Welcome to the EGGhead Forum - a great place to visit and packed with tips and EGGspert advice! You can also join the conversation and get more information and amazing kamado recipes by following Big Green Egg to Experience our World of Flavor™ at:
Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Youtube  |  Vimeo
Share your photos by tagging us and using the hashtag #BigGreenEgg.

Want to see how the EGG is made? Click to Watch

Yeti knockoff

Howdy_Doody
Howdy_Doody Posts: 168
in EggHead Forum
Hi folks,
I seem to remember a knockoff brand for a Yeti cooler that was just as good but cheaper.  I believe it comes out of Houston. Can you remember the name, and if there is a better one now, what is it?
Thanks in advance.
Dripping Springs, Texas
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
«1

Comments

  • TEXASBGE2018
    TEXASBGE2018 Posts: 3,831
    RTIC


    Rockwall, Tx    LBGE, Minimax, 22" Blackstone, Pizza Party Bollore. Cast Iron Hoarder.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fishlessman
    fishlessman Posts: 34,597
    rtic, have two.  i have a different version that aldis was pushing, way cheaper and just as good
    fukahwee maine

    you can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • hoosier_egger
    hoosier_egger Posts: 6,808
    edited December 2020
    It think you referring to RTIC. I have a couple (65 and 145) no complaints here.
    ~ John - Formerly known as ColtsFan  - https://www.instagram.com/hoosier_egger
    XL BGE, LG BGE, Med BGE, BGE Chiminea, Ardore Pizza Oven
    Bloomington, IN - Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoosiers!

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Langner91
    Langner91 Posts: 2,120
    If you want a roto-molded cooler, that is Made in the USA, check out Kenai Coolers.  Made in Iowa.

    https://www.kenaigear.com/best-cooler-for-the-money

    Not affiliated, just happy with them.
    Clinton, Iowa
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,109
    Langner91 said:
    If you want a roto-molded cooler, that is Made in the USA, check out Kenai Coolers.  Made in Iowa.

    https://www.kenaigear.com/best-cooler-for-the-money

    Not affiliated, just happy with them.

    Nice.  Haven't heard of them before.
    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • alaskanassasin
    alaskanassasin Posts: 8,931
    Langner91 said:
    If you want a roto-molded cooler, that is Made in the USA, check out Kenai Coolers.  Made in Iowa.

    https://www.kenaigear.com/best-cooler-for-the-money

    Not affiliated, just happy with them.

    I grew up around kenai I wonder who owns them?
    South of Columbus, Ohio.


    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JohnInCarolina
    JohnInCarolina Posts: 34,737
    Langner91 said:
    If you want a roto-molded cooler, that is Made in the USA, check out Kenai Coolers.  Made in Iowa.

    https://www.kenaigear.com/best-cooler-for-the-money

    Not affiliated, just happy with them.
    Whoa how are we just now hearing about this?  That comparison they post is pretty telling.  
    "I've made a note never to piss you two off." - Stike

    "The truth is, these are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand." - Deep Throat
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • fishlessman
    fishlessman Posts: 34,597
    JohnInCarolina said:
    Langner91 said:
    If you want a roto-molded cooler, that is Made in the USA, check out Kenai Coolers.  Made in Iowa.

    https://www.kenaigear.com/best-cooler-for-the-money

    Not affiliated, just happy with them.
    Whoa how are we just now hearing about this?  That comparison they post is pretty telling.  

    10 different colors and i would pick the white one =)
    fukahwee maine

    you can lead a fish to water but you can not make him drink it
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,109
    alaskanassasin said:
    Langner91 said:
    If you want a roto-molded cooler, that is Made in the USA, check out Kenai Coolers.  Made in Iowa.

    https://www.kenaigear.com/best-cooler-for-the-money

    Not affiliated, just happy with them.

    I grew up around kenai I wonder who owns them?
    Decorah, Iowa.  Looks like they are or were affiliated with Grizzly Coolers.  Maybe they got bought out or it's a parallel brand. 


    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Langner91
    Langner91 Posts: 2,120
    alaskanassasin said:
    Langner91 said:
    If you want a roto-molded cooler, that is Made in the USA, check out Kenai Coolers.  Made in Iowa.

    https://www.kenaigear.com/best-cooler-for-the-money

    Not affiliated, just happy with them.

    I grew up around kenai I wonder who owns them?
    Grizzly Coolers owns them.  They are factory direct Grizzly coolers.  Grizzly is also made in Decorah, Iowa, presumably in the same factory.
    Clinton, Iowa
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Foghorn
    Foghorn Posts: 10,227
    I didn't see any mention of whether their 65 is a 65 (like RTIC) or a 58 (like Yeti).

    XXL BGE, Karebecue, Klose BYC, Chargiller Akorn Kamado, Weber Smokey Mountain, Grand Turbo gasser, Weber Smoky Joe, and the wheelbarrow that my grandfather used to cook steaks from his cattle

    San Antonio, TX

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stlcharcoal
    stlcharcoal Posts: 4,759
    Pelican Coolers.....also made in the US.

    Lifetime warranty, grizzly certified, locking latches and solid handles vs. rubber & rope, plus built in-hasp, bottle opener, sloped floor, hose bib, etc.

    Great company that has been around a long time making flashlights and other products decades before Yeti and all the others that have followed.  Their cases are widely used by the military and industries.  We used pelican cases for our night vision goggles when I was a pilot.  Great coolers and everything else--never had a bad product from them.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • stlcharcoal
    stlcharcoal Posts: 4,759
    Botch said:
    stlcharcoal said:
    Pelican Coolers.....also made in the US.

    Lifetime warranty, grizzly certified, locking latches...
    Had read an interview with a park ranger just a couple weeks ago, and he was asked why they couldn't design trash bins that were bear-proof.  He said, "Unfortunately, the overlap between the smartest bears and the dumbest tourists is too wide."  :lol:  
    Yep.....and don't get your arm or a finger in the way of those trash bins when they slam shut either!!!  They're not messing around with the spring tension on those things.

    I seem to remember seeing a sign in one of the Colorado national parks that it was a $5000 fine for not have a certified bear-resistant food storage container.  And they'd impound your stuff too!  Again, not messing around.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Eggin_in_PA
    Eggin_in_PA Posts: 91
    ORCA
    York County, PA
    Large BGE 2014 - CGS adj rig, spider, and stones..
    Mini Max 2018
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • xfire_ATX
    xfire_ATX Posts: 1,184
    I have a Yeti 65 (gift), bought an RTIC 20 on markdown after they lost their suit with Yeti and a Walmart soft side one.  Then I have a 15 yr old Igloo and a 25 yr old Rubbermaid (for FTIC).

    I quit looking at coolers for a while.
    XLBGE, LBGE, Charbroil Gas Grill, Weber Q200, Old Weber Kettle, Rectec RT-B380, Yeti 65, Yeti Hopper 20, RTIC 20, RTIC 20 Soft Side - Too many drinkware vessels to mention.

    Not quite in Austin, TX City Limits
    Just Vote- What if you could choose "none of the above" on an election ballot? Millions of Americans do just that, in effect, by not voting.  The result in 2016: "Nobody" won more counties, more states, and more electoral votes than either candidate for president. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • AprèsSki
    AprèsSki Posts: 133
    I've been happy with my Lifetime cooler, I wouldn't count on it for ice cream on day 16 of a Grand trip but for the price it works great. If local to their stores they always have blemished models for about 25% off 

    And yes they are bear resistant https://youtu.be/_IXJ9foe-Zk 


    Firing up my XL Big Green Egg, KJ Jr. or Weber gasser in Salt Lake City
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,109
    @lit's food acts as bear repellent for some reason.  I can't explain it but ask him, none of his Yetis have been attacked by bears.
    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Wooderson
    Wooderson Posts: 382
    I've got a lifetime cooler that i ordered from Walmart.   $100 and it's our camping cooler.  We've used it for 4 yrs and it holds ice and cold temp really well.   I'll  load 5  1-liter bottles with frozen water at the corners and in the center, meat,  eggs and cheese all stay cold on a 4 day camping excursion.  I can't bring myself to buy an over priced yeti.  The ozark trail tumblers also keeps ice longer than a yeti.  I've run the experiment so I'm speaking from experience.   Just my 2 cents
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SonVolt
    SonVolt Posts: 3,316
    edited December 2020
    Cabela's Polar Cap coolers are also made in the USA. They're a little beefier than YETI which may or may not be a good thing depending on your needs. 


    South of Nashville  -  BGE XL  -  Alfresco 42" ALXE  -  Alfresco Versa Burner  - Sunbeam Microwave 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JohnInCarolina
    JohnInCarolina Posts: 34,737
    I've heard that BGE is also coming out with a cooler.  Not sure about the details but I expect it to cost somewhere north of $1000.  
    "I've made a note never to piss you two off." - Stike

    "The truth is, these are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand." - Deep Throat
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Langner91
    Langner91 Posts: 2,120
    JohnInCarolina said:
    I've heard that BGE is also coming out with a cooler.  Not sure about the details but I expect it to cost somewhere north of $1000.  
    Have I got a deal for you!

    Clinton, Iowa
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • JohnInCarolina
    JohnInCarolina Posts: 34,737
    Langner91 said:
    JohnInCarolina said:
    I've heard that BGE is also coming out with a cooler.  Not sure about the details but I expect it to cost somewhere north of $1000.  
    Have I got a deal for you!

    I think those things typically run for around $300.

    The sad thing is, there are folks here willing to pay another $80 or even $300 for the green color and the BGE sticker. 
    "I've made a note never to piss you two off." - Stike

    "The truth is, these are not very bright guys, and things got out of hand." - Deep Throat
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • frazzdaddy
    frazzdaddy Posts: 2,617
    JohnInCarolina said:
    Langner91 said:
    JohnInCarolina said:
    I've heard that BGE is also coming out with a cooler.  Not sure about the details but I expect it to cost somewhere north of $1000.  
    Have I got a deal for you!

    I think those things typically run for around $300.

    The sad thing is, there are folks here willing to pay another $80 or even $300 for the green color and the BGE sticker. 
    I can get you a Rolex with a MB logo on the face if you would like...
    Xl bge ,LG bge, two 4' crusher cone fire pits. Weber Genisis gasser and 
    Two rusty Weber kettles. 

    Two Rivers Farm
    Moncure N.C.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • Howdy_Doody
    Howdy_Doody Posts: 168
    Wow, a treasure load of information.  Thanks so much, guys !!!!!!

    Dripping Springs, Texas
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • nolaegghead
    nolaegghead Posts: 42,109
    Howdy_Doody said:
    Wow, a treasure load of information.  Thanks so much, guys !!!!!!

    Houston, Texas http://willsononline.com

    Are you sure you spelled this correctly?

    ______________________________________________
    I love lamp..
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • GrateEggspectations
    GrateEggspectations Posts: 11,605
    JohnInCarolina said:
    I've heard that BGE is also coming out with a cooler.  Not sure about the details but I expect it to cost somewhere north of $1000.  
    Word on the street is that BGE will be launching it sometime after CGS first launches their cooler. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • RyanStl
    RyanStl Posts: 1,050
    stlcharcoal said:
    Pelican Coolers.....also made in the US.

    Lifetime warranty, grizzly certified, locking latches and solid handles vs. rubber & rope, plus built in-hasp, bottle opener, sloped floor, hose bib, etc.

    Great company that has been around a long time making flashlights and other products decades before Yeti and all the others that have followed.  Their cases are widely used by the military and industries.  We used pelican cases for our night vision goggles when I was a pilot.  Great coolers and everything else--never had a bad product from them.
    I have a Pelican 60 and 20. The 60 is the original design. They are great coolers, but the downside is they are heavy unloaded.
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • TechsasJim
    TechsasJim Posts: 2,252
    I live very close to the Rtic HQ and have bought numerous items from them (they have a store front at their HQ).   While I have not bought a hard sided cooler (so I cannot comment on quality) all the other items I have bought from them lack quality control.     

    I bought a soft sided 8 can cooler and within one use the T-handle zipper pull broke off so I couldn't access the beers until I got to a pair of pliers.   

    I bought a whiskey tumbler with a lid and the gasket on the lid peeled off at the first use.   

    I also bought a camp chair rated for 350# (and I am very much below that) one support broke within the first handful of uses.   I took it back and they replaced it for me (after giving me a hard time).   The 2nd chair broke within a couple of uses at a different support.   

    After the 2nd one broke I wrote a review on their site, which was actually not a bad review but gave the chair 3 stars due to 2 chairs breaking and both broke at different support points.    This was back in April and Rtic has refused to post my review as it would take away from their alleged full 5 star rating.

    I have always supported Yeti (their founders attended my university) and they stand behind 100% of their gear always.   May pay a bit more but I'm a Total Cost of Ownership guy.
    LBGE, 28” BS, Weber Kettle, HCI 7.8 SE Texas
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • SonVolt
    SonVolt Posts: 3,316
    edited December 2020
    TechsasJim said:
    I live very close to the Rtic HQ and have bought numerous items from them (they have a store front at their HQ).   While I have not bought a hard sided cooler (so I cannot comment on quality) all the other items I have bought from them lack quality control.     

    I bought a soft sided 8 can cooler and within one use the T-handle zipper pull broke off so I couldn't access the beers until I got to a pair of pliers.   

    I bought a whiskey tumbler with a lid and the gasket on the lid peeled off at the first use.   

    I also bought a camp chair rated for 350# (and I am very much below that) one support broke within the first handful of uses.   I took it back and they replaced it for me (after giving me a hard time).   The 2nd chair broke within a couple of uses at a different support.   

    After the 2nd one broke I wrote a review on their site, which was actually not a bad review but gave the chair 3 stars due to 2 chairs breaking and both broke at different support points.    This was back in April and Rtic has refused to post my review as it would take away from their alleged full 5 star rating.

    I have always supported Yeti (their founders attended my university) and they stand behind 100% of their gear always.   May pay a bit more but I'm a Total Cost of Ownership guy.

    I've also noticed a sharp quality drop with recent RTIC items i've purchased. I picked up their 1 gallon jug because it was $49 compared to the Yeti $130 equivalent.  I figured since their tumblers were similar their jugs would be too. Nope. It's a piece of garbage. The plastic cap is flimsy and uninsulated, the paint job is suspect, and there's rust stains seeping out of the bottom section.  My $19 Ozark Trail gallon jug from Walmart is more similar in quality to the Yeti than the RTIC.  I finally broke down and picked up the YETI at lowe's when it was 20% off for Father's day and it's so much better built it's no comparison.
    South of Nashville  -  BGE XL  -  Alfresco 42" ALXE  -  Alfresco Versa Burner  - Sunbeam Microwave 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories