The YETI Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack is an ultra rugged waterproof backpack with a huge interior and plenty of gear attachment points. It’s made for fishing, stand-up paddle boarding, hiking in the rain, and just about any outdoor activity where you want your gear to stay dry.
To get us a closer look, YETI sent Man Makes Fire a review unit. After testing and reviewing the Panga 28L over nearly 3 years of outdoor adventures, including fishing, camping, hiking, biking and rafting, this is what I learned:
YETI Panga Backpack Review: Long-Term Update
YETI is known for making super rugged coolers and gear, and my personal 3-year experience with the YETI Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack backs that up. To me, my YETI Panga Backpack is close to indestructible. I’ve worn the Panga 28 while fly fishing on rivers and used it as a dry bag while whitewater rafting. I’ve worn it mountain biking in the rain, and I’ve even used it as a comfortable seat to keep my butt dry in a wet forest. How did I do that? I blew some extra air into it and then zipped it shut. Because it’s airtight as well as watertight, I could sit on it and not crush the contents. I didn’t bounce on it, but it held my weight just fine. And it was a lot better than sitting on a wet log.
I’ve also stowed expensive camera gear and laptops in the Panga 28 — and left them in the back of my pickup on rainy drives. Never once has the Panga leaked. I’ve used it as a carry on bag while traveling, and when I do, I then use the Panga as an awesome day pack once I arrive at my destination — no matter the weather. And the thing still looks new, barely scuffed at all.
YETI’s puncture resistant ThickSkin Shell is legit.
Now you know the YETI Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack is outstandingly rugged. Let me go over the features I appreciate most and how the design works when you’re actually using the YETI Panga in the field or on the water:
The YETI Panga 28 Design
The YETI Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack is built with YETI’s typical attention to detail. The heart of the YETI backpack is a roomy waterproof compartment giving you 28-liters of volume to work with. However, there is much more to the Panga than first meets the eye.
For instance, the included waist belt is removable. If you want less straps and gear to catch on things if you’re on a boat, you can take the straps off. That’s a smart design feature. Many backpacks don’t have this option.
In terms of load support, the waist belt isn’t a typical hip belt that’s made to help carry heavy loads. Instead, it’s designed to help keep the backpack in place as you shift and move around. If you wade in rivers and scramble over rocks and down steep river banks, the waist belt is a key feature you’ll appreciate. When I took the Panga fly fishing, I’d usually use the straps to keep the pack from shifting when I caught and release trout or scrambled over rocks or boulders.
YETI also includes a removable chest strap. In our experience, chest or sternum straps improve the feel and security of every backpack. As far as we’re concerned, every backpack should have sternum straps, so we’re pleased to see a good, adjustable chest strap here. For me, I always leave the chest strap on.
The Panga Grab Handles
YETI also included three burly grab handles, which we very much appreciate. We’re constantly packing gear and unpacking gear and multiple grab handles are always better. If the importance of grab handles isn’t immediately clear — for instance, if you’re considering the YETI as a fishing gift or fly fishing gift, this is why they’re cool: We’re often reaching awkwardly into boats, rafts, and the beds of pickup trucks to reach gear. If the pack shifts in the the back of your pickup, you can still likely find a grab handle to pull it out.
But there is another cool feature built into the grab handles on the sides: YETI sewed them to include two additional gear attachment loops at the top and bottom of the grab handles. Very smart, very handy.
YETI also included two solid rows of webbing loops on the outside of the pack. These are great for attaching fishing accessories if you’re using this as a waterproof fishing backpack.
The Waterproof Zipper
The zipper on a waterproof bag or backpack is a critical consideration. YETI has been using heavy-duty waterproof zippers for years on its lineup of soft coolers, and the Panga zipper meets the same level of functionality. Like all waterproof zippers, it’s a bit stiff, which means opening the Panga Backpack requires two hands. YETI includes two thumb or finger loops at the ends of the zipper to give you the leverage you’ll need.
That said, is it hard to open? Not any harder than most waterproof zippers.
The best feature of the Panga Backpack zipper is the length and massive opening it creates when it’s fully unzipped. Many waterproof backpacks have roll-top openings or relatively short waterproof zippers. Because the YETI backpack zipper is so long, it’s easy to pack and get at contents. I am a big fan of the Panga Backpack’s extra long zipper — the zipper is a standout feature.
Pockets
Most waterproof backpacks don’t have many pockets, but YETI includes an internal sleeve (suitable for a laptop or tablet) and an internal zip mesh pocket (great for keys and small electronics).
There are no exterior pockets, and while we would appreciate an exterior pocket, the Panga is consistent with many of the company’s soft coolers that don’t have pockets either. YETI’s answer is the Sidekick Dry waterproof pouch. It’s well-made, works well, and makes a great gift . . . but when you’re spending hundreds of dollars on a backpack, $50 feels a bit annoying for an add-on pocket. We’d easily be on board at $29 and grumble at $39. Then again, YETI fans seem to appreciate the Sidekick. It’s racked up well over 2,300 reviews at YETI.com with a whopping 4.8-star rating.
Key Specifications
YETI now offers its Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack multiple color options, including this limited-edition seasonal orange/black version.YETI Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack Specs:
Dimensions: 19.7″ x 12.5″ x 7″
Weight: 3.9 pounds
Fabric: high-density nylon with TPU lamination
Waterproof: Yes
Chest Strap: Yes, removable
Waist Strap: Yes, removable
Oh, and by the way, in case you were wondering if the Panga Backpack is a cooler, it’s not a cooler. The YETI Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack is uninsulated.
YETI Panga Backpack Competition & Alternatives
If you’re considering the YETI Panga 28 Backpack, you’re likely looking for a high-quality waterproof backpack. There are some other waterproof backpack manufacturers who also produce competitive options. These are some that we also recommend:
Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack — Fishpond is focused on producing high-quality fly fishing gear, and the Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Backpack is, just like the YETI Panga Backpack, fantastic. The build quality is just as good as the Panga and the pricing is similar. For more detail, check out our full Fishpond backpack review here.
Patagonia Guidewater Backpack 29L — The Patagonia Guidewater Backpack 29L is very similar to the YETI Panga Backpack 28, but it has a few more attachment points for additional gear.
Simms Dry Creek Z Backpack — This 25-liter waterproof backpack is similar in size and build to the YETI Panga pack, but it’s more geared for fly fishing o the go. Simms has included more attachment points for fishing accessories, including a small exterior pocket that I appreciate. The biggest difference from there Panga backpack is the includes of two side water bottle pockets and a more supportive waist belt with another small accessory pocket.
The Verdict: ‘Outstanding’
The YETI Panga 28L Waterproof Backpack is an outstanding waterproof backpack. It’s great for fly fishers who like to hike off the beaten path, fish in the rain, and any fisher who has a lunch or gear they want to easily keep dry. As we see it, most outdoor adventurers who don’t fear the rain will appreciate the YETI Panga Backpack 28. We can also see it working well for biking enthusiasts, biking commuters, and standup paddle boarders who like to cruise and picnic on the beach. Very highly recommended.
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