10 Crazy but True Facts About YETI
Separating the myths from the legends.
If one were to rest on the laurels of lore, you’d think spotting a YETI in the wild would be a rare occurrence. A mystical, mythical woolly walker with a penchant for scaring adventurers and hunting down prey. However, if we’re talking about the ultra-durable drinkware brand, you’re bound to see them damn near everywhere.
It doesn’t matter if it’s the campground or the pre-game tailgate, wherever refreshments are found, so too are the YETI. Ready to learn more about everyone’s favorite outdoor essentials? Let’s get down to it.
10. THEIR BRAND WAS BUILT BY TWO BROTHERS
Dissatisfied with subpar coolers being unable to hold up to a lifetime of outdoor adventures, Austin-born brothers Roy and Ryan Seiders founded YETI in 2006 with a goal to keep your drinks cold with gear engineered to last for a long, long time.
Nearly 17 years later, they now employ nearly 1,000 workers, sell their industry-leading products all over the world, and serve as the gold standard for coolers and drinkware.
9. THEIR COOLERS ARE BEAR-PROOF
It’s a real threat for campers all over the country. You emerge from your tent only to find a 600-pound interloper going to absolute town on your food supply. A helpless feeling is soon replaced with the realization that you’re probably going to want to get out of Smokey’s range while you still have legs.
With YETI’s integrated padlocked ports, you can secure what you want away from the unwelcome paws of nature’s most ferocious inhabitants.
8. THEY GOT THEIR START IN BASS PRO SHOPS
Just two years after YETI started, their products began popping up for sale in Bass Pro Shops. This proved to be a natural fit for the fledgling brand. Although you can still find their stuff amongst the best sellers of your favorite outdoor (and online) retailers, YETI now has its very own signature store, which can be located in 14 locations spread out across the country.
7. THEY TAKE THEIR NAME FROM THE TUNDRA-TREKKING MONSTER
Unmistakably shaggy and undeniably a force to be reckoned with, the indomitable YETI rules the snowy landscape with a frozen fist. Occasionally mistaken for an incredibly tall man, this beast of the Himalayas has been the subject of many sightings (and YouTube videos) over the years.
A name synonymous with the great outdoors, YETI proudly takes inspiration from the legend and brings the name into the mainstream vernacular.
6. THEY TAKE APRIL FOOLS DAY SERIOUSLY
Already boasting a strong social media game, the talented YETI team has been known to try to slip one by their legions of fans come every April Fools Day. From rattling off a faux “Falcon” scooter to teaming up with former NFL wide receiver Jordan Shipley to bring ‘Melk’ to the masses, there’s nearly nothing YETI won’t do to get a laugh. Especially when it comes to fictional marketing pushes.
5. THEY ENLIST AN ARMY OF AMBASSADORS
Just look at this power-packed collective of exceptional people. These aren’t your average influencers, let’s get that clear. Every single individual you see on this page was cherry-picked for their commitment to their craft, many of whom were proud to be early adopters of the gear.
Be it barbecuing up some choice cuts or fly fishing up a storm, they all have stories to tell and experiences to share. That’s what makes them Built for the Wild. That’s what helps them encapsulate a brand as mighty as YETI.
4.THEY RESCUE AND RENEW THEIR OWN GEAR
Longtime believers in sustainability, YETI makes gear to last. With that said, one can actually save a few bucks by purchasing slightly used, yet totally reconditioned coolers and cargo from the brand itself. With a goal in place to find worthy gear a good new home, YETI consistently proves that their selection of previously loved drinkware still has plenty of adventures left in it.
3.THEY HOST AN EPIC PODCAST
Hosted by the legendary flyfishing guide, Drifting with JT Van Zandt takes listeners on a conversational journey of life lessons, personal victories, setbacks, and fishing stories alongside his all-star rotation of renowned guests. It’s casual. It’s meaningful. It’s destined to become a part of your regular audio streaming experience.
2. THEY SERVE AS THE OFFICIAL JERSEY PARTNER OF AUSTIN FC
Since their inaugural 2021 season, the famous YETI logo has emblazoned the jerseys of the hometown Austin FC, the first professional team to play in Texas’ capital city. Part-owned by Academy Award-winning actor Matthew McConaughey, the soccer squad participates in the MLS and advanced to the Western Conference Finals in 2022.
As a founding partner, YETI also works closely with the team as the presenting sponsor of Austin FC’s sustainability efforts.
1. THEY MAKE THEIR COOLERS LIKE KAYAKS
YETI coolers all have one thing in common, they’re rotomolded. It’s the same process used to create the most rugged whitewater kayaks on the market. Breaking it down to the basics, each YETI cooler is engineered to survive the most challenging terrain and weather conditions. In our eyes, that makes them the ultimate outdoor companion.
