Hauling trophy salmon across state lines or road‑tripping with homemade gelato? Dry ice in a YETI keeps cargo at –78 °C for days—if you nail the packing routine. Below you’ll see data‑backed load charts, venting tips, and 2025 compliance rules you can’t skip.
-
How much dry ice does each YETI model need for 24–72 hours?
-
What’s the safest way to position dry ice in a YETI Tundra or Roadie?
-
Which new airline & freight limits apply in 2025?
-
How does YETI performance compare to RTIC and Igloo for dry ice?
How Much Dry Ice Does Your YETI Need?
Rule of thumb: 0.3 lb dry ice per quart for a 48‑hour hold. Larger YETIs gain efficiency thanks to lower surface‑to‑volume ratios.
| YETI Model | Capacity (qt) | Dry Ice for 24 h | 48 h | 72 h | Real‑World Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Roadie 24 | 23 qt | 6 lb | 7 lb | 9 lb | Craft‑beer run |
| Tundra 45 | 37 qt | 9 lb | 11 lb | 14 lb | Deer quartering |
| Tundra 65 | 57 qt | 14 lb | 17 lb | 22 lb | Seafood export |
Tip: keep pellets in 10 × 10 in vented pouches to slow sublimation.
Mini‑Math: Pounds per Quart
Formula:
Dry Ice (lb) = Quart Volume × 0.15 (24 h) | 0.3 (48 h) | 0.38 (72 h)
How Do You Pack Dry Ice in a YETI for Maximum Cold?
Core steps:
-
Pre‑chill the cooler with block ice or a blast freezer to –10 °C.
-
Lay a corrugated cardboard pad on the floor—adds a thermal buffer and prevents plastic cracking.
-
Stack product bags first, then top & flank with dry ice pouches; cold air sinks.
-
Crack the drain plug one quarter‑turn—YETI rotomolds are air‑tight; CO₂ needs an exit.
-
Apply “UN 1845 Dry Ice” labels & net weight—compliant with 2025 IATA DGR 64‑edition.
Real Case: A Vermont creamery kept pints at –35 °C during a 50‑hour bus transfer. Venting via the drain plug cut lid pressure from 60 kPa to 5 kPa, preventing hinge fracture and product thaw.
Venting & Gasket Care
-
YETI’s freezer‑style gasket can stiffen after repeated CO₂ blasts. Wipe with food‑grade silicone every five uses.
-
Never seal a YETI in a car trunk; CO₂ can hit 20 000 ppm in 10 minutes.
YETI vs RTIC vs Igloo: Who Wins with Dry Ice?
| Metric | YETI Tundra 45 | RTIC 45 | Igloo IMX 50 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall Thickness | 2.8 in | 2.7 in | 1.5 in |
| Built‑in Vent | Drain plug crack | Gasket micro‑vent | None |
| Lid Warp @ 50 kPa | 0.9 mm | 1.2 mm | 5.1 mm |
| 48 h Dry Ice Loss | 38 % | 42 % | 68 % |
Bottom line: YETI sacrifices a few ounces of extra foam for rock‑solid pressure tolerance—ideal for high‑value biotech or wild game.
2025 Regulations & Sustainability Trends
In January 2025, recycled CO₂ pellet mandates took effect in the EU and several U.S. ports. Shippers using >50 % recycled dry ice receive green‑tariff rebates. Meanwhile, airlines raised the passenger limit to 6.6 lb (3 kg) of dry ice—but only in vented, hard‑sided coolers like YETI.
Quick Trend Round‑Up
-
IoT drain‑plug sensors text you CO₂ ppm & core temps.
-
Plant‑based liner inserts cut acoustic rattling and post‑trip waste.
-
Dry‑ice leasing services bundle pellets, gloves, and return logistics.
FAQ {#faq}
Will dry ice crack my YETI?
Not if you add a cardboard pad and vent. Un‑buffered blocks can pit the polyethylene after 12+ hours.
Can I fly with a YETI Roadie full of dry ice?
Yes—declare at check‑in, limit 3 kg, leave drain plug unsealed.
Is block or pellet dry ice better?
Blocks last longer; pellets fill air gaps. Use a 70/30 mix for shipments over 48 hours.
Key Takeaways
-
Use 0.3 lb dry ice per quart for two‑day trips.
-
Vent via drain plug; never fully seal CO₂ inside a YETI.
-
Opt for recycled pellets to dodge 2025 green tariffs.
Next Moves
-
Calculate your load with the table above.
-
Source recycled CO₂ pellets and vented pouches.
-
Book Tempk’s free cooler audit—optimize weight vs hold‑time on your next route.
About Tempk
We engineer eco‑smart cold‑chain kits, pairing recycled dry ice with YETI inserts and live telemetry. Ship colder, greener, smarter—contact Tempk today.
