75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75 Review
75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75
Orca Cooler Sizes vs Yeti Cooler Sizes
If you’re on the market for an ultra-durable roto molded cooler, Orcas and Tundras are both great choices. In the third part of our “Orca Cooler Sizes vs Yeti Cooler Sizes Series,” we’ll review the 75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler Comparison.
Overview & Navigation
75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler
At Chuggie, our mission is to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. Because of that, our cooler reviews include important aspects such as:
True Capacity, Weight, and Dimensions
75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler
75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler Comparison
Orca Cooler Sizes vs Yeti Cooler Sizes
Of course, true capacity varies among different brands of high end ice chests. Another key point is that Yeti doesn’t use numbers to claim capacity. Instead, the numbers represent the “Series Number.”
But the 75 qt Orca and the Yeti Tundra 75 Series are actually close in capacity – the Orca holds 75 quarts and the Yeti holds 79 quarts.
First, we’ll take a look at the Yeti Tundra 75’s specs.
Actual Capacity, Weight, and Dimensions of the Yeti Tundra 75
• True Capacity: 79 quarts
• Exterior Dimensions: 18″ x 33.25″ x 18″
• Interior Dimensions: 12″ x 26″ x 11.12″
• Weight: 34 lbs
True Capacity, Weight, and Dimensions of the Orca 75 Qt
• True Capacity: 75 quarts
• Exterior Dimensions: 35″ x 18″ x 18″
• Interior Dimensions: 27 1/2″ x 12 3/8″ x 12 5/8″
• Weight: 40 lbs
As you can see, the 75 qt Orca Cooler is six pounds heavier, yet holds 4 quarts less than the Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler. This is probably a result of Orca’s thicker insulation.
Construction
75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75
Both of these rugged molded coolers have fantastic construction. But in the 75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75 standoff, how do they compare? First, we’ll look at Yeti’s construction.
Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler Construction
1. Marine-grade rope handles (except the Yeti Roadie)
2. Rubber handle
3. Detachable drain plug; you can remove it completely to drain quickly or partially open it
halfway to control the flow
4. Removable dry goods basket included in the price of the cooler (except the Yeti Roadie)
5. Rail handles
6. “T-Rex” Rubber Latches
7. Slip-Resistant Feet
8. Rotomolded with integrated insulation
9. Riveted pin system
10. Rubber gasket
Orca 28 Quart Cooler Construction
1. Durable nylon cord handles with a rubber grip point (except the Orca 20 Quart)
2. “Whale Tail” rubber latches
3. Dry goods baskets are not included in the price
4. Molded in handles
5. Somewhat slippery feet (solve this with a slip resistant pad)
6. Rotomolded with integrated insulation
7. Pin system for hinges
8. Built-in cargo pocket
9. Rubber gasket
10. Detachable drain plug
Go Back to Overview
3 Differences in Construction to Be Aware Of
As you can see, both of these mighty beasts are constructed in similar ways, with just a few slight differences. The differences include:
- Orca Ice Chests have thicker insulation, which translates to better ice retention.
- They also have more dry storage space with their cargo net pockets.
- Yeti’s drain plugs have a hole in them, while the Orca’s do not.
2 Very Small Differences in Construction
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- Yeti’s “T-Rex” latches are almost exactly the same as the Orca’s “Whale Tail” latches. They’re both high quality and function the same way.
- Lastly, their handles are made from different materials. However, they’re both tough cords with rubber grips. They work the same way to help two people distribute the weight evenly as they carry the ice chest.
Video #1: YETI Coolers vs Slingshot
Durability
Orca Cooler Sizes vs Yeti Cooler Sizes
As the video demonstrates, the Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler will handle anything life throws at it! Now, to see how it compares to the Orca 75 Quart Cooler.
The 4 Ultra-Strong Characteristics of the 75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75
#1. The plastic that makes up their body and lid, which is called “polyethylene,” is their secret weapon.
#2. Also, the riveted pin system keeps their hinges right where they belong.
#3. Finally, rotomolded coolers are among the strongest in the world. For detailed information about the various types of plastic, go here.
#4. Another similarity is that they’re both Certified Grizzly Bear proof.
Just take a look at the videos of Grizzly Bears attempting to open both Orca and Yeti Coolers. Spoiler alert: the bears fail miserably.
The 75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75
Why They Both Have the Same Level of Usability
There are several similarities in how these coolers are user-friendly…and how they aren’t. First, here are the similarities:
- Both coolers’ lids *may* snap shut unexpectedly, according to some owner reviews.
- Another shared feature is their nylon rope handles; these make two-person carrying easier.
- They both tend to be quite heavy compared to other high end ice chests. As noted above, the Orca 75 Quart Cooler weighs about 6 lbs heavier than the Yeti Tundra 75 Ice Chest.
Now for the differences:
- Although both coolers have screw-on, detachable drain plugs, we prefer the Yeti’s plug.
- A Yeti drain plug has a hole on the screw-on part, so you can partially unscrew it to slow down the water flow.
- It’s easier to store small items you want to keep dry in the Orca, since it has a side mesh pocket.
- Lastly, Orca Cooler’s feet can be slippery on wet surfaces, like on a boat.
The pros and cons of each brand of ice chest weigh each other out. Therefore, it makes the most sense to call it a tie.
Go Back to Overview
Ice Retention
75 Quart Orca Cooler vs Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler
On average, Orca Coolers hold ice 2-3 days longer than Yeti Coolers. No matter which cooler you choose to buy, ice retention ultimately depends on many factors. (Such as pre-cooling, ice packs vs ice, ambient temperature, etc.)
Although the “20 Quart Orca vs Yeti Roadie Cooler Comparison Video” below is between different cooler sizes, it does a great job of showing how well Orca Coolers hold ice.
*A key point in this ice test challenge is that the Yeti Roadie had an advantage of being pre-cooled longer. But it still lost the ice chest challenge.
>>Read the Utimate Review of the Best, Long Lasting Ice Packs<<
Accessories
75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75
Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler’s Accessories
Yeti Coolers accessory collection is as wide and varied as Orca Cooler accessories:
- MOLLE Zinger with YETI Bottle Key Opener
- Yeti Trucker Hats
- Yeti Fishing Rod Holster Attachment
- Wall Mounted Bottle Opener
- Drain Plug Hose Connection
Orca 75 Quart’s Accessories
Although each of these high end cooler brands offer fantastic accessories, Orca blows Yeti out of the water with their molle wrap system.
Overall, it’s the Orca Gear Molle System that reigns supreme. This molle system will securely hold:
- Cell phone
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlight Holder
- Pistol Holder
- Hybrid System Solar Panel
- Shot Shell Holder
- Quad Mag Holder
- Mini tac-vest koozie
Dry Ice Compatibility
75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler Comparison
Using Dry Ice in 75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75
Both of these high end rotomolded coolers are 100% dry ice compatible! In fact, they’re two of the best ice chests for using with dry ice.
Using dry ice will keep your contents frozen solid, which is great fishing and hunting weekends. For tips and more info about using dry ice in your cooler, check out “How Long Does Dry Ice Last in a Cooler?”
Where Are They Made?
75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler Comparison
Where are Yeti Coolers made?
It’s a myth that Yeti Coolers are 100% American-made. Sure, their head quarters are in Texas. And Yeti manufactures some of their coolers in Wisconsin and Iowa. But they also have large factories in the Philippines where most of the manufacturing occurs.
You can give Yeti a call and request a 100% American-made product. (Contact Yeti Customer Service at 512.394.9384 to request a Yeti made only on USA soil.)
Where are Orca Coolers made?
In contrast, Orca Ice Chests are made, produced, and manufactured in the good ol’ USA. (Orca Podsters and Orca Chasers are not.)
Price
75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75
Each cooler costs about the same.
Usually, you can find an Orca 75 Quart Cooler for a little less than a Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler. However, the differences in price are small.
So, in the “75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75 Review,” this is a tie. These are two of the best high end rotomolded coolers.
They’re both worth the investment!
Warranty
75 Quart Orca vs Yeti Tundra 75
- Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler Warranty: 5 Years
- Orca 75 Quart Cooler Warranty: Lifetime
Colors, Patterns, & Collegiate Designs
Orca Cooler Sizes vs Yeti Cooler Sizes
#1. 75 Quart Orca Cooler vs Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler “Classic Colors”
First, each brand offers a “classic” color selection.
Yeti Tunda’s 3 Classic Colors
The Yeti Tundra 75 comes in 3 classic colors: Desert Tan, White, and Ice Blue.
Orca’s 8 Classic Colors
In contrast, the Orca 75 Quart has 8 colors to choose from: Pink, Green, Navy, Black, Pink, Light Blue, Seafoam, and White.
#2. 75 Quart Orca Cooler vs Yeti Tundra 75 Cooler “Collegiate Coolers”
Orca 75 Quart’s Collegiate Coolers & Tumblers
In Orca’s collection of high end rotomolded coolers, there are 17 Collegiate Coolers. If you visit Orca’s website, you’ll find them.
Yeti Tundra 75’s Collegiate Coolers & Tumblers
Now it’s Yeti’s time to shine, since they offer a whopping 64 different Collegiate Coolers!
Additionally, they offer their Rambler Tumbler Cups with a selection of 64 college’s symbols on the front side.
Unlike the Collegiate Coolers, you’ll need to buy these direction from Yeti’s website.
So, which cooler is right for you?
If you’re willing to make an investment, we believe the 75 qt Orca is the best cooler for the money.
It has the same great features as the Yeti Tundra 75, but also has better qualities:
- Lifetime Warranty
- Better Ice Retention
- Color Availability
- Made 100% in the U.S.
That being said, we also think you’d be happy purchasing a Yeti Tundra. It isn’t as though you’d buy a Yeti Cooler and find yourself shaking your head thinking, “I sure am disappointed in my Yeti.”
We just think the Orca is better. Happy Trails!