ProView – Yukon Outfitters Hatchie Backpack Cooler Review

Rod? Check. Waders? Check. Boots? Check. Snacks? Check, check, check! Heading out before dawn and coming back after dusk-snacks are a MUST to keep spirits high when fishing out on the river.

As we usually load up the truck at 5:30 in the morning everyone has a job to ensure we are fully geared up for the day. My job is always securing the snacks. Kokanee salmon run for a short period in Colorado in the late fall, so when you get the chance to fish for them, you know it’s gonna be an all day affair. For this adventure, the Yukon Hatchie Backpack Cooler was perfect. The weather was in the 50s for most of the day with some brighter skies and turned to windy and grey by the time the sun started going down. We walked in waders along the bank about a mile in, which allowed us to pack a bit heavier (non-dehydrated meals rather than dehydrated) than those longer trips. We found a “hole” a.k.a. a “sweet spot” and when that happens folks don’t like to stray away from it. Having the Yukon pack afforded us the opportunity to stay on the bank for lunch without having to trek out to the truck.

After moving to Colorado and becoming an angler, I’ve learned that great adventures are made possible by solid gear and even more solid preparation. Having fished trout in deep canyons, brookies in alpine waters, kokanee salmon in seasons’ past, I knew what it would take to be ready for the day.

Performance

Compared to heavier 45L packs that we usually hike into the backcountry with, the Yukon Hatchie lands at a sweet 4.5 pounds (when empty). I comfortably carried it on my back (full to the brim) along with a crossbody on my front and fishing net tucked into one of the pack’s sidepockets. The ergonomic cushioned straps didn’t dig into my shoulders or the full length of the pack into my low back at all, which my 5’2” frame surely appreciated. For this adventure the Yukon Hatchie Backpack Cooler housed multiple drinks, sandwiches, jerky, fruit, sausage dip (a luxury) , an ice pack, and even a PocketRocket inside. I loved that the Yukon Hatchie was not super bulky and the rectangular gray/yellow exterior gives it a sleek look. Pulling up to catch fish, you never want to wear bright colors in order to remain incognito. Bright colors and a pack clanging around would definitely scare the fish off and possibly blow your chances of fishing in your desired spot.

What Sets it Apart

The Hatchie cooler met my exact expectations according to its gear description. The pack fit denser foods comfortably, didn’t dig into my body, and looked good doing it! The watertight zippers kept our food fresh and the side pockets were great for packing in a net on one side and packing out trash on the other. The waist belt addition comfortably distributes the full pack’s weight and definitely sets this gear apart! It’s a great technical bag, but would work just as well for casual days hanging on the beach.

The Final Word

More than anything, Yukon Outfitters creates American-made quality gear in Tennessee. Without knowing their history, you can tell by the design that the creators of this pack are anglers themselves. They understand the need to be hands-free to keep hold of your rod or cheers a cold beverage with friends after catching a fish of a lifetime! Yukon Outfitters was first brainstormed along the Big Salmon River in the Yukon, so what better way to celebrate than to catch a beautiful Kokanee salmon and keep the fun going?!

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