YETI, a brand synonymous with rugged durability and high-performance outdoor gear, has become an iconic name in the world of coolers and drinkware, and can now add backpacks to their list. YETI dog bowls are also pretty awesome! Their products are widely praised for their exceptional build quality, reliability in extreme conditions, and sleek designs that are equally at home in the wilderness or on the back patio. The YETI 27L Backpack is no exception to this reputation. Designed for both adventure enthusiasts and everyday use, this versatile backpack promises to provide a combination of durability, comfort, and functional storage space.

YETI  27L Backpack Review

The YETI 27L Backpack has a sleek, minimalist design that is both practical and stylish. It features YETI’s signature bold branding, but it’s not overly flashy or aggressive in its appearance. The bag comes in a range of colors including classic neutral tones like charcoal and navy, which fit well in both outdoor and urban settings. Its modern design makes it suitable for a wide variety of occasions, from hiking trips to commuting to work.

Design , Materials, and Build Quality

The YETI 27L Backpack is built to withstand some of the toughest environments. The exterior of the backpack is constructed from a highly durable, waterproof, and puncture-resistant fabric, designed to protect your gear from the elements. The brand uses its proprietary “HydroLok™ Zipper” which ensures that the bag remains watertight even in heavy rain or wet conditions. This feature is particularly useful for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, kayaking, or any other environment where you may encounter water.

The fabric itself feels substantial and tough, giving the backpack a sturdy, almost military grade quality. The seams are reinforced with strong stitching, and the zippers, buckles, and other hardware all feel solid and built to last, as you would expect from YETI.

One of the standout features of the 27L Backpack is its EVA foam-backed panels, which provide structure and shape to the bag, helping it retain its form even when not packed to capacity. The foam also contributes to the bag’s ability to withstand impacts without losing its integrity, making it ideal for rough environments.

Shoulder Straps and Back Panel

The comfort of a backpack is critical for long days of wear, and the YETI 27L Backpack excels in this area. The shoulder straps are padded with high-density foam, which offers a good balance of cushioning and support. Whether you’re carrying heavy gear or just the essentials, the straps help distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders. The straps also feature adjustable loops, allowing you to customize the fit depending on your body size and preferences.

Additionally, the back panel is ergonomically designed, providing ventilation to keep your back cool and dry even during intense physical activity. The mesh construction allows airflow between your back and the bag, preventing the uncomfortable sweaty buildup that often occurs with less breathable backpacks. This makes the YETI 27L Backpack a solid choice for hiking or even just commuting in warmer weather.

YETI  27L Backpack Review

While the YETI 27L Backpack doesn’t come with a built-in hip belt, it doesn’t detract from its overall comfort, as the 27L capacity isn’t large enough to necessitate one for most users. The lack of a hip belt means that it’s more lightweight and streamlined, ideal for those who prefer a minimalistic design. However, for users planning on carrying extremely heavy loads or going on multi-day treks, this could be seen as a drawback.

27 Liters of Storage and Organization

The YETI 27L capacity strikes a good balance between being large enough for daily use, travel, or short weekend trips, while still remaining compact and easy to manage. The main compartment is spacious and can comfortably hold everything from clothing and electronics to food and spare water bottles. The interior is lined with a soft, abrasion-resistant material, ensuring that your gear stays protected.

Sow what does 27 liters look like? To give you a
Above is the YETI 27L shown with a shoe box

What stands out about the main compartment is its thoughtful design. There are multiple mesh pockets inside, which allow you to organize smaller items, such as cables, pens, or toiletries. These pockets help prevent smaller items from getting lost at the bottom of the bag, which is a common issue with many backpacks.

The bag’s unique “DryHide™ Shell” ensures that the contents of the main compartment remain dry, even in the rain. This water resistance is especially useful for protecting electronics or important gear like clothes and food, which need to stay dry in wet conditions.

Front Pocket and Side Pockets

The front pocket of the YETI 27L Backpack is conveniently located for easy access to smaller items, such as a wallet, phone, or keys. This pocket is not overly large, but it is spacious enough to fit all your daily essentials. The zipper runs smoothly, and the compartment is easy to open even when the bag is fully loaded.

On the sides of the bag, you’ll find two mesh pockets, which are perfect for holding water bottles or small items that you need to access quickly. The mesh material is stretchable, making it easy to fit various bottle sizes.

Laptop Sleeve

For tech-savvy users, the YETI 27L Backpack includes a dedicated laptop sleeve, which can hold laptops up to 15 inches in size and multiple. The sleeve is lined with soft, padded material to protect your device from scratches or impacts. This is a great addition for those who want a backpack that can serve double duty as both an outdoor pack and a work bag. We can easily put in a 15″ MacBook Pro along with a small portable monitor or an iPad.

YETI Laptop Sleeeve

Performance in the Field

As expected from a YETI product, the 27L Backpack performs admirably in harsh conditions. During testing, the bag showed excellent resistance to water, dirt, and wear. Whether it was subjected to rain, muddy trails, or rough handling, the bag showed minimal signs of damage or degradation. This is one of the key selling points of the backpack — its ability to withstand harsh environments without losing its functionality or appearance.

The high-quality fabric and reinforced stitching mean that the backpack is built to handle a heavy load, and the zippers maintain their smooth operation despite exposure to moisture and grime. For outdoor enthusiasts, this bag offers peace of mind knowing that their gear will stay secure and protected.

Weather Resistance

One of the standout features of the YETI 27L Backpack is its ability to keep water out. The waterproof exterior, combined with the HydroLok™ Zipper, ensures that your gear stays dry even in heavy rain or wet conditions. This makes it ideal for activities like kayaking, hiking, or even city commuting when the weather can be unpredictable.

However, it’s important to note that while the bag is highly water-resistant, it is not fully submersible. It will protect your gear from a downpour, but it’s not designed for underwater use. If you need a bag for completely waterlogged situations, you may need to consider a dry bag instead.

Everyday Use

While the YETI 27L Backpack is designed with outdoor adventures in mind, it’s also perfectly suited for everyday use. The size is ideal for commuters, students, or professionals who need to carry laptops, documents, and personal items. The minimalist design is stylish enough for an office setting, while the durability ensures it can handle rough urban environments.

The bag’s lightweight design makes it comfortable for everyday use, even for long periods of time. Whether you’re running errands, heading to the office, or traveling for the weekend, the YETI 27L Backpack offers excellent performance.

This Pack is a Keeper

The YETI 27L Backpack is an outstanding choice for those seeking a durable, water-resistant, and versatile bag that can handle both outdoor adventures, everyday use, or even just a bag for the office. With its rugged construction, thoughtful organization, and comfortable fit, it will meet the demand for most adventurers and activities. It is a commuting and travel while still being able to handle wilderness adventures.

The pack is not cheap, retailing for $230.00 but it will last for years to come! Buy yours at YETI.com.

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