YETI HAS BEEN not-so-quietly expanding its catalog well beyond its iconic ultra-premium coolers, with everything from fire pits to cast-iron skillets to outdoor blankets now on offer. But its 2024 acquisition of cult-favorite backpack maker Mystery Ranch has also thrust it into the world of adventure backpacks. It’s a bold move into a space long dominated by beloved legacy brands. But for the last few weeks, I’ve been field-testing the company’s debut hiking backpack, the Yeti Skala, in snow-bombed New England. Honestly? It’s exactly what I was expecting.
Cons
- Heavy compared to similarly sized alternatives
- No rain cover included
| Available Capacities (men’s and women’s fits) | 32L, 40L, 50L, 60L |
| Weight (empty) | 3.3 lbs, 3.4 lbs, 4.5 lbs, 4.6 lbs |
| Available Colors | Classic Navy, Ridgeline, Desert Bloom (seasonal), Venom (seasonal) |
| Warranty | 3 years (limited) |
What I Like
Out of the box, the all-new Skala (starting at $300) feels undeniably Yeti. “Beefy” is the word I kept coming back to. It’s overbuilt, over-engineered, and overqualified. But that’s not a bad thing. Despite its billing as “lightweight,” this is a pack designed for comfort, stability, and durability over sheer speed. Gram-counting fastpackers will no doubt scoff at the Skala’s 3.3-pound base weight (for the 32-liter version), when comparably sized daypacks typically run less than three or even two pounds. But that extra weight is thanks to ultra-rugged materials like an AlumaLite frame (a carry-over from Mystery Ranch), heavy-duty Guardcore Nylon, and a weather-resistant construction that leans on large-gauge YKK Aquaguard zippers to keep your gear dry and protected.
The Yeti Skala comes in four sizes: 32L, 40L, 50L, and 60L.
Those same beefy materials also make for a seriously comfortable on-trail carry. I stuffed my 32-liter Skala with more than 25 pounds of test weight—far more than I normally haul for an average dayhike—and still found it to be among the most comfortable daypacks I’ve ever worn. That’s thanks to features like a wide, thickly padded hip belt, contoured shoulder straps, and micro-adjustable harnesses that let you dial in the perfect fit, no matter your height, weight, or torso length. Load lifters at the shoulders also help the Skala hug your body for a slimmer overall profile and better load distribution. Most of this clever engineering is pulled directly from Mystery Ranch’s time-tested catalog, and I was happy to find that Yeti didn’t try to reinvent what already works.
My 32L review sample (the Skala is also available as a 40L overnight pack with 50- and 60-liter options for longer, multi-day treks) was generously sized for almost any day hike. Sub-30-liter packs are more than enough for my summit pushes. So, I appreciated the extra space for all my usual essentials, plus a tripod and a bit more photography gear than I’d usually carry just because I could. The Skala’s storage is nicely divided between a top lid pocket, two zippered hip pouches, a handful of exterior kangaroo pockets, and a large, open interior with a 3L hydration reservoir pouch. The latter is accessible via the same, Y-shaped RipZip Opening pioneered by Mystery Ranch and found on Yeti’s Ranchero commuter backpack. It’s a clever pull-to-open feature that allows instant, top-to-bottom access to everything in your pack, even with gloved hands. So, unlike with most top-loading designs, there’s no need to unload half your gear in the middle of the trail just to reach that first aid kit or packable puffer jacket you buried near the bottom.
SHOP THE YETI SKALA
Watch Out for
The RipZip function makes it quick to get into the Skala.
If you’re a hardcore weight-conscious fastpacker, the Yeti Skala probably isn’t for you. But hikers seeking a rock-solid backpack with clever storage features, Yeti’s for-life durability, and the ability to comfortably haul moderate to heavy loads on the trail for a day, an overnight, or a week, this is an easy buy, even when factoring in the price.
The lack of a rain cover is curious but, in my opinion, one of the Skala’s few shortcomings. It’s clearly built for wet-weather hikes, but I would appreciate that extra layer of dedicated protection, especially at this price point.
SHOP THE YETI SKALA
Verdict
The Skala handling its own on snowy New England trails.
Longtime Mystery Ranch fans can breathe easy because our beloved backpacking brand isn’t going anywhere. But fans of both Yeti and Mystery Ranch are likely to be impressed with the Skala. I found it to be a near-perfect marriage of the former’s legendary reliability and the latter’s industry-leading engineering and ingenuity. The pack stays true to both brands’ legacies of high-quality gear designed with a “buy once, cry once” ethos. That means you pay more upfront for a premium, no-compromises product that’s built to go the extra mile.
SHOP THE YETI SKALA
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He’s kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South Africa, and survived a near-miss great white shark attack in Mexico. His travel advice has appeared on the websites for Forbes, Travel + Leisure, CNET, and National Geographic. He loves the great outdoors and good bourbon, and (usually) calls Tulsa, Oklahoma home. Mike also enjoys speaking in the third person.
Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear and tech. Baseball, surfing, and camping occupied most of his time growing up.
He also trained in martial arts for 12 years and holds a third degree black belt. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He is also a Certified Beer Server and previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.
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