Are YETI Rambler Bottles Good?

YETI Rambler (36oz, Chug Lid)

YETI Rambler

Highlights: Rugged, durable, good insulation

What you'll learn:

Why is YETI popular?
What makes YETI good?
What is not good about YETI?
How good is YETI's insulation?
How durable are YETI bottles?
Are YETI bottles dishwasher safe?
Do YETI bottles fit in cupholders?
What are alternatives to YETI?

Amazon Associates Disclosure:
We may earn a commission if you purchase using the link.
It doesn't cost you extra, and it really helps us out.
Thank you!

YETI Rambler Review

Overview

YETI is likely the most popular bottle brand on the market, at least in terms of revenue in the United States. With over a billion (with a "B") dollars in annual sales in the drinkware, this brand is here to stay.

YETI focuses on being rugged and durable, and their Rambler bottles are no exception. These are the strongest stainless steel bottles I've tested. They're much better at resisting dents and dings, and the chug lid is very solidly built with no obvious weak points. These factors make YETI's Rambler a great choice if you're looking for something that will last a lifetime.

The downsides for YETIs are the cost and overall weight and bulkiness, but if those are not a problem for you, YETI is a great choice (and a safe bet as a gift).

Why Buy?

Durable: This is the most durable stainless steel bottle I've tested.
Popular Brand and Gift: YETI's brand power means it's a very safe gift idea if you're looking to give one to a friend or family member.
Wide Handle: YETI's "Triplehaul" handle is marketing-speak for how the handle is wide enough to comfortably fit 3 fingers for most people.
Easy Cleaning: All of the threads, gaskets, and surfaces of the lid and bottle are easy to access. You'll probably want a bottle brush, but you won't have to worry about cleaning hard-to-reach spots like you would with many other bottles and lids (especially straw lids).

Why Avoid?

Expensive: YETIs are notoriously expensive, so be prepared for the sticker shock if you haven't shopped for bottles before.
Cumbersome: They're about 40% heavier than comparable sized bottles from other stainless steel bottle brands, and their bulkier too. The great handle certainly helps, but there's no denying this is not a convenient bottle when it comes to traveling or moving around.
Not Great for Driving: YETI's Rambler is not the best choice for driving for a few reasons. First, it's heavy and bulky. Second, the spout cap is completely separate from the lid, so it's one more thing to juggle and potentially drop, which could take your attention away from the road. And third, chug lids in general are not as great for driving as straw lids because you have to tilt your head up, which can also be a distraction and block your view (even if it's just for a moment).

Get Your YETI

YETI Rambler FAQs

Are YETI bottles safe? | Yes, YETI bottles are made with food-grade stainless steel and plastic, making them safe to drink from.
Are YETI bottles dishwasher safe? | Yes, though YETI recommends putting the lids in the top rack and gaskets in the utensil bin.
Are YETI bottles good? | Yes, but ultimately that depends on what you're looking for. If you need a durable bottle that will last you a lifetime, then YETIs are a good choice. If you're looking for a less expensive, more cost-effective option, then an alternative may be better.
Are YETIs BPA free? | Yes, YETI Rambler bottles are made with stainless steel, and from what we have seen, the lids are made of a combination of Tritan and polyproylene plastic, both of which are BPA-free.
Are YETI bottles lead-free? | No. YETI's insulated bottles use a lead-based solder on the bottom to seal the vacuum. However, it's not a significant health risk because the solder is not exposed unless the bottle is severely damaged (and in that case you probably need a new bottle anyways).
Are YETI bottes stainless steel? | Yes, if you're buying from their Rambler series. Their Yonder series is made of Tritan plastic, and it's a more lightweight, dent-resistant option.
Are YETI bottles insulated? | Yes, and YETI had above-average results on a hot-water tests where we compared our full collection of bottles.

How Do You Clean a YETI Rambler?

Video coming soon!
For now, check out our general cleaning guide for large stainless steel bottles.

Our Sip or Skip stat sheets combine all the information above in one easy-to-use format to make comparing bottles easier.

Sip or Skip Stat Sheet

YETI Rambler Stat Sheet

See our Video Review

How to Buy YETI's Rambler

YETI Rambler (36oz, Chug Lid)

Get Your YETI

Popular Alternatives

Before you buy, it may be worth looking at these other options.

YETI's Tumbler

YETI Tumbler (35oz)

Side-mounted handle and cupholder friendly, this can be easier to manage on-the-go

See on Amazon

YETI's Yonder

YETI Yonder (34oz)

YETI's famous durability, but in a lighter form that may be better for hiking (not insulated)

See on Amazon

Boundless Titanium

Boundless (35.5oz, Titanium)

YETI has best-in-class durability for stainless steel bottles, but titanium is a newer, durable alternative

See on Amazon

Helpful Resources

Compare

See what else is out there

Clean

Learn how to properly maintain your bottle

Deep Dive (Lids)

Take a closer look before you buy

Recommended Accessories

Bottle Brush Kit

Great for your regular cleaning every 2-4 days.

This kit includes a large brush to clean in the bottle, a detailing brush to clean the threads and lid, a straw cleaner, and hangers so you can stay organized.

See on Amazon

Cleaning Tablets

Recommended to use these once per month.

In additional to regular weekly cleaning, deep-cleaning your bottle once per month is usually a good idea to prevent germs and buildup, especially around seals.

See on Amazon

Cup Holder Adapter

Usually needed for bottles over 3" diameter.

Our BottlePro Max has a twist-to-expand base, removable centralizing tabs, and a grip pad to help keep your bottle secure and by your side.

See on Amazon

And Just for Fun (and Better Tasting Water)

Fruit Infuser

As a bonus, check out our FlavorFuze Pod drop-in fruit infuser to make your water fun! Skip the soda or flavor pods with artificial sweeteners (like Cirkul) and add healthy flavors with natural fruit each day. The pod is easy to remove when you're done thanks to a big handle on top, making for a healthy mid-day snack.

It comes with two lids. One is a splash-guard style lid that fits in wide mouth Hydro Flasks, and the other is a drop-in style lid that fits in nearly all wide mouth bottles (including Owala FreeSips, YETI Ramblers, Stanley Quenchers, Hydro Flasks, and many more).

See on Amazon