When I saw a photo of my friend trekking along a river well off the grid in Alaska with a YETI Hopper Flip 12 slung across his back, I was suspicious. This was an inconvenient photo op, I concluded. And then around the same time, I came across a photo of another friend carrying a Hopper Flip through the jungles of Brazil. Another photo op?

It turns out that there’s nothing inconvenient about this brilliantly designed soft cooler, and my suspicions revealed an obliviousness that I had. And now proudly I’m on the YETI Hopper Flip bandwagon.

The YETI Hopper Flip 12 is all that and more. Let’s breakdown why:

Durability

This puppy is built to take abuse. From a welded HydroLok Zipper to double-stitched handles to the tough-as-nails DryHide fabric, the Hopper Flip is adventure-ready. Not only will it handle the toughest conditions, but it’s a product you can count on as an investment that will withstand the test of time.

Leakproof

The HydroLok Zipper is not only leakproof, but it doesn’t even allow moisture to escape. And with 840 denier nylon and double TPU lamination, the Hopper Flip is both waterproof and puncture resistant. Worth noting, this not only means what’s inside won’t leak out, but also what’s outside won’t leak in. This is huge, especially if hunting in the Pacific Northwest or when I am using the Hopper Flip as a camera bag.

Convenient

When it comes to design, YETI Hopper Flip 12 impresses me more than any other YETI product (and I am very impressed with YETI overall). Beyond all of the materials and technologies used, the shape is perfect. About the width of my torso, I can trek through thick brush with the cooler easily following behind me without getting hung up on branches or other obstacles. Additionally, it’s balanced. It feels like you aren’t carrying much at all. In fact, I even put small dumbbells inside to test whether it would remain comfortable to carry. Though heavier, I could still hike all day with this cooler slung from my shoulder.

Of course, the Hopper Flip 12 has everything else you would expect as far as keeping ice and an impressive capacity for everything from drinks to snacks.

The YETI Hopper Flip 12 is presently available in fog gray with tan coming to stores soon and retails for $279.99.

To check out more from YETI on the Hopper Flip 12, please click here.

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Disclosure: YETI is in a professional relationship with Rack Camp. Though potentially benefiting from this relationship, we do not post what we do not believe to be true. To read more, click here.

A few months ago, I finally pulled the trigger on 36-ounce YETI Rambler. Go big or go home, right?! For my needs in the woods, on the water, and on the move, these bottles make perfect sense. And while I thought the 36-ounce bottle was as big as I’d go, I was mistaken. Shortly after getting the 36-ounce bottle, I got a peak at the new Rambler Jug — a gallon-sized behemoth bottle like none other.

A gallon? Really?! Indeed. While my initial response to seeing the Jug was an out loud laugh, it took no time to realize how practical this monster is.

Let’s first break down the features:

• As you would expect from YETI, the Jug features double-wall vacuum insulation that keeps contents hot or cold for impressive amounts of time.
• Next, the Jug is 100% leakproof and features a “No Sweat” design that ensures everything the Jug encounters stays dry.
• The removable lid features a stainless steel handle with an easy-to-hold grip that makes it comfortable to carry a gallon of anything from water to chili to soup without feeling held down.
• The lid also features a MagCap. This magnetic cap allows for easy drinking or pouring without worrying about the contents spilling all over your face and shirt. Additionally, the cap has a strong magnet that secures strongly to the “docking station” on the lid.

While there are other fine features, these are among the factors that make this gear item practical for many purposes. In the months ahead, I’ve got numerous multi-day float trips planned, and there is no doubt that the YETI Jug will be tied to the raft. Whether containing ice cold water or soup for hearty evening meals, the Jug will make it easy to bring less (ie numerous cans of soup) while trusting what’s inside will be delightfully hot or cold. The same can be said for my long road trips or when I want to be a base camp hero by bringing bourbon for everyone or pounds and pounds of beans to keep the gang regular.

The YETI Rambler One Gallon Jug is going to be hitting the shelves soon and will retail for $149.99. And for those looking for the same features in something a little smaller, the half-gallon Jug will also be available for $99.99. While not cheap, these puppies will last for many years (especially as they are rust and puncture resistant), and they ought to save you money and bring convenience in the short and long term.

To check out more on the YETI Rambler One Gallon Jug, please click here.

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Disclosure: YETI is in a professional relationship with Rack Camp. Though potentially benefiting from this relationship, we do not post what we do not believe to be true. To read more, click here.