Mystery Ranch

Bridger 55L Backpack

Im done looking for packs!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

XL

The Mystery Ranch Bridger 55L has been an absolute game changer for me. When I first started backpacking and hiking. I bought a huge 85 L Kelty Asher and after the first few miles into the trail my shoulders would be killing me and the weight would never seem to shift in the right place to get a comfortable carry. After multiple times trying to find the right weight and strap configuration I had started looking for another pack. So I started asking around and shopping online to find the perfect pack for me. At first I was worried about the cost, then the size, and then style. The amount of options that are out there are insane and I would find myself discouraged and overwhelmed with the amount of options and then just inevitably stop looking to buy a new pack. When I was watching the reviews that other creators were talking about and the one that stood out to me the most was the Mystery Ranch Bridger 55 L. I was so worried and excited about the new pack all at the same time. After buying a $300 + backpack, I was suffering, I couldn’t wait for the back pack to get here and at the same time there were moments of doubt and thoughts of “ what makes this pack any different from the other 5 packs Ive tried? “, “ Is this pack going to be worth the money? " At last, the pack arrived, of course while I was working, and I couldn’t wait to get home to unbox and see all the cool things I had seen on the reviews. I got home and immediately opened the box and started checking out the new pack. The very first thing I noticed was the materials, everything the pack is made of looks and feels super durable. The next thing was the style, the pack looked awesome for the color I chose. The next thing I noticed was the amount of detail that went into how this pack was constructed. Then I started to think about how I was going to pack all my gear into this pack. And then the oh crap moment hit me. I started opening up the pack in the way I watched others open the pack and that’s when the zippers really impressed me. Gliding like butter and rugged to the feel. Then the moment came were I was doubting that my gear was going to fit in the pack. I started loading the pack and repacked it 5-6 different ways until I came to what works for me and to my amazement I still had room to add more. I had always bring a camp chair and a table with me but had stoped due to the weight and the other packs digging into my shoulders. With the additional room I had in this pack I went ahead and loaded my chair and table. Then came time to weigh the totals for my pack. Mind you that I bring an average of 65 -70 different things with me in my pack which is a tone of stuff but not really. I set up my pack for 10 + days and nights out including food and I was nervous about the weight but the total weight was 38 Lbs. I put the pack on my back and started the adjustments. Soon within about 45 min I had a comfortable carry. I was thinking that I didn’t pack something as this pack felt like nothing was on my back. I looked around and even went through everything in my pack and everything was there. This made the urge to get out on a trail even more desirable. Time opened up and so my wife and I decided to go to the Emery Creek Fall Trail in Chatsworth GA. Out on the trail the pack was preforming wonderful and was such a great experience as I could finally say that I found the pack that works for me. Mile after mile goes by and the pack was there but caused no issues with hurting my shoulders, hips, or back. We got to the area were the falls are at about 4 miles into the trail and set up a picnic and relaxed. The pack sat on the ground easy and did not seam to carry dirt on it after moving it around to get different items out to use. Hours pass and we packed back up and headed back to the trail head. All the way the pack preformed great. I can’t wait to take the pack out this Fall to explore more of the outdoors. This pack has a running vest style sternum strap that really helps distribute the weight around my body. Items are easy to get too and overall I am extremely satisfied with what Im calling an investment and great addition to my gear.