When YETI launches something new, people pay attention, especially when it’s outside their usual lane. This time, they’ve stepped into the world of hiking with the Skala series, a family of technical hiking backpacks designed for everything from quick summits to multi-day treks. The big question: Does a brand known for hardcore coolers know how to build a serious trail pack?
Spread the Love
Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. Purchases made through our links result in a small commission to us at no charge to you. We only recommend products that meet our brand standards based on testing and first hand use by our authors.
Why the YETI Skala is Built to Take You Anywhere
Whether you decide to summit the Canadian Rockies or stroll your local wilderness trail, the Skala is worth a look. It’s not cheap, but neither is replacing gear every season. The Skala is designed to keep you comfortable and your gear readily available while you conquer the terrain.
Built to Withstand the Elements
If you’re familiar with YETI, you already know durability isn’t negotiable. The lightweight Guardcore nylon of the Skala hiking pack is designed to withstand brush-ups and scrapes from branches and rocky terrain. Being lightweight brings comfort on those long-distance multi-day hikes. Although not waterproof, the Skala is water-resistant.
Smart Organization and Easy Access
We’ve all spent precious time digging through the black hole of a backpack while your hiking buddy is rolling their eyes and egging you on. Thankfully, the YETI Skala hiking pack addresses this with its RipZip opening, giving you wide, easy access to gear in the middle of your pack rather than the typical top-load struggle.
Organization is made ultra-easy with the various-sized internal and external pockets, perfectly sized for survival kits, personal items, headlamps, etc. The smartest feature on the Skala trail pack is the angled hydration pocket; it’s just a quick back reach – no need to stop to offload your pack.
If you’re tired of strapping your lightweight sleeping bag to the bottom of your pack, only to have it bounce off your butt during your trek – YETI thought of you, too! The larger 50L and 60L Skala’s feature a separate sleeping bag compartment, keeping your sleeping bag clean and above your butt. 🙂
Engineered for Load Support
If you’ve ever found yourself adjusting your pack 50 times in the first mile, then you know how important proper fitment is. The good news is that the YETI Skala uses a lightweight AlumaLite frame to stabilize heavier loads by distributing weight and keeping the pack weight light.
Remember that feeling when your pack is trying to pull you backwards on a steep incline. This is when you’ll appreciate the load lifters, which help keep the hiking pack closer to your body to maintain balance. You’ll also appreciate the ventilated back panel that keeps your back dry on those long hikes.
A Fit That Actually Works for Women
I love that YETI didn’t just resize the Skala and call it a women’s pack. They’re giving women a chance to steer away from poorly fitted packs.
The women’s version features padded, contoured shoulder straps and a belt designed to better fit different body shapes, which makes a huge difference. The shoulder harness is slightly longer to better align with women’s torso proportions, and the added contour helps the pack sit naturally against your body rather than pulling in odd places. It’s built to feel balanced and supportive, not awkward and bulky.
Because let’s be honest, when you’re carrying gear for miles, comfort isn’t optional.
YETI Skala Price, Warranty, and Colours
With a three-year warranty, pricing starts at $400 ($300 USD), placing it firmly in the premium hiking category alongside brands like Osprey, but with an unmistakable YETI construction.
The Skala debuts in 2 colours: Ridgeline and Classic Navy. The Skala 32L and 40L also arrive in a seasonal Venom for men and Desert Bloom for women.
Quick Glance: YETI Skala Size Guide
Not sure which Skala pack fits your body or adventure style? Don’t worry, YETI has thoughtfully sized each model pack for both men and women, from extra small to extra large. Here’s a quick glance at all four models, including capacity, weight, and recommended size. Consider this your cheat sheet before you hit the trails.
| Pack | Empty Weight | Dimensions | Price | How To Use the Pack |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| YETI Skala 32L | 3.30 lbs | 11.8” w x 10.3” d x 24.5” h (29.8 w x 26 d x 62.2 h cm) | $400 ($300 US) | Perfect for single-day adventures or short trail excursions |
| YETI Skala 40L | 3.40 lbs | 12.5” w x 11.3” d x 25.3” h (31.8 w x 28.6 d x 64.1 h cm) | $435 ($325 US) | Lightweight accessory for day hikes or quick outings |
| YETI Skala 50L | 4.50 lbs | 12.8” w x 13.3” d x 26.8” h (32.4 w x 33.7 d x 67.9 h cm) | $500 ($375 US) | Built for multi-day adventures or extended overnight trips |
| YETI Skala 60L | 4.60 lbs | 13.5” w x 14” d x 27.5” h (34.3 w x 35.6 d x 69.8 h cm) | $535 ($400 US) | Best for weekend backcountry treks or longer multi-day journeys |
Want to explore just the men’s or women’s packs? Check out the men’s page or the women’s page.
| Torso | Waist | |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s S/M | 15 – 20 in | 26 – 36 in |
| Men’s L/XL | 20 – 24 in | 35 – 40 in |
| Women’s XS/S | 13 – 18 in | 26 – 36 in |
| Women’s M/L | 16 – 22 in | 35 – 40 in |
Not Every Adventure Needs a Technical Hiking Pack
If you’re not into the long treks or climbing Everest for a photo op, the YETI Ranchero is a better fit. It can handle rough treatment, rainy days, road trips, and even weekend wanderings.
Where the Skala is built for miles and elevation, the Ranchero is your everyday go bag – the kind that you toss into the truck bed, and not worry about dirtying your pack.
👉 YETI makes a bold move by stepping into technical hiking gear, and yes, the Skala series is a strong first entry. Would you take it on your next trek? Let us know in the comments – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Bookmark this post on Pinterest for future reference!
