Just before making my biannual pilgrimage to Outdoor Retailer in Denver, a suspicious package appeared at my doorstep. Ok, it wasn’t suspicious, but I wasn’t expecting it. Inside was a nice little care package from one of the companies I had an upcoming meeting with at the show. The contents included Yeti’s new Crossroads Backpack 22L, a Rambler in one of their new colors along with a new lid. Perfect timing for my trip to Denver.
But I’m a creature of habit and my trusty travel backpack has been an OGIO for as long as I can remember. So switching packs right before a trip had me a little on edge. Has Yeti ever let me down before? Well…not that I can remember. Although their pricing is a bit high, their products are typically no-compromise, over engineered and will last forever. So I reluctantly moved out of my OGIO and into the new 22 liter Crossroads.
First Impressions:
First impressions were typical Yeti. The 1000 Denier outer material is more than necessary but will take a lifetime of abuse without failure. The inner liner utilizes 420 Denier Ripstop Nylon to insure loading and unloading of laptops, tablets, sunglasses, etc will not cause a failure inside the pack. A heavy duty padded handle sits atop the Crossroads with a healthy amount of stitching at either end. While the bottom of the pack has a thick rubberized panel that resists abrasion and moisture when not on your back.
Breaking down the Crossroads 22L
Several zippered compartments are accessed from the top of the pack. Along the padded back panel is a laptop sleeve capable of protecting a 15.5″ machine. Within that zippered compartment is an additional terry lined pocket for a tablet and slots for pens or a small flashlight. My iPad Pro was too large for the smaller pocket but it fit nicely alongside my Crye Precision soft ballistic panel in the larger sleeve.
The main compartment is breached via a large U-shaped double zipper allowing easy access to whatever you can fit in there. It’s not huge but can accommodate a days worth of clothing or whatever essentials you’d normally carry in a briefcase. An additional sleeve can be used for a magazine or paperwork while a horizontally zippered pocket afford additional separation of smaller goods. My only gripe in the main compartment is the large mesh pocket with a vertical zipper. I’d prefer a horizontal zipper at the top to prevent the contents from pouring out when unzipped.
A small divided pocket is easily accessed from a zipper atop the Crossroads. This shallow pocket was perfect for small items like keys, chapstick, wallet, charger, USB cord and everything else I place in there from my pockets as I approach the TSA Security Check. The articulated padded shoulder straps were comfortable for all day use while running around the Colorado Convention Center. But the padded back panel although comfortable, didn’t allow much ventilation. So I suffered from the dreaded back sweat most of the day.
Two thoughtful outside pockets are tucked away on either side for hauling Yeti Ramblers. When not in use, the embedded magnets keep the pockets tight against the body of the pack. Maintaining the overall slick look of the Crossroads Backpack.
Yeti Crossroads Backpack 22L Features:
- QUICK STASH POCKET: A roomy top pocket for necessities like your sunglasses.
- LAPTOP & TABLET POCKETS: Separate pockets with shock-absorbing foam for protection. Fits a 15.5” laptop.
- STRUCTURE ARC: Keeps the bag upright and opens wide for easier loading and unloading.
- RAMBLER® READY: Two exterior bottle pockets that collapse – and stay collapsed – with magnets when not in use.
- MAGNET HATCH POCKETS: Dual Rambler Bottle-ready external pockets will stay collapsed when not in use.
- SHOULDER STRAPS: Custom shape with dual-density foam offers a comfortable carry all day long.
- ARTICULATED BACK PANEL: Comfortable fit that adjusts to your shape.
- MSRP: $200
Final thoughts:
While in Denver for work, I decided to capitalize and head up to Steamboat Springs for a few days of skiing following Outdoor Retailer. One item I really missed from the OGIO pack was the ability to slide the pack over the handle of my Db Aviator roller bag. I was rolling heavy through the airport with my skis in a Sportube case, boots in the Sportube backpack and my clothes in a carry-on. So the Crossroads Backpack became an awkward balancing act atop the roller.
Overall, the Crossroads 22L Backpack is a solid choice for a daily driver or commuter. The durability is unmatched and will probably become a good value over the life of the product. Will it replace my old shoe of a bag that I’ve fallen in love with? Time will tell.
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