Gear Review: YETI Panga Backpack – Firefly Yellow
I have often been told that when I walk into a room you immediately know that I am there, but if you don’t have that reaction from me you will now – thanks to my Firefly Yellow Yeti Panga Backpack.
The Panga Backpack feels like a waterproof tank disguised as a backpack. It’s completely airtight and tough as nails, and it’s going to last a long, long time. At first I thought, LOVE the color but it’s huge for my size, it doesn’t have outside or many inside pockets but was happy to find it was waterproof which is critical as much as we are outside and on the water.
I had my “other” backpack already packed as I didn’t think this one was going to arrive in time but hours before my departure for the 2025 Bassmaster Classic it arrived and I did the quick switch to see if it would live up to the YETI name.
After I used it all weekend, I can now let you know what I liked about my NEW shiny object as well as some of the things you should consider before purchasing one for yourself:
WHAT I LIKED:
Shoulder Straps - The shoulder straps are way more comfortable than I expected for something this rugged, and you can clip on the chest and waist straps when you need extra support.
Rugged as Hell – It’s made out of high-density nylon and thick TPU lamination to be puncture- and abrasion-resistant. Because our bags usually get thrown around as luggage or crammed into airplane and boat compartments, that’s important, and this may be the last backpack I ever purchase. When it gets dirty, it cleans up beautifully with just a little bit of elbow grease.
Simple Inside Design – In my old age I am realizing less is more (although don’t come over to the house -- I haven’t quite been able to comply with those words) and I was surprised that I actually liked only having the one small mesh pocket and one sleeve on the interior. I have all my “things” (every cord known to man, microphones, GoPro, gum and candy, etc.) in separate organized bags so all I did was throw them in the bottom of the Yeti. I also threw my hat in the pack assuming it would get smashed but the wide interior kept it safe. The most critical factors is that the wide design fits my camera, allowing it to sit in the bottom perfectly.
Stays Upright – The backpack keeps its shape even when empty but when full I can rest items on it, (phone, Kindle, drink) and I found I was resting my feet on it while waiting on my flight at the airport.
The Color - Yes, the NEW Firefly Yellow color is WOW, bold and loud in the best way possible. You can spot it from a mile away and a that is an advantage if you are tossing it in a pile of another YETI packs (since everyone has one nowadays). It simply stands out.
Carry-On Friendly –I was apprehensive about bringing it on this trip because I wasn’t sure it would fit under the seat, which would be necessary as I had two carry-on bags and you can only put one above. It easily fit under the seat in front of me.
100% Waterproof – I have only had the pack for three weeks, I haven’t used it in the rain or submerged it in the bathtub but it’s a YETI, they have tested it and say all contents will stay dry even if immersed in water for up to 30 minutes at a depth of one meter. I trust them because no YETI product has let me down so far. I may try the bathtub test in the near future.
Extras and Uses – If you want to have immediate access to your phone, wallet or something you don’t have to get inside the pack, you can purchase a Gear Case to strap to the outside of the pack and then take it with you as a cross body if you don’t need the entire pack. Although not a typical YETI cooler this backpack will hold three six packs. I don’t advise throwing ice on the inside, only the outside is waterproof.
CONSIDERATIONS FOR POTENTIAL PURCHASERS:
Pricey – It’s an investment, to be sure, but like with a lot of outdoor gear in this case it may make sense to “Buy once, cry once.”
Not Super Lightweight – Any pack, once you put your items in it will get heavy but the Panga starts off a little heavier. That’s because they didn’t skimp on materials and durability is part of the appeal.
Zipper – For obvious reasons the zipper needs to be snug and snap at the bottom to keep things waterproof but getting it opened and closed was slightly difficult. But again, this is likely a feature rather than a bug – valuable when I am out in the rain and nothing gets wet.
No External Water Bottle Pocket – I always carry a water bottle with me and usually prefer backpacks that have an external water bottle pocket. But I do have a Bottle Sling that I can attach to the outside, so this is not a huge issue to me.
The bottom line is that the YETI Panga 28 in Firefly is a showstopper. It’s the kind of bag that I can use for most everything and if you ever say you couldn’t find me then you must have your eyes closed because “we” are impossible to miss.
