Yeti Camino 35 Vs 50: In-Depth Difference

When you are staring at the wall of gear in an outdoor shop, trying to decide between the Yeti Camino 35 and the Camino 50, you are essentially choosing between a daily workhorse and a heavy-duty hauler.

I want to help you figure out which of these “indestructible” totes actually fits your lifestyle because, let’s be honest, at this price point, you want to get it right the first time.

My intent with this article is to give you a clear, hands-on comparison of the Camino 35 and 50 so you can spend your money on the bag that will actually live in your truck rather than gathering dust in your garage.

Comparison Table: Yeti Camino 35 Vs. 50 at a Glance

Why size matters for your daily missions

I have spent a lot of time tossing gear into the back of my rig, and if there is one thing I have learned, it is that a bag that is too big is just as annoying as one that is too small.

The Yeti Camino 35 is what I call the “Goldilocks” of the family.

It is small enough that I can comfortably carry it with one hand while walking from the parking lot to the sand.

It fits perfectly behind the passenger seat of most cars, making it the ultimate “catch-all” for those of us who live out of our vehicles.

On the flip side, the Camino 50 is a beast.

When I first saw it, I thought it might be overkill, but then I tried to pack for a weekend ski trip.

If you are hauling bulky items like waders, helmets, or enough firewood to keep a campsite glowing all night, the 50 is your best friend.

You have to be careful, though, because once you fill 50 liters of space with heavy gear, you are going to feel it in your shoulder.

Shared features you will love (or hate)

Both of these bags share the same DNA, which is why they have such a cult following.

The material is the same stuff Yeti uses for their Panga waterproof duffels.

It is a high-density nylon that is thick and slightly rubberized.

I’ve noticed that it doesn’t just resist water; it resists stains and odors, too.

You also get two interior zippered pockets on both models.

These are crucial because the main compartment is just one big open space.

I usually keep my keys, wallet, and phone in these pockets to keep them away from the “mess” in the middle of the bag.

One thing to be aware of is that neither of these bags has a zipper at the top.

There is a simple hook-and-loop closure that keeps the top from splaying wide open, but it won’t keep rain out if it’s pouring, and it won’t keep your stuff from falling out if the bag tips over in the car.

Maintenance and Care

Maintaining your Yeti Camino is surprisingly simple, but a few specific habits will ensure it lasts for decades rather than just years.

Because the Camino series uses the same puncture-resistant “ThickSkin” shell found in Yeti’s submersible duffels, the bag is built to handle mud, salt water, and grime.

The most important tip I can give you is to rinse the bag with fresh water after every trip to the beach.

Saltwater is notorious for leaving a crusty residue that can eventually stiffen the fabric or cloud the finish of the bag.

I usually take mine to the backyard, pull out the internal dividers, and spray it down inside and out with a garden hose.

For stubborn stains, like grease from a truck bed or smashed berries from a grocery run, you don’t need harsh chemicals.

A mixture of warm water and mild dish soap is all it takes.

I use a soft-bristled nylon brush to scrub the EVA molded bottom, as that is where most of the scuffs tend to accumulate.

Once the bag is clean, the drying process is critical.

Since the bottom is a solid, waterproof tub, water will pool inside if you leave it upright.

I always hang mine upside down over a chair or a porch railing so every drop can drain out.

Make sure the interior zippered pockets are left open during this stage to prevent any moisture from getting trapped inside, which could lead to a musty smell.

If you find that the fabric is looking a little dull after a few years of heavy sun exposure, you can use a UV protectant spray designed for vinyl or heavy plastics to restore that “out of the box” sheen.

Lastly, check the “Hitchpoint” grid regularly for any sand or grit that might be stuck in the loops.

Keeping these attachment points clear ensures that your accessories, like the Sidekick Dry or a bottle opener, clip on and off smoothly without grinding against the fabric.

Yeti Camino 35: The Daily Driver

The Camino 35 is the bag I grab when I am heading to the local farmer’s market or taking the dog to the creek.

One thing I love about this specific size is the deployable dividers.

They are sized perfectly to keep a couple of Rambler bottles upright so they don’t clank around while I am driving down a bumpy dirt road.

If I need the full 35 liters for a big pile of towels, I just tuck the dividers away, and it becomes a wide-open bucket.

The “ThickSkin” shell on this bag is genuinely impressive.

I have set mine down in mud, on jagged rocks, and in the bottom of a wet boat without a single worry.

Since the bottom is a molded EVA base, it stands up on its own.

This might seem like a small detail until you are trying to load groceries into a bag that keeps collapsing on itself.

Pros:

• Perfect size for a single person’s gear or a couple’s beach day.
• Easy to carry over the shoulder without it banging against your knees.
• Fits in the overhead bin of most airplanes.
• Waterproof bottom means you can set it in a puddle without soaking your stuff.

Cons:

• Can feel a bit cramped if you are trying to pack for a family of four.
• The hook closure isn’t as secure as a zipper for small items.

Also Read: Comparison Of Bogg Bag Vs. Yeti Camino

Yeti Camino 50: The Cargo King

When I look at the Camino 50, I don’t see a tote; I see a portable trunk.

This bag is massive.

I have found it is the go-to choice for people who do “big” hobbies.

If you are a fly fisherman, you can throw your wet waders and boots right in there after a day in the river.

Because it is basically a waterproof bucket, you don’t have to worry about the “river smell” soaking into your truck’s carpet.

The 50 uses a 5-loop Hitchpoint grid on the outside, which is one loop more than the 35.¹

This gives you a bit more real estate to clip on your bottle openers, Sidekick Dry bags, or carabiners.

However, you should keep in mind that the 50 is wide.

If you are a shorter person, carrying this fully loaded can be a bit of a workout.

The straps are long enough for a shoulder carry, but the bag’s footprint is large enough that it might feel cumbersome in a crowded space.

Pros:

• Massive capacity for bulky winter gear or multi-day camping hauls.
• Virtually indestructible—you can literally hose it out after it gets dirty.
• Great for organized storage in the back of an SUV or truck bed.
• Multiple handle options make it easier to lift when it is heavy.

Cons:

• Too large to be used as a standard airline carry-on.
• Becomes very heavy when fully loaded.
• Might be “too much bag” for simple everyday errands.

Also Read: Comparison Of Bogg Bag Vs. Simple Modern

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Choosing between these two really comes down to how you plan to spend your Saturday.

If you want a bag that can go from the gym to the grocery store and then to the beach, the Camino 35 is the way to go.

But if your weekends involve hauling heavy climbing gear, muddy waders, or massive amounts of family supplies, you will never regret having the extra space of the Camino 50.

I hope this helped you narrow down your choice so you can get back to planning your next adventure.