YETI Roadie 24 Lightweight Hard Cooler
Last updated: June 1, 2023
Our Review Process
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We looked at the top Hard Coolers and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Hard Cooler you should buy.
Overall Take
Reliable is the best word to describe this hard cooler. Not only is the outer shell extremely durable, but the inner compartment is designed to keep food and drinks cold 30 percent longer than other options on the market. It's also more vertical and able to fit both wine and 2-liter soda bottles.
In our analysis of 20 expert reviews, the YETI Roadie 24 Lightweight Hard Cooler placed 6th when we looked at the top 9 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.From The Manufacturer
The Roadie 24 is 10% lighter in weight and holds 20% more than a Roadie 20, it even performs 30% better thermally. It’s got a taller build than its predecessor, so it now accommodates a standard bottle of wine (or 2 liter bottle) upright, and is a better fit behind the driver’s or passenger’s seat of a car. ROTOMOLDED CONSTRUCTION – Evolved to be thinner and lighter-weight for easier transport, while still incredibly tough. QUICKLATCH – Flexible, simple, and built for quick, one-handed cooler access. The Roadie 24 holds 18 cans with a 2:1 ice-to-can ratio or 24 lbs of just ice. It measures 16 1/2” L × 14 1/2”W × 17 1/2” H.
Overview
Coolers are an essential item for trips to the beach, camping, fishing, sporting events, tailgates and other excursions. There are a wide variety of hard coolers on the market, so choosing one comes down to identifying your specific needs as well as taking into account some general considerations.
First, you’ll want to think about the size or capacity and insulation abilities of the cooler. With size, it’s important to look at both internal and external size, as well as what part of that volume is insulated. Insulation commonly takes up a fair amount of room between the external and internal walls of the cooler, so a cooler that’s medium-sized on the outside (making it easier to store and transport) might not have sufficient capacity on the inside for your needs.
The insulation itself needs to be evaluated on how long it will keep items cool and is usually measured in the number of days it can protect ice. This can be essential for longer trips, but maybe less important for tailgating or making sure your child’s sports team has cold drinks at the end of the game.
In addition, consider how heavy the cooler is, how it will be transported and additional features, such as dry storage or cupholders. To get the cooler where you need it to go, will you carry it with handles on either side, a central lid handle or shoulder strap? Does the cooler also have wheels?
Many coolers feature cupholders or can double as seating. There are even some coolers that have a built-in ruler for measuring fish.
Buying Advice
- When considering cooler size and capacity, don’t forget to take into account the shape or how it’s distributed. While a 6-quart cooler may sound sufficient for a bottle of wine, if it’s cube-shaped rather than rectangular or tall, it might not be able to accommodate a long object, either horizontally or vertically.
- Materials that make up coolers can often be less than eco-friendly. However, more and more coolers on the market are being made from greener materials. If this is a priority for you, look for this to be called out in the cooler description.
- Surprisingly, not all hard coolers are waterproof. Pay attention to the lid seals and drainage features, which are also helpful for cleaning your cooler.