Yeti Hopper airline approved for meat?

[cocky84]

Going to Alaska in the fall blacktail hunting. I'm thinking about getting a Yeti Hopper and using it as a carry on bag for my optics and other important gear on the way up. Then use it to put some food in when we fly in the floatplane to be dropped off. I was wondering if you think a blacktail will fit into a Hopper 30(boned out) and if it would work to check as baggage on the airline for bringing meat home?

 

[Bmcox86]

Ive checked and carried mine on with fish in it no problems so far

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[tipsntails7]

Steven rinella did a podcast where they have moved almost exclusively to using the 30's for meat on airlines not to long ago.


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[cocky84]

Steven rinella did a podcast where they have moved almost exclusively to using the 30's for meat on airlines not to long ago.


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Nice! Ive been listening to his podcast but haven't caught that episode yet. Thanks!

 

[colonel00]

Never used a Yeti cooler but I've used other soft sided coolers as a carry-on or checked bags to bring back meat and fish. I'd imagine it would work as a checked bag too but we usually have larger boxes or coolers to get to that 50lb mark. Maybe the Yeti can fit 50lbs but if it can't, I suggest bringing some of the meat back as a carry-on as an option.

Recently, we've all picked up these Polar Bear coolers when they run 50% sales and they have worked just fine.

Performance Soft Coolers, Soft Sided Coolers | Polar Bear Coolers

 

[cocky84]

Never used a Yeti cooler but I've used other soft sided coolers as a carry-on or checked bags to bring back meat and fish. I'd imagine it would work as a checked bag too but we usually have larger boxes or coolers to get to that 50lb mark. Maybe the Yeti can fit 50lbs but if it can't, I suggest bringing some of the meat back as a carry-on as an option.

Recently, we've all picked up these Polar Bear coolers when they run 50% sales and they have worked just fine.

Performance Soft Coolers, Soft Sided Coolers | Polar Bear Coolers

Thanks Brad. Need to get down your way one of these days and check out your tents and pr-49 if that offer still stands?!

 

[colonel00]

Thanks Brad. Need to get down your way one of these days and check out your tents and pr-49 if that offer still stands?!

Yep, offer is always good. However, I'm still working out in California so I'm only back in KC once a month or so. Hopefully by May or June, it will be plenty warm and we can sync up on one of my trips home and it will be warm enough to take the rafts out for a little float.

 

[406]

Big fan of AO Coolers
Home page


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[cocky84]

Big fan of AO Coolers
Home page


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Those looks pretty nice. Actually think im going to try the rtic 30. Pretty much same thing as yeti but way cheaper.

 

[cocky84]

Yep, offer is always good. However, I'm still working out in California so I'm only back in KC once a month or so. Hopefully by May or June, it will be plenty warm and we can sync up on one of my trips home and it will be warm enough to take the rafts out for a little float.

Sounds like a good time. Looking forward to it.

 

[VernAK]

I've used polarbearcoolers.com size 48 for years to carry frozen meat and fish on airlines......right at 50 pounds loaded.

 

[colonel00]

I've used polarbearcoolers.com size 48 for years to carry frozen meat and fish on airlines......right at 50 pounds loaded.

Yep and the 24 will work as a carry-on. Forgot to mention that before. It's slightly too big based on dimensions but since it's soft sided, it will squeeze in just fine.

 

[kodiakfly]

Those looks pretty nice. Actually think im going to try the rtic 30. Pretty much same thing as yeti but way cheaper.

Eh....maybe as far as insulation, but the zippers differ by a decent margin. They may both be waterproof, but the Yeti zipper is bomber with big teeth. The Rtic zipper isn't as robust and I maybe wouldn't trust a bag full of meat on an airline with less than a bomber zipper.

As far as fitting a whole boned blacktail in a Hopper 30....that'd be a tight fit on anything other than a small deer. An older deer and how much meat you salvaged, I dunno....

Also, don't carry a fully, fully laden Hopper on it's shoulder strap...Yeti took care of me, but now I don't use the shoulder strap as much. Handles are good to go though.

 

[go4thegusto]

Tomorrow is our 15th trip to TX for hogs on airlines. We used to buy cheap coolers in TX and ship our 50 lbs home in them but realized they weighed over 7 lbs. Now I pack a light roll top back. We freeze all the deboned and cleaned meat in one 49 pound lump. Go to local super market and get a banana box from produce guys for free. Secure with strapping tape. As long as the meat is frozen and there is no ice they are fine with it. Comes home still frozen.

 

[LostArra]

Tomorrow is our 15th trip to TX for hogs on airlines. We used to buy cheap coolers in TX and ship our 50 lbs home in them but realized they weighed over 7 lbs. Now I pack a light roll top back. We freeze all the deboned and cleaned meat in one 49 pound lump. Go to local super market and get a banana box from produce guys for free. Secure with strapping tape. As long as the meat is frozen and there is no ice they are fine with it. Comes home still frozen.

Sounds like an Alaskan fish box

I never knew you could carry on frozen meat. I always check my fish in a box or a Polarbear soft side.

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[Capra]

My technique has always been a boned meat bag, I have some old kifaru ones that are sil nylon.

Wrap your sleeping bag around the meat and load you carry on to the gills.

I have had them loose boxes before so If I can carry it on that is always my first choice.

 

[n816kc]

+1 for the Polar Bear coolers. Holds a cut, wrapped and frozen whitetail nicely. Can't beat the buy one get one sales.

 

[Chiro22]

How did it turn out? Do you think I could get a medium size buck, Fully processed and neatly packaged, without the head in a yeti hopper 20?

 

[Trial153]

Used the 40 several times with no issues. My only complaint was the weight. I since bought a Calcutta, which is total junk. It lasted three trips and liner is all torn. I also bought a ice mule XL. The Icemule been excellent, durable and lighter then the yeti. I bought two more an now have Xls and XXLs. Sold my yeti 40 and may replace it with the 30.
The ice mule pro is the way to go. I would not buy any that dont pack flat when empty. I pack them empty in my luggage for the flights out.

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[Boarmaster]

Call or email your airline.