Hey Everyone! My name is Kristi Rauckis. Some of you may know me from my recent BackpackingTV appearances. I've always been a big fan of the outdoors, and lately, I've had the chance to go on some pretty awesome adventures.
Eric and I got to test out a couple of Mystery Ranch packs while trekking in Wyoming's Wind River Country, and so I thought I would share my thoughts on the women's Bridger 55. There are differences not only between the 55 and 65 options, but also intentional design nuances for the women's line.
ABOUT THE WOMEN'S BRIDGER 55 BACKPACK
Price: $329 (USD)
Weight: 5.2 LBS (2.4 KG)
Volume: 54.7 L (3,340 cu-ins)
Dimensions: 28″x13″x12″ (71x33x30cm)
Is the Bridger 55 Women's Backpack Comfortable?
I loved the Bridger 55 right off the bat. Even though I had been using a 40L pack prior to this, the larger upgrade felt like a better fit and it distributed the weight a lot more effectively. I initially tried the extra-small, but switched to the small because I'm long in the torso. With the right size, even distribution, and tons of padding, I felt like this bag was hugging my body, rather than awkwardly bogging me down.
I also really appreciated how the women's design sits on the hips. Since us ladies tend to have higher and wider hips, generic bags can cause bruising (something I've dealt with plenty in the past). This didn't happen at all with the Bridger, which was such a nice change!
Is the Women's Bridger 55L stable?
Stability goes hand-in-hand with comfort, and Mystery Ranch packs regularly excel in both categories. Eric likes the Bridger 65L and the TerraFrame 65L backpacks by Mystery Ranch. Mystery Ranch does a great job with their crafty yoke system and articulating hip belts, so these packs move in unison with the body. Some other packs out there can have a sloppy lag when shifting around on the trail.
How do you adjust the Women's Bridger 55L yoke?
Mystery Ranch uses an easy-to-adjust system to fit their backs to different torso lengths. There is a plate behind the back padding that can be used to divide the velcro on either side. This allows the yoke to slide up or down to the individual's sweet spot. Once that's done, the velcro reconnects and you're all locked in.
As long as you get the right overall size, it's easy to dial in the exact fit. Historically, I've had a hard time getting backpacks to fit in a satisfying way, but with the Bridger 55, it took about 2 seconds before I was ready to rock.
Are Mystery Ranch packs durable?
You betcha. Mystery Ranch backpacks are meant to last a lifetime. They have a track-record of working alongside the military, firefighters, and hunters, and they have put that hardcore approach into their whole line. From things such as heavy-duty straps/buckles, to abrasion-resistant fabric, these packs can take a punch. Sure, the enhanced durability does add some weight, but that's an acceptable trade-off in my opinion.
Fit on the Women's Bridger 55
Because women and men generally have different dimensions (particularly in the hips, shoulders, and chest), a women's-specific backpack will have a slightly different fit/contour. For example, the Mystery Ranch Women's Bridger 55 was much more comfortable for my hips than the men's version.
Running Vest Design
I also found that the running-vest-style chest straps accommodated my, well…you know! TMI be damned, women who are in the market for a great trekking bag should know that as someone who straddles the line between a C/D cup (and wears a padded sports bra), I didn't notice the straps at all – no chaffing, no pressure points. If anything, I felt like it gave me a little more support in this area.
Removable Chest Straps
If you do have any issues, you'll have the option to adjust or even remove the buckles. But before you ditch them, make sure to fully test how the fit/feel changes. For example, I found that the lower strap helped pull the shoulder straps out of my armpit area, and into a more comfortable, centered position.
Minor Design Issues
One of the things I noticed during my first snack break was that when this pack is full, the orientation of the top pocket is not ideal. I unzipped the lid to grab a bar and everything I had in there fell out. You wouldn't notice this at first glance because it only tilts on this angle when filled to the brim.
Eric's Bridger 65L didn't do the same because he had a bit of dead space in his when we went hiking. Something that stood out to Eric about his Bridger 65 was that the bottom external straps (that are meant to stow a tent or sleeping pad) were on the short side. If Mystery Ranch could extend those by another couple of inches in the next generation, then they would accommodate a bulkier tent – especially when the bag is fully stuffed.
The same issue popped up with one of the top compression straps. Just a bit more slack would've been better.
Bridger 55 vs Bridger 65 backpacks
Aside from the extra volume, the Bridger 65 pack is designed to offer a bit more organization. For example, it has a double-zipper-flay front pocket for storage. The Bridger 55 has a mesh pocket instead. We both actually preferred the 55 design because it's so easy to access those goods. But with that said, the sealable pocket in the 65 is better for protecting your belongings from the elements.
Who is the Bridger 55 backpack for?
Both Eric and I feel right at home with our Mystery Ranch's Bridger backpacks. I'm still getting my trekking legs under me, and he's a well-weathered expert, so with the exception of ultralight backpackers, anyone should expect to have a good experience with this line. For me, the Bridger 55 carries the overall load so comfortably and evenly.
I didn't notice the strain on my shoulders until much later in the hike than usual. It's also worth noting that while this is a pricey bag, it's right in-line with premium women's backpacks from other brands.
I hope hearing the women's perspective helped round-out the on-going Mystery Ranch reviews. For more info about Mystery Ranch packs check out the Bridger 65 backpack review, the TerraFrame 65 backpack review and the Osprey Atmos vs Gregory Baltoro vs Mystery Ranch Bridger Backpacks.
