Yeti Expands Its EDC Lineup with Its Latest Lightweight, Utilitarian Backpack

The Palo Active Backpack builds on the brand’s burgeoning category, offering a streamlined silhouette while adding in thoughtful storage.

Light yellow YETI backpack with padded shoulder straps and front zipper pocket against blue background.

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By Hayley Helms

Published July 7, 2026

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Updated 23 hours ago

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It seems Yeti has the Midas touch.

Whether it’s a cooler, carry-all, insulated water bottle or camp chair, every rugged piece of gear the brand puts its durable stamp on turns to gold.

Yeti’s newest release, the Palo Active Backpack, continues that winning streak, bringing the outfit’s ultra-tough approach to an everyday carry-friendly form factor.

Person wearing a blue YETI backpack, holding a soccer ball and blue water bottle on a grassy soccer field. — Yeti’s sleek-yet-tough new pack is ideal for active lifestyles or commuters who need a multi-functional bag.

Packing heat

The Palo Active Backpack is an everyday workhorse built for commuting to work, working out and everything in between.

At first glance, it may appear quite similar to the brand’s Ranchero pack, which debuted in the spring of 2025.

However, the Palo Active Backpack veers from the established mold in a few key ways, making it easier than ever to bring Yeti along every day.

Blue YETI backpack with black zippers and padded shoulder straps on a white background. — Daisy chain attachment points, padded straps and a comfort-focused back panel are all substantive upgrades featured on the Palo Active Backpack.

First up, the overall form factor is slimmer. The 26-liter version of the Palo Active Backpack is only 1.25 inches narrower, 1.75 inches shallower and half an inch shorter than its 27-liter Ranchero counterpart, but looks and feels much sleeker and slimmer.

The new pack uses Lightwork nylon in place of Yeti’s proprietary Tuffskin material, retaining some weather and abrasion resistance while lightening the load.

Black YETI backpack with a blue YETI insulated bottle held by a person wearing sneakers. — Yeti’s Groundcontrol Base ensures the Palo Active Backpack won’t fall over when set upright on the ground.

Bright blue YETI backpack with black zipper and handle worn by a person holding a white water bottle outdoors. — Even at its largest 32-liter size, carrying the Palo is manageable and comfortable.

The unique RipZip opening appears on the Pale Active Backpack, offering clear internal views and making it easy to quickly access gear.

Daisy chain attachments on the front of the pack offer extended carry options, the padded laptop sleeve protects devices on the go, and multiple internal pockets keep things organized and in place. The lid pocket offers easy access to small essentials.

Blue YETI soft cooler bag open with white sneakers and green clothing inside, held by hands with light blue nail polish. — The three-way RipZip closure allows for easy access to essentials.

In terms of comfort, Yeti’s new backpack has a lot to offer. Padded shoulder straps offset heavy loads, while the no-pressure padded back panel makes all-day carry comfortable, not cumbersome.

Black YETI backpack with a pink insulated tumbler in a side pocket held by a person wearing white sneakers and pink shorts. — Stretch-woven hydration holsters on each side of the bag can accommodate up to a 36-ounce Rambler Water Bottle or 34-ounce Yonder Bottle.

When empty, the new daily driver weighs just 2.5 pounds, shaving more than a pound off the similar-sized Ranchero’s mass.

The Palo Active Backpack is available in three sizes, each offering increased capacity while retaining ansleek form factor: 20 liters, 26 liters, and 32 liters.

Availability and pricing

The Palo Active Backpack is available now on Yeti’s website, starting at $175 for the 20-liter version.

Light yellow YETI backpack with beige zipper and padded shoulder straps on a white background.

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

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