Since its release way back when, the Yeti Loadout GoBox has been a staple item within most angler’s Yeti gear collection. With its customizable storage capabilities and super tough, waterproof design, the GoBox acted as a fantastic boat box, gear storage unit, or just overall “keep important sh*t safe” container for pretty much any situation. That’s why we were thrilled to hear about the Yeti’s decision to release 2 new additions to the GoBox family: the Yeti LoadOut GoBox 15, and the Yeti LoadOut GoBox 60. Naturally, we got our hands on the new models as soon as we could, and have been putting them against the elements since.
In this double-header Gear Review, we’ll be highlighting our experiences with the new Yeti LoadOut GoBox 15, as well as the Yeti LoadOut GoBox 60, and diving into what’s new, and what we think so far:
Initial Impressions:Â
To provide some background: Most of the Flylords team’s outdoor pursuits revolve around a Yeti LoadOut GoBox in some way or another. Whether it’s hunting, skiing, or fishing, there’s most likely a GoBox stuffed into the bed or back seat of a truck, packed to the brim with all of our essentials. But of course, the pursuit where the GoBox plays the strongest role in all of our lives is fishing.
Tippet, leader, flies cups, nippers, pliers, bobbers (or strike indicators for those still on their high horse about the subject), floatant, split shot, lighters, sunglass wipes, trout whistles, regular whistles, fishing licenses, batteries, and more, make up the contents of the tray in the bright orange GoBox that has morphed into the team’s dedicated boat box – and that’s only the top tray…
Underneath the tray, you’ll find anything from med-kits to boat tools to toilet paper. Then in the adjacent main compartment, lives an assortment of fly-boxes ranging from cases of triple articulated streamers and other obnoxious “meat monstrosities”, down to magnetically sealed boxes of rows and rows of carefully crafted dry flies and size .24 midge patterns. Additionally, strapped to the lid of the GoBox, is a zipper-sealed, mesh, triple-compartment, which is usually tasked with the job of holding phones, wallets, and keys – aka: the stuff you can’t afford to leave to chance.
This GoBox 30 spends pretty much the entirety of its Spring, Summer, and Fall bouncing around the floor of our raft (or sometimes tied to the frame), suffering a torrent of whatever elements that particular season decides to bring. The life of a GoBox is a tough one, but we’re thankful it’s up to the challenge.
This all being said, we considered our box pretty much perfect – and we were skeptical upon initially unboxing the 2 new sizes. We were worried it might be a bit of a reverse “Goldilocks” scenario. Except, instead of beds, we were testing boxes. And in our scenario; we’d figured we already found the one that was “just right”.
Luckily, we were wrong. Oh boy, were we wrong.
Field Testing: The Yeti LoadOut GoBox 15
Upon first impression, the new Yeti Loadout GoBox 15 seemed pretty similar to the ammo cans in the basement that my ‘ol man would store all of his fishing gear in. However, upon actually getting familiar with the box, there were a few differences that really started to stand out.
The key factor was the sturdiness of the container, itself. In comparison to something you might pick up from an army surplus store, instead of thin plastic or heavy metal, the GoBox 15 was built with the same iconic “defender” material that most Yeti receptacles, such as their coolers, are constructed of. (You know…. that stuff that survives bear attacks, and the tidal barrage of Alaska’s coastline).
Unfortunately, the Yeti LoadOut Gobox 15 doesn’t feature the mesh pocket fastened to the bottom of the lid like the GoBox 30 does, however, it does still have the gear tray. What’s absolutely fantastic about the tray, is that it’s actually the exact same size as the GoBox 30 (and 60) one. This not only means you still have the same amount of tray space as the other GoBox models, but, more importantly: you can actually swap out trays between any other GoBoxes you may already own in accordance with different seasons and conditions. This is probably our favorite feature, as it makes gear transfer from a compact case to the larger GoBoxes pretty seamless.
Another improvement that can be found in all the new GoBox models (including the updated 30), is the new Lockdown Latch design. As any Gen 1 GoBox user can attest to, it’s fun and all to slam your fist into your latch system to lock it down, especially to show how big and tough you are to your buddies, but the need to apply such force to seal the GoBox eventually becomes more of a pain that the pageantry is worth. The new Yeti LoadOut GoBox 15’s Lockdown Latch design allows users to lock their box shut with nothing more than a gentle application of pressure. This is super important for quick accessibility, especially when you’re in the captain’s seat, looking down at your next set of rapids.
The next key feature to discuss is the portability factor. Unlike the original GoBox, the Yeti LoadOut GoBox 15 is not only a 3rd of the size but also possesses a carrying handle that can be pushed down to lay flush with the top of the lid. Most of us have experienced the awkward traipse that comes with toting around a fully loaded GoBox 30, but with the GoBox 15, you can carry around all your essentials in one hand, leaving the other one open to carry your gas station burrito.
Additionally, the smaller size makes the Yeti LoadOut GoBox 15 super wieldy within the boat. Something our team has recently discovered is that the box fits PERFECTLY within the seat bars of our NRS Slipstream’s frame, and acts as a super accessible “gear well” for the rower (aka: the acting guide). In terms of convenience, we’d rate that feature an 11/10.
The last element to touch on would be the durability, and more importantly, the waterproofness of the GoBox 15. There isn’t all too much to say here, besides it completely holds up to the standard of both of its siblings (the 30 and the 60). In summation, once the box is closed… it’s closed. Rain, snow, waves, and (occasionally) beer didn’t seem to stand a chance when efforts were made to infiltrate the box, keeping all of our essential gear in great working order.
YETI LOADOUT GOBOX 15 FINAL REVIEW:Â
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Field Testing: The Yeti LoadOut GoBox 60
When it comes to first impressions, the only thing that really comes to mind when looking at the new Yeti LoadOut GoBox 60 is: “Why didn’t they think of this sooner?”. If the Yeti LoadOut GoBox 15 is the minimalist’s dream, consider the 60 a prepper’s fantasy.
Obviously, what stands out most about the GoBox 60 is its size. Oftentimes, our team has considered bringing a second GoBox onto the boat, just to store that one additional item – be it a raincoat or a few more fly boxes. Now, with the GoBox 60, this is a thought of the past.
The biggest benefit of the GoBox 60 is the modularity aspect. Because of it’s size, this box can really be customized to fit any angler’s need whatsoever. The 60 comes with 2 trays, with the option to insert a 3rd, as well as 2 dividers, organizing the belly of the box into 3 separate compartments. However, these dividers are easily removable and substitutable, allowing the user to optimize their space however they want. Whether you want a massive, single compartment to fit blankets and other hefty items, or want to utilize one large compartment to spread raincoats and outerwear in and keep the other smaller compartment open for emergency supplies or fishing gear, the choice is all yours.
The best application we found for this customizable storage space was the latter of the two mentioned above, except, we used the larger compartment as a meat locker, storing multiple streamer boxes, as well as some other smaller insect-shaped offerings (just in case). Then, the leftover single compartment was used for essentials like tools, snacks, a med kit, gloves, as well as of course, an obligatory role of TP.
In terms of the other features built into the GoBox 60, the underlined mesh zipper pockets make their debut, except as you could imagine, much larger than the 30. As we mentioned before, these are fantastic for storing phones, wallets, or other delicate items, but due to the increased width, can also accommodate items such as GPS devices, solar chargers, and other larger tech that needs to remain dry.
Additionally, like the new Yeti LoadOut GoBox 15 and 30, the GoBox 60 possesses the new lockdown latch. It’s a subtle difference at first, but is a total game changer, especially when the box can be sealed with ease from a minor push from, in our case, the rower’s foot. This minute detail allows for rapid adjustments in a smaller increment of time, keeping the anglers fishing longer, and the rower’s life easier.
When it comes to wieldiness, the Yeti LoadOut GoBox 60 is certainly the least portable out of the 3 sizes. However, this is more so to speak on the ease of transporting the other 2 sizes, and less so on the build of the 60. There was clearly careful consideration put into crafting the GoBox 60, and a neat feature that’s not included on the 30, is that Yeti installed carrying handles onto the side of the box. These handles closely resemble the ones you’d find on an updated Yeti Tundra Cooler, but due to the lower profile of the box itself, there’s a little less “hand-crunch” that occurs than when moving around a Tundra cooler (we’ve all experienced it).
Waterproofness and durability are similar story to the other Yeti LoadOut GoBox models. We recommend if you’re going to be keeping the LoadOut GoBox 60, as well as the 30 or the 15, within the boat, tie it down. Whether it’s to the frame or the gunwales, synching down your box is an amazing way to avoid watching helplessly as your gear floats (emphasis on “floats”) down the river after running some big water. Luckily, these boxes make this very easy to do with the built-in AnchorPoint Tie-Down Slots, located on each side of the GoBoxes. Of course, whether or not you decided to do this is entirely up to you, but we feel it’s a better experience for all when running a tight ship.
YETI LOADOUT GOBOX 60 FINAL REVIEW:Â
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WaterProofness:Â
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In Conclusion:Â
In summation: Yes, possessing a Yeti LoadOut GoBox is a luxury, not a need. For hundreds of years, American Anglers have gotten along just fine without them. But then again, they did the same without $1k fly rods and fancy boats either.
That being said, we feel that if you’re looking for some dependable accessories for your fishing rig: be it your boat, raft, or ride, the GoBox should be one of the first items you look to procure. Between the build quality and the ability to optimize how you use the GoBox to such a fine-tuned level, they’re something we’d definitely deem a game changer.
Click HERE to learn more about the NEW Yeti LoadOut GoBox 15
Click HERE to learn more about the NEW Yeti LoadOut GoBox 30Â
Click HERE to learn more about the NEW Yeti LoadOut GoBox 60
This article was published as part of a paid partnership campaign between Flylords LLC and Northwestern Yeti Coolers, LLC. All opinions presented in this article are genuine and solely reflect the opinions of Flylords LLC.Â
