I realize that a lot of paddlers prefer a Duluth pack system. I like dry bags with backpack straps. A Sealline 115L Black Canyon has been the mainstay for our group as well as a few other smaller dry bag packs. Between a sizable REI dividend this year, the current REI sale, and our group adding another person this year, I’m looking at getting another bag. I had been deciding between the Sealline BC and the Pro, but the Yeti Panga packs are also 25% off (gotta add it to the cart to see price). I really like the idea of the duffel-style opening for better access, and access is the main downside to the top roll dry bags. So what I want to know is if any BWCA folks have experience with the Panga. I own no Yeti products as I think they are nice but overpriced, and I generally prefer to pay for product and not marketing. Intrigued by the functionality of the zipper opening though....

The newer suspension on the Sealline packs (hip belt and everything) look better than the Yeti.

I searched this site, and there’s only one mention of a Panga, which was an offhand comment instead of a review. Yeti’s marketing machine seems to have loaded the reviews on other sites with entirely positive reviews that are mostly not from canoe camping. Any insight appreciated.

I've got the small one and like it. It seems like a fine piece of gear. I've never submerged mine and it does not have that many hours on it yet. For me it is my ultimate cold weather or away from home day pack and my sneaky ready to stay out overnight warm weather pack. I also like the peace of mind of a belt and suspenders system where you can still stick super critical items in a second waterproof system inside the pack if you like. The zipper works nicely and I also like the accessibility vs a roll top. I talked myself out of buying one for years until I realized how ready I was to blow same amount of money on another paddle that I don't need. I like the shape too...kind of rectangular with rounded corners vs a normal cylindrical duffel. Can't comment on carrying long distances but as a day/overnight pack it has plenty of sturdy handles to grab.

I tripped with a Panga 75 as my main personal pack last year. Several pros and cons. It is well made. It will hold up. The material is sturdy...but not exactly light. I packed up the bag fully and tossed it in my pool before departing last year. It is air tight (definitely going to float indefinitely) and 100% waterproof. It is also easy to find stuff being the duffel variety. Nothing got wet on the trip and it fits in the canoe easily.

My big drawback is no hip belt. The long portages are not real fun with this bag. The arm straps are functional, but not comfortable. I went as far as to see if I could buy an aftermarket hip belt and somehow strap in on this thing. Couldn't quite find something that would work.

I love the bag for other purposes, but didn't quite fit the bill in my opinion for a good portage pack. I'm tripping with my brother this year who doesn't have a bag, so he's going to try out the Panga. We will see if his complaints are the same as mine. I went and got a CCS pioneer which seems to be much larger and more comfortable.

Thanks guys. That confirms the concern about the suspension or lack of suspension on the Panga. Coincidentally, my wife gave me a yeti backflip cooler for my birthday this week, although that may have partly been due to the REI sale. That backpack cooler has a detachable sternum strap and a detachable hip belt. It’s much smaller than a Panga, so odd that those don’t have the detachable load straps when there would be more weight. Must be focused on the non-portage crowd. Sealline pack appears to be the answer for me.