Ever find yourself taking on an outdoor adventure when suddenly it starts to rain, and you find yourself unprepared? If you remembered to pack a rain cover, then you’re safe, but what if you forgot? Or what if you accidentally packed the cover deep in your backpack? Now, you’re stuck unpacking, only to get the gear that you’re trying to protect get wet. If you’re one to spend loads of time enjoying water activities, it might be time to consider a waterproof duffel, like the YETI Panga 75.
In this YETI Panga 75 review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features, benefits, and drawbacks of the YETI Panga Duffel Bags and why it should be part of your arsenal.
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With the YETI Panga 75L Waterproof Duffel you no longer need to worry about your gear getting wet. The duffel is 100% dry, thanks to its Hydrolok zipper and U-dock system creating an airtight seal. The high-density nylon shell is puncture resistant, ensuring your items stay safe and secure.
The Panga is constructed to withstand even the harshest conditions, with its DryHaul straps and MetalLock hardware. Plus, it's completely submersible, meaning you can take it on any water-based adventure without worry.
- Waterproof
- Durable & Versatile
- Sturdy Build
- Comfortable Straps
- Large Opening
- Limited Storage Pockets
- Bit Heavy
Is the YETI Panga’s Durable and Leak Proof?
YETI was founded by Roy and Ryan Seiders, who pride themselves on designing and manufacturing long-lasting, quality products. They have a passion for the outdoors, which has led to the creation of products that we can all count on. Expensive? Yes, but YETI products are durable and reliable.
We are proud owners of several YETI products, with the YETI Panga duffle bag being one of them. After several years of heavy, daily use, we’ve had no issues. Our gear has stayed dry, and the duffel bag looks as good as new. We have used the YETI duffel as a weekender bag, for camping, fishing trips, and day trips to the beach.
Further Reading: Waterproof Duffel Bag: Is The Startling Cost Really Worth It?
Material
So, what makes YETI duffels so durable? YETI uses high-density nylon, which is puncture-resistant for their ThickSkin shell duffel bag. The bottom of the duffel is EVA molded. Wait, what is EVA, and what does it stand for? Ethylene Vinyl Acetate is a soft and flexible material that offers many benefits, including low-temperature toughness, stress-crack resistance, hot-melt adhesive properties and resistance to UV radiation. This material makes it a brilliant choice for outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, white water rafting and fishing!
How Does the YETI Panga 75 Duffel Stay Leak Proof?
Not that YETI wants you to submerge your Panga YETI duffel, but it is peace of mind knowing that the YETI Panga 75 will keep your gear dry for 30 minutes at a depth of one meter! Before we delve into how it does this, you must understand the difference between water-resistant and waterproof.
Water-resistant items can withstand water penetration to some extent, while waterproof items are thoroughly sealed off from moisture, which is why the Panga 75 is considered a waterproof bag.
The Panga duffel also features Hydrolok Zippers – the same kind found on survival suits and HazMat protective gear. This airtight closure guarantees a waterproof seal. And for even more protection, the Panga’s U-Dock terminal end ensures a leak-proof closure, which allows you to take on a heavy downpour or a raging river! It does take a bit of muscle to slide the oversized Hydrolok zipper into the U-Dock terminal, but other than that, the system works flawlessly.
Submersion & Flotation of the Panga Duffel
The YETI Panga duffel has tested to an IPX7 rating. What does IPX7 stand for?
IP – Ingress/International Protection
X – Dust Resistance
7 – Water Resistance
For a rating of 7, the item is submerged fully in one meter of water for 30 minutes.
Does the YETI Waterproof Duffel Float?
There is a story of a gentleman whose boat had sunk. Floating beside him was his YETI Panga duffel, so he figured he would try to use it as a PFD (personal flotation device). Thankfully, he did, as the Panga duffel had kept him floating for an entire hour until rescue finally arrived.
** If zipped properly, the Hydrolok zipper seals in the air, which creates a PFD.
Our son enjoyed the story and decided to test it’s validity. Let’s just say he had the thrill of a lifetime trying to sink a YETI duffle bag.
Further Reading: Introduction to Canoeing: A Guide for the New Canoeist
Portability and Versatility of the YETI Panga 75
I love the versatility of the Panga 75. Unlike traditional duffels, it features two comfortable DryHaul shoulder straps, making it effortless to go hands-free and enjoy activities without aches and pains. The DryHaul thick straps are made with MetalLock hardware and reinforced to give you peace of mind when carrying a load. You can quickly adjust for comfort by using the six QuickGrab lash points that give you the ultimate freedom to load and haul your gear exactly how you like.
You could even use a carabiner to attach your YETI Rambler to one of the lash points. It’s nice to have the ability to change it up, especially after a long day of adventure.
Colours and Sizes
The entire YETI Panga line comes in two colours: tan and storm grey. On occasion, YETI will release a limited edition colour. This time around, the Panga duffel and backpack’s limited edition colour is orange/black.
As to size, maybe the YETI Panga 75 is too big or not big enough for your needs. Either way, YETI has three other size options to choose from.
Weight
5.2 lbs
6.1 lbs
6.8 lbs
3.9 lbs
Measurement
23.5″ W x 14″ D x 10″ H
28″ W x 15.5″ D x 11″ H
32.5″ W x 17″ D x 12″ H
31.8″ W x 17.8″ D x 50.8″ H
Drawbacks of the YETI Panga 75
I find that the only drawback is its weight. The Panga 50L has an empty weight of 5.2 lbs, slightly heavier than some alternatives. However, when you throw in your gear, that weight adds up pretty quickly. To offset the weight issue, YETI, thankfully, added an alternative method to carry the extra load. The DryHaul straps used to tote the duffel on your back help distribute the weight and leave your hands free to enjoy your activity. Alternatively, you can carry the duffle over one shoulder or use it as a grab bag.
The only other drawback, I wish one of the two interior stowaway mesh pockets were larger. For this issue, we resolve it by using mesh bags, stuff sacks or packing cubes. Besides these little annoyances, we are beyond satisfied with our YETI Panga 75 dry duffel.
Accessories
As a 2024 update: YETI has released a new line of Crossroads Packing Cubes. These YETI cubes come in three sizes: small, medium and large, and are only available in grey. Hopefully, YETI can design these in other colours. It would assist in locating the cube quickly amongst your gear, especially if you use one as a medical kit. I think these are absolutely brilliant, especially since the YETI Panga does not offer much in terms of organization. These packing cubes are not waterproof, but a great alternative to try is the YETI SideKick Gear Case, which comes in many colours.
The cool factor of the SideKick bag is its functionality. You can mount it to the outside of any bag, use it as a waterproof gear bag or carry it as a crossbody bag, leaving behind your heavier Panga 75 in the boat, car or campsite.
Price
The YETI Panga line ranges from $400 to $530 CAD ($300 to 400 US) in price. The Panga 75 costs $450 CAD ($350 US), which is pricier when compared to the Mustang Greenwater 65L Submersible Deck Bag. You can score the Mustang for $320 US.
Here’s the thing – we own the smaller 35L Greenwater Deck Bag, and compared to the YETI, I find the opening a pain. Whether removing gear or inserting, since the zipper is on an angle, the opening is not large enough to pull your things out. On top of this, the waterproof zipper rubs your hands. Besides the opening and the fact that it doesn’t have backpack-style straps, it’s a great bag. Perfect for water-based activities like canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. So, to put things into perspective, the extra $50 is worth it, considering the larger opening, the multitude of carrying options and being puncture-resistant bags.
Panga 75 Waterproof FAQs
To secure a perfect seal with the U-Dock (the terminal end of the HydroLok Zipper), ensure you pull the zipper slider until it is fully engaged. This seal will keep your gear and contents dry and secure even on extreme excursions.
Secure your gear with the U-Dock by sliding the zipper completely in and applying pressure. If you hear any air leaking, unzip, and close the zipper firmly. Test again to ensure there are no air leaks.
Proper cleaning and storage are the keys to keeping your YETI Panga in top condition. Use a mixture of water and dish soap to clean the duffel when it gets muddy or grimy, and thoroughly rinse with fresh water. Then use a cloth or paper towel to dry the inside. Remember to leave the HydroLok™ Zipper open for several days so all the moisture can evaporate.
The duffel must be completely dry before packing it away for long-term storage. Do not put the Panga in the wash machine, nor should you ever dry the duffel in the oven. And yes, you read that right – it came straight from YETI. If you are supposed to avoid the wash machine and a heat source such as the oven, it is safe to say skip the dryer as well and opt for air drying.
YETI offers a 3 year warranty against manufacture defects.
Final Thoughts on the YETI Panga 75 Waterproof Duffel
In conclusion, after several years of hard use our duffel bag, the YETI Panga 75 Waterproof Duffel is an optimal choice for any body with an active lifestyle. It’s a great quality bag that is both durable, versatile and can withstand constant use. With features like a puncture-resistant ThickSkin nylon shell, EVA molded bottom, U-dock terminal end, Hydrolok Zippers and airtight closure. YETI has designed the Panga to keep your gear and sleeping bags dry and well-protected under extreme conditions. However, its weight may be of concern to some. Ultimately, as a submersible dry duffel, we found the YETI Panga 75 bag is an ideal choice if you are looking for a duffel that offers superior protection, comfort and portability.
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