YETI Panga 75 Waterproof Duffel Review

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 you’re trying to protect from getting wet. If you’re one to spend loads of time in the great outdoors, 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 and why it should be part of your arsenal.

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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. 

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, why are YETI duffels so durable? YETI uses high-density puncture-resistant nylon 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 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 waterproof.

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 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 duffel 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 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. 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.

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.

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 or stuff sacks. 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. 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 $300 to 400 US in price. The Panga 75 costs $350, 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 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 and the multitude of carrying options.

Panga 75 Waterproof FAQs

Final Thoughts on the YETI Panga 75 Waterproof Duffel

In conclusion, after several years of testing our duffel bag, the YETI Panga 75 Waterproof Duffel is an optimal choice for any traveller looking for a durable and versatile duffel bag to protect their precious cargo. 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 dry and well-protected under extreme conditions. However, its weight may be of concern to some. Ultimately, 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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