OutdoorGearLab87
Ranked first of 23 coolers, the Roadie 48 has the best insulation in the test and rolls easily over rough ground.
Yeti Roadie 48
6 expert reviewsChecked 1 Nov 2026
Quick answer
The Yeti Roadie 48 has a critic score of 87 out of 100 from 6 professional reviews, including OutdoorGearLab, Bob Vila and T3. 6 of 6 recommend it, and scores range from 83 (The Guardian) to 89 (Bob Vila). 1 of the scores are printed by the outlets and 5 are our estimates from the review text. Most praised: ease of use (3 of 6); weather protection (2 of 6). Most common complaints: price (5 of 6); heavy (2 of 6). It ranks #1 of the 2 coolers we score.
Reviews checked 1 Nov 2026
Photo coming
Best for: Best overall
Our verdict
6 professional reviewers tested the Yeti Roadie 48, and 6 recommend it. Most praised: ease of use and weather protection. Most common complaint: price.
The catch: Expensive, and heavy when loaded.
Critic agreement: High
Scores run from 83 to 891 printed scores, 5 estimated
5 of these 6 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text and corrected for the known tendency of estimates to run high.
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What do critics say about the Yeti Roadie 48?
Bob Vila89est.
An enthusiastic hands-on take on the wheeled Roadie, covering both 48 and 60 quart sizes.
T389est.
The reviewer calls the Roadie 48 a superbly built, roomy wheeled cooler that holds cold for around three to four days.
Outside Online89est.
After three weeks of testing, the reviewer finds the Roadie 48 highly maneuverable, tough and good at holding cold for several days.
The Guardian83est.
Named best cool box on wheels.
Popular Mechanics83est.
Tested on a camping trip, the Roadie 48 kept food and beer cold for over three days and is easy to haul with its wheels and telescopic handle.
Scores are converted to 0–100. "est." means the outlet gave no number, so we estimated one from its verdict. How we score
What critics praise most
Ease of use3 of 6
Weather protection2 of 6
Build quality2 of 6
What critics dislike most
Price5 of 6
Heavy2 of 6
Size and weight2 of 6
Alternatives
Not sure about the Yeti Roadie 48?
Common questions
Is the Yeti Roadie 48 worth it?
Most critics think so: 6 of 6 recommend it. Expensive, and heavy when loaded.
Do critics agree about the Yeti Roadie 48?
Agreement is high: scores range from 83 (The Guardian) to 89 (Bob Vila), a spread of 6 points across 6 reviews. Reviewers broadly agree.
What do critics dislike about the Yeti Roadie 48?
Price (5 of 6 reviews), Heavy (2 of 6 reviews), Size and weight (2 of 6 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Yeti Roadie 48?
The Yeti Tundra 45 (critic score 81), best for rugged camping.