When YETI announced their first bottle made from plastic, I decided to give the YETI Yonder a spin. After nearly half a year of frequent use, I’ve come to a simple conclusion:
It’s like a premium version of the Nalgene bottle, only with a cap on steroids.
And while this bottle delivers on its promises and performs well in a variety of situations, it comes with a price tag that might make you think about cheaper alternatives.
So, is the YETI Yonder truly worth it? And do you even need it? In this review, I’ll cover all the bases, giving you a clear picture of whether or not to add this bottle to your collection.
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KEY FEATURES
PROS
CONS
Lid & Cap Usability
When buying a YETI Yonder, you can choose between the Chug Cap, Straw Cap, or the Tether Cap.
In my experience, the Tether Cap is the standout option and provides the most value. It’s the one I use most frequently, and for good reason.
The Tether Cap consists of three parts (the lid, the cap, and the retaining strap) and allows you to open the bottle in three different ways:
- By unscrewing only the cap.
- By unscrewing only the lid.
- By unscrewing the lid with the cap still closed on top.
I especially like the last option. You don’t have to worry about losing both the cap AND the lid, because you can attach them to the retaining strap simultaneously. A rare find in other bottles.
The Retaining Strap
Right out of the box, I was smitten with the retaining strap. It felt premium and well-thought-out. Unlike the usual plastic, this strap is made from rubber, which is wider and thicker than what you might find on a Nalgene bottle for example.
If the cap is closed, the retaining strap forms a loop, which is the most comfortable loop I’ve ever held, with place for two fingers. Seriously, I can carry this bottle for hours, it’s so comfortable.
The Lid & Cap
The cap is big, thick, and sturdy, with a YETI logo emblazoned on the top. It’s easy to close and open, but not so easy that you’ll ever accidentally pop it open.
The lid shares almost identical features to the cap, but it’s obviously much larger.
Both the cap and the lid have light stripes on the sides for a better grip, while the retaining strap is also striped on the outside.
Lid & Cap Usability Score
★★★★★
Portability
With four different sizes (20, 25, 34, and 50 ounces) you’ve got options. However, none of these sizes are likely to fit in your car cup holder.
My Yonder certainly doesn’t fit in mine, as the diameter ranges from 3.1 to 4 inches at the base. If you like having your bottle within reach while driving, this might be a bit of an issue.
On the bright side, the YETI Yonder is pretty lightweight, and the 25 oz. version clocks in at just 8 ounces. Sure, you can find other Tritan plastic bottles that weigh a few ounces less, but the Yonder still belongs in the lightweight category.
One feature that adds significantly to the portability of this bottle is the retaining strap. It’s super easy to hook it onto a backpack or even carry by hand without any discomfort. It’s soft to the touch and feels so natural that there was a time I forgot I was carrying the bottle for an hour.
There’s also an indentation on one side of the bottle, which stretches almost the entire length. This small detail gives you a slightly firmer grip, though I’d still recommend using the strap for carrying.
That’s because most Tritan plastic bottles are smooth and lack texture, making them prone to slipping out of your hands.
Portability Score
★★★★☆
Leakproofness
You can definitely trust this bottle not to spill a single drop and it’s really hard, if not impossible, to accidentally open the cap or the lid.
Pretty much everyone sings praises about how leakproof this bottle is, and that’s saying something. I’ve tossed it into my bag countless times without a second thought, and it has never let me down.
Leakproofness Score
★★★★★
Ease of Cleaning
With the YETI Yonder, cleaning becomes almost enjoyable. Okay, maybe not enjoyable, but definitely less of a headache. The Yonder is super easy to clean, and the fact that it’s dishwasher safe makes life so much easier.
However, while the dishwasher does a great job, I prefer to wash the cap manually every now and then to ensure all the gunk is thoroughly removed.
If you opt for the manual route, you’ll find the cap easy to clean too. The design is straightforward, with no annoying nooks or crannies to trap grime.
Ease of Cleaning Score
★★★★★
Durability
The Yonder bottle is made from Tritan – a super durable material that’s practically begging for rough and tough treatment.
Tritan is one of the most durable plastic types you can currently get. It doesn’t crack, it doesn’t shatter, and it’s impressively lightweight.
Sometimes, when I know my hike will be more rugged than usual, I opt for the Yonder over my stainless steel bottles specifically for this unmatched durability, so I don’t have to worry about dents or scratches.
Durability Score
★★★★★
Versatility
Can you take your Yonder bottle everywhere imaginable? Probably not, but it certainly serves you well in a variety of settings.
For instance, I don’t hesitate to grab my Yonder for less demanding hikes or a day at the office. It’s lightweight and super easy to carry around. You might even find yourself taking it to school, on your travels, or biking. The convenience factor is high with this one.
Keep in mind, though, that since the Yonder is made from plastic, you can’t expect any insulation. If you’re planning a winter hike and need your drink to stay warm, or if you want ice-cold water after a workout, the Yonder might not be your first choice.
Versatility Score
★★★☆☆
Price/Value Ratio
The YETI Yonder is the most expensive Tritan plastic bottle I own. I shelled out $25 for the 25 oz. version, which breaks down to a dollar per ounce of capacity.
That price tag might make you blink twice, especially when you consider other options made from the same material. For example, the CamelBak Chute Mag Renew goes for $17 for a 32 oz. bottle, and the Nalgene Sustain also sits at the same price for the same capacity.
The fact that you can get very similar bottles with larger capacities for less money doesn’t reflect well on the YETI Yonder.
Now, it’s not that the Yonder bottle is not high-quality. The Tether Cap is a definite upgrade over your standard cap. It’s sturdy, comfortable to hold, and has a premium feel.
But does it fully justify the price tag? Only to some extent.
YETI also does throw in their typical five-year warranty against manufacturer defects, which is good, but when you stack that up against CamelBak or Nalgene, both offering lifetime warranties, you start to question your life choices.
Price/Value Ratio Score
★★☆☆☆
Conclusion: Is YETI Yonder Worth the Price?
While the YETI Yonder definitely brings quality to the table, it’s hard to ignore the fact that it’s slightly overpriced. This bottle offers no insulation, so you’re essentially paying a premium for the brand name and a fancy lid/cap.
That said, if you’re looking for a sleek design and don’t mind paying a bit extra for the YETI name and a few premium features, you’ll find it worth the investment.
YETI Yonder |
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Final Score: 4.2/5 |
Jeremiah Kowalski
Hey there! I’m Jeremiah, the guy behind WaterBottleAdvisor.com. I used to have a bad habit of guzzling sodas while working remotely, but thanks to reusable water bottles, I’ve turned my hydration game around. After testing over 50 bottles, I’m here to help you find the perfect one to make staying hydrated a joy, not a chore. When I’m not reviewing bottles, you’ll likely find me scaling steep trails around the world, trusty water bottle in hand.
