
Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: The Ultimate Review
Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers:
The Ultimate Review
If you’re trying to decide between a Yeti vs a Canyon Ice Chest, you’re in the right place. The Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers comparison covers everything you need to know about these rotomolded ice chests.
Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Overview

First, here are all the categories in this rotomolded cooler comparison:
- Ice Retention
- Durability
- Construction
- Which one’s easier to use?
- Price
- Warranty
- Color Selection
- Where are both ice chests made?
- Canyon’s Best Wheeled Coolers
- Accessories
- And the Winner is…
Canyon vs Yeti Top 3 Videos
First Video: Let’s Take a Chainsaw to Hack Open These Coolers
Video #2: The Best Canyon Cooler Features & Tips
Video #3: Canyon Coolers 35 Qt Review, Does It Hold Ice Longer Than The Yeti?
Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Which one’s easier to use?
Construction & Usability
First, we’ll look at the differences between Canyon and Yeti Coolers. Because you deserve a stress-free cooler for fun, relaxing weekends!

Similarities in Construction:
- Long rope handles for distributing weight easily
- Molded-in handles
- Tie-down points for straps
- Bullet-proof hinges
- UV-resistant
- Roto-Molded Polyethylene
- Polyurethane foam insulation
- Freezer-Grade Gaskets
Differences in Construction:

- Yetis’ molded-in handles are deeper than Canyon’s molded-in handles.
- However, Canyon’s rope handles are a little longer.
Latches
Whereas Yeti’s have the usual pull-down latches, Canyon latches have a pull-up cam system.
Drain Plugs
Whereas Canyon drain plugs are attached, Yeti’s don’t have an attachment.
Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers
Which one’s easier to use?
Now, the Canyon Coolers are coming at this “Ease of Use” part of the Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers duel with all they’ve got. Of course the Yetis are too, but it isn’t that to be expected?
Let’s see exactly how this plays out:

#1. First, Canyon Coolers are much easier to carry and store because no parts stick out from the cooler’s body.
Unlike Canyon Coolers, Yeti’s have external hardware all over the place, which makes it tougher to slide them into tight places.
#2. Of course, handles make a big difference. But it’s split about 50/50 between Canyon Coolers vs Yeti. While Yeti’s molded-in grooved handles are great for some, some testers think the grooves just make it more uncomfortable. Also, some people don’t like how shallow the molded-in handles on Canyon Coolers are.

#3. Some people find the latches in Canyon Coolers are supremely stress-free to use as compared to Yeti Coolers’ latches.
But if you can get used to the pull-up cam system, it really does seem easier.
Why Canyon Coolers Are Easier to Use..Barely
Although this wasn’t an easy call to make, Canyon Coolers just barely squeaked past Yeti Coolers. How? It’s their recessed hardware and cam latch system that scored them the win.
Back to Overview
Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Price
Yeti Coolers are much more expensive. Often, they cost $100+ more. In fact, you might end up paying as low as half the price for a Canyon of the same size.
>>Why Are Yeti Coolers So Expensive? What Other Bloggers Aren’t Telling You<<
Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers Warranties: Five Year vs Lifetime

Yeti offers a 5-year warranty.
On the other hand, Canyon gives a Lifetime Warranty on most coolers.
In one forum, a customer writes about his positive experience with Canyon regarding his cooler’s damaged lid. He used it “for some time.” Canyon sent a brand new cooler right to this man’s doorstep after they heard of this wear and tear. They didn’t even ask him to send them his worn down cooler.
Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Ice Retention
Undoubtedly, ice retention is one of the most important points to look at. On average, the two perform about the same.
Similarities
- Both Yeti and Canyon use pressure-injected high-density polyurethane foam to insulate their walls and lids.
- Also, their lids are 3 inches thick for better ice retention.
How do they stack up in ice chest challenges?
- See how the Canyon 35 Quart performed in this “Three Cooler Test With Cooler Shock Packs No Ice.”
- Second, the Canyon Cooler 35 Quart vs Yeti Tundra 45. In this 5 day cooler comparison video, the Canyon had much more ice left on the fifth day.
Neither of these coolers is the best in terms of holding ice. However, both sides of the “Canyon vs Yeti” debate insist their ice chests are the best.
Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Shared Durability Factors

Just by looking at them, you can tell both coolers are highly durable. But we know you can’t “judge a book by its cover”, so we’re digging deeper.
First, here’s how they’re similar:
Overall, Yeti Coolers are a little more durable. Although you only really need an “overbuilt” cooler like a Yeti if you’re going to be rough with it.
Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers, Video #1
Let’s see what’s inside…
Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Color Selection and Veneer
In terms of colors, Yeti Coolers didn’t lose this competition nearly as bad as when we compared them in our Icey-Tek Coolers vs Yeti Coolers post.

Yeti’s Colors & Veneer:
- Desert Tan
- White
- Ice Blue
Yeti makes up for the sparse color selection by providing an incredible finish. It has ultra-smooth, classy veneer.
Additionally, Yeti offers an unbeatable array of 64 Collegiate Coolers and Tumblers.
Canyon Coolers’ Colors & Veneer:
- Sandstone
- White Marble
- Teal
- Lime Green
The finish on Canyon Coolers is somewhat rough. Also, the corners are beveled. These two points make Canyon Outfitter Coolers look blocky.

And the best color section goes to…Yeti
Compared to Yeti Coolers, Canyons are fine. They offer one more “classic” color, which is nice. But Yeti comes out on top with it’s offering of 64 Collegiate Coolers and Tumblers.
Honestly, a cooler’s finish brings life to the colors or dulls them. Also, we love Yeti’s classy look. Ultimately, it does come down to personal preference.
Back to Overview
Yeti, Where Are Your Wheels?
In this portion of Canyon Coolers vs Yeti, Canyon comes out on top. Canyon offers wheeled coolers, while Yeti still hasn’t made a cooler with wheels.
Mini Review of Canyon’s Best Cooler With Wheels, The “Mule”
Notably, the Canyon Mule Wheeled Cooler has all the same great features as the ones listed above. (UV-Resistant, Grizzly Bear Resistant, Roto-molded, etc.)

In addition to those, it has:
- Bungee Netting System (for additional storage)
- Built-In Bottle Opener
- Basket Included
- 6″ wheels
- 8+ Tie-Down Points
- 30 Quart Capacity
Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Accessories
It’s clear who the winner is here: Yeti.
First, most Yeti Tundra models come with a free dry goods basket. For Canyon Coolers, you need to purchase that as an add-on.
Second, Yeti offers way more accessories. Canyon sells just the bare bones like a tie down kit or seat cushions.
Yeti offers replacement parts, but then so much more. Here are just a few favorites:

- Stainless Steel Wall Mount Bottle Opener
- Yeti Sidekick
- Collegiate Yeti Tumbler Cups
- Yeti Trucker Hat
Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: Where They’re Really Made Might Surprise You
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 Canyon Coolers Made?
According to Canyon, they’re made in the USA in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers: And the winner is…
Obviously, there are two winners (and losers) in the Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers showdown. To help you decide, here are the highlights of each ice chest cooler.
Canyon Cooler Highlights

- Lifetime Warranty
- Much less expensive
- Easier to pack
- Made in the USA
- Offers the wheeled “Mule” ice chest
- Doesn’t have the “status symbol” of Yetis
- Isn’t available in as many sizes
- Less attractive
Yeti Cooler Highlights

- Five year limited warranty
- Much more attractive
- Yetis are “status symbols”
- Offers collegiate coolers
- Mostly outsourced
- Very Expensive
If we HAD to decide on a winner, Canyon Coolers win our Canyon Coolers vs Yeti Coolers research.
And that’s only because they’re such good cheap rotomolded coolers.
However, both ice chests are A+ coolers. If you were looking for any big differences between ice retention or durability, there just isn’t much of a difference.
If you’re looking to save money, go with Canyon. In fact, go with the Canyon either way… lifetime warranty, anyone? Unless, of course, Yetis just have the main qualities you’re looking for. Knock yourself out!
Whatever you decide, have fun on your next fishing/hunting/camping/tailgating venture. Happy Trails!
Back to Overview
>>Skip Down to Video Reviews and Comparisons<<
Canyon Coolers vs Yeti: Video #2
The Best Canyon Cooler Features
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