How many times have you heard your grandparents say “They don’t make them like they used to.”? Sure, it gets annoying to hear, but it couldn’t be more true when it comes to bags. In a time of fast fashion and cutting corners, there are fewer and fewer manufacturers who focus on making high-quality bags that are spacious, practical, and durable.
Enter Mystery Ranch.
If you haven’t heard of them before, Mystery Ranch is a brand that makes bags and other load-bearing items for outdoor use. They’ve been around since 2000 — plenty of time to design a ton of top-notch bags.
That’s why in this review, we’ll be reviewing three Mystery Ranch backpacks. Each Mystery Ranch backpack reviewed here is suited for different purposes so you can choose one that suits your current lifestyle and needs best.
Mystery Ranch Scree 32 Backpack Review
Features
- Available in Small to Extra Large.
- Cushioned back and straps distribute the bag’s weight evenly.
- 3-Zip opening gives you easy access to your bag’s contents.
- HDPE frame sheet supports weight and maintains the bag’s shape.
Thoughts on the Mystery Ranch Scree 32 Backpack
It doesn’t take more than a glance to tell that the Mystery Ranch Scree 32 Backpack is a well-made bag that can take a beating. It has strong stitches and thick fabric that can easily hold your stuff without ripping or tearing even if you pack it to the brim. The bag is mostly made with 210D Robic nylon fabric, making it waterproof and tear-resistant.
What’s most noticeable about the Mystery Ranch Scree 32 Backpack is its 3-Zip opening that lets you open the bag’s sides and top. It might not seem like a major improvement, but when you’re on a trip with this bag and you need to take out your camera or shoes, you won’t have to dig it out of the bottom of the bag.
But if you really want to know what makes this bag a cut above the rest, you’ll need to get it for yourself. The Mystery Ranch Scree 32 Backpack is insanely comfortable. On paper, it claims to just distribute the weight of your backpack evenly on your bag, but in practice, it makes you feel like you’re carrying nothing. Well, as close to carrying nothing as you can get while wearing a fully packed 32L bag.
You can get the Mystery Ranch Scree 32 Backpack here.
Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Backpack Review
Features
- 18L bag made for daily use.
- Built-in tablet and laptop sleeves.
- Clean, minimalist exterior that blends into any outfit.
Thoughts on the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Backpack
The Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Backpack has most of the things that make the Mystery Ranch Scree 32 Backpack great. It’s made of the same material, uses the same ultra-smooth YKK zippers, and has an HDPE internal frame sheet. Its smaller size makes it fit a little less comfortably for bigger guys, but it’s not a big enough difference to be noticeable. If you’ve never had a Mystery Ranch backpack before and choose to buy this one, it might become the most comfortable bag you have so far.
But why is the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Backpack shorter than many of Mystery Ranch’s bags? Apparently, it’s because it was initially made for the ladies. However, it seems Mystery Ranch released it to be unisex since it looked the part.
While this backpack has a ton of storage space and organization options, like built-in tablet and laptop sleeves and side pockets, it has nowhere near enough pockets to be every woman’s dream backpack. If you’re the feminine type, you’ll still be using pouches with this bag.
You can get the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Backpack here.
Mystery Ranch Rip Ruck 24-Wood Everyday Companion Backpack Review
Features
- Padded laptop sleeve with Velcro closure.
- Made from waterproof and tear-resistant Robic nylon fabric.
- Articulated body panel prevents stress on your laptop when the bag is worn.
- Several pockets on the interior and exterior of the bag.
Thoughts on the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Backpack
The Mystery Ranch Rip Ruck 24-Wood Everyday Companion Backpack is hands down the best bag on this list for working professionals who are always on the go. Whether you’re an office worker or a digital nomad, you’re going to love how laptop-friendly this bag is.
Instead of a rigid HDPE sheet, the bag has an articulated back panel that moves with you as you walk, keeping stress off of the devices you stored inside the bag. Speaking of the bag’s interior, it has pockets where you can store chargers and a padded laptop sleeve with Velcro closure to keep your gadgets in place.
You can get the Mystery Ranch Rip Ruck 24-Wood Everyday Companion Backpack here.
Overall Thoughts
Without a doubt, Mystery Ranch makes great backpacks for both outdoor and daily use. It’s great to know they make all their bags from the same heavy-duty materials so you can count on hiking-worthy quality from their regular bags. What sets the brand apart, though, is its dedication to making gear that suits everyone, not just gear that “works” for everyone. Their bags are comfortable because they pay attention to anatomy and make designs for male and female users alike.
