YETI Panga 50… 100% Dry Bag!
Storage
This was always going to be a low scoring area purely because it is a holdall design. It does have two mesh zip pockets on the inner walls. I find these incredibly useful, however, everything else I store in this bag is divided between separate smaller cases that I’ve picked up from one place or another (sunglasses cases / camera lens cases etc). This makes it a lot quicker and easier to find smaller items in the holdall style compartment. The bright blue interior is also very helpful for locating loose items inside. On the outside there are 4 loops for clipping extra items, 2 at either end of the bag where the straps attach. I clip a 1L water bottle to the outside of mine.
Comfort
Surprisingly it is a lot more comfortable than I originally expected. This is mainly because of the air that is trapped inside once closed. It creates a kind of cushion; and yes, I often use this as a pillow on long boat rides around the island! As I am also often using this as a backpack, the straps aren’t as padded as I would like, but they are plenty comfortable for short distances and I really like that they don’t feel the slightest bit irritating when soaking wet (maybe a reason why they are not so padded).
Material
For starters, the only thread you will find on this bag is around the outer edges of the webbing material used to make the straps and handles. I can’t fault any area on my personal bag.. not ONE stitch! The main seams have been welded together to prevent ANY water ingress at all which is one thing I really love about this bag! The base of the bag has a very thick, padded wall. It has surprisingly withstood the test of time on dive boat floors, which are usually rough like sand paper! There’s a few scuff marks here and there but no actual damage that I can speak of at all!
Zipper
One of the BEST zippers I’ve ever had on a bag (if you know me then you will know that I have a problem with most of them!). I believe the zipper design comes from a HASMAT SUIT and therefore again… it is 100% waterproof! YETI also gives you a little '“chapstick” for the zip which helps extend the life. I do use it and I think it is a great item for YETI to throw in as an extra, it has lasted even until this day. I HATE to say this but I do have a negative comment, I noticed this very recently, but the “locking” area of the zip has produced some extremely small cracks. Currently this is not causing an issue with the seal, however, I predict it will do eventually.
Durability
After all this time, I definitely expected there to be more “wear & tear” but there is almost next to no damage to ANY area of this bag (a part from the unfortunate locking area on the zipper that I previously noted). The buckles on the straps are metallic and yet they still look brand new! No rust.. No flaking paint.. No damage whatsoever and the operation is still perfect.
Expectations
I definitely didn’t expect it to be as durable as it has been, even though it LOOKS just as tough as described. It still surprises me how many people think it is a new bag.
Value For Money
With a price tag of $300, I appreciate this bag is definitely on the expensive side, however, it has proven to be worth every cent! I imagine I would see a lot more of these bags around the “dive industry” if the price was somewhat reduced, however I also believe that you often get what you pay for!
