YETI Crossroads Backpack 23 and YETI Crossroads Tote 16 Bag Review

A few weeks ago YETI sent us out some of their Crossroads collection including the YETI Crossroads Backpack and YETI Crossroads Tote Bag.

For those that don’t know, YETI makes more than just Ramblers and Coolers, they also have been actively getting into the travel space with their waterproof PANGA line of backpacks and travel bags and now the Crossroads line of backpacks and bags.

While most of YETI’s products are made for rugged adventures, the Crossroads line is a bit more tame with a focus on comfort and geared towards an urban environment.

YETI Crossroads Backpack 23 Review

The YETI Crossroads backpack is the perfect complement to those wishing to make day trips or short business travels. The backpack can house a 15.5-inch laptop and still have room for an iPad, wallet, keys and a few cloths or other misc items. The backpack also has room for 2 full-sized water bottles, one on each side.

The “23” stands for 23 liters of capacity and consists of the measurements 18″ by 12.5″ by 7″.

The retail price will hit you in the wallet for $200, which is pretty comparable for backpacks of similar quality.

Two of my favorite features of the backpack are a hidden pocket in the rear and a front 2-pocket zippered pouch. The hidden pocket is great for storing things like a passport or cash. The front pocket is super convenient and is a great place to store your wallet, keys and a phone.

The main compartment of the backpack has ample room for an iPad and 2 days worth of clothes or other misc stuff. It comes with an open pocket, 1 closed zippered pocket and 1 mesh pocket.

The Backpack can house a 15.5-inch laptop in the rear pocket as well as an iPad. I preferred to use a 13-inch computer because the 15.5-inch computer seemed a bit big and heavy for the bag. Carrying an iPad, I had zero issues and the Backpack felt much lighter.

The backpack has nice padded shoulder straps that cinch at the bottom. There is also an adjustable chest strap should you require a more secure fit.

Not Waterproof

Where the Crossroads Backpack 23 falters a bit is its inability to handle the elements such as rain or sleet. While the backpack’s material provides ample protection during nice sunny days, it will not stand up to heavy rains and downpours. The materials and zippers are not waterproof, so you will need to be cautious if you know it might storm.

YETI Crossroads Tote Bag 16 Review

The Yeti Crossroads Tote Bag is perfect for a day at the beach or a quick outing to your favorite outdoor event. My wife Kathleen loves to use it to carry her teacher essentials including a 13-inch laptop, various pens, a few books, car keys, wallet, and phone.

The “16” stands for 16 liters of capacity and consists of the measurements 13″ by 19″ by 6.25″.

The retail price is $180, which is on the higher end for Tote Bags of similar quality. You have a choice of 3 colors including

• Black
• Charcoal
• Slate blue.

What my wife and I really like about the Crossroads Tote is it is the ideal bag to bring with you to and an outdoor music event like Blues On The Greens that we have here in Austin. In Kathleen’s case, she also loves to use it to take school essentials to work.

The Tote Bag is designed to carry 15″ laptops or smaller computers or electronic devices. I recommend a 13″ laptop or smaller. It also can carry an iPad with ease.

Like the Crossroads Backpack, the Crossroads Tote Bag isn’t waterproof, so if it is raining or there is a potential for rain, I would advise using a different bag.

The Crossroads Tote comes with an assortment of inner pockets for all your misc items.

There is even a holder for a water bottle.

I really like where YETI is going. The Crossroads collection is very useful for city dwellers and those who are looking to take short ventures into the outdoors.

With a 3 year warranty on the YETI Tote and Backpack, it should give you confidence that the company stands behind their products.

If YETI could come out with a waterproof version using the same designs I think that would be perfect.

Check out the YETI Crossroads Collection on YETI’s Website and let us know what YOU think.