Customer Reviews Mystery Ranch Coulee 40

For the past two years I've tried to go ultralight for my backpacking adventures. I've discovered that I'm not a true ultralight guy. Of the big three, my tent and sleep system are ultralight but I've decided to retire my ultralight pack for something far more comfortable and user friendly - the Coulee 40. In my opinion, having the ability to flay open the pack, having two stretch pockets, two front panel pockets, dual ice tool attachments and multiple exterior gear tie down points makes for a dream pack plus, I need not fear a strap failure because of Mystery Ranch's legendary build quality. Cheers.

The pack is well designed with good access and ancillary pockets. It is very comfortable as well for loads up to 40 pounds. Hiked with it in the Grand Canyon and I had zero issues. The only complaint I have is that the you can remove water bottles from the side pockets but cannot replace them while walking.

I purchased this pack because I was looking for something large enough for winter activities. I was immediately blown away by how well this pack fits and how comfortable it is! I have big shoulders and most mainstream outdoor brands feel like they are built for marathon trail runners. This pack is beyond comfortable and the adjustability makes it even better.

Did not disappoint. I own other Mystery Ranch packs and needed a day/overnight pack. This is the perfect size.

I have used Mystery Ranch packs since my days with the Forest Service. This use was with the Coulee 40. As with all their gear, it holds up. Fit options are perfect for nearly anyone. Color is cool. Water resistant enough for the Hoh river.

I bought this for mostly day trips. It has the right amount of pocket/compartments and is highly functional. It isn't overly built which saves on weight. I got it because my other pack (pintler) is a bit overkill for day trips. This one is almost perfect but I'm not too crazy on the colors it comes in.

I bought a Coulee 25 in summer of 2021, and have used it extensively on many hikes since then. I LOVE the stuff pouches and the trizip. Durability is fantastic, and everything about how the pack is laid out makes sense. The only drawback I found is that I'm a big guy, so my raingear and warming layers take up a lot more space than most people's clothing will. I decided to get this coulee 40, and it is perfect! Fits everything I need and everything is easy to access. On top of that, the 40 seems like it rides better and the same load feels lighter than in the 25. This is my 4th Mystery Ranch pack, and I love all of them. The suspension system makes heavier loads feel much lighter than they actually are, and I can carry it all day comfortably.

I bought this as a replacement for a pack used on a SAR team. So far, I like it. Time will tell how it will hold up to rugged mission use.

I'm a trail steward and need tools with me to get the job done. Diving in a pack to find them is just not realistic. Saws, loppers, water, extra gloves, strapping right where I need them. Dry clothes, rain gear, first aid kit, lunch/snacks, handouts, .... all inside and dry. No other pack comes close. Coulee 25 for summer & Coulee 40 for winter.

I put a ton of stuff in this and it was still comfortable. I love the huge pouches on the outside you can put a lot in there.

Purchased the Coulee 40 for a trip to Europe and so far am happy. Was able to pack enough (and add more trinkets) for 2 weeks abroad without issue.

Used this for a 24 mile hike/overnighter across the Grand Canyon on a Rim to Rim hike. Love the pockets on the waist belt for phone/camera and snack bars. Pretty tight (size wise) for a cold weather overnighter once you add a sleeping bag, tent and cold weather gear. But felt great and adjusted great. Would be a great size for long day hikes and warmer weather overnighter. Get creative and you and can get it all in there.

I needed something that would work well as a one bag travel pack and could also carry my skis for touring. After using ultralight packs for years now it's so nice to have a burly pack with a nice suspension system. I was using an arcteryx Fl 30 before and this is a huge improvement in terms of comfort. The tri zip is cool and great for touring. Even though there's no dedicated avy gear pocket I'm able to open the pack entirely and get my avy rescue gear out with ease.

Good bag for its size and weight. What's missing is a way to secure a bag underneath such as a sleeping bag or tent bag, lashed to the bottom of pack.

This is a great pack. Full of amazing features, superior quality, and will last a lifetime. I love this pack. This is my pack of choice for my trip to Columbia, South America.

I was looking for hiking backpack that provides easy access to the contents as I hate digging and mess it causes. Coulee 40 delivers really well on that front. This review is based on single hiking trip. Things I love: - Easy access to stuff inside - Oversized hip pockets - Oversized external pockets (so handy) - Clever approach to handling long straps (velcro for the win!) What I was a bit surprised by: - It's a little shallower than I expected. Not an issue for hiking but for backpacking bear canister won't fit in there. What I'd love to improve there: - Bigger brain compartment for miscellaneous items - A couple of internal pockets. Don't have to be very big by any means but it would help with organization, otherwise I have to rely exclusively on packing cubes. Overall, this is fantastic backpack for hiking. I'm very happy with it.

I haven't had a chance to really test this pack out but the pack itself is well though out and the adjustable Futura Yoke system is awesome. I'm 6'9" tall and with the adjustment set to its max, the pack fits great!

Took this up a non-technical 14er in Colorado last weekend after using it as a flight carry on. Comfortable to wear with a bladder and warm weather gear, my only gripe would be that the rain cover should come standard with the backpack. Overall comfortable, good looking, and inobtrusive!

I bought this a few weeks ago and unsurprisingly it's fantastic. My experience with mystery ranch bags was limited to rucks I was issued on deployments before this. This pack is extremely similar to that one, although smaller and lighter (and way, way cheaper). It has a very heavy duty belt that rides perfectly on the hips. The pack itself has a back adjuster to make sure the weight is riding correctly on your hips and shoulders. It even has nice big pockets on the belt to put stuff in for easy access. All the zippers and clips are heavy duty and I had no issues with any of that., The water bottle slots are deep enough that you can bend over and pick stuff up without anything falling out. I was easily able to carry 48-72 hours of food and water so the 40cu size is perfect for an individual in my opinion. My only complaint would be the lack of velcro straps to tie up the excess in the straps. Dangling excess straps bug me. I ended up using hair rubber bands to secure them.

I've used mystery ranch products for years in the fire service. The quality from this company is the best and customer service is exceptional. The Coulee 40 is designed well for 2-3 day hiking and had plenty of room for necessities.

Measuring 6.2 I tell you it's the most suitable bag for us. its confection over all and is characteristic is too much!

I used one of these on a day hike in Arizona last month. It's the most comfortable pack I ever used and the design for access and external fittings for poles, water etc is excellent. My daughters used the 25 version and were equally impressed. If the size is right for you then I would not hesitate to recommend.

My sister originally gave me her old 22L and fell in love with the pack layouts. This tri zipper design is great! Only small thing I'd change is maybe make the pockets at the top a little more roomy? One of them is so small I can only comfortably fit my maps and compass and an emergency blanket. I kinda wish the exterior pockets had zippers in case of rain but I usually plan around that accordingly anyway.

This bag is a great pack! Everything about it is quality and does just what I need it to do. I use it for a couple of short rucks each week-day and my EDC. I have never owned a pack that fits so well and carries this well. I expect it to last a long long time.

Best fitting medium size pack I've ever had. The adjustment instructions were critical to making it so good. This pack and I will put in miles and miles. Already have 50 down.