Hydro flask and Yeti Compare and Contrast of Marketing, Promotions, and Sponsorship

By Rebeca Gaxiola. Published on Sep 18, 2018.

Hydro flask was founded with the idea of “saving the world from lukewarm” like their vision claims. As they expanded they began to build coolers that would serve the same purpose, but it is the all insulated bottle their most popular item. Yeti beginnings are as humble as Hydro flask’s. They wanted to “build the cooler you’d use every day if it existed” as their mission states. Yeti soon began to produce insulated bottles quickly becoming a strong competitor for Hydro flask. Just google “Yeti vs Hydro flask” and you will be flooded with reviews and trials to measure the resistance, performance, and even price. But what makes this two brands stand out? Their marketing strategy.

“Marketing is no longer about the stuff that you make, but about the stories you tell”                                                                                                                       –Seth Godin

Adventures, the great outdoors, exploring, relaxing, traveling, all of these are part of their marketing plan. A visit to their stories page promptly takes us to a journey filled with experiences, sunny beaches, and all sorts of outdoor sports. Both brands sponsor a wide range of sports and events like fishing and rodeo to name some. Hydro flask is a big sponsor for the World Surf League while Yeti is a proud partner of NASCAR.

      

 

But if you, like me, consider a walk to the parking lot the great outdoors, how do this brands fit into your life? one word: Customize. Both brands offer this feature. You can monogram your Yeti to fit your team, business, or organization, but it is Hydro flask who holds the winning hand. You can choose from a variety of sizes, colors, caps, and even accessories to personalize your flask until is worthy of the cutest instagram post. Influencers on social media fill this purpose well by matching their gear with their bottles appealing to the younger generations. Both brands succeed in using their apparel to make their consumers brand ambassadors.

That said, marketing wise there is no winning brand. Both products have a strong placement, and have loyal customers. They have succeeded in transitioning from an outdoor sturdy product into a cult object. In the end it is a matter of preference. My husband holds his 36 oz Yeti bottle dear, and I am in love with my 21 oz camo-colored Hydroflask.

 

 References

 Parks for all

 Why is Yeti making really cool coolers?

 Hydro Flask Expands Global Presence

Our Story. Yeti

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Marketing is no longer about the Stuff That You Make