I tested the YETI Ranchero backpack, and I love that it goes unnecessarily hard just because it can

YETI is no stranger to backpacks. The brand already has a slew of everyday and travel bags catering to a variety of use cases. However, the new Ranchero line marks a fresh take on YETI’s luggage and day packs, signalling its move into the urban professional and commuter rucksack category.

I’ve been testing the larger 27L version of the Ranchero for a few weeks, and I’m low-key obsessed with it. This bag goes way too hard when it comes to build quality and materials – it feels almost indestructible. It’s a bit over the top for a commuter backpack, but that’s hardly surprising from YETI, a brand that prides itself on making bear-proof cool boxes.

The best thing about the Ranchero backpack is its zip system. The three-way front opening makes accessing your stuff incredibly easy, leaving me wondering why no one has thought of this before. It’s such a simple yet brilliant feature that it’s ruined all other commuter backpacks for me.

Is the YETI Ranchero the best backpack ever created? It’s certainly a strong contender, though its bulkiness might deter those with smaller frames. Read my full YETI Ranchero review below to explore the features and benefits of YETI’s latest creation.

YETI Ranchero review

Price and availability

The YETI Ranchero was announced in March 2025 and is available to buy now directly from YETI US, YETI UK and YETI AU for the recommended retail price of $225/ £250 (22L) and $275/ £310 (27L). The bags come in two colours in the US: Black and Taupe/Olive.

Specifications

• Capacity: 22L or 27L
• Laptop compartment: Yes
• Laptop size: 15"
• Weight: 1.73kg/ 3.81lbs (27L)
• Waterproof?: Water-resistant

Design and materials

I tested the larger 27L version of the Ranchero, which is essentially the 22L model but with added space for more gear – obviously. I’ll start with my favourite feature: the RipZip Opening. This innovative three-way zipper opens the main compartment fully, providing easy access to the lower sections of the bag.

Even better, you can simply unzip the front to reveal the bottom of the pocket, which is a game-changing feature for backpacks. After all, who wants to unpack everything just to get to something buried at the bottom of the bag, especially when they're out in public? Exactly. Nobody.

But the Ranchero isn't just a one-trick pony. Along with the unique zipper design, the bag features TuffSkin, a tough, abrasion-resistant material found in several YETI backpacks (such as the Crossroads range). While not completely waterproof, TuffSkin Nylon is water-resistant and does a solid job of keeping your belongings protected from light rain or splashes.

The bottom of the bag is made with 5PM-coated fabric, enhancing durability and water resistance. While the exact meaning of 5PM coating remains a bit of a mystery (my research turned up no answers), the material feels waxy and stiff compared to the TuffSkin covering the rest of the bag. It also adds a level of sturdiness, allowing the bag to stand upright on its own, even when it's empty.

Beyond the main compartment, the Ranchero offers plenty of smaller pockets to keep your valuables organised. There are two stretchy water bottle sleeves on either side of the backpack, with matching pockets inside. Additionally, YETI has added two zippered pockets at the top of the main compartment and a longer zippered pocket at the back.

The bag also includes a separate laptop sleeve situated between the back panel and the main compartment, with enough room to store magazines and other flat items. My favourite pocket, however, is the triangular zippered pocket on the top flap. It reminded me of the large, fleece-lined pocket on the Db Ramverk Pro Backpack, which I adored.

On top of all this, the Ranchero comes with removable straps, which allow you to attach extra gear to the bag. There are loops along the edge of the backpack to hook these straps into, adding even more versatility.

For comfort, the padded back panel features a debossed YETI logo to improve airflow (and add a touch of style). The shoulder straps are wide, well-padded, and equipped with additional straps for hanging more items (just in case you need even more storage). There’s also a mysterious elasticated band across the lower back of the bag, which I still haven’t figured out the purpose of.

Ergonomics and performance

Once I got over the ingenious zipper design – and I can't stress enough how amazing it is – the next thing that stood out was the size of the bag. The 27L Ranchero looks and feels larger than other backpacks with similar capacity, largely due to its tough external material and the way it maintains its shape even when empty.

I found myself inadvertently blocking people’s way when browsing in shops with the YETI Ranchero on my back. More than once, I had to rotate to give others space. It’s also worth noting that I’m 6’1” (185 cm), and even on me, the bag feels on the larger side. It’s not too big, but it’s definitely on the limit of being oversized.

The Ranchero is almost ridiculously rugged, especially for a commuter bag. YETI’s reputation for bear-proof coolers clearly influenced the design of their backpacks, so it makes sense that this bag is built to last. Still, unless you’re particularly rough with it, there’s little chance you’ll put its abrasion resistance to the test during regular commuting.

Because of its toughness, the Ranchero could easily double as a hiking backpack, or at least a bag that works well beyond commuting. I used it for day trips and occasional off-road walks, and it performed perfectly. Plus, the more space you have around you, the better – it’s less likely to block people’s paths when you’re on the move.

The pockets are well laid out and generously sized. I’ve already mentioned my love for the large top flap pocket, which is a total game-changer. The rest of the compartments are equally well-positioned and spacious. The internal water bottle pockets are a nice touch, but it’s worth noting that if you have bottles in the external pockets, you won’t be able to fit another on the same side inside.

The pockets above the internal water bottle sleeves are perfectly functional, even with the water bottle sleeves filled. These pockets are located at the top of the main compartment and are easily accessible when you undo the two zips under the top flap. All three of these pockets are zippered, so your smaller items will stay secure even if the bag ends up upside down.

I found the shoulder straps and back panel very comfortable. Both are well-padded and more than sufficient for daily commuting. However, the backpack’s weight might be a consideration for some: at a hefty 1.73 kg (3.81 lbs) when empty, it’s definitely on the heavier side. But hey, that’s the price of durability!

Verdict

Despite its (minor) flaws, I find it impossible not to love the YETI Ranchero backpack. It goes way too hard for no reason apart from that it can, and it’s not at all apologetic about it. I mean, TuffSkin fabric, additional external straps to store shoes and other accessories, multiple water pockets, and more – I don’t need all of these, yet here I am, filling them up with stuff.

And let me not get started on the RipZip Opening; what an ingenious feature. I wish all my gabs opened this way. I might modify my other backpacks and add a zipper to the bottom of the front panels. Sure, it does make the Ranchero look like the egg Aliens spawn from when all three zips are unlocked, but it’s so handy to have.

YETI might have just created the best commuting backpack that doubles as an adventure bag. If you have a smaller frame, I’d recommend getting the 22L version; for everyone else, the 27L YETI Ranchero is a must-have. Do and get it. Now.