Rated 4 out of 5 by Bob1969 from limitationsThis was my first Mystery Ranch pack. I was looking for something that was designed for heavier loads. I carry tools for prospecting and trail clearing. Usually 40 lbs plus. I did not need volume. Just good structure. The bridger did not meet that need. The hip belt padding just barely covered my hip bones. I am 6'2 and 210 lbs. It was not structurally stout enough for my purpose. It should be fine for a smaller person with lighter loads. I have purchased the hot shot and it works fine. There is a weight penalty for that structure. For me, the weight is not as critical as the way the load is distributed. I am happy with Mystery Ranch. I just ordered the wrong pack for my needs.
Date published: 2023-05-04
Rated 5 out of 5 by Larry from Unmatched quality and design.This Bridger 45 is the second Mystery Ranch backpack I’ve purchased in the last 4 months, the first being the Bridger 55. The Bridger 45 lends itself well in the ultralight community at slightly over 4 lbs but maintains the exceptional comfort of a Mystery Ranch traditionally framed pack. The excellent carrying stability of this pack will impress weather rock hopping streams, traversing boulder fields, or on steep ascents and descents. You can not go wrong selecting this pack for weekend, section, or thru hiking. The quality in materials, design, and craftsmanship are, in my opinion, unmatched across the industry.
Date published: 2023-06-11
Rated 5 out of 5 by Mac21 from BrilliantI’ve used Mystery Ranch for a few years of total time in Afghanistan. It has been a while since I did much backpacking but they continue to be the standard bearer for innovation solutions. The harness Taking its cues from distance running harnesses is absolutely brilliant. I did 50+ miles through Chilean Patagonia with this thing and I didn’t have even a whisper of a rash or irritation. Well done. I did purchase a M based on measurements on the website and the harness came as a S/M. Im 6’0 210-215 and think just going for large would probably have made the waists strap a little more comfortable. Not that it isn’t comfortable, it just seems to sit with the side pouches in a strange location and I think going up a size would’ve been better, but it’s still completely useable and comfortable.
Date published: 2023-02-16
Rated 5 out of 5 by Bob Moua from Over performed.Bought the black 45 liter a month ago and did a 3 days, 2 nights in the back country of Yosemite in June. Wonderful, heavy duty and comfortable bag. On my trip, total weight came out the 25.6, which wasnt too heavy but the weight was well distributed and balance. I love the waist belt and double sterum belt. This pack can hold alot of stuff with its multi side and front pockets. This pack is so diverse with its adjustable back. The paddings are the best I have seen and used. Bridger 45L is so well rounded-top loader straps, double sterum strap, top load mini bag, it has it all. Only complaint I have is when I stuff 20oz water bottles on each front shoulder carrier, it tends to press against my arm/chest are more than I want. Maybe going down to a smaller water bottles will help. Its not an ultralight pack but overall, it is built tough and Im sure it can hold more weight than I gave it. Well done MR!
Date published: 2023-07-09
Rated 4 out of 5 by Skrap from Color combination great, velcro adjustment not soThis pack arrived a week ago. Love the colors and features. But the Velcro will not stay together and rips apart from the backpack and frame. I’ve contacted customer service and haven’t heard from them in a day since I sent everything they wanted. Patiently waiting for response and hope not to send it back and go another backpacking brand.
Date published: 2023-02-24
Rated 5 out of 5 by Steve NW Mountaineering from Another Fantastic Bridger PackMystery Ranch took the great elements of the larger Bridger packs and they incorporated them into the Bridger 45. It's a great pack, that I'm using as I write this. I also have a Bridger 55 and 65. Obviously, this line of packs is my new go to!The lower compartment is roomy enough for a sleeping bag, or my rain gear using the same enhanced cross-zip opening as the 55 and 65. The main compartment is easily accessed by the double full zip openings for packing my sleeping pad, cook stove, food, and clothing. A great feature to this pack is the detachable lid. It is easily detached, and it is large enough to use for day hikes, or as a satchel for other uses. I only have one issue with the Bridger Series of packs. I use the water bottle attachments on the front straps to carry my navigation (compass or GPS) and bear spray. These attachments are mounted to a 1 inch strap that tends to roll when putting the pack on. If there is some way to reinforce the backing of the bottle holders, it would probably be a good fix. I would like to discuss this mod with the MR design team.
Date published: 2023-04-26
Rated 5 out of 5 by MtnMan from I am a fanI do not have your typical hiker's physique. I am 5'9 250 pounds. This pack has enough adjustment that it fits me comfortably, and doesn't get looser the longer I hike. I am sold on mystery ranch.
Date published: 2023-04-07
Rated 4 out of 5 by MrWolf from Almost perfect midsize backpackI've been using the Bridger 45 for several months now, and it has proven to be an excellent choice for bridging the gap between 30-35L daypacks and larger 60-70L backpacks. As a Search and Rescue (SAR) team member, the Bridger serves me well as a 24-hour backpack, replacing my old Rush when I need more volume or want to ease the strain on my back. I've taken it on road trips, used it on long hikes in cold weather to carry some extra stuff or to unload some gear from my family members. In summary, I absolutely love this backpack, especially for its incredibly comfortable harness, amount of space and features. Pros: - The harness is amazing. It’s very comfortable. 25 lbs load is almost unnoticeable, my back and shoulders are not tired even after 8 hours of SAR operational day (I’m in a good shape though). 35-40 lbs load also feels good as the weight is perfectly spread across hips and back. The backpack sits well on your back no matter how much you move. You can climb on a hill, crawl through the mezzanine or run, and the backpack stays perfectly in place. - MR Quality is outstanding, as with other backpacks. I have no concerns in any piece of the backpack - each zipper, each buckle looks and feels like you can rely on it. I’m pretty sure the backpack will last even with my heavy usage and constant abuse - spending hours under the rain, crawling in the mud, dragging over the rocks and etc. - The Bridger maintains its comfort and stability, whether underfilled or overloaded. - Numerous features and attachment points accommodate accessories and tools, allowing for external carry and efficient weight distribution. - The 3-zipper opening system is super convenient, making it easy to find items without rummaging through everything. Cons: - Chest bottle pockets aren't ideal for my usage. I use hydration pack (I assume that's a case for most of potential Bridger buyers) and would prefer regular pockets or the option to detach them and use MOLLE pouches instead. - Waist belt pockets are relatively small. I think it is probably not a problem for most of the users, but I personally would prefer just MOLLE straps like on Terraform so I could attach my own pouches. - Comparing to tactical backpacks, it has lack of organizing features. Again, you probably don’t need it for hiking, but I’m trying to keep my SAR stuff organized in a way that allows me to find anything in complete darkness using only one hand. I’m missing some small pockets. I use Zoid Bag, but there is an attachment point for only one small size. - The chest straps, along with bottle pockets, make it challenging to use additional chest harnesses common in SAR teams.Ideas for Improvement:- Attachment points for medium-sized Zoid Bags inside the backpack along its length.- A sunshades pocket with a bit of protective padding could be a valuable addition.- Loops or keychain hooks inside the waist pockets would be useful.- The option to remove the bottle pockets on the chest harness.Overall, the Bridger 45 is an impressive backpack. It's spacious, feature-rich, well-built, and boasts an outstanding harness for comfortable long-distance wear. While I've identified some cons, they are specific to my SAR use, and the only debatable feature is the chest water bottle sacks
Date published: 2023-12-25
