Why We Like The Mystery Ranch Bridger 45L Backpack
Made with a durable, recylced nylon ripstop, the Mystery Ranch Bridger 45 is a brawler of a backpack for beastly day hikes or brief overnighters. It's a versatile pack with easy top access or front panel access, and it also features a removable lid that converts easily to a sling pack that we can wear for quick and light side excursions. The Bridger features a bottom zippered compartment for our sleeping bag on overnighters and a plethora of external pockets for easy access to our gear, snacks, and water bottles. The 45-liter capacity can accommodate cold weather clothes, a camera, and gear-intensive day hikes or short backpacking trips for those of us with ultralight, highly packable gear.
Details
- 'Tweener backpack for big day hikes or light backpacking
- 100-denier Robic nylon ripstop for durability
- 330-denier Robic nylon for extra durability in high-wear areas
- DWR coating and water-resistant zippers for water protection
- Full-bag-length double zipper access to main bag compartment
- Pockets on harness and hip belt for easy access
- Built-in hydration sleeve (water reservoir not included)
- Made in part with recycled materials for less environmental impact
- Item #MYTD033
- Responsible Collection
- Recycled/Repurposed
- Material
- Robic ripstop (recycled nylon), DWR coating
- Volume
- 45L (2625cu in)
- Support/Suspension
- spring steel wire
- Shoulder Straps
- paired
- Waist Belt
- padded
- Hydration Compatible
- yes
- Reservoir Included
- no
- Access
- front panel zippers or top drawstring
- Pockets
- [external] 1 zippered top, 2 mesh side, 2 stretch harness (hydration), 2 zippered hipbelt, 1 zippered bottom (sleeping bag) [internal] 2 mesh dump, 1 hydration sleeve
- Gear Loops
- daisy chain, dual tool attachment loops
- Sleeping Bag Compartment
- yes
- Rain Cover
- no
- Detachable Daypack
- yes
- Compression
- side, bottom
- Dimensions
- 25 x 13 x 12in
- Claimed Weight
- 4lb 6oz
- Activity
- day hiking, backpacking
- Manufacturer Warranty
- lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
Overall Rating
5 based on 24 ratings
Review Summary
What do you think about this product?
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageDecember 25, 2023
Almost perfect midsize backpack
I'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
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
December 24, 2023
Love the access to contents.
having two zippers on the front is genius. I also enjoy the hydration storage. Nice fit. Finally, the two pockets in the front straps is amazing and leaves plenty of room for my sat phone and snacks. I’d like to recommend moving the hip strap pockets more forward for easy access.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
November 18, 2023
Very Minimalistic
I got this pack to use as an overnight (1-2days) camping/backpacking pack. This pack has its limitations. Alot smaller than expected. Great for summer backpacking trips. I don’t recommend this pack for rugged terrain like military or for hunters. General use only.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
October 17, 2023
Excellent Go Bag pack
I bought this as a Go Bag for 0-72 hour use, and it has proven to fit everything I needed, and more. All I need to do yet is to order and use the Zoid Bags, in order to sequester specific items such as med kits, individual emergency/maintenance meds, lighting, fire, food, toiletries, and etc. The Bottom Line is that I have researched and bought several other bags, and this has prove to be perfect for my needs, which was to be low-profile and holds all my needs, without being too large and screaming, "I have good stuff in here!!!" The top of the bag will also hold an additional bag for quick access, but there aren't a lot of other attachment points on the exterior for things like an IFAK, and that would be nice to have...perhaps those attachment points might be added to improve the bag a bit. Otherwise, this bag exceeded my personal standards, especially fit, and I am a 40-year Army Special Forces veteran, so I have some wide experience in this arena. Well done, Mystery Ranch. v/r, D.S. COL, US Army Special Forces
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
September 22, 2023
Great Pack
I have had the chance to use my new pack on 5 days of hiking. I was looking for a versatile pack that was comfortable as well as durable. My first hike was 12 miles through Glacier Park. I overloaded the pack on purpose to test it. I was curious if the light waist belt would be comfortable. It did not disappoint. No wear points on the hips. The double breast straps are adjustable or removable. I actually ended up liking the two adjustable straps. Pockets on shoulder straps were handy for bear spray or other items. Pockets on waist belt worked better for smaller items than my cell phone, My phone fit, but it was stretch. The Pocket on the back of the pack was great for when I pulled off rain gear. Didn’t have to put wet gear in the pack. Second test was a couple of 10 mile hikes on the Continental Divide Trail on Montana and Idaho border. Pack contents stayed dry in the rain without fly, and again wore well. This pack has room to pack extra layers, shelter, medical, water, and food. You can overload it for short hikes if you are not careful. This is my first Mystery Ranch pack. After use, I really did not find negative thoughts on the pack, Closest I could get is hydration bladder does not hang, it has a pocket. Seemed to work fine. I have had firefighter team members that rave about the quality of the Mystery Ranch products. I would agree, I don’t think you will be disappointed with purchase.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
September 9, 2023
MAKE THIS YOUR NEXT PACK!
This pack has blown away my expectations and set a new standard! To say the least the bar is set extremely high. However I hope this bag last me for a very long time. Straight out of the box it fit perfectly ( Size L, 6’0 210lbs). I was amazed at this in itself. I have tried on numerous packs in my quest to find the one that fit just right. It always seems like I needed to make an adjustment here or there and they never felt great… I was settling. Then!! I ordered a MR In and Out 22 L pack for quick summits and it over preformed. What’s big deal in such a small pack! WOW. Everything you need and nothing you don’t. So, I figured why not stick with MR and get the Bridger 45? That’s exactly what I did. It’s holds everything I need for my backpacking trips. This bag is seamless and very easy to use. It even boast a separate quick access compartment for your sleeping bag! I love this feature. This is my experience and I hope everyone else has one similar. Have fun out there.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
August 18, 2023
Great backpack
Very confortable, and I like the 2 zippers opening. And the lid can be use as a day pack.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
August 16, 2023
Great weekend pack
Packs for a weekend with either a tent or hammock. Very comfortable and it goes without saying the quality is top notch! It is a bit pricy, but that price comes with the Mystery Ranch quality and support. I’d buy it 10 more times.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
July 29, 2023
Great comfort, great organization
I bought the Bridger 45 recently and just completed my first overnight with it. I'm really pleased with the pack overall. On my 5 mile in, 5 mile out loop in rainy, humid, and hot weather, the pack (loaded to about 27 pounds) was comfortable to carry and my back didn't turn into a swamp--on the contrary the airflow was ample. Organization is great, with internal sleeves, the stretchy back panel, side pockets, hip belt pockets, shoulder strap pockets, top lid pocket, sleeping bag removable divider providing so many options. Everything feels well built and there's amazing attention to detail around all the features. It's an investment, and I'm looking forward to using this backpack for a long time as a lightweight overnighter and day hikes with kids/family where I'm carrying gear for several others.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
July 16, 2023
Terrific pack.
My son wears the 55 Bridger and gifted me the 45 to get me kick-started back into overnight hikes I did 30 years ago. Grar has changed for the better. I was impressed with his and absolutely love the 45 for me. A sure bet that I will be strapping the 45 on for years to come. No complaints but it would be better for me if the bottom and top brain straps were about 2 inches longer. Love the color too.
Originally reviewed on mysteryranch.com
Need Expert Advice?
Our Gearheads Can Help
April 7, 2024
I want to use this pack for Search and Rescue. I typically always use a chest rig and then my backpack over it. This works good with the Scree. Will this type of harness still work with a chest rig?
February 24, 2024
I have a Bridger on the way! What type(s) of water bottles are being shown that fit in the harness pockets? Brand/type/size? Hoping to make the first purchase the correct one :) I did look to see if MR sold these, but no go... Please and thank you.
January 2, 2024
Is the waist belt and back padding on the 45L Bridger the same, or just as robust, as the 55 and 65L versions? Thanks.
January 2, 2024
Can the 45L Bridger be used for four to five days hiking trips. By strapping a tent to the outside of the pack, directly over the sleeping bag compartment, I hope to free up enough space in the main compartment for food, clothing, sleeping bag. Thanks.
September 18, 2023
I have a Bearikade Weekender...can this/a bear can fit under the lid outside of the pack?
September 8, 2023
How many liters is the sleeping bag section?
July 12, 2023
Im looking for the ideal 1-2 night pack. Would I be good with this? Or better with the 55?
June 26, 2023
Are the straps just longer on the XL waist belt vs. the L size.. or is the padding more sufficient as well?.. will the XL wrap a large waist better? My size is right between
June 18, 2023
What is the height if the top part (brain) is removed? I’m wondering if it is carry on legal.
June 15, 2023