Skip to content 
Yeti Roadie 20 Vs Tundra 35
Looking for a compact, durable cooler box that can withstand rough handling during your outdoor adventures? You might want to look at what Yeti has to offer.
Yeti is a popular and well-respected brand across the globe for designing and making heavy-duty portable coolers. One great attribute of Yeti coolers is that they are exceptionally rugged and durable.
The YETI Tundra 35 and YETI Roadie 20 are among the brand’s best-selling models. These two cooler box models are quite small and compact, but the Tundra 35is more expensive than the Roadie 20.
However, the price difference is not enough reason to choose one model over another. You want something that serves your needs effectively and that can be determined by looking at various features of the coolers.
That’s where this Yeti Tundra 35 vs Roadie 20 comparison comes in handy. It will help you choose the best cooler box for your personal needs.
Overview – Yeti Roadie 20 Vs Tundra 35
| Product | Material | Empty Weight |
|---|---|---|
| #1. Tundra 35 Our Best Pick  Check Price | Rotomolded Polyethylene | 20 pounds |
#2. Roadie 20 Check Price | Rotomolded Polypropylene | 15 pounds |
Let’s see what each model has to offer.
Yeti Tundra 35
This small, portable cooler is designed to not only keep your food and drink fresh throughout your trip but also to withstand any kind of beating you subject it to.
It can hold 20 cans and enough food to feed several people.
The Tundra 35 measures about 16 inches wide by 21 inches long and 15.5 inches tall, so it can also fit long-neck bottles.
It is equipped with a freezer-quality gasket all around the lid, ensuring the lid seals shut with no air slipping in or out.
This cooler box has haul handles on either end, which makes it easy for two people to carry around.
Yeti Roadie 20
The Yeti Roadie 20 is basically a smaller version of the Tundra 35. It features a smaller profile an you can easily carry it single-handedly.
With internal dimensions of 8 3/8″— 9 7/8″— 13″, the Roadie 20 can accommodate up to 20 pounds of ice. It also can fit about 14 cans while fully-packed with ice.
This cooler box is UV-resistant and can hold ice for up to a full week without melting.
It is equipped with patented BullDog Strap Guides, which ensure the lid remains securely shut during transport.
Its Vortex Drain System will give you an easier time draining water that accumulates inside while also preventing leakage.
Now that you a have an idea of each model’s specifications, let’s take a detailed look at their features and see how they compare.
Similarities between the Yeti Tundra 35 and Yeti Roadie 20
These two Yeti Coolers have several similar features, including:
- Fatwall Design This refers to extra-thick walls with up to two inches of insulation. This ensures the cooler box can hold ice for a long period of time, usually between four and seven days
- Permafrost Insulation Both cooler boxes have pressure-injected commercial-grade polyurethane foam in their walls and lids to enhance ice retention.
- Rotomolded construction This makes the coolers exceptionally armored and durable. They can withstand virtually every condition you might encounter during your expeditions.
- ColdLockGasket Both coolers have freezer-quality gasket circling the length of their lid. This ensures cold air stays in and hot or warm air stays out of the internal compartments, keeping the contents of the cooler fresh and cold.
- Color options – Both the Tundra 35 and Roadie 20 come in three color choices: white, ice blue, and desert tan.
Differences between the Tundra 35 and Roadie 20
- Size and Capacity
If you want a larger capacity cooler box, that would be the Yeti Tundra 35. The Tundra can carry about 35 pounds of ice and 24 cans. However, it is a little bulkier and heavier and therefore ultimately less portable.
If you prefer a more compact cooler that can carry just enough food and drinks when going for a short trip with a few friends, the Yeti Roadie 20 is a perfect choice. The Roadie can hold about 20 pounds of ice and 14 beer cans.
- Design and Construction
The Roadie is equipped with an integrated stainless steel handle. This handle is rugged and sturdy, making the cooler easier to carry around.
The Tundra 35, on the other hand, doesn’t have the handle. It can be hard to lift and carry around, especially for one person. The trade-off for the greater capacity is substantially reduced portability.
Final Thoughts – Yeti Roadie 20 Vs Tundra 35
Both the YETI Tundra 35 and YETI Roadie 20 are within the size range of portable cooler boxes. However, we recommend Yeti Tundra 35.
You may have to pay more for the Tundra 35, but it is worth the money. Its larger capacity makes it more versatile. You can carry a lot more with it than you would with the Roadie 20.
It also makes a great choice if you will be out on the road or your boat for several days or if you’re traveling with a large family.
However, if you prefer something more compact and don’t mind a small capacity, the Yeti Roadie 20 will work just fine for you.