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Yeti’s waterproof backpack, the PANGA, is one of the toughest backpacks out there.
Now it got a little brother: the CAYO.
As fly fishermen it’s always a good idea to invest in quality euqipment that will last you a long time. If you’re out for a day’s fishing, chances are you want to bring some gear to stay flexible. How about an extra reel or an extra fly box in case conditions change and the fish start rising? To carry this extra gear, there are lots of options out there: hip bags, sling packs, chest packs or backpacks. I always recommend getting a waterproof version of these bags as they give you peace of mind if the heavens open.
When it comes to fully waterproof and even submersible backpacks, YETI has one of the strongest offerings in the market with their Panga. Now they premiered a kind of little brother to the Panga, the CAYO. We’ve got our hands on it and tell you what we think of it.
Quick Overview of the YETI CAYO
Versions: 15L, 25L and 35L
Colors: Black and green
Empty Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6kg) (25L version)
Waterproof: no. Water resistant: yes.
Zippered pockets on the outside and inside
Price: $200 (15L), $250 (25L) and $300 (35L)
Disclaimer: All products in this guide are independently researched by our team. We only recommend products we believe in and never get paid for the reviews. Learn more about our review process here.
First Impression of the CAYO
At first glance, the CAYO definitively reminds me of the PANGA. It’s not quite as boxy but the fabric feels quite familiar although it’s not as thick as on the PANGA. The most striking differences on the outside surely are the zippers.
While the PANGA has no outside pockets (to secure ultimate waterproofness), the CAYO features two zippered pockets on all three versions. These pockets are meant for quick access but be aware that despite being highly water resistant, these pockets are not fully waterproof. In my eyes, they are ideal to separate a wet jacket from your dry clothes for example. You can tell from the zippers that the ones on the Panga are fully waterproof whereas the ones on the CAYO are only water resistant.
Attachment Options all around
What also struck me was the multitude of attachment options on YETI’s new backpack. All across the front of the backpack you have loops to attach additional gear. The 25L and 35L versions also feature top and side handles which I found very practical when the backpack is fully loaded and you want to lift it into a boat for example.
More Versatility on the Inside
The main compartment of the CAYO opens up via the big zipper that extends all the way to both sides of the backpack. That’s a great feature since it opens the bag up wide and allows for easy access of everything you have inside. Th smaller versions (15L and 25L) feature a tablet sleeve whereas the biggest version (35L) can fit a 13″ laptop.
Shoulder Straps
The build quality of the CAYO backpack is really solid in my eyes. The only little downside I found during my testing process were the shoulder straps. Yes, they do their job and you can even add a waist strap (comes with the backpack) to distribute weight more evenly when the bag is fully loaded. However, the padding on the shoulder straps could be improved in my eyes. This holds particularly true for the biggest version of the CAYO (35L). You can pack a lot of gear into that backpack and when you do it gets heavy. That’s when a little extra padding would come in handy.
Who’s the CAYO for?
The CAYO backpack doesn’t come cheap. It will cost you $200 for the 15L version, $250 for the 25L and $300 for the biggest model (35L). That’s the same price tag as the PANGA which has a slightly smaller capacity of 28L. In my eyes the CAYO is a great options for people who want the utmost versatility. It’s an ideal backpack for a fly fishing outing but also a great backpack for commuting to work on a bike in wet climates. The big difference to the PANGA is the better inside compartment structure and the zippered outside pockets. If you want the utmost in waterproofness and toughness there’s no way around the PANGA.
What I also really like about the CAYO is the fact that it comes in different sizes. I expect the 25L version to be the sweet spot for most people (it also features robust side and top handles that the 15L does not have). The 15L version is great for shorter excursions and for smaller people.
Rely on Our Experience
Leonard Schoenberger and his team spend plenty of days out fishing. Their goal is to test and review products for you so you can make a solid purchase decision and improve your fly fishing game. We always express our honest opinions, never get paid for reviews and are proud of our editorial independence.
Frequently Asked Questions: YETI CAYO
Is the CAYO waterproof?
No, the CAYO is not waterproof. It is highly water resistant but not fully waterproof.
How much gear can the CAYO hold?
The backpack comes in three versions: 15L, 25L and 35L.
Does the CAYO come with a waist strap?
Yes, the Cayo features a removable waist strap that can be attached to distribute weight more evenly when fully loaded.
Is the CAYO a cooler bag?
No, the YETI CAYO has no cooling capabilities.
