FIRST LOOK - YETI Coolers Hopper

With IFTD kicking off today there should be a wave of unveiled new products hitting the blogosphere and social media over the next few days and YETI Coolers kicked off things early with their announcement of their soon to released soft sided cooler, dubbed the Hopper.

Here's the skinny on the Hopper...

• 6.5 Gallon Capacity
• HydroLok Zipper
• 840 Denier DryHide Fabric
• Heavy Duty EVA Foam Bottom
• RF-Welded Seams
• Available October 1, 2014
• MSRP $299.99

No doubt the Hopper is expensive but so for a couple reasons.  First, there is the YETI badge but more importantly the materials used in this cooler aren't cheap, starting with the HydroLok zipper.  There are only a couple companies that make a zipper like this and even wholesale manufacture's cost on these are higher than you'd expect.  Quality costs money. 

Like the rest of YETI Coolers products, the Hopper is likely built far sturdier than most people need but that's what makes a premium cooler that does not fail in the field or on the water worth the investment.  I hope to get my hands on one of these later this summer to kick around for a follow up review.

Check out the YETI Coolers website for more information.