When it comes to outdoor adventures, having a reliable cooler is crucial for keeping food, drinks, and perishables cold and fresh. However, accidents happen, and sometimes coolers can end up in the water. If you’re considering investing in a YETI cooler or already own one, you may be wondering: Do YETI coolers float? In this blog post, we’ll dive into the buoyancy of YETI coolers and explore whether these rugged coolers can stay afloat if they take an unexpected swim.

1. Construction and Material: YETI coolers are renowned for their robust construction and durability. They are constructed using rotomolding techniques, which create a seamless, one-piece design. YETI coolers are made from a high-density polyethylene (HDPE) material, which is known for its strength, impact resistance, and ability to withstand harsh conditions. The density and thickness of the material play a role in determining a cooler’s buoyancy.
2. The Buoyancy Factor: YETI coolers are not inherently designed to float like a life raft or a flotation device. Due to their sturdy construction and dense material, YETI coolers are naturally heavy and sink when fully loaded with contents. The weight of the cooler, combined with the weight of its contents, exceeds the buoyancy force exerted by the water. As a result, a fully loaded YETI cooler will not float on its own.
3. Factors Affecting Buoyancy: While YETI coolers may not float when fully loaded, certain factors can impact their buoyancy to some extent:a. Partially empty cooler: If a YETI cooler is partially empty, it may have some buoyancy. The less weight it carries, the more likely it is to float.b. Air-filled compartments: If there are air pockets or empty spaces within the cooler, they can contribute to the overall buoyancy. However, it is important to note that these air pockets may shift or compress when the cooler is submerged, potentially reducing their effectiveness.c. Accessories and attachments: Some YETI coolers have optional accessories like dry goods baskets or divider systems. These accessories can displace water and increase the buoyancy to some extent, but they may not significantly alter the overall sinking tendency.
4. Floating Solutions: While YETI coolers are not designed to float, there are ways to increase their chances of staying afloat in water-related mishaps:a. Keep it partially empty: If you anticipate being around water, consider keeping the cooler partially empty to increase its buoyancy. This reduces the overall weight and improves the chances of it floating.b. Use flotation devices: There are aftermarket flotation devices and attachments available that can be added to YETI coolers to increase their buoyancy. These accessories attach to the cooler’s exterior and can provide additional floatation support.c. Secure it with a flotation rope: If you’re taking your YETI cooler on a boat or kayak, secure it with a flotation rope or line. This not only prevents the cooler from sinking completely but also makes it easier to retrieve in case it falls overboard.

Conclusion: While YETI coolers are not designed to float, their solid construction and dense material make them highly durable and capable of withstanding rugged conditions. If you find yourself in a situation where your YETI cooler ends up in the water, its natural tendency is to sink due to its weight. However, by partially emptying the cooler, using flotation accessories, or securing it with a flotation rope, you can increase its chances of staying afloat or making it easier to retrieve.