re: is there a real difference in between YETI and all of the knock offs

I have the hopper, it's convienent, fairly light weight (empty), packs well, and doesn't leak. If at the time of purchase a knockoff had been available that may have been an option, but I'm happy with the gift (that I paid for).

I have a few cups, they work much better than the 35 Tervis Tumbler cups that my cabinets are full of, I still drink out of a styrofoam cups more times than not, because if I lose it or forget it no big deal, plus I don't have to try and figure out which one of the non stickered, plastidipped, or hydro wrapped cups is mine.

I don't understand the ice isn't expensive argument, and I don't personally own a high dollar Yeti or similar. I don't keep ice in a cooler, I use ice to keep stuff that is expensive and hard to come by cool like deer, or fish. If beer or Smirnoff Ice is the only thing you're worried about getting cold clearly a $250 20qt heavy Yeti is overkill, but not having to worry about latches breaking or that stupid plastic strap that keeps the lid from over extending getting in the way is nice.