YETI Rambler review: a high-quality tumbler that keeps drinks cold for hours
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The YETI Rambler doesn’t need a viral trend to shine — it’s a brilliantly built tumbler that delivers on everyday performance.
There isn't a consumer writer in the land that isn't familiar with the ubiquitous Stanley Quencher Cup. They're a fine example of an otherwise fairly mundane utility going viral.
And whenever social media sparks a hysterical rush to buy the product everyone's talking about, there will always be companies trying to cash in, with cheap "dupes" that look the same but perform very differently.
The YETI range of drinkware might sport a very similar item in its "Rambler" cup, but unlike the £10 knock-offs, this is very much a quality product, and many people say they prefer it to a Stanley.
The two tumblers are quite similar in price, for a kick-off. Ignore all the licenced viral nonsense, and a decent-sized Stanley Quencher with a nigh-on 1.2 litre capacity will set you back around £45. The YETI Rambler, in its 42oz (1.2 litre) capacity is also £45.
You pay roughly the same amount for the medium-sized versions, too. The one-litre YETI Rambler is £42, while the .89-litre Stanley is £40.
There are more colours available from Stanley, which is part of the current appeal. The number of combinations is actually quite bewildering. But it's not as if the YETI offers a bland array of choice - there's still something for everyone.
I've been using a bright orange one-litre Rambler for a few weeks now and, I'll cut to the chase, I prefer it to the Stanley cup.
In terms of technical prowess, I'm not sure there's much to call between the two in terms of insulation. My wife and I used the YETI on a recent boat trip, and it kept a litre of cold water chilled down even when the tumbler was left in full sun.
And that really is the best thing about these containers. The only other attribute that might sway someone one way or another is the way the lid works.
On a Stanley, there's a fiddly flip top with a straw hole, while the YETI has a clever magnetic cover. This "Magslider" lid not only functions brilliantly, but it feels beautifully built, and it can be removed - which makes it easy to clean.
There is a more simple straw-hole lid available, with just a hole punched through for a reusable plastic straw but, trust me, the "Stronghold" lid is a much better option.
The YETI Rambler is heavier than the Stanley, and the handle is easy to grab, but less comfortable than the rounded one on the Stanley.
And it could be said that not having as many colours to choose from is a mark down for the YETI but, seriously, who wants to have a beaker design inspired by a footballer?
Ultimately, it's down to personal choice, of course. And I suppose most people will pick the Stanley because it's trendy.
But I don't do trendy. I don't understand fashion, and I quickly tire of viral trends.
Give it its dues, the Stanley Quencher is a great piece of kit, when you scrape away all the Tik Tok histrionics. But, if you ask me, the YETI is better.