The Yeti Ranchero 27L. It's big. It's indestructible. It's expensive…. It's definitely a Yeti product.
First Impressions of the Yeti Ranchero 27L Backpack
If you love Yeti gear, you’re probably going to love this backpack. It’s tough, overbuilt, and carries that signature minimalist Yeti style. This is definitely a cool bag and you will no doubt get some nice comments from strangers (especially if they are fellow Yeti enjoyers)
If you’re not already a Yeti fan, however, this might not be the backpack for you. It’s not a specialized hiking or travel backpack but more of an all-purpose, go-anywhere bag built like a tank.
Yeti Ranchero 27L Price and Background
The Yeti Ranchero 27L costs $275, while a smaller 22L version is available for $225. That’s expensive, even by premium backpack standards. The Ranchero comes shortly after Yeti acquired Mystery Ranch, a company known for its excellent daypacks and multi-day packs. I assumed Yeti was gearing up to enter the serious backpacking market. Instead, they released this—which, while high quality, is more of an everyday carry bag than a trail-ready companion.
You can absolutely use this bag to carry heavy equipment, work supplies, and more. I can easily see this thing stuffed full of climbing ropes or other beefy specialty gear. Ever since Yeti sent this to me, I have been using it as a very very expensive gym bag.
Features and Design of the Yeti Ranchero 27L
The Yeti Ranchero 27L embodies everything Yeti is known for: simplicity, durability, and a hefty price tag. Here’s a look at what it offers:
Rigid Structure
The backpack sits upright on its own, making it easy to access without tipping over.
Unique Opening System
Inspired by Mystery Ranch designs, the pack features a two-zipper opening for top-down access, plus a heavy-duty main zipper that fully opens the front.
Smart Internal Organization
The Yeti Ranchero 27L has:
- Two zippered side pockets
- Two internal drink holders
- A laptop sleeve
- A back pouch with a zipper
External Straps
Additional straps allow you to secure gear to the outside, great for wet jackets or extra layers.
Comfortable Carry
The backpack has thick, cushy shoulder straps with load adjusters for better fit and weight distribution.
Heavy-Duty Construction
The ultra-thick fabric is built to withstand sharp rocks, long drops, and probably even velociraptors. The reinforced bottom adds extra durability.
Weather Resistance
The water-resistant exterior helps protect your gear from light rain and splashes, though it’s not fully waterproof.
Yeti Ranchero 27L backpack test
I took this pack for a walk in the woods, loaded it up with gear, and gave it a solid test. It feels dense on your back, almost like a turtle shell, but it’s comfortable thanks to the padded straps and back panel.
Yeti Ranchero 27L backpack, worth the price?
Yeti isn’t marketing this as a hardcore hiking backpack, and that’s fair. This is an everyday bag that can take a serious beating. If you love Yeti’s build quality and don’t mind the price, you’ll probably love it. But if you’re looking for a specialized hiking pack, there are better (and cheaper) options out there.
For me, it’s like a Ferrari—I’d enjoy having one, but if I had the money to buy one, I’d probably spend it elsewhere. That said, anyone who collects Yeti gear will absolutely want this bag.
So, is it worth it? If you love Yeti and want a do-it-all, ultra-durable backpack, then yes. If you’re after a more purpose-built hiking or travel bag, you might want to keep looking.
Stay tuned for more reviews and outdoor adventures on BackpackingTV!
