Quick take
If your adventures involve rain, spray, or full days around water, this set is a smart “buy once” combo. The Panga® 28L Waterproof Backpack is the star—built to keep gear dry—backed by the SideKick Dry® 3L pouch for essentials and a Rambler® Bottle Sling (Small) to keep hydration handy. Premium price, premium protection.
What’s in the set
- Panga® 28L Waterproof Backpack — built to keep gear dry in storms or on the lake; puncture-resistant ThickSkin™ shell; HitchPoint™ Grid for add-ons.
- SideKick Dry® 3L Gear Case — phone/sunblock/snacks size; HydroShield™ magnetic closure; compatible with Panga backpacks, Camino & Hopper bags.
- Rambler® Bottle Sling (Small) — fits the 18 oz Rambler bottle; also works with 600 ml/20 oz and 750 ml/25 oz Yonder bottles.
Who it’s for
Kayaking, paddleboarding, rainy commutes, boat days, and travel where you can’t gamble with wet gear.
Pros
Real waterproofing, not “water-resistant.” The Panga line is designed to keep contents dry in heavy rain and splashes; the SideKick Dry adds a fast-access waterproof pocket.
Tough materials. Thick, puncture-resistant shell and robust hardware feel built for abuse.
Modular carry. HitchPoint Grid lets you mount the SideKick Dry; sling keeps your bottle out of the pack and easy to grab.
Right sizes for a day out. 28L is a sweet spot for layers, lunch, camera, and a towel; 3L pouch holds phone/keys/wallet securely
Cons
- Pricey. You can build a cheaper waterproof setup with non-YETI pieces (dry pack + phone case + generic bottle sling).
- Access vs. protection trade-off. Truly waterproof packs tend to open stiffer and slower than everyday backpacks.
- Weight & warmth. Heavier materials and minimal back ventilation can feel warm on hot hikes.
Field notes & use-cases
- On the water: Keep the Panga lashed in the bow with the SideKick Dry attached to the Grid for phone/permit access.
- Rainy commute/travel: Laptop in a sleeve + camera cube fits; the 3L pouch becomes your “liquids/quick grab.”
- Hike + swim days: Bottle sling frees up pack space; clip a towel outside and keep a dry outfit inside a packing cube.
Durability & care
Rinse with fresh water after salt/sand days; hang to dry. Keep magnets in the SideKick Dry away from pacemakers (YETI includes this warning).
Value
You’re paying for waterproofing + materials + the YETI ecosystem. If you regularly deal with rain/spray—or you’ve killed electronics before—the peace of mind is worth it. If most outings are dry trails and city use, a lighter everyday backpack may make more sense.
The bottom line
A purpose-built, waterproof carry system that’s overkill in the best way for water-adjacent adventures. If you want your gear to stay dry, organized, and within reach, this set nails it.
Specs & compatibility (highlights)
- Pack capacity: 28 L (day-pack size)
- Add-on: SideKick Dry mounts on Panga’s HitchPoint™ Grid; magnetic closure for quick sealing.
- Bottle sling: Fits Rambler 18 oz; also Yonder 600/750 ml.
- Warranty: YETI lists free returns and a 5-year warranty on site (check your region).