The YETI Skala 32L backpack is a sturdy, waterproof climbing pack with an adjustable torso size and three-zipper entry to the principle compartment. Designed primarily for day hikes, this backpack affords a mixture of modern options and rugged development that meets the calls for of great hikers who want to hold heavier hundreds and who’re tough on their gear. Made with heavy-duty urethane-coated nylon and extremely waterproof zippers, the Skala sheds gentle rain simply, however a rain cowl or waterproof stuff sacks are nonetheless really helpful for climbing in all-day showers.
- Sort: Daypack with an adjustable torso size
- Dimension Examined: L/XL (torso: 17-24 inches; hipbelt: 35-40″)
- Weight: 3 lbs 6.6 oz
- Gender: Males’s (Girls’s Mannequin Accessible)
- Entry: Three zipper entry (referred to as RipZip)
- Body: Aluminum
- Pockets: 8
- Hydration-ready: 2L sized pocket
- Load lifters: Sure
- Hipbelt pockets: Sure
- Supplies: Guardcore nylon, Aquguard waterproof zippers
Skala 32L Backpack Options
Probably the most notable options of the YETI Skala 32 backpack is its distinctive 3-zip entry to the pack’s primary compartment, which seems to be amazingly just like the hatch of a C-130 army cargo airplane. This design permits hikers to unzip your entire entrance panel, offering fast and easy accessibility to all gear with out unpacking the entire bag. This characteristic units it aside from conventional climbing backpacks and enhances comfort on the path.
Made with Guardcore nylon, the pack delivers glorious sturdiness and climate resistance. This material protects your gear from abrasion and lightweight rain, making the Skala 32L a dependable selection for rugged outside circumstances. The pack’s YKK Aquaguard zippers additional enhance water resistance and sturdiness. I’ve carried this pack up mountains in heavy mist and lightweight rain, and the water beads and rolls off the surface of the pack with out penetrating the material and soaking via.
The inner Aluminum gives glorious construction and assist, particularly if it’s essential carry additional gear or water. The light-weight aluminum body sheet helps distribute weight evenly throughout your again and hips, lowering fatigue throughout lengthy hikes. The adjustable, padded hip belt transfers the load to your hips successfully, making heavy hundreds simpler to hold over lengthy distances. This mix of options ensures a comfortable, secure match that forestalls extreme motion or bouncing.

The backpack’s torso size can also be adjustable, making certain an ideal match. Whereas just like the velcro-style adjustable body discovered on the previous Thriller Ranch daypacks and backpacks (YETI purchased Thriller Ranch in 2025), it’s a lot less complicated to regulate and way more comfy to put on.
Capability and Group
With a 32-liter capability, the YETI Skala affords ample area for dayhiking necessities with out being cumbersome. Its group consists of a big primary compartment accessible through a 3-zip system, a prime stash pocket, 2 aspect water bottle pockets, 2 hip belt pockets, an inner hydration pocket, and two entrance pockets, bordering the central zipper.

The primary compartment has an inner hydration pocket and loads of room in your additional clothes layers, first assist equipment, additional gear, and meals. The three-zip entry makes it straightforward to see and attain all of your gear with out looking. It’s significantly good for day climbing, once you’re ceaselessly altering layers, taking out your images gear and packing it away once more, or pulling out your lunch and a light-weight foam pad or chair to take a seat on whilst you admire the view.
The aspect pockets can maintain 1-liter Nalgene bottles, and I discovered it straightforward to succeed in again, pull them out for a drink, and change them with out taking the pack off. The hipbelt pockets are giant sufficient to retailer a cellphone or snacks, whereas the highest stash pocket will swallow your private gadgets and features a key fob. The entrance mesh pockets that border the central zipper are just a little slim, nonetheless, and tougher to make use of. I can simply barely smush a rain jacket into one, so that you’ll must experiment with the way to use them greatest in your wants.

Twin-side compression straps and exterior attachment factors add comfort for carrying trekking poles or extra gear.
Sturdiness and Climate Resistance
Constructed for robust outside use, the YETI Skala 32 backpack options extremely sturdy Guardcore nylon material that resists tears and abrasions. The waterproof zippers and supplies shield towards moisture in typical climbing circumstances.
Execs:
- Modern 3-zip opening for fast gear retrieval
- Sturdy Guardcore nylon material and waterproof zippers
- A number of exterior pockets and attachment factors
Cons:
- Larger value in comparison with some climbing backpacks
- Not totally waterproof and not using a rain cowl
- The entrance mesh pockets are slim and greatest used to carry skinny gear
Remaining Verdict
The YETI Skala 32L backpack is a superb selection for hikers searching for a sturdy pack that blends modern entry with reliable consolation and toughness. Its strong supplies, considerate design options, and comfy match make it superb for day hikes. For these planning longer, extra technical day journeys, the Skala 32 delivers an ideal match. YETI has skillfully built-in the unique 3-zip and adjustable torso/body improvements, first launched by Thriller Ranch, into the Skala 32’s design, making these options accessible and invaluable to a broader vary of hikers.
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Disclosure: YETI donated a pack for evaluation.
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