Customer Reviews Mystery Ranch Bridger 65

I Love backpacking and have been avidly doing so for years. So even though I am a fairly seasoned backpacker this Bridger 65 raised my game ! It's innovations are brilliant and functional. Super high quality durable pack. Bonus: Great customer service !!!

Ive been a fan of MR for a while but this is my first bag purchase, previously purchased misc organizers and waist packs. A very well thought out bag that is comfortable and functional. My only complain is that the straps on the bottom of the bag are a little short. On our last trip I brought an MSR 2 person tent which does have a mild footprint so I decided to strap it to the bottom of the bag, the straps were just long enough that with some effort I could get them under the daisy chain ribbon and buckled but it took some work, if these were 4-6 inches longer it would be perfect. Still this is a stellar bag and I would recommend it to anyone.

The sleeping bag pouch is invaluable, so many different straps and cinch down points, the most comfortable packs ever.

very good for hiking with weight. would reccomend to a friend

I love this bag. The design has so many thoughtful touches stemming from Mystery Ranch's expertise that make backpacking with this bag really nice. The bottom sleeping bag zipper design is great allowing the zipper to maintain for longer before breaking down. Multiple pockets and the top being able to detach are nice as well! Overall extremely durable and stands up well to putting the bag down on any surface. My only gripe is the internal side pockets have elastic that when packing the bag cause the top to constrict which can make packing the bag a little harder having to use two hands sometimes. It's not a deal breaker by any means but a little annoying. This bag is on the heavier side but it's built to withstand a lot and I will take the heavier weight for more durability over time. The extra weight will allow the bag to carry loads way heavier than any other bag in the same size.

I've had this bag for a few months now and have put roughly 100mi on it with a handful of overnights. For reference, I'm coming from the old MR 6500 (105L) pack. I found myself overpacking because the 6500 is just a monster and wanted something that would force me to streamline. I couldn't be happier with my choice and will probably carry this bag for anything less than week-long outing, because it just doesn't have the space (it's a 65L; it shouldn't). Pros: - General fit. The pack, for me (M size), fits incredibly well. 5'10", 21" torso, 33" waist, medium upper body build. The running vest with the top strap shifted 1 web down is a game changer. The waist belt properly brings all the weight into the pelvis/legs, and I'll generally put 10mi in a day on this and never feel it in my shoulders or back. My avg pack weight is 35-40lbs. There are no pinch points, discomfort, or awkward shifting **once the bag is properly adjusted**. I do think the fit is very particular, and I'll play with the straps for the first half mile or so until I hit that happy spot. It's incredibly easy to adjust, so I don't mind it at all. A shift here, a shift there, and I'm good. I haven't noticed any of the shoulder or back issues that others have. - Frame. It moves with you. I can't say I've felt anything like it. The flexible belt and the running vest feel like it just meshes with your own frame. - External organization. It feels like it has the perfect coverage of pockets. I do prefer the vertical face pockets like you find on the 6500 or Terraframe, but the rip-style front pocket on this model is something I've come to like. There's a little spot in the bottom, underneath the two webbing panels, that's handy for using like a third pocket. I keep a ridgeline and some extra 550 in there. You can reach right down and grab it. There is 1 elastic and 1 zipper compartment on opposite faces inside. I keep a full Sawyer H20 kit inside the zipper. I use 1L Smartwater bottles in the external bottle pockets (2), but a 1L Nalgene also fit, albeit a little more tightly and harder to put back while in motion. The brain is a brain, the zippered pocket keeps the small stuff separate. It also accommodates overloading in the main pocket well while still sealing over the internals. - Internal organization. The ability to open the whole bag up from the front is great. Full access to the entire internal in 5 seconds. 2 vertical mesh webbings on either side that are a little tight, but I don't keep huge items in them (rope, trash/ziploc bags, fuel canister). The sleeping bag compartment is a little small in my opinion, but I can still fit my EE down quilt OR a full 2p tent in a stuffsack in there. Whichever isn't in there just goes on top of the divider that separates it from the main. I keep a 3L Camelbak in the hydration reservoir if needed, and again it's a little tight but workable. I know some have said it's hard to get out and refill, but I just tilt the bag forward a bit to shift the contents away from the reservoir. Nothing gets out of place, but I like to pack vertically so it all moves as one anyways. - Compression straps. They are EVERYWHERE, and as usual with MR they work perfectly, but the side straps are combined . For perspective, I do elevation sprints in this when training, as much as a half mile at a time. Nothing moves, and I mean nothing - even the water bottles on the outside. It is rock solid if you pack consciously. Cons (mostly very minor): - Zippers. These are really my only complaint. As some have said, the zippers are not as robust or streamlined as I'm used to from the 6500. They are thinner and so are the tracks. It tends to bind down towards the lower parts of the main compartment, and the upper parts of the external compartment. I don't consider this a huge deal or even worth removing a star. I just straighten up the track with my other hand and pull it the rest of the way. But it's still an extra motion to close when it's full, and I don't feel like I can just force it if I'm working quickly. It just doesn't feel strong enough. - External compartment elastic is very tight. I fit what I need to - first aid, fire, and hygiene kit - because it's so long vertically. But it feels like it could be looser, though stuffing it more would encroach on the space of the rest of the compartment. Again, not worth removing a star because I get the design. Just something to be aware of. - Internal compartment elastic on the hydration reservoir is also very tight. Not sure why on that one. It works, but it seems overly tight to me. Maybe an adjustable closure would work better. - Bottom compression straps that go from the rear of the pack, around the sleeping bag, and onto the main body, could definitely be longer. I can fit a pre-compressed tarp in them if I'm cowboy camping, but even that only leaves about 2" of strap to spare. If I were to try to get a closed foam pad or wool blanket under there it would probably need extenders. All in all, I think this a pack well-worth experiencing. It should cost a lot more than it does, in my opinion, and is worth it's weight in gold. I'd recommend this to anybody, especially if you're having problems condensing your loads or making good distance under weight.

Great pack, got to use it Friday and Saturday October 21 and 22 on a overnight back country hike, packed alot of sleeping material in do to the cold night along with the other necessities, the pack was extremely comfortable and was able to carry everything needed

Super happy with this new pack, so many lash points, pockets and zipper access points. It is my new favorite pack. I think I'm gonna love the runner's vest style shoulder straps too.

I have carried packs on the AT, the PCT and several other big name long distance trails. I have never ever carried a pack that is as comfortable as the Bridger 65. The vest system is beyond comfortable! It is like slipping into a second skin. No movement of my gear was detected at any point when I packed thoughtfully and this was beyond amazing! My trusty terraplane that has carried my gear for tens of thousands of miles is now being retired for my Bridger. Dana, you have a hit! Frodo-AT'87 PCT'92

Have only been able to "try it out," and haven't taken it out backpacking yet, but feels amazing. Great features, too. The only thing I would change is the bladder pocket - it is very small. Not a deal-breaker by any means, but I am surprised at this given the details of the rest of the pack.

I have 25 miles with the bag now and am in love. The running vest-esque shoulder straps are a game changer. A properly fitting bag is very important to me with my spinal fusion, and this checks all the boxes. Everything is very intently designed and you can't go wrong.

I was hesitant because of the price, but after watching the review from backpackingtv on YouTube , I had to try it out. This bag is amazing I've packed it out to around 30 lbs and it feels so light and moves with you, the running vest style is very comfortable. All the pockets and organization this bag has there are no need for stuff sacks to keep things organized, there is a place for everything. It's so easy to access the bag from every spot. If your serious about backpacking there is no other bag to own!

Have only taken this on one trip so I'm still getting used to it. It's a little heavier than other packs, but it makes up for it in comfort and makes my load feel lighter. I was skeptical of the two straps on the harness, but it helps distribute the weight and they can be detached/moved. The belt is segmented so it moves freely with your body, and I never feel like it's putting too much pressure on any one point of my hips. What drew me to this pack was the duals sippers that allow you to open it down the pack rather than having to reach in and dig everything out. This is an excellent pack. If I'm being nit-picky, the hip pockets are flat and the stretchy side pockets are a bit shallow so you're somewhat limited in what you can put in them. I haven't found a use for the front harness pockets, so they seem unnecessary. Also, my hydration tube doesn't come out as far in this pack as it does in others. I have no problem getting it to my mouth without taking the pack off, but it doesn't reach far enough to clip in front. It's possible I had it caught on something or threaded it through wrong. Overall, this is the most comfortable pack I've ever used with plenty of convenient features.

I am changing all my packs over to Mystery Ranch for a reason; They're superior! A few weeks ago, I commented on the Bridger 55. After using the 55, I was compelled to pick up a 65, and I'm even more impressed. The yoke type suspension system is easily adjusted to fit your torso, and the double chest straps and waist belt serve to make the pack an extension of your body. In other words, it is almost like not having a pack on at all. It is that comfortable. Access to the main compartment allows you to get what you want out of the pack without having to pull everything out. I love the three internal pockets because they help to further stabilize the load, and they provide really easy access for items you may need during the day. I don't use the two pockets attached to the shoulder straps for water. Instead, I use them for carrying bear spray and my GPS or compass & rollup map (I rarely use GPS). The stretch pockets on the side of the pack are perfect for carrying water and fuel. The extended zip on the bottom pack access, like you see on other MR packs, makes it really easy to pack your sleeping bag without stressing the compartment zippers. Great idea! Finally, the brain has a large main compartment and also a zippered compartment for storing more valuable items. I've loaded the Bridger 65 to about 44 lbs, and carrying that weight seems far more effortless that other suspension systems. Bottom line: MR hit a grand slam with the Bridger series! The Bridger 65 is my new go to pack for multi day trips!

I love the backpack but the "wood" color is not the same as the website. It is more of a green shade.

I dont have a ton of experience with other brands - but as the first backpacking pack I e bought, I couldn't be happier. It's incredibly comfortable and had pockets/storage for everything. I loved the front bottle pockets (similar to my trail running vest).

Though I own two other 65L packs (one of which was in Eric Hanson's comparison video) three significant features made me switch to the Bridger. 1) Better weight carrying 2) Access and 3) the chest harness. After using it, all these improvements were as hoped. Like other MR packs I have tried, the Bridger carries weight superbly. The only place I feel the 30-50 pounds I have carried in the Bridger is my legs. If you pay attention how you pack (don't hang heavy stuff off the front), the cargo becomes part of your body. I am tall, slender and older, so getting this right is particularly challenging and gratifying. Being able to access anything in the pack without unloading everything, is a luxury I have not had since my Wilderness Experience pack I bought in the '80s. If you need lunch and your food is in the middle of the pack in an Ursack or bear cannister, it's no huge deal. Bravo! The chest harness is also a great idea. Comfortable and useful. The best use of the pockets are for cell phone and sunglasses. An undocumented benefit is that there are actually 3 MOLLE attachments on the waist belt. One end of the belt pocket is attached to one of them, but you can still get two attachment points free. I am a fan of MOLLE and have used it for years for photography gear. I attached gadget pouches to the belt next to the pack on both sides. I wish the waist pockets would detach entirely, so I could use just the MOLLE attachment, as with the TerraFrame. It wouldn't be a bad option on the chest harness, either. Still, having the waist belt loops that are there is a bonus.

I bought the Bridger 65 to replace the external frame pack I bought in the 1970s. I was skeptical about switching to an internal frame, but after spending time on the trail to get all the straps and belt adjusted correctly the Bridger turns out to be a great replacement. It's easy to pack and access, it's comfortable with 35 pounds of gear, and the construction and attention to details are the best I've seen.

Waited to write a review until I had a chance to use it. Did a test hike of about 5 miles with 30lbs in it at Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Haven't hiked since Boy Scouts when I was a teenager and have been looking to get back into backpacking. Researched several packs and brands (bought my wife and kids Gregory's). Decided on this pack due to the new chest harness system (picked over the Terraframe pack). Pack was stellar all day. Fit super comfortably, and there are compression straps everywhere you could want one. No shifting of the pack and could stand completely upright. Could access anywhere on the pack easily right on the trail. Also loved the base is structured so the pack stands upright when set on the ground, all the other packs flopped over. Love this brand and even my wife is thinking of switching to Mystery Ranch Bridger pack. Glad I came across Backpacking TV review of the pack on YouTube. A little on the higher end in price but we'll worth the quality.

The double sternum straps are a game changer. I don't want to use another pack without them now. I Hope they use this design on their larger heavy duty packs. The straps, buckles and materials are all high quality. The pockets on the sternum straps a perfect for snacks or a small water bottle. You won't have to carry a bladder or have someone hand you your water bottle while hiking. I was in between a medium and a large bag. Large waste but closer to medium torso length. I went with the large bag and it fits great. Like one person commented, the load lifter straps have a high or low attachment point to fine tune the fit. Extremely happy with my purchase, hopefully the Terra frame will get this yoke design!

I bought this with the intent of doing longer backpacking trips. It's first trip was a simple 4 mile in, 4 mike out overnight trip. I had it loaded and at a weight of around 34LBs with all my gear. I was shocked at how comfortable it was once I got it on my back and fitted. I feel for the price you will not find a better pack. I like the extra pockets on the yoke, the yoke system was a huge reason for my purchase. If you can afford a pack in this price range I would highly suggest it.

I absolutely love my Bridger 65. It is my first Mystery Ranch pack and it won't be my last! The build quality is unreal and something you don't see a lot these days, you can literally feel how well it is put together and the materials used. I expect it will last me many years to come. The feature set is also bar-none. I love the flay-open feature and the running style yoke especially. The yoke system is ultra comfortable, even with heavy loads. No regrets at all.

I recently got my Bridger 65 and love this pack. I like being able to access any part of the pack without having to pull everything out. There are lots of straps for adjustments. Maybe too many but I'm not complaining. Great quality and a comfortable pack with 40 lbs of gear.

I was on the waiting list for the Bridger for quite awhile. I have used it twice on hikes and camping trips. It took getting used to no outside compartments other than the side water bottle holders, but being able to open it up from the front to access all the internal items is great. Much more efficient than top loading packs.

I love it. Light eight weight. Many compartments. Awesomely constructed. I waited so long to get this and it was worth every minute. Have done a few hikes with it but can't wait for a big one coming soon.