can recall the first time I heard the phrase, “YETI-ready.” I was talking with Bill Fenech, president and founder of Barletta Pontoon Boats, and he was giving me the highlights of his brand-new pontoon that was being released at that time. Among the highlights were cupholders built specifically to hold YETI-sized mugs. He held one in his hand, placed it in the cupholder and exclaimed that all of his boats are “YETI-ready.” Now when I think of the YETI brand, I always make the connection to Barletta.

YETI is the extremely popular brand that other cooler companies seem to compare themselves to. So when it came time for a new cooler I decided not to go with one that claimed to be “as good as a YETI” but instead just went with the trusted YETI cooler and its well-respected vacuum-insulated panels.

I went all in, really all in and got a high-end luxury model cooler that I didn’t even know existed until I started shopping around. Combining two YETI icons, the cold-holding power of the Rambler Drinkware and its iconic Tundra Cooler, I went with the YETI V Series Stainless Steel Cooler.

The legendary insulation was an afterthought if I’m being honest, since I already knew the cooler would keep my drinks unbelievable cool for long periods of time. What sold me was the classic old school look of a cooler with futuristic technology. The stainless-steel body is built tough and even the single-center latch is stainless and incredibly durable.

When empty, the nearly 24-inch wide cooler weighs in at 35 pounds and can hold up to 46 cans with ice. The price tag of $800 won’t be for every budget, but it truly is a top-of-the-line luxurious cooler that stands out among others.

www.yeti.com