[Not for the self-paying review] Mystery Ranch Bridger 45 The innovative York system brings the synonym of "toughness and comfort" backpacks to a new dimension
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
The trend in backpack design changes every few years.
Backpacks, which have become commonplace today, such as lightweight backpacks, roll top opening and closing methods, and ventilation packs with space on the back, have never been an idea from a manufacturer, if you look at history, and have finally become a "standard" idea that has become popular among users and become a "standard" that has become available to many manufacturers before they know it (although some of them sometimes disappear quietly).
And in 2023, the big design trend these days is definitely the "best-style shoulder strap (harness)" we'll be introducing today. In a nutshell, it is a design that combines a wide shoulder strap with large pockets, like a running vest for trail running, and a mountain climbing backpack.
These "mountain climbing" backpacks have been released for several years, but over the past year or two, major specialized brands have also started developing new models, resulting in the creation of subspecies with diverse personalities, which has been an interesting feature for the first time in a while for gear lovers.
we'll be taking a look at the Bridger 45, the Mystery Ranch 's best-style strap-equipped backpack that was released last year and has been added to a medium-sized (35.45 liters) day trip this spring
table of contents
- Key Features of the Mystery Ranch Bridger 45
- Main Specifications and ratings
- Detailed review - I walked through Okuchichibu in early spring on Bridger 45
- Material and appearance: The durability and good looks are perfect, but pay attention to the weight that is in return
- Comfort: Endurance York's back (shoulder) system that combines complete comfort and convenience against heavy loads
- Storage and ease of use: Unique and versatile storage spaces with excellent practicality
- Summary: The convenience of a vest-shaped strap is added to a highly durable, comfortable and functional backpack, making it an ambitious product
Key Features of Mystery Ranch Bridger 45
A backpack for mountain activities that combines high durability and comfortable carrying experience, as well as a unique convenient and diverse storage. The unique yoke (back system) that allows for outstanding cushioning and fit is newly adopted with a vest style shoulder strap derived from a running vest. The storage surface offers smart packing and ample storage space, including front access, a sleeping bag compartment, and a large top lid. The stable, durable fabrics and parts are also designed with sustainability in mind. This backpack is perfect for people who prefer comfort over lightness and carry many gears for long distances, making it ideal for people who want to carry many gears from general hiking to harsh traverses.
Favorite points
- Abundant storage spaces that are easy to put in and take out
- A comfortable back system that can be carried stably even with heavy loads
- Large top lid that can be removed and can also be used as a sacoche.
- Durable enough to resist tearing and wear
Interesting points
- weight
- The vest-shaped shoulder strap is somewhat unreliable for heavy luggage, and is easily hot and stuffy
- It's difficult to understand at a glance (some parts) to work
- No rain cover
Main Specifications and ratings
| Item name | Mystery Ranch Bridger 45 |
|---|---|
| External dimensions | 65cm x 33cm x 28cm |
| capacity | 43 liters (Other models available) |
| weight | Official and actual measurements: 2.0kg |
| material |
|
| Models for women | can be |
| Size/Length of the back | Adjustable |
| Hydration sleeve | ◯ |
| Main Access | Top: Double side zipper |
| Rain cover | none |
| Pocket attachment |
|
| evaluation | |
| Comfort | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stability | ★★★★☆ |
| Storageability | ★★★★☆ |
| Functionality (ease of use) | ★★★★☆ |
| Durability | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★☆☆☆ |
Detailed review - I walked through Okuchichibu in early spring on Bridger 45
Material and appearance: The durability and good looks are perfect, but pay attention to the weight that is in return
First, we'll start by checking the exterior as usual.
The new product from a backpack specialist from Boseman, Montana, known for its legendary founder, which no one would ever know about outdoor enthusiasts, has the same stable look as ever. The smartly designed pocket has a daisy chain, and large side pockets on the front and sides. When you turn to the back, the solid support combines the pads around the back and waist, which are generous for a 45 liter, giving you a tough look.
The durability is also not an issue in terms of material. It uses 100D Robik nylon ripstop (recycled) with improved tear resistance and abrasion resistance, and the bottom and front (lid) part are reinforced with thick thread (330D), making it one of the most resistant to rubbing and tear among this class of climbing backpacks. The YKK zipper and Duraflex buckle are also perfect for stability. It is easy to use even when wearing gloves, and has excellent durability that will not deteriorate even after long use.
However, the 45 liter size and 2kg weight makes me feel a bit frowned. The current mountaineering backpack weight is roughly around 1 to 1.5 kg, but this backpack is not flatteringly light. It is certainly true that the feeling of holding it in your hand is more weight than expected. Although there is an inevitable trade-off between lightness, comfort and durability, this is why it is forced to make a tough decision for those who want to avoid weight.
Comfort: Endurance York's back (shoulder) system that combines complete comfort and convenience against heavy loads
The latest rear panels included in the Bridger series need to be evaluated in two ways.
Provides complete comfort and stability against heavy burdens
The back and waist area, made of a sturdy steel wire frame and highly elastic pads that ensure breathability and provide excellent elasticity, allows you to firmly pull the center of gravity closer to your body and place the load on your waist, allowing you to carry it comfortably without feeling the weight as much as possible.
The familiar back adjustment system is still in place, allowing you to set the perfect fit regardless of your body type. These are not at all blurred from the concept of "the world's best luggage carrying equipment with the ultimate fit and comfort" that runs through the entire Mystery Ranch backpack, and for fans of the brand there's no need to worry at all.
Best style shoulder strap (harness) that delivers unprecedented convenience
Next up is the new shoulder strap (harness).
As you can see, the shoulder strap, which comes from the flow of running vests, which is typical of trail running worlds, has thick padding around the shoulders, similar to the back and waist, and is made up of soft mesh material with unpadded padding from the armpits to the bottom and large pockets (photo below).
With a large enough mesh pocket on the front, most items you use while you are using during your activities can be stored in this pocket, including soft flasks, 500ml plastic bottles and smartphones, making it easy to access without having to put your backpack down. This convenience, which was commonplace for trail running, is becoming standardized in general hiking backpacks (currently, they had to install optional parts), which is just a plus, and personally I would like to say it is a long-awaited evolution.
However, that's not the case as if I was happy to let go of everything. For example, compared to a running vest for trail running, which is thin and has a small adhesion area, if the strap has this much volume, it is less likely to cause heat to escape than you think. It would be a lie to say that the structure, like this model, is based on the premise that the chest strap is tightened, and that the heat and stuffiness caused by this didn't bother me. Of course, on the other hand, it has heat retention, which can be useful in cold seasons, so if you use it in warm seasons, you will need to consider the difficulty of heat escaping with clothes etc.
Also, the lower half of this shoulder strap (the part behind the pocket without pads) is very soft and has no pads, so personally I found it a little unsatisfied when it's more burdensome. When the load becomes quite heavy, the soft strap part will fade and dig into your skin.
By the way, if you thrust hard objects such as plastic bottles into the bottom too much, the fit will be significantly reduced and will hit your chest (left of the bottom photo), so be careful not to pack too much to the bottom (around the logo) (right of the bottom photo).
Storage and ease of use: Unique and versatile storage spaces with excellent practicality
Mystery Ranch is famous for its unique and practical storage system, such as the "3-zip design," but it is packed with new pockets and attachments that always sought even better convenience.
First of all, the main storage system includes a drawstring type opening and closing system with a normal drawstring, as well as a double zipper system that allows the front to be opened and closed wide (photo below). The front opens like a travel carry bag, dramatically reducing the stress of packing. The opening and closing mechanism is not simply a zipper on both sides, but rather a one-action zipper can be opened both zippers, so opening and closing is surprisingly easy. Thanks to this, I use most of the access to the main storage.
In addition to hydration storage, there are two mesh pockets on both sides inside the main storage, which helps keep things organized (photo below). To be honest, it's unknown how much it can be used, but if the main storage space is open so boldly, it seems like it will be worth it if you put some small items like gloves, hats, sunglasses, and garbage bags here.
Furthermore, the front bottom part is a Speed Zip™ compartment (photo below) that allows you to store (outlet) sleeping bags and other items. There is also a partition inside.
The side mesh pockets located on the bottom of both sides are deep enough to fit Nalgene bottles firmly (photo below). Of course, long items can be securely secured with side straps.
The mesh pocket on the front (photo below) is not that stretchy, and can only hold a small jacket. It's perfect for rain gear and winter clothes that you want to take out quickly, but it's a little small for tent flyers.
A closed cell sleeping mat can be fixed to the lower strap (photo below).
There are two loops for the poles and axes on both sides of the front (photo below).
My favorite storage is this top lid pocket (photo below). It is a relatively large size, and the entrance can be opened wide with a U-shaped zipper, and the lining has a mesh pocket with a key clip, making it easy to use.
Plus, this separates from the backpack and becomes a sacoche or waist pack (photo below).
There are small mesh zip pockets on both sides of the hip belt (photo below). Although it fits easily with foods and handkerchiefs, it does not fit with a large 6.7-inch smartphone. However, there is a shoulder strap pocket so there is no particular inconvenience.
Finally, of course, the hydration setting is firmly attached to the hole through which the tube is passed (photo below).
Summary: The convenience of a vest-shaped strap is added to a highly durable, comfortable and functional backpack, making it an ambitious product
The Mystery Ranch Bridger 45 is an ambitious and groundbreaking model in the sense that it combines the latest trend, "the lightness and convenience of a running vest," with the appeal of Mystery Ranch, and is a backpack with the latest functionality for anyone, from beginners to experienced hikers, who aims to "carry heavy loads long distances and comfortably."
Until I actually carried it on my back, I couldn't help but worry about its innovation, "I wonder if the running style harness would fit in with a backpack for carrying heavier luggage," but after walking this time I realized that it was a very well-made backpack, so I was sure that many of my preconceived notions were unfounded. At least from now on, it seems that it has proven that just a traditional backpack that you will carry on with your waist doesn't mean you won't be able to match the vest-style shoulder straps.
The new Endurance York system can be said to be a splendid blend of the vest-shaped structure that has been used in light backpacks up until now, without losing the "tough and comfort" that is typical of Mystery Ranch. This allowed us to carry any burden comfortably on our back, and we could feel the evolution of the fact that we were able to gain even more mobility through storage on the front.
On the other hand, it is important to note that this backpack does not have the lightness that traditional backpacks with vest-shaped structures have at all. It is not recommended to use this as a fast packing backpack. Just because it is a best-shaped design, you should never expect lightness. However, it is perfect for all tough mountain activities, including mountain climbing and hiking, regardless of the season, regardless of the season, and especially for users who want to safely and comfortably carry lots of luggage.
