Should I buy a Yeti cooler if I only use it occasionally?

No, skip the Yeti if you’re not using it weekly. A $40 Igloo with ice and frozen water bottles works fine for a beach day or tailgate. Yeti’s extreme durability and ice retention only matter for week-long trips or hunting. You’re paying for features you won’t use, and it’s heavy to lug around. Save the $250 for a cooler bag or a better speaker.