I’ve always been a huge fan of Yeti products. However, being frugal, I thought my kids could get by with inexpensive $10 water bottles from Amazon. But after replacing three of those bottles in just one year, I realized it was time to look for something better.
That’s when I decided to invest in the Yeti Rambler Jr. for each of my children. Given that I use Yeti Ramblers daily myself, upgrading my kids to the kid version seemed like a logical step. And I’m extremely pleased with this decision – it has turned out to be absolutely perfect!
In this review, I’ll share my experiences and insights into why the Yeti Rambler Jr. might be the best choice for your family.
YETI Rambler Jr. Overview
KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
Pros of the YETI Rambler Jr.
Exceptional Insulation
One thing all kids seem to agree on is the temperature of their water – it matters. The Yeti Rambler Jr. tackles this concern beautifully. While it’s designed for kids, its insulation performance nearly matches the standard Rambler, which is truly phenomenal.
This bottle features double-walled vacuum insulation, keeping drinks cold for hours on end. On a scorching 95-degree day, we took our Yeti Rambler Jr. out and still found ice inside when we returned home.
However, don’t expect it to keep beverages hot overnight. This is one area where Yeti could improve, making Hydro Flask a slightly better contender in the insulation department.
Leakproof Lid (If the Straw Is Closed)
When it comes to leakproof bottles, I believe all Ramblers stand out. Their design ensures no spills, and this includes the Rambler Jr.
That said, before buying this bottle, you may come across some reviews mentioning that it leaks when laid on its side. However, in all our testing, we experienced no leaks whatsoever.
The key here is making sure the straw is properly closed. For kids, this can be easy to forget. My son once had a few drops leak in his backpack because he didn’t close it right. So, you need to double-check that the straw is sealed.
Unmatched Durability
Durability stands as another strong reason to love Ramblers. These bottles are crafted from kitchen-grade stainless steel that resists rust and punctures like no other bottle.
In our home, dropping water bottles happens almost daily. Despite this rough treatment, our Yeti Rambler Jr. bottles haven’t even shown a scratch. They are the only water bottles that have survived sports, school, and travel without any issues.
I once read a review where a kid threw their Yeti Rambler Jr. out of a car window, and it got run over, yet it emerged with just minor scratches. If that’s not a testament to its durability, what is?
Color and Customization Options
The Yeti Rambler Jr. is just plain fun, which, while not the most important factor, certainly helps make your kids eager to drink water. And my children are obsessed with their Yeti Rambler Jr.
It comes in eighteen colors – a great feature if you have multiple kids. This way, there’s no arguing over who owns which bottle.
What’s more, buying directly from the Yeti site offers some exciting customization options, too. You can add stickers or even monogramming. As a busy parent, I find this handy because it removes the need to slap on a name label before heading out the door.
5-Year Warranty
Another great advantage of the Yeti Rambler Jr. is its 5-year warranty. While it’s not a lifetime warranty like those offered by Hydro Flask or CamelBak, it still reflects Yeti’s commitment to quality and reassures you of the product’s reliability.
Personally, despite owning many Yeti products, I rarely need to contact their customer support. The bottles’ outstanding durability speaks for itself.
Cons of the YETI Rambler Jr.
Size and Portability
The size and portability of the Yeti Rambler Jr. can be a bit of a challenge. Although designed for kids, it almost matches the size of regular bottles, with a diameter of 3 inches and a height of over 8 inches.
This isn’t the biggest bottle out there, but don’t assume that just because it’s a kid’s bottle, it will effortlessly fit into any cup holder. Most cup holders only accommodate bottles up to 3 inches in diameter, so you might find yourself struggling to make it fit.
Of course, it all depends on your vehicle, and reviews are mixed – some people have no issue at all. Even if it doesn’t fit, the leakproof lid means you can place it beside you without worry. Still, keep this in mind when considering the Yeti Rambler Jr.
Weight
Weighing a little over a pound when empty, the Rambler Jr. is much heavier than my other kids’ bottles like the CamelBak Eddy+, which is about 10 ounces lighter. This extra weight contributes to its durability and insulation, so it’s not necessarily bad.
However, you should be aware of the downside – dropping this bottle on your foot can hurt! Do you have a child who tends to throw things? If so, the weight of the Rambler Jr. might be something to consider.
While the added heft makes it more durable, it also turns accidental drops into heart-stopping moments.
Price
As befits a member of the Rambler family, the price is the biggest drawback of the Rambler Jr. At $25 each, they are definitely more expensive than your average kid’s water bottle, and when it gets lost, it’s painful.
Still, if you factor in the durability and frequent use, it might just pay off over time and outlast several cheap bottles, as was the case for me.
What Age Is YETI Jr. for?
The YETI Jr. is designed for kids aged 3 and up. That’s because the straw used in the lid can be tricky for young teeth, especially if your child is teething. Sucking through straws and sippy cups can sometimes affect the alignment of young children’s teeth and palate.
If your child is less than 3 years old, you should be careful with how much they use the straw lid. The amount of suction needed for the YETI straw might be too much for very young kids. If you’re concerned, you might want to consider alternatives that don’t require as much suction.
Do YETI Kids Bottles Leak?
No, YETI Kids bottles don’t leak if you close the straw properly. I’ve used the YETI Rambler Jr. with my kids and never had any leaks, as long as we remember to close the straw after using it.
It’s a simple step that many people overlook. They toss the bottle into their bags with the straw open, and then they find some leakage.
You have to pay attention to closing the straw. When the straw is closed, YETI Kids bottles stay leak-proof.
How to Clean YETI Kids’ Water Bottle?
Cleaning the Yeti Rambler Jr. is straightforward and simple. You have two choices: you can wash it by hand or pop it in the dishwasher, as all Rambler products are dishwasher friendly. As a busy parent, I almost always choose the second option for convenience.
When using the dishwasher, I recommend placing the caps on the top rack and the gasket and straw in the utensil basket.
That’s pretty much it! This ease of cleaning is one of the reasons I adore Rambler bottles.
Bottom Line: Is YETI Rambler Jr. Worth It?
So, is the Yeti Rambler Jr. worth it? In my experience, absolutely because this bottle will make your life easier as a parent. Its exceptional durability, leakproof design, and excellent insulation mean fewer messes and complaints from your kids.
It may save you money in the long run by outlasting several cheaper bottles. Plus, its ease of cleaning is a huge time-saver.
Sure, it has its flaws, like the higher price, size, and weight. But these are small trade-offs for such a reliable product. For me, the Yeti Rambler Jr. comes very close to perfection.
