Abstract: A panel design for a hot-fillable plastic container has a tall and slender panel section. The panel configuration provides increased resistance to longitudinal bending and hoop failure, yet provides good hoop flexibility to maximize vacuum panel movement. The panel section has a substantially cylindrical circumference with a plurality of vacuum panels symmetrically disposed about the panel circumference, post walls between the vacuum panels, and land areas above and below the vacuum panels. The ratio of vacuum panel height D to panel diameter C is on the order of 0.85 to 1.05. Longitudinal post ribs are provided in the post walls. The land areas above and below the vacuum panels are of a height E greater than on the order of 0.45 inch, and the ratio of the land area height E to panel diameter C is on the order of greater than 0.1. Circumferential hoop ribs are provided in the land areas to prevent ovalization and hoop collapse.