We carry backpacks to keep things within reach, be it a laptop, a change of clothes, or water and snacks. But not all packs are comfortable to carry, and fewer still can claim to protect your belongings from rain, sleet, splashes, and general wetness.
Enter the YETI Cayo Backpack. It is a weather-resistant, rugged-bodied pack for carrying daily essentials and/or extra gear for that surfing session before work or a hike afterward. For comfort, the Cayo has adjustable straps to help balance heavier loads and uses YETI’s ComfortComb mesh backpanel for cushion and airflow.
The Cayo joins the existing YETI backpack line somewhere between the day trip, commuter-styled Ranchero, and the waterproof Panga dry bag backpacks.
YETI Cayo Backpack: Features Design
The YETI Cayo Backpack has 15L, 25L, and 35L models; (photo/YETI) The Cayo is neither waterproof nor a cooler. However, it is highly water-resistant, so you can confidently carry your tablet, laptop, camera, and other electronics through bad weather. Just don’t go underwater.
YETI built the Cayo with its tough DryHide Shell, a high-density and waterproof fabric that the brand used on some of its soft-side coolers for its resistance to mildew and punctures. The bag has welded seams and a polyurethane-coated zipper (rather than the waterproof zippers YETI uses in its dry bags).
The Cayo Backpack comes in 15, 25, and 35 L sizes. They retail for $200, $250, and $300, respectively. Each one has a handle on top for quick-grab carrying, and the two larger-sized packs have side handles. Its back panel has Hitch Point Grid-compatible loops, making it easy to attach accessories like the SideKickDry Gear Case or Rambler Bottle Sling.
For weather resistance, the Cayo backpack uses YETIs durable DryHide Shell with welded seams, and a polyurethane-coated zipper; (photo/YETI) Interior Carry Inside, theres a 2L hydration reservoir sleeve and a water-resistant section for storing wet clothes or gear separately. That could come in handy if you have a swim scheduled before work or get caught in an unexpected downpour.
The bags stretch-woven internal storage helps keep the load from shifting and banging around.
Beyond storage and protection, theres the packs comfort. YETI outfitted the Cayo with waist and chest straps to help adjust the fit based on the load of its contents. Those straps can be removed for daily commutes or streamlined travel. Additionally, the Cayo has a ComfortComb mesh back panel to help provide cushioned support and boost airflow.
The Cayo Backpack has water-resistant storage to keep wet gear apart from the rest of the bag; (photo/YETI) Yippie Cayo The Cayo backpack is geared toward anyone around water, be it rain or ocean spray. People living in the Pacific Northwest, or bike commuters whove been caught in surprise storms, will immediately understand the utility of this pack.
The water resistance, wet storage, and comfortable carry all add to the Cayos appeal. And the iconic YETI aesthetic gives it an extra cool factor.
Weather resistance is probably the bags main attribute, but the durability of its shell material means it should hold up against sweat, stains, sun damage, and general abuse, too. And the hydration sleeve, adjustable straps, and mesh back panel are all geared toward long days of use — on a hiking trail, a commute, or traveling.
The Cayo Packs are available in YETI Retail Stores and online right now — you just need to make (or have) a free account on YETI.com to purchase. The 15L and 25L sizes will be available everywhere to everyone (YETI account or not) on May 27. The 35L will be available later this summer.
Head to Toe: Ride Concepts Launches First MTB HelmetsThe Deploy and Dissent MTB Helmets are Ride Concepts' first foray into protective headwear, and they're coming out of the gate hot. Read more
Mammut Avalanche Beacon Recall: Switch Defect Could Be Deadly
The Best Ski Backpacks of 2024-2025
The Best Women’s Workout and Travel Leggings in 2024
The Best Outdoor Gifts You Can Give (or Get!) Under $100 This Holiday
Best Outdoor Gifts: Our Favorite Head-to-Toe Gear for Any Adventure
2026 Honda Passport Gets More Rugged Design, Upgraded AWD System
The Best Snowboard Bindings of 2024-2025
The Best Bike Repair Stands of 2024