If you've been following along with my adventures and reviews on BackpackingTV, then you know that I've used the Mystery Ranch Bridger 65 and 55 liter backpacks quite extensively. More recently, I've delved into the miniaturized versions, the Bridger 45 and Bridger 35, with continued success. So if you've been liking my reviews of Mystery Ranch Outdoor backpacks, but have simply been in need of a smaller, lighter option, then your time has finally arrived. Here's my Mystery Ranch Bridger 45L Overnight Backpack Review.
Can the Bridger 45L backpack be used for overnights?
One of the benefits of a 45L pack is that it forces you to streamline your gear, and look through the lens of a minimal, ultralight backpacker. For my test hike, I went on an overnight trip, in the winter (which means bulkier clothes), and I was still able to get by just fine with my Mystery Ranch Bridger 45L backpack.
Running Vest Chest Straps on the Bridger 45
One of the most unique and functional features on Mystery Ranch's Bridger line of backpacks are the running vest double chest straps. The wide shoulder straps make for a comfortable carry. The chest buckle on most backpacks is usually just for adjusting positioning.
This rig does a great job of evenly dispersing the load's weight. Longtime fans will recall my initial skepticism of this somewhat strange-looking design. That melted away during the first mile of my first trial trek.
Bridger 45L Backpack Adjustable Yoke
Another feature you may have heard me rave about is the adjustable yoke on Mystery Ranch Bridger Backpacks. This adjustable yoke is part of the Bridger backpack design, not just in the bigger bags. The actual internal yoke structure is sandwiched between two pieces of velcro. All you have to do to adjust the torso length, anytime, anywhere, is remove it. Simply slide the shoulder/chest unit up or down, and then reinsert it and rejoin the velcro.
It isn't particularly common to be able to adjust torso length with smaller bags. In fact, many ultra-light backpackers have simply had to make peace with the simplicity of their backpacks. But that's not the case with the Bridger 45 backpack. I like the design approach to allow for a little extra weight in order to prioritize fit, feel, and function. If you're just comparing ounces online, then you won't get to see how well Bridger packs carry a heavy load.
The Articulating Hip Belt on the Bridger 45 Backpack
The accommodating hip belt experience also continues across the Bridger line. The triangular pocket design allows the padded belt to move with your body as you navigate testy terrain.
There are two good-sized pockets on the outside. These snack/phone holders are included, without an add-on upcharge. And to either side, there are big ol' water bottle mesh sleeves.
I like to use one for my Nalgene, and the other for my trekking poles and/or camera tripod. Not all backpacks can fit a Nalgene!
Double Zippered Opening on the Bridger 45
BackpackingTV fans know that I'm all about the flay opening on bags. This allows me to get at anything in my backpack, without having to pull a heap of gear out through the top.
If you go with a strict ultralight backpack, you have to really think about what order you pack things in. If not you'll be wasting time and energy playing tetris on the trail whenever you need a something deep in. A mid-access point allows you to focus on the most efficient way to pack. This allows for heavier, bulkier items to be packed lower in the bag and towards the back. This makes for a better carrying experience.
Sleeping Bag Compartment for Overnight Trips
Another nifty feature that also boosts packing efficiency is the bottom sleeping bag compartment. It has a big opening with a long, straight zipper. U-shaped zippers tend to fail, in my experience. This aids in ease of access. The pack also comes with a compression strap to help reduce the volume of the poofiest piece of gear.
Multiple External Gear Connection Points
The Bridger 45 comes equipped with lots of extra connection points. There are gear loops for things like ice axes, or in the case of my recent Grand Canyon winter backpacking trip, snow shoes. Even the most efficient packers usually end up needing to attach something to the outside. Don't let the outside of your pack become a junk show, but know that this backpack does offer plenty of flexibility.
Front Stretch Mesh Pocket
One of the points of variation throughout the Mystery Ranch Bridger backpack line is the generous front mesh pocket. This only exists on the 45 and 55 liter options. Compared to the 65 liter bag, which has another full-blown zipper pocket, I prefer the middle-ground approach. The mesh sleeve is great for quick-access items (such as a shell, map, or trail snacks), and it saves on weight.
Bridger 45L Packs Comfortable?
The Mystery Ranch Bridger 45 backpack is probably the most comfortable 45L backpack I've ever used. The many points of contact make each one, regardless of the size (but particularly as you trim down in volume) super responsive and easy to carry. When I'm moving around with the Bridger 45L pack, I feel very nimble. The Bridger 45 pack stays with me without lagging or sloshing, and because of the balanced weight distribution, I never develop hotspots or excessively sore shoulders.
Durable Fabric on the Bridger 45
Mystery Ranch uses 100-denier fabric for much of the pack's exterior, with a 330-denier bottom to protect against abrasion in this high-abuse area. This creates another weight vs function tradeoff in which I agree with Mystery Ranch prioritizing durability. Mystery Ranch's roots are in the hunting, firefighting, and military demographics, and so their packs are always up to the task for people who are hard on their gear, or slog through rugged terrain.
Minor Critiques of the Bridger 45
I continue to wish that Mystery Ranch would make the bottom loop straps longer. This area is meant for attaching additional items, such as a sleeping pad. The only problem is I'm barely able to connect the buckles, even with just a simple accordion-style mat. If they can add two inches in length to all of these straps for the next generation, I will be a fully happy camper.
At $309 (USD), the Bridger 45 is a pinch above what other backpacks go for in the same size and quality class. I'd love to see that come down to the $270-80 range, but there's no question that the comfort, durability, and performance are all there to deliver some serious value.
And finally, at 4.4 pounds, this pack is heavier than your average 45L competitor. However, as I've touched on a couple times throughout this review, the raw weight doesn't tell the whole story. There are many zealous ultralight backpackers who would pass upon seeing this figure, which makes sense (there's no getting around the numbers), but the Bridger 45 also allows you to comfortably carry more weight.
There is certainly something to be said for the subjective perception of weight on the trail. And in that regard, this pack excels. It would be nice if Mystery Ranch could add a lighter pack to their arsenal, just so fastpackers can see how great the brand is.
Check out the Bridger 45 here!
For more information on the larger options, check out my Bridger 35L Backpack Review, Bridger 65L Backpack Review, and Kristi's Women's Bridger 55L Backpack Review. And for more content on all kinds of gear and best-practices in the outdoors, head on over to BackpackingTV.
Gear used in this review includes:
Backpack: Bridger 45L daypack
Jackets: Cotopaxi Cielo Rain Jacket
Fleece and Layers: Cotopaxi Otero midlayer
Pants: Fjallraven Keb Trousers
Sunglasses: Wiley X
Hi Eric! I’ve been watching and reading a good bit of your content lately in helping my return to long hikes and backpacking endeavors. Would you (please) be able to comment on the bottles you found to work well in the MR Bridger harness pockets? Just purchased a 45 and would like to try my best to make the bottle thing happen on (nearly) the first go. Would LOVE to make a filter bottle work, but not necessary- price is always an issue, but I’m a big proponent of “buy once, cry once”. I’m certainly appreciative of any experience you could share- my experience is more “old school” from the 90’s and 00’s. Thanks very much for considering!