YETI Hopper Flip 12
(13 reviews)
The high end of soft coolers: a fully waterproof DryHide shell, reinforced zip closure and ColdCell insulation worthy of a hard-sided cooler.
Key features
- Capacity: 24 cans, up to 7 kg of ice
- Insulation: High-density ColdCell, waterproof DryHide shell
- Water resistance: HydroLok zip, 100% waterproof shell
- Toughness and waterproofing close to a hard cooler in a soft format
In detail: YETI Hopper Flip 12, premium waterproof soft cooler
YETI, an American brand known for its premium hard coolers, applies the same standard of quality to its soft cooler range with the Hopper Flip 12. This model targets a notably more demanding use than typical soft bags: boating trips, the coast, fishing or any setting where total water resistance matters more than lightness.
Its DryHide exterior shell, guaranteed 100% waterproof, UV and puncture resistant, closes with a HydroLok zip and reinforced slider that limits water ingress far better than a standard zip. Inside, high-density ColdCell insulation can hold up to 7 kg of ice for a claimed capacity of around 24 cans, with cold retention that gets close to a hard cooler of comparable size.
This toughness comes at a cost, in both weight and price: empty, the bag weighs around 1.4 kg, noticeably more than an entry-level model, and its price sits well above the soft cooler segment average. This premium positioning suits above all those after genuine water resistance and toughness for intensive or nautical use, rather than the occasional picnic.
The YETI Hopper Flip 12 suits anyone who prioritises durability and insulation performance over sheer lightness, with materials built to take repeated outdoor use, on the water as much as on land.
Technical data
Detailed characteristics
Performance
| Insulation?Thickness and quality of the insulation, which determines how long the cooler stays cold. | High-density ColdCell (closed-cell foam) |
|---|---|
| Water resistance?How well the unit resists water and humidity, useful for outdoor or nautical use. | 100% waterproof DryHide exterior shell, UV and puncture resistant |
Dimensions and power supply
| Capacity?Usable storage volume of the cooler, in litres. | 24 cans, up to 7 kg of ice |
|---|---|
| Material?Main material used to make the casing. | Abrasion-resistant coated outer fabric |
| Weight?The unit's empty weight. | About 1.4 kg empty |
Additional information
| Closure | HydroLok zip with reinforced slider, near hermetic |
|---|
Our tester's verdict: Gilles Caron
Tested on several kayaking and coastal outings, this Hopper Flip quickly showed what sets it apart from a regular cooler bag: the DryHide shell took repeated splashes and a spell in heavy rain without a drop getting inside. The HydroLok closure takes a bit more force than a standard zip to fully close, but that's exactly what guarantees its near total water resistance. Loaded with 7 kg of ice and around ten cans, the ice held for more than 24 hours without fully melting, a result close to some hard coolers of comparable size. The empty weight, around 1.4 kg, is higher than an entry-level soft bag, which tracks given the thickness of the ColdCell insulation. The price, noticeably above the segment average, is justified by this genuine toughness and waterproofing, provided you're specifically after this level of performance for nautical or intensive use rather than an occasional picnic.
Frequently asked questions: YETI Hopper Flip 12, premium waterproof soft cooler
Yes, the DryHide shell is guaranteed 100% waterproof and the HydroLok zip greatly limits water ingress, making it suitable for nautical use or heavy rain, unlike a regular soft cooler bag.
Loaded to capacity with up to 7 kg of ice, the Hopper Flip 12 can keep things cold for more than 24 hours depending on outside conditions, a performance close to some hard coolers.
Its price reflects the quality of its waterproof DryHide shell, high-density ColdCell insulation and reinforced closure, pricier materials than a regular soft bag but ones that deliver superior durability and water resistance.
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Page published on 2 August 2026