I’m standing in the woods, in light rain, looking for some prickly branches to run through. This isn’t my typical weekend activity, but I’m currently emboldened by the impressively burly new Yeti backpack I’m testing. Born from the company’s acquisition of tactical gear maker Mystery Ranch in 2024, the new Ranchero backpack (available in both 22-liter and 27-liter models) offers super-heavy-duty build quality and a clever zipper design that allows for easy access to gear while on the trail. Yes, it comes with the typical Yeti price tag, but it’s also built with the company’s trademark zeal for making ultra-burly gear that’s still somehow aesthetically pleasing.
Stan Horaczek
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Pros
- 700D Cordura body is extremely durable
- TPU-coated base allows it to stand on its own, even on wet ground
- Clever three-zipper design provides excellent access to gear inside
- Water bottle pockets actually fit my water bottle
- Comfortable with solid breathability
- Taped zippers and heavy stitching—the whole package feels very durable
- Looks great
Cons
- People who crave tons of pockets may be disappointed
- Missing a side handle for quick grabs
- Weighs almost four pounds when empty (27L model)
The verdict: This heavy-duty backpack is great for hiking and travel if you don’t mind the weight and the price tag. The clever zipper design provides quick access to gear that’s much better than digging through a top-loading bag. I also really like the way it looks.
The build
The first thing everyone notices about this bag is the zipper setup. There are actually three zippers on the face of the bag that intersect to form a Y shape. By pulling down the vertical zipper…
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