Standing in the woods in light rain, searching for prickly branches to run through is not my usual weekend activity. However, the burly new Yeti backpack I am currently testing has emboldened me. Born from the acquisition of tactical gear maker Mystery Ranch in 2024, the new Ranchero backpack (available in 22-liter and 27-liter models) from Yeti offers super-heavy-duty build quality and a clever zipper design that allows for easy access to gear while on the trail. While it comes with a typical Yeti price tag, it is built with the company’s trademark zeal for making ultra-burly gear that is still aesthetically pleasing.
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 standout feature of this bag is the zipper setup. With three zippers on the face of the bag forming a Y shape, accessing everything inside is quick and easy. This design, inherited from the Mystery Ranch bag, allows for convenient retrieval of items without the need to dig through the entire bag.
I tested the bag’s functionality by carrying a camera securely inside and found the zipper design to be extremely practical. The ability to access the camera quickly when needed made the overall experience seamless.
Storage and pockets
The main compartment features a few stretchy pockets, with smaller zippered pockets on each flap for items like multitools or memory cards. A stretch pocket at the back of the main compartment provides space for notebooks, while the outer stretchy pockets can accommodate a full-sized Hydro Flask. Additionally, a dedicated laptop pocket easily fits a 14-inch MacBook Pro along with other accessories.
The bag’s storage compartments are well-designed, offering a good balance of functionality without unnecessary compartments. The exterior also features extra straps for carrying additional gear, providing flexibility and convenience for users.
The feel
