The backpack market doesn’t need another “do-everything” pack. Between ultralight hiking companions, tactical EDC specialists, and minimalist commuter bags, every conceivable niche has been thoroughly covered. Yet here comes YETI with the Cayo All-Weather Backpack, a versatile backpack that somehow still feels necessary. It doesn’t specifically reinvent the wheel, but also doesn’t overthink it.
YETI is a company that built its reputation on making coolers and water bottles so overbuilt they became status symbols. Translating that same philosophy to its new backpack line, the company focuses on rain-or-shine reliability over innovative features or qualifiers, and while still looking good in the process.
Finding the Sweet Spot
Pulling from its Panga playbook but with some notable improvements, the Cayo’s design philosophy feels refreshingly practical about what most people actually need from a backpack. For the task, it taps its DryHide Shell construction borrowed heavily from its soft coolers and is weather resistant, albeit not completely waterproof, as the brand notes. The RF welded seams and polyurethane-coated zippers will likely still handle everything short of full submersion or torrential downpours.
Keeping your back cool is the ComfortComb mesh back panel. Humidity can make or break a long day, especially if your bag doesn’t have proper ventilation. You can also get some extra support with removable chest and waist straps.
Like other bags from YETI, the Cayo also focuses on modularity. The front features HitchPoint Grid compatibility so you can expand the pack’s functionality with other pieces of gear or accessories.
Available in 15L, 25L, and 35L sizing options, the Cayo covers most use cases without overwhelming buyers with choices. The 25L hits that goldilocks zone for day trips and commuting, while the 15L works for minimalists and the 35L handles longer adventures. However, the empty weight of 4.4lbs of the 35L might be a bit too cumbersome for some hikers hoping to shed some weight, so keep that in mind.
Thoughtful Storage
Unlike the Panga, which is short on extra compartments, the Cayo has a few. A smaller zippered compartment on the lid can hold things like your keys or phone, while the front zippered pocket is large enough for a larger water bottle. But judging by the press photos alone, it might not stretch much larger than a 24-ounce thermos. Both of these pockets have water-resistant linings, which is nice if, say, your thermos leaks or you want to separate wet clothes from dry gear.
There’s also a large interior compartment, with a pair stretch-woven sleeves for adapting to different items, from tech gear to water reservoirs. For the latter, you can pull a drinking spout through a hole up top. On the other hand, if you’re finally hoping to find a weather-resistant YETI pack with a dedicated laptop sleeve, you’ll have no such luck here.
Spec Sheet
Model: YETI Cayo All-Weather Backpack
Capacity: 15L, 25L, 35L
Shell Material: DryHide Shell with RF welded seams
Zippers: Polyurethane-coated (water-resistant)
Back Panel: ComfortComb mesh
Straps: Removable waist and chest straps
Weight: 2.4lbs (15L), 3.5lbs (25L), 4.4lbs (35L)
Hydration: 2L reservoir compatible
Submersible?: No
Price: $200 (15L), $250 (25L), $300 (35L)
Pricing & Availability
Coming in black and olive at the moment, the Cayo 15L and 25L models are available now through YETI’s website for account holders, and for everyone starting May 27. The 35L variant arrives later this summer. Expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $300, depending on which size you want.
Recap
YETI Cayo Backpack
YETI has a new backpack line called the Cayo, which borrows elements from the preexisting Panga but adds more pockets and, thus, versatility.
