Roadie 24 Hard Cooler
Quick Verdict
One- to two-person road trips, tailgating, car or boat camping and beach days where strong ice retention and rugged construction matter
Ultralight backpacking, airline carry-on use, or infrequent users on a tight budget who don't need premium insulation
Key Specifications
About This Gear
This compact yet robust cooler offers excellent insulation. It's a bit pricey and doesn't have a drain plug, but it keeps your food and drinks cold for a long time.
Pros & Cons
Synthesized from expert reviews and user feedback
What People Love
5 positive findingsExceptionally rugged rotomolded construction and long-term durability
Everyone agreesClass-leading ice retention for its size (lab tests show ~4+ days under test conditions)
Most reviewersTall, narrow 24 qt capacity fits 2L bottles/wine upright and maximizes usable space
Most reviewersImproved carry options (padded HeftyHauler™ strap, indented side handles) and one-handed QuickLatch™ lid
Most reviewers
Things to Consider
6 considerationsEarly models shipped without a drain plug, making emptying melted water inconvenient
Most reviewersNot fully watertight—can leak if tipped or submerged
Most reviewersRelatively heavy (~12.8 lb empty), reducing portability for long carries
Most reviewersHigh price point compared with budget alternatives
Most reviewers
Weather & Conditions
How this gear performs across different environments and seasons
Temperature Range
performs best in moderate to hot temperatures; thick insulation holds cold well in warm conditions but it is not an active cooler
Weather Performance
Climate Suitability
Excels In
- mild rain
- moderate to high temperatures
- coastal and vehicle-based outings
Limitations
- not recommended for winter camping as an active heater or freezer
- not fully watertight—can leak if tipped or submerged
- condensation and mildew risk if stored damp
What People Are Saying
Aggregated insights from expert reviews and user feedback
Owners overwhelmingly praise the Roadie 24 for durability and ice retention; common negatives are weight, price, and earlier missing drain plug design.
What Users Love
- durable rotomolded build
- excellent ice retention
- comfortable/padded strap and easy one-handed latches
Common Concerns
- initial models lacked a drain plug
- heavy for long carries
- premium price
- virtually all users report long-term durability; rotomolded construction holds up over years
- gasket and latches available as replaceable parts if they wear
true to size
5-year warranty; generally seen as a positive and Yeti support is viewed as responsive though few public claim anecdotes exist
Expert Reviews
typical Yeti build quality, class-leading ice retention, and a manageable sizeRead full review →
Named GearJunkie’s Best Small Cooler of 2025 for its portability, features, and insulationRead full review →
Care & Maintenance
Keep your gear performing at its best with these tips
Maintenance Tips
Keep it in top condition- clean with warm soapy water; for deep cleaning use diluted bleach (Yeti recommends ~6:1 water:bleach) and rinse thoroughly
- store dry with lid open to prevent mildew; replace gaskets/latches if worn
Watch Out For
Known issues to monitor- gasket compression or wear over many years
- latches or hinge pads can wear with heavy use
Alternatives to Consider
Compare with similar products that might better fit your needs
Pelican Elite 20 qt
- typically lower price than Yeti Roadie
- built-in drain plug and cup holders
- slightly less internal volume and thinner walls (shorter ice retention)
when you want built-in drain, cup-holders and premium features for slightly lower cost
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this gear