Mystery Ranch

Bridger 65L Backpack

Worth its weight in gold

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

L

Height:

5' 8"

Weight:

195

Working in the backcountry for the FS this pack is an absolute essential must have. It is not wildland rated just FYI but if your doing backcountry duties/trail maintenance this thing will haul all your tools and the kitchen sink. The material is pretty tough but it is not puncture proof so I cap my trenching shovel and hand axe and lash them to the outside rather then carry them in the main compartment. But for my food, work clothes, water, toiletries, small hand tools, folding saws, rope, kindle, sitting pad, and anything else go in the bag perfectly. I haven't tried my fishing gear or backpack camping gear yet but that will wait when the work season ends. It does take a little getting use to because for years I used an old Army backpack that was horrible for my back. The waist belt is thick and solidly built and can support plenty of weight. I did contact MR about solar/water proofing the bag and they sent me the product they recommend that will not void the warranty so double check before spraying it down as Kiwi-wax will void the warranty. The water bottle holders are so nice, they are angled slightly forward so I can slip my two big 50oz steel water bottles into them without removing the pack and the belt has little zipper pockets that I store snacks in. Plus the chest has a trail runner structure with pockets which my map and cell phone fit in perfectly and my other one slips my GoPro into and I can film my work while being hands free. Overall the pack is just great and I'm glad I took my hunting buddies recommendations about Mystery Ranch when I was looking for a new pack. The one complaint I have is the top section of the back becomes a "fanny pack.' yeah, good luck with that. I can't figure out how to make it a fanny pack and it is too bulky. The upper lid/pack is perfect for small stuff and dry food storage so that is what I use it for. I have a HPG chest rig I keep my big map, keys, wallet, Work forms, bear spray, hand sanitizer, and hang my socks and wet gloves off of and it attaches to the main MR shoulder straps and acts as a counter balance and is far better for it. If I drop my main pack the HPG goes with me so the whole upper fanny pack part of the MR bridger is useless to me. Overall, I can't recommend this pack enough. If you are doing field work for the government you should definitely consider this pack. Haven't tried it for backpacking yet, but don't listen to the old timers, do the trail work in comfort AND style now.

The shoulder straps on this backpack are designed so thin that when carrying a load over 15kg, they dig into my collarbone, resulting in pain.

Even tryin g to review this thing sucks.

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

Mens Medium

Okay, what I think so far. Chest straps are too high, not a lot but still, too high. Anything that goes in the chest pockets in in your face, bad place for a water bottle unless you want to kiss it all the time. Water bottle pockets are way too far back, can't get to a bottle without being a yoga fanatic. Bladder pouch is inaccessible but you have to use it unless you want a bottle in your face having to take the pack off to get a drink. Same access issue for walking poles, can't put them away with out taking the pack off. No instructions on how this thing is intended to be used as far as the external buckles and straps. The compartment separator from bag compartment to main is useless poor design. Yeah, it has been a hassle and I have a lot more to say but that is enough for now. Once I start thinking about it I want to lower my rating but I think 3 is okay, I will comment again once it starts falling apart. . .

Great Features!

Awesome bag. Very comfortable, fits me well, distributes weight as it should. Lots of great features add versatility while staying relatively minimal in design, making it easy to use. I like the padding on the hip belt, and the vest style shoulder straps especially

Amazing pack

I bought this as my workhorse backpacking bag, it did not disappoint. I just took it out on its first adventure winter backpacking. Easy to use with gloves, amazing dividers and pouches, the main compartment zipp open is a staple that every backpacking bag should have. Front shoulder strap pouches are great for carrying bear spray or easy accessible water, highly recommend if your into classic backpacking

Solid but heavy and stiff

I used this pack to haul gear to base camp for mountaineering, 40-45lbs absolutely stuffed with gear, rope under the brain, ice axe and helmet attached etc. The load even with the rope putting weight out to the side felt solid and in control on my back, and the weight shifted well to the hips. I did find the hip belt pretty stiff, and the suspension system generally less comfortable than other MR packs. It carries weight well and fits a lot of stuff but I don't think it would be comfortable for long distances. Within the use case of hauling heavy loads, solid pack. If you are a regular backpacker not transporting special gear this pack would be too heavy and too large for your needs, consider the radix series.

Like it so far

Hip belt webbing WAY too long. Lower sternum strap too short (i am 5’10” and 175lbs so not a big belly). Was skeptical of lower compartment zipper design but it does make access easier. Shoulder strap pockets are nice but can be a little hard to pull things out of. Have used pack for 6 days so far and I think it’s a keeper.

Has lots of compartments and space.

I bought this bag for my husband for Christmas, and he loves it!

Lives up to the quality Mystery Ranch reputation

This pack is durable, light, and loaded with tons of features. I purchased this pack because I love my Mystery Ranch fire pack. So far this one lives up to the quality Mystery Ranch reputation.

great layout!

very comfortable on trail packs. adaptable layout.