Confession: I am a bit of a Yeti evangelist. If Yeti makes it, chances are I own it. The Rambler Tumbler? Duh—it’s what keeps me hydrated every day. The Yeti Hopper? Absolutely; it’s my go-to for boat days and backyard picnics. The Tundra Haul? Of course! It’s easily one of my favorites. So when I heard that the brand was releasing the Yeti Roadie Wheeled cooler, I immediately jumped on it. (And by jumped on it, I mean ordered one for myself.) Here are my honest thoughts on the $500 cooler—and whether or not it’s worth the splurge.
What is the Yeti Roadie Wheeled Cooler?
The Yeti Roadie Wheeled is exactly what it sounds like: the wildly popular Yeti Roadie cooler but on wheels. The design upgrade allows it to come in two larger sizes—48 quarts and 60 quarts—than the standard Roadie, which is only available in a 24-quart capacity. It’s currently available on Yeti’s website and Amazon, where it retails for $450 to $500.
Unlike its smaller sibling, the wheeled version is built for those who need more capacity without sacrificing portability. The addition of wheels makes it a game-changer for anyone who’s ever struggled to carry a fully loaded cooler across a parking lot or down a rocky trail. Think of it as the cooler you’d want for a weekend camping trip or a tailgate where you’re feeding a crowd.
What I Like About the Yeti Roadie Wheeled Cooler
Yeti Roadie Wheeled Cooler in action As expected, the wheels might be my favorite part of this updated cooler. Gone are the days of trying to lug a heavy, ice-filled cooler to the beach, only to arrive with rub marks, a tired arm, and a bad mood. With the Yeti Roadie Wheeled, I can just grab the handle and be on my way—little effort required. The wheels roll very well over almost any terrain (yes, even sand!), and the telescoping handle allows you to pull it from a distance that keeps the body of the cooler away from your heels so you can walk comfortably.
Let me tell you, those wheels aren’t just a gimmick. I took this cooler to a music festival last summer, dragging it through gravel, grass, and even some muddy patches after a quick rain. It didn’t get stuck once, and I didn’t have to wrestle with it like I would’ve with a strap-only cooler. The handle’s design is a small but thoughtful touch—it’s sturdy, easy to grip, and doesn’t feel like it’ll snap under pressure.
Of course, the cooler itself is fantastic, upholding the brand’s reputation. We recently drove from Baltimore to the Outer Banks in North Carolina with the Roadie packed full of meat, dairy, and other perishables. It sat in the heat for almost 12 hours before it was unpacked—and it was just as cold as when we left. I’ve also left ice in the cooler for more than 24 hours, and it did not melt a bit. That’s some good insulation.
Yeti’s insulation tech is no joke. I’ve used cheaper coolers before, and by the end of a hot day, you’re basically drinking warm soda and fishing through a puddle of melted ice. With the Roadie Wheeled, I packed it for a three-day camping trip, and the ice was still mostly solid by the time we headed home. That kind of performance makes it a lifesaver for longer outdoor adventures.
Another huge perk is the convenient drain plug at the base, which the regular Roadie lacks. Draining melted ice is a breeze—no more tilting or flipping the cooler upside down like some kind of awkward gym exercise. Last, but not least, it also comes with a dry goods basket that sits at the top of the cooler like a little shelf for your snacks. Finally, a way to pack my favorite cheddar Goldfish without needing a separate tote—or worse, ending up with a soggy bag of crackers.
That dry goods basket is clutch. I’ve used it for everything from chips to fruit to even a couple of chocolate bars (because who wants melted chocolate?). It keeps your snacks organized and dry, which is a small detail that makes a big difference when you’re out in the wild or at a picnic.
What I’d Change
To be honest, I only have one complaint about the Yeti Roadie Wheeled: I wish it came in more color options, as the other Yeti coolers do. (Seafoam or Nordic Blue, anyone?) Currently, the cooler is only available in white or charcoal. However, if I were to guess, a larger palette will be something that happens later down the road.
I’ll admit, the color thing bugs me more than it probably should. I love how Yeti’s other products come in vibrant shades that let you show a bit of personality. A bright coral or even a sleek black option would make this cooler feel a little more “me.” That said, the white and charcoal are clean and classic, so it’s not a dealbreaker—just a wish for the future.
Is the Yeti Roadie Wheeled Cooler Worth Buying?
If you were already planning to purchase a Yeti Roadie, I would 10/10 recommend just investing an extra $200 for the larger Yeti Roadie Wheeled. It’s worth it when you’re effortlessly pulling it along behind you rather than suffering from chafing and sore muscles as you try to carry it around by a strap. It has the infamous Yeti insulation capabilities, too, so you can keep everything frosty cold for days on end—a plus if you’re camping or traveling. Of course, $450 or even $500 isn’t cheap but, to me, you get your money’s worth from everything this bad boy has to offer in terms of capacity, cooling, and convenience.
Here’s the thing: if you’re someone who spends a lot of time outdoors—whether it’s fishing, tailgating, or just chilling at the beach—this cooler is a no-brainer. The larger sizes (48 or 60 quarts) mean you can pack enough for a group, and the wheels make it so you’re not cursing your life choices halfway through the trip. Plus, the durability is top-notch. I’ve dropped it, banged it into rocks, and left it out in the sun for hours, and it still looks brand new.
Pssst: The Roadie Wheeled also comes with free returns and a 5-year warranty when you purchase from Yeti.com. So, if you don’t like it or if something happens to it while you’re out on an adventure, Yeti customer service can help.
Get the Yeti Roadie Wheeled Cooler at:
For anyone on the fence, I’d say think about how you’ll use it. If you’re just grabbing a few drinks for a solo picnic, the standard Roadie might do the trick. But if you’re hauling food and drinks for a family or a weekend getaway, the wheeled version’s extra capacity and portability are worth every penny. I’ve already taken mine on half a dozen trips, and I can’t imagine going back to a strap-only cooler. It’s one of those purchases that feels expensive upfront but pays off every time you use it.