Mystery Ranch

Terraframe 65L Backpack

Mystery Ranch makes a great pack.

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Size Bought:

M

Weight:

170

Dana Design was my go-to pack in the early 2000s; when it came time for a replacement of course I looked to Mystery Ranch. I utilized the Terraframe 65 for a 10 day hike covering Yellowstone's Thorofare and a portion of the Teton Wilderness in August 2023. I am not an ultralight hiker by any means and I was worried about hauling 10 days of food/gear in a 65L pack, but the overload feature did it's job and provided the perfect place to hold my Ursack. I hauled along some nonessential camera gear and probably started out at 55lbs but was very comfortable the entire (roughly) 100 mile trip. The pack was very stable when hiking off trail/over uneven terrain. My hiking group must have thought I was too comfortable and tried to stash a rock in the pack to slow me down. . . it did not stay there but I probably could have carried it with ease. The base weight is heavy for a pack, but I'm willing to haul it based on the quality and versatility the Terraframe offers. It can also be mildly tedious to fiddle with all the different straps to utilize the overload feature -- but the opportunity to to expand your carrying capacity makes up for that. I used the Terraframe for a second Yellowstone backcountry trip in September 2023. This one was a simple four mile hike into a several night basecamp. The overload feature was put to use once again for a critical piece of gear. . . a case of Cold Smokes!

Good Basic Mountaineering Pack, Would Make Changes

I was a mountain guide in 2023 leading trips up Mt. Shasta, CA. I purchased this pack in 2022 in preparation of the season. Overall, I was very satisfied with the pack and would buy another, but I wish there were some changes. Pro’s: The overload feature is fantastic. At first I was worried that 65L wouldn’t be large enough, but with the overload feature I was able to carry more than enough. In the photo, I was actually able to fit an entire other 65L pack to carry down when a client was injured. The torpedo pouches on the outside are great for ready access for extra snacks, gloves, sunscreen, or anything else you need readily accessible. The waist strap is very padded which feels great, it makes carrying heavy loads a breeze. The build of the pack is great, being one large cavity for the whole extent of the bag and not having a lower separate sleeping bag section. The large zipper allowing access to the interior of the bag is great because I can stash a large med kit deeper in the bag for better packing but still allowing for rapid access in an emergency. There are a lot of straps, allowing for a variety of gear attachment ideas. Cons: This pack is HEAVY. If you are into ultralight traveling or want a lighter pack this is not for you. Secure tool attachment is very limited. There is a center attachment for an ice axe but it is held by bungee and I had issues with it coming loose. If you are planning to carry multiple ice tools or larger gear, you will have an issue. Also carrying crampons is an issue. I prefer carrying crampons on the outside of my pack to not risk damaging other gear, but there are limited options on this pack. You can attach them to the mole webbing on the pack but this can be difficult it you are already carrying an ice axe there and is not as fast as hanging a pouch on the outside of the pack. The straps can be a little confusing, not terrible but the buckles on the left and right sides are opposite (male/female) limiting some “creative”ways to carry gear. Overall though I really enjoyed this pack! It was a great product and I would recommend as a good mountaineering pack!

Great looking.

Recently received my pack. I took advantage of the Christmas sales. When I received the pack, I noticed to yoke was the wrong size and immediately called to get the right sized yoke. Customer service immediately dealt with issue and I received a new yoke in a couple of days. I love the fact that the zippers are already sealed. I will be carrying the terraframe next year on the AT so quality is the most important thing. Thats why I bought a mystery ranch product

Best Customer Service in the Game

Bought this pack Summer of '22 to use for backpacking and hunting trips. Have taken it on several backpacking trips and used it to pack out a cow elk last year and it performed flawlessly. Could not say enough great things about this pack. I damaged the pack leading up to an elk hunt this fall (through user error and no fault in design). Contacted Mystery Ranch and they rushed to get it repaired and back to me in time for my hunt. A few days after receiving the repaired pack I got to use it to pack out my first bull elk. Can not thank the repair team enough for going out of their way to ensure I had it when I needed it the most!

What You’re Looking For

I fight wildfire for the USFS and know what a good pack is! Mystery Ranch is amazing. I have this Terraframe for my personal hikes and camping, and it’s comfortable and great for all-day hiking!

Tough as nails versatility is second to none.

As a professional, fire fighter, I rely on mystery ranch, and have never been let down. As an outdoor enthusiast, I have been extremely pleased with their outdoor line and its durability, versatility and extensive features. I highly recommend this product for those that find them selves out in the wild hiking in an overload packed situation. Weather be caring the kids extra gear.

Excellent, Rugged, carries weight well.

Bought the Terraframe 65 to use on my Mountain Search and Rescue Team. Most of the team uses Osprey, Gregory, etc, but one of the guys has a MR pack and highly recommended it. I picked the Terraframe because of the additional load carrying capability. We not only carry our packs filled with our personal gear, but we also have to carry medical equipment, technical rescue equipment, and other random gear. Rather than carry this extra gear by hand, I thought it might be great to carry it with the load carrying feature of this pack. So far, I have been verry impressed. The material seems like it will stand up to all the branches, twigs, rocks, and brush it'll rub up against and I like that there aren't a ton of outside pockets to snag on branches. I did add a couple of forager packs and a water bottle holder to add to the hip belt though just to have easy access for my phone, compass, etc. (FYI - although a problem on some packs, I am able to reach around and access my water bottle in the main pockets on the pack itself. Placing it back in one handed is kind of challenging though because of the elastic.) The hip belt is fantastic and really carries the weight well. I also like the ability to zip open the pack to grab something at the bottom vs digging from the top. I'm so impressed with the quality that I am about to order the Catalyst as an EDC for work.

Excellent pack

Upgraded from the Terraframe 50 and have zero regrets. This pack does everything so well. Being able to convert it into a smaller day pack is handy. The external zipper pockets are a welcomed feature as well. If you are on the fence about this or the 50, go with this.

great pack!

when I got this I thought it had TOO many features, but using it for work(forest service back country ranger) it’s been amazing. super comfy, and the ultimate load hauler.

Sturdy and Reliable

Got the pack and broke it in on a 4x day backpacking trip. The pack easily handled 40-45 lbs in varied terrain over 10-15 mile distances. No major discomfort after some initial saddle adjustments. Hip belt made it easy to attach bear spray or other accessories you need quick access to. While I did not have an opportunity to use the unique frame option it is also a great place to store flat items without using any space inside of the main pack. Mystery Ranch never disappoints.