Yeti seems to have really hit the ground running. Recently established in the US, the firm’s range of coolers has become go-to options on our shores, while its sport-related approach – which has been such a hit across the pond – is translating over here, too. So while trying to catch snapper in the Everglades might not be something that people here get up to, it hasn’t stopped Yeti from proving to be a hit with users who might be casting for cod in Essex. 

But Yeti has been quickly ramping up its offerings far beyond ‘just’ coolers recently, which brings us to this – the Panga backpack. Designed for fishing, paddleboarding or anything water-related activity, it’s a fully submersible backpack which aims to keep all of your gear as dry as can be, no matter how wet the conditions. 

In keeping with the rest of Yeti’s product range, the Panga backpack is constructed in a burly, heavyweight fashion with chunky zips and plenty of webbing loopholes to attach accessories. The ‘Yeti’ name stands loud and proud on the front, too, so there’s no doubt about who makes it. 

Quick facts 

The Yeti Panga backpack will be immensely useful for those frequently on the water. It’s robustly waterproof, with its easy-to-grab zips feeling reassuring solid in the hand. Thanks to a solid nylon construction with a reinforced base it feels like it’ll deal with the rough-and-tumble of days in the boat or even just busy trips to the beach. The only drawback is the price, as at £300 it’s significantly more expensive than many rivals. However, as with other Yeti products, the Panga’s quality is what really shines through. 

Sphere Score

For

• Loads of space inside 
• Waterproofing feels robust and trustworthy
• Additional waist strap provides extra support 
• Chunky grab handles make it easier to get a hold of 

Against

• More expensive than rivals
• No extra pockets apart from interior mesh section 
• Laptop sleeve isn’t quite tall enough to provide a snug fit
• Heavier than traditional dry bags 

Tech specs 

Everything you need to know about the Yeti Panga Backpack

• HydroLock zipper means that the Panga is fully submersible 
• Two colours available 
• Small mesh pocket inside can store keys or loose items
• Short pocket can store a laptop or tablet 
• Weighs in at 1.8kg without any belongings 
• Has a 28-litre capacity 

Gotta have it waterproof 

Calling anything ‘fully submersible’ is a pretty big claim. After all, you’d be pretty miffed if your high-end diving watch gave up after a quick dip in the pool. So it’s for the same reason that Yeti has equipped the Panga with some seriously waterproof features.

It’s got welded seams and a HydroLok zipper which feels generously rugged in the hand. Fully close the zipper – it actually takes a bit of effort – and, once seated into place, it provides a complete seal. You can press the bag and hear that no air is being pushed out, in fact. 

We threw the Panga into the sea, headed out in a downpour and even tried the hose on it and nothing could penetrate the seal. It’s a very impressively waterproof bag, even against conventional dry bags. The only downside is that zip isn’t the quickest to use in a hurry – it’s more of a two-handed affair – but that’s a real side effect of that waterproofing.

Plus, because it’s fully sealed when zipped up, you do have to be careful when taking it on a plane. We noticed during a flight with the Panga that because of the change in pressure, the bag would start to inflate and become rock-solid, so you need to ensure that the zip is left open slightly before take-off. 

Chunky design

As with other Yeti products, the Panga’s solid construction is something you immediately notice. It’s crafted from the firm’s ThickSkin, which is made up of high-density nylon with a thick Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coating which helps to make it more resistant to abrasion and cuts. It’s actually quite an odd material to feel, scoring a line between a thick plastic and a dense neoprene. We found it does hold up well to scrapes, while an EVA base – which is a rubber-like plastic – gives it a solid ‘base’ on which to stand when you’re not wearing it. 

You’ve then got some metal buckles and plenty of lash points with which you’ll be able to strap the bag down securely, such as when paddleboarding. It’s nice that there’s an additional grab handle on the side, too. Inside, the Panga backpack features a small mesh pocket for storing loose items such as keys or a phone, while there’s a short sleeve for a laptop. However, in terms of pockets, that’s your lot. We’d like there to be a few other pockets to help divide up your kit, rather than letting it all roll in the same large space. It may be, perhaps, that more pockets – and more stitching – might detract from the waterproof nature of the bag. 

Wearing 

But what’s it actually like to wear? The Panga backpack is quite rigid as a result of that strengthened construction, which makes it feel a little more like a reinforced camera rucksack to wear rather than a traditional backpack. However, the main straps are pleasantly sturdy, while those metal buckles allow you to get a solid, secure fit. Yeti also includes a removable chest strap and waist belt which can really help to spread the weight of the bag. They’re less integral than on a traditional hiking rucksack, but they do make the Panga more comfortable over long trips. 

Of course, this isn’t a dedicated hiking bag, nor does it claim to be. But we’ve spent many an hour with the Panga and it’s proven to be comfortable, even when loaded to the gunnels. With a capacity of 28 litres, it’s got more than enough space for a few days’ worth of clothes, an extra pair of shoes and that laptop. It also comes in at 1.8kg dry, which is quite a bit heftier than bags like the 760g Berghaus Arrow 30 rucksack but given that waterproof construction and reinforced materials, it seems about right.  

To finish 

The Yeti Panga backpack makes some big claims but manages to more than deliver on it. There’s no questioning its integrity around waterproofing; if you’re spending all of your time on the water and want to keep your kit – no matter how precious – completely dry, then this is the rucksack for you. It’s also pleasantly styled and comes in two colours if the grey isn’t your, ahem, bag. 

At £300, you’re definitely paying a premium for that high-quality construction. However, if you want to take cameras, phones and wallets out on the water with you, then this outlay seems very worthwhile to keep those precious items as safe as can be.