have also been known to be great for defending against bears and other large animals which is great to know because your food will be protected no matter what. 

Now that we’ve gone over some of the main features and differences between the Tundra 35 and 45, it’s time to take a look at some of the similarities between both of these cooler models so that you can be sure you’re making the correct decision about which variant is best for your specific needs. 

Yeti Tundra 35 vs 45

How Do Yeti Tundra Coolers Work?

You’re amazed at Yeti coolers’ ability to keep ice cold for so long, but how do they do it? They have thicker and better insulation than other hard cooler box construction.

The Tundra 35 cooler and the Tundra 45 cooler both help your ice and other perishables stay cool with their superior construction and extra thick walls.

Yeti’s Permafrost insulation makes them hard to beat at the cooler game.

Similarities Between the Yeti Tundra 35 and 45 

While both of these coolers have significantly different design standards and capabilities, they are a lot alike. In the following section, we’re going to go through all of the similarities between the Tundra 35 and 45 so that you will be able to better understand why you may choose one over the other for your specific outdoor exploration needs. 

Similarities Between the Yeti Tundra 35 and 45 

The differences in each cooler make them more optimal for certain people however the similarities between them are what remains a consistent theme about the Yeti brand in general. Because of this, we’ve decided to list some of the main similarities between both variants so that you can be sure you’re making the right decision. 

Grip Mechanisms 

Both the 35 and the 45 come with two separate grip configurations and types both of which provide enhanced mobility to the coolers when you’re out in nature.

Depending on your personal preference and how much food you’re carrying along with you, you have the option of choosing between either firm set plastic handles or handles made out of rope for your Yeti cooler. Both of these handle types are great for people in particular situations, for example, if you know that your camping location is going to be concrete and won’t change often, a solid handle may be the best option for you. 

For those that will be changing location often, you may want to consider the use of a rope handle which will make it easier for you to carry around either cooler while out in the wild. Regardless of which option you choose, both handle types will provide you with a solid grip on your cooler for easy mobility and portability. 

Drainage System 

One of the biggest complaints that many people have about coolers, in general, is how hard it is to drain the excess liquid from the container.

Both the Tundra 45 and 35 come with an advanced vortex drainage system which makes it extremely easy to drain any excess liquid from the container after use or defrosting. This makes it super seamless for you to empty out your cooler and replace the ice or contents without having to worry about making a large mess.

Yeti Tundra 35 vs 45Locking Hatch 

Both coolers also come with a patented locking system known as ColdLock to ensure that all of the food inside of the container remains at an optimal temperature.

This mechanism uses a freezer-quality gasket that goes between the box itself and the lid to provide you with an impenetrable layer of protection against air seepage or leaks from coming within the container itself. This is what largely contributes to the insane amount of time that either of these coolers can store your food for making it a very effective locking mechanism all around. 

Lid Construction 

The Tundra 45 and 35 come with a unique lid design known as a T-Rex lid which is attached to the frame of the cooler via latches making it very effective at locking and securing your items. The lid was also designed for durability and it shoes after prolonged periods of use, the lid is another one of those stand-out features that make Yeti coolers so popular with many expert level outdoor enthusiasts and travelers.

If you have any problem with lid latches throughout the lifetime of your cooler usage, you can easily find a cooler lid latch replacement anywhere online.

Insulation 

Both coolers are made using a fat wall design that has built-in permafrost insulating material to ensure that your food items stay at the temperature you want for as long as you need them to. This premium insulation is not something that you would find on any standard cooler which is why Yeti coolers are such a popular option with many people. 

Weather Resistant 

Virtually all Yeti coolers in production are designed with weatherproof and waterproof material which ensures that your food stays protected from external contamination or tampering unnecessarily. The coolers are designed for extreme durability and have been specifically tested for resistance against grizzly bears so you can rest assured that they will be able to withstand any environment you’re in with ease.

The lid on the cooler uses two separate rubber latches which act as handles for you to easily carry the coolers while on the go without worrying about it sinking.

Yeti Tundra 35 vs 45

Now, let’s look at a side-by-side comparison between the Yeti Tundra 35 and 45 to ensure that you know everything there is to know in terms of the capabilities and accessibility both of them provide. 

Side by Side Comparison: Yeti Tundra 45 Vs. 35 

The Yeti Tundra 35 and 45 have a lot of similarities and differences between the two variants as you can tell, in this section, we’re going to provide you with a side by side comparisons so that you can see all of the pros and cons you’ll have to deal with when choosing any one of these coolers as your preferred model. 

Yeti Tundra 35 

YETI Tundra 35 Cooler | YETI

The YETI Tundra® 35 is the right size for personal hauls or food for a small crew. It boasts up to three inches of PermaFrost™ Insulation and a rugged rotomolded construction for optimum adventure performance. And it fits nicely in an inner tube, making it the perfect, portable cooler to take tubing down the river.

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Pros 

  • A small and portable size which makes it easy to carry with you in virtually any type of environment 
  • The cube-shaped design makes the insulating abilities of the cooler much more advanced 
  • Ultra-secure interior space which allows you to keep all of your food safe from the outside elements 
  • Neverfail hinge system which ensures that you’ll be able to access the cooler anytime you need to without any issues or malfunctions 
  • Premium insulation to keep all of your food at optimal temperatures no matter what climate you may be in 

Cons

  • Limited amount of storage space when compared to other Yeti models currently out on the market

Yeti Tundra 45 

YETI Tundra 45 Cooler | YETI

The YETI Tundra 45 combines versatility with durability. This premium cooler is infused with that legendary YETI toughness — a durable rotomolded construction and up to three inches of PermaFrost Insulation.

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Pros 

  • Large interior food storage capacity allows you to take vast quantities of food with you on camping trips with a lot of people 
  • Premium insulating material which keeps all of your food at the regulated temperature you desire consistently 
  • Security features integrated into the design of the cooler which keeps all of your food protected against a wide array of different variables and conditions 
  • A rectangular cooler shape gives you more space to store food items and other vital things that you will need on your adventure
  • Easy to use vortex drain system which allows you to get rid of the interior liquids and contents of the cooler easily 

Cons

  • A larger design means more weight to carry while on your outdoor explorations 

Now, it’s time to look at our final decision in terms of which cooler we choose as the best option for all-around outdoor adventuring and camping needs. 

Our Decision 

Now that we’ve gone over all of the most important variables and factors to consider when choosing between the Yeti Tundra 35 vs 45, you’re probably asking yourself which one is the right option for your specific needs.

Well, the answer to that question will really all depend on a few important factors such as the environment in which you’ll be camping, how many people will be along for the journey with you, how much food you intend on bringing, and how long you plan on staying on your trip. 

For those that are planning a relatively simple and short exploration, the Tundra 35 model is the perfect option for you. It comes with premium insulation material, a secure handling and storage mechanism, seamless portability, and a lot of other cool features that will be very helpful to you while out in nature.

If you’re someone that plans on taking a lot of food with you on your trip, the Tundra 45 will be the best option for you simply due to its large amount of internal storage space in addition to its high capacity for keeping food very cold for extended periods of time. 

Both of these coolers offer premium protection for your food and other nutritional items while out exploring nature, the final purchase decision will have to fall in your hands based upon the specific needs of your trip and the volume or length of how long you plan to stay on it. 

Use all of these factors to help you decide on whether or not the Tundra 35 or 45 is right for your needs as we feel that both models are really great options for outdoor camping and exploration.

Yeti Tundra 35 vs 45

Now, we’re going to answer some of the most commonly asked questions that people have in terms of finding out more information about the Yeti line of coolers and the various features that they offer.

FAQs 

You probably have some questions regarding the various elements mentioned in this guide as they related to Yeti brand coolers, in the following section, we’re going to provide you with a detailed breakdown of all these various aspects so that you can be sure you’re making the right purchase decision. 

Question: How do I clean my Yeti cooler? 

Answer: You can clean your Yeti cooler with a simple combination of soap and water, due to the resistant nature of the coolers, they do not become affected easily by abrasive cleaners. 

Question: Does Yeti offer any accessories for their coolers? 

Answer: Yes, Yeti offers a wide range of different accessories including ice packs and seat inserts.

Question: Where can I purchase a Yeti Tundra cooler?

Answer: Yeti coolers are available at a wide array of different stores and locations all throughout the country and worldwide

Question: How long can a Yeti 35 cooler or Yeti 45 cooler hold ice?

Answer: A Yeti 35 cooler can hold ice up to 7 days. A Yeti 45 cooler can hold ice up to 10 days. So the Yeti 45 has better ice retention than the Yet 35. That’s strong ice life, so you don’t have to worry when you’re out on camping trips like you would be with a subpar ice chest.

Question: Is a hard-sided cooler better than a soft-sided cooler?

Answer: Hard-sided coolers will give you more durability than soft-sided coolers, but you have to pay the price.

Question: Are Yeti Tundra coolers durable?

Answer: Since Yeti coolers use rotomolded construction, they can stand up to a lot. This is the same process used to make white water kayaks, so that gives you an idea of how strong they are. Rotomolded coolers are the best if you plan on putting them through some pain and are must-haves when it comes to outdoor gear and camping equipment.

Conclusion 

By now you should know everything you need to know about the Yeti Tundra 35 and 45, you will be able to make an educated purchase decision about which model is exactly right for your particular needs.

YETI Tundra 35 Cooler | YETI

The YETI Tundra® 35 is the right size for personal hauls or food for a small crew. It boasts up to three inches of PermaFrost™ Insulation and a rugged rotomolded construction for optimum adventure performance. And it fits nicely in an inner tube, making it the perfect, portable cooler to take tubing down the river.

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

Always remember to consider your personal needs before finalizing any purchase of a Yeti cooler to ensure that your selected model comes with all of the bells and whistles you need most when out in nature exploring the vast outdoors.

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