Mystery Ranch is Evolving: The New Lightweight Radix Pack is Proof
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- Опубліковано 9 чер 2024
- Will thru-hikers fall in love? Did they do enough to entice even the Ultralight crowd? Did they alienate their loyal following?
Mystery Ranch just came out with the Radix pack, its first backpack aimed at the lightweight backpacking crowd. They have shaved a couple pounds off their notoriously rugged and comfortable packs in order to tantalize thru-hikers and traditional backpackers alike. This is a shockingly different pack for a company known for being overbuilt and capable of withstanding bear-nados (tornadoes full of bears of course). But how did they do? I've put in several hundred miles between the 57 and 47 liter packs. Here's what I think.
Radix 57: bit.ly/3UuslBE
Radix 47: bit.ly/42DWr7B
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To attract the ultralight / through hiker crowd. They need to double the price. It's not expensive enough
ATB.
😂😂😂😂 so true!
LOL
clearly you've never met a through hiker, they wear jackets that are more Tenacious Tape than ripstop
@themeatpopsicle tenacious tape, that's just a prop, isn't it ? Part of that thru hiker chic, perhaps thru hiker mystique. I suppose everyone thinks a thru hike would be great. I did for a while. I followed some for a few years. No way would would I put up with that misery and deprivation. And then every thru hiker is going to be a UA-cam star, just watch
@@edwardbenton4428 There's more to a thru hike than just walking thousands of miles for 5 or so months.
Thanks to you and your wife, I just purchased the Mystery Ranch Bridger 55 yesterday! I couldn’t pass up the runner vest style strap. Game changer
Nice! The Bridger is still the comfort king! (or queen)
Eric! Thank you for the review. I picked up the Radix 57 to replace my old atmos 65. I think simplifying pockets and storage and making the storage more functional is such a game changer! I always felt like I need to bring so much extra crap. Having my load down to about 25 pounds with water really feels excellent with this backpack. I’m so glad to see this review! 🙏
Great breakdown.
I am really happy with my Bridger 55 liter i got thanks to you, because sometimes i need heavy loads, but this looks like a really great option for a second backpack in the future.
Because you’ve been such a fan and contrubuter with Mystery Ranch, you should get some intel on the Yeti purchase and make a quick video about your thoughts.
Yes, he should...the guy on the Outdoor Gear Review channel did, but I found his review not very well informed or making fair comparisons regarding the Mystery Ranch product line. When I posted a more in-depth and INFORMED reply to his video, on both Mystery Ranch backpacks and the YETI buyout, he Deleted it. UNSUBSCRIBED !
I currently own three Mystery Ranch backpacks…all are the finest, most comfortable, load-bearing backpacks I’ve owned. All purchased with 20% discounts from two different third party suppliers making them an even better deal :
The “Scree 32-liter” - now my go-to Daypack, bar none, with capacity for an overnight camp if needed
The “Bridger 65-liter” - my go-to multi-day backpack
The “District 18-liter” - my everyday technical / business backpack
I must say, I am intrigued with the RADIX 47-liter...I may opt to get it, as the 47-liter capacity would fit in that "sweet spot" between the 32-liter and 65-liter I have now, and offering a lighter Pack weight.
Fingers crossed they take your design suggestions, like the running-style shoulderstraps and waterproof outer fabric. 47 looks sick. Can't wait to see their next evolution in their backpacking line. Great video as always, cheers!
This is the first ultralight backpack I've seen I might actually want.
NOBODY "needs" Dyneema to carry 10lbs on their back. That's just insane. Ultralight packs are overbuilt for stuff that they'll never do and anyone putting 40lbs in a Dyneema rig that's low on features (like a frame and padding and adjustibility) deserves to suffer.
This 3.8lb 57L pack from Mystery Ranch is just 1.2lbs lighter than their insanely comfortable (more and more being called the "Cadillac" of packs) Mystery Ranch Bridger 55. Sure, you lose 2L of capacity and gain 1.2lbs, but it can carry a ton (no pun intended) of weight super comfortably. I have the Bridger 65 (along with 4 other Mystery Ranch packs). 25lbs is my heaviest loadout with food & water.
Honestly, it's the smarter pack for those who want to go light but not ultralight. I'd imagine it'd be way more comfortable than an ultralight pack, but then again, no one is carrying more than 10lbs in an ultralight pack + food & water so really no pack should be "UN"comfortable with 10lbs.
You only need more padding, more frame and more features if you're backpacking. If you're thru-hiking, you just need a duffle bag with shoulder straps because you're only stopping for water & for a quick meal.
Conceptually, I like the Radix just like I like the Big Agnes, a similar hybrid. They make sense. Some think that less pack weight equals more miles, I say that comfort does a lot more for extending one's range than weight and more padding & structure (while adding more weight) equals more comfort and less pain will keep you on a trail longer (for those that stuff like that matters to).
Loving all your content of late
Thank you so much!
I like the bottom straps for a tent or accordion style closed cell foam pad. I think getting away from that in the industry is a mistake. It stands the pack up on the ground and the external access of these items I find is functional. The open pocket on front I’d rather was mesh. I like to see items, shed any rain and air items out while hiking. Nice video you always seem precise
Couldn't agree more!
I personally don't care if my bag opens all the way down the side either. If you pack smart you can have all the items you would need to access out on the trail right at the top. Zippers just add weight and failure points.
AGREE! If it ain't broke, don't try and fix it ! Keep the bottom straps...I use them and glad they're there.
One thing I heard from a CDT thru hiker that was older than the average age of thru hiker was. On the front end of a 5-6 day food carry combined with the potential for longer water carries a more beefy pack would be nice. More frame and support for comfort. Now maybe the younger folks on those trails don’t mind. But the 35+ crowd is bending to that thought? Hence the move for traditional pack makers to reduce weight. And the cottage UL pack makers to add more support? On a thru hike heading out of town with 5 days food and a gallon of water and maybe some snow gear those UL packs just aren’t built for that.
Desert hiker here with a heavy water carry. Gear goes to 38L but for water I have to take 75L. Eyeing Durston Kakwa and Zpacks Arc Haul.
Try the Kakwa 55. Ultra light and frame for support.
I'm 43, and will never carry more than the 45 lbs the Durston Kakwa can comfortably carry.
Love the breakdown of these packs thanks, I agree would have loved to seen the pack straps more like a running pack, and as a new backpacker something that can carry 40lbs comfortable is a plus
From Mystery Ranch Client Support : Both the RADIX 47 and the RADIX 57 have a weight rating to carry up to
60-lbs, no problem.
Nice detailed overview. I like what Mystery Ranch is doing to move into a lighter form factor. They’ve got some stiff competition with other traditional packs, like the Osprey Exos/Eja that come in a pound lighter and are more established. Good to see options, though.
I don’t think this is a fair comparison with frameless UL packs (comfort carry under 25lbs). And there are many framed UL packs that comfortably carry 35lbs that weigh at or under 2lb. I have personally owned Zpacks Arc Haul, LiteAF Curve 48 Full Suspension and Gossamer Mariposa all up to 35lb carry without any comfort issues.
Another pack to check out in my worst for the perfect carry? Guess I'll need to add more backpacking trips to my year 😊
I love the running vest style yoke on the bridge series, I have the Bridger 35 and I wish I had that yoke on my Terraframe 65L pack. Thank you to Eric for turning me onto Mystery Ranch!
You're welcome! Glad to hear it!
Cant you try to fit it in the yoke sleeve?
Might have gone for this if it had the running-vest yoke, but went for the Bridger instead. I've been using a 2013 Osprey Volt 75 (hugely underrated) for this long because I love how it carries - plus simple and fairly light at about 4.2lbs. The Bridger being a bit heavier and less volume is the first pack to make me break from it, purely based on carry. Carry is king, weight regardless.
I got the bridger 55 after your recommendation & will probably get a RADIX 47 for a 5 day trip walking The Cumbria way in May IF it comes to the UK. I bought my Bridger over here so 🤞. Love the channel, keep up the good work mate👍
Nice! I hope MR gets easier to purchase in Europe. Enjoy the packs!
@@eric_hanson Next time you see MR Ranch can you ask him to ship to the UK
Heard YETI picked them up. I hope that is not a bad thing. Thank you Eric.
Is Yeti the same as the mountain bikes?
@@mobilewintercamp7515 No, the $$$ coolers and drinkware Yeti, not the bicycle Yeti.
As a avid back country Alaskan hunter I’ve used mystery ranch hunting packs for all of my hunts for years. I’ve also used there packs for our hiking trips because well why spend so much just to loose a few pounds and feel less comfortable. See this come out this year and ordered one ASAP. Can’t wait to use it this summer. Save a few pounds and retain the mystery ranch comfort.
Yay! Another Eric Hanson mystery ranch ad!!
Gotta keep up my reputation!
@@eric_hanson all joke, hope you are well 😃
I got my Radix 57 a couple weeks ago, packed it up with everything except water for a 6 day trip. Now I am definitely excited to try it out. I too have a couple of complaints with the straps, but mine are mostly with the tie down points and the closure under the lid. I wish it closed tighter so you could use it without the lid, maybe a roll type closure.
Yeah, with the removable lid I think they needed a better closure system so you could truly ditch it without having a vulnerability. All in all though it's a solid pack and I think you'll enjoy it!
If you're more into traditional backpacking I would suggest also checking out Lundhags backpacks. Gnaur is really good choice. Sturdy materials. Easy to fix and it carries load easy. There are also different sizes (I don't know if they have products in US but intrawebs probably knows) also when I started to dropping some weight from my pack I bought Exped lightning backpack. It really is a miracle maker and you can have it in 60L or 45L and it is very comfortable to carry and deals loads well (it has kind of frame and you can adjust the back length)
Looks great! I don’t understand why people want to cut a pound or two on their pack. Doesn’t make much sense to me.
Looks nice for those that like organizing via pockets. Personally I'm a pouches organizer so I'll stick with my tube that has straps pack :D
Seek Outside makes AWESOME packs. Incredibly adjustable and if I have to carry over a weeks worth of food or more water it’s my jam. And they’re made for carrying out game. Never sore shoulders.
Fair review.
Thanks!
My Kelty coyote 65L is at 4 lbs. super comfortable and can carry up to 50lbs weight. It was also less than half the cost of this.
I love my old Kelty but it’s an overly big one 81L. So, I take the really large brain off & use it as a great day hike waist pack or even w/ the pack I like the waist pack for snacks & phone & electronics.
If they added the vest style harness it would be a must buy, I refuse to buy any pack without that after finally getting to try one, its such a vastly improved way to comfortably carry a pack
That's the only thing that holds the Radix back from being a truly great pack.
Cool backpack! Lots of straps and buckles to cut off
haha, well these are mostly girth hitched in so you can just taken em off.
As a firefighter I love their packs. Thanks
I love both my Bridger 45 and 55, and would like to see MR do a lighter-weight version of those.
Hello Eric! Love following your channel and expert advice. I’m preparing for a AT thru hike, and am considering the Radix or the Kakawa 55. Have you had experience with both? My load varies between 32-35 lbs depending on food and water. Another question is regarding a bear can. Does the BV 475 fit in the Radix 47? Thanks in advance for your answers!
Awsome video! As allways. Now time to save haha. Thanks. Ps you pick better gear than Dan shhh
Glad I got my Bridger before they were bought. Now yeti will charge 800 bucks for a 24l hydration pack
haha, maybe. I don't think we'll see much difference for a year or so.
Me too...bought the Bridger 65-liter
Can the yoke system from the Bridger be transplanted into this pack?
Yea little disappointed in this pack thought it would be lighter. Need this pack in ultra/dynema fabric with vest straps, and a roll top so if you don't want to use the lid the main pack is still sealed. Are the main packs between the two sizes different? Almost seems like the main packs are the same with different size lids to change the overall volume..
In th edownpour you experienced and the lack of waterproofness, did you notice any pooling of water in the side pockets or the main compartment? Does it have drain holes to allow the water to escape? Also if it lacks adequate waterproofing then the addition of the side zip become redundant if you need a pack liner to keep things dry or are they meaning it to not be a serious all weather pack?
Probably does...the other MR backpacks I own have side pocket drains.
Great review, hope the wife is better.
Be interesting to see what happens now that Yeti has bought them out.
Any thoughts on Yeti purchasing Mystery Ranch?
Hybrid packs sit in the 2,2/2,7 pounds range, this is almost double that. Don't get me wrong, it looks cool but it definitely is a different kind of product.
I would love to see this pack with a roll top option that would ditch the top pouch and made from Ecopak fabric. I would probably buy one and see if it is more comfortable than my ULA.
I think ditching the lid for a roll top would be interesting. But I do actually like the lid organization and I miss that when I use ultralight packs. But if they truly want to compete with UL packs they probably need to try that out!
Just got my radix 57 yesterday I really like it I also still love my hmg southwest and fjallraven packs so many great packs I will say dyneema water proof ness for weight still Makes it the best for me
The zipper access is nice but only good if the material, zippers, and seams are absolutely waterproof. If not, you are going to put a liner inside and the zip access does not offer any advantage.
Yeti just announced that they acquired Mystery Ranch. I wonder that will mean for the product line.
Yup. I think no changes for a year or two. Hoping it infuses them with cash to go deeper into the backpacking market since their bread and butter is military and fire.
The side access should be a given in all packs.
Eric, so is it true? Did Yeti acquire Mystery Ranch? Just heard this on another YT Channel.
I am absolutely toren between the bridger 65 amd radix 57 which do you think you would typically reach for i do mainly 3-7 day trips and these both seem like killer options!!
Thoughts on the radix vs hyperlight comparable? Or six moon minimalist v2?
between the 2, which one will hold a bear canister - wild ideas bearikade weekender and/or expedition - better.
Like the brain setup on this pack. I don't think they'll entice the ultralight people with it, but looks like it will be a solid pack for people with a more normal base weight in the upper teens. The Radix 31 is probably what you'd see if an ultralighter was going to get one of these packs, even then I wish they'd use some smaller hardware and buckles, could probably shave half a pound off. 3 pounds isn't bad for a backpack with a frame like this though.
I currently have the Osprey Exos 57, which I like. In your opinion, would it be worth it to upgrade to the Radix 57? Thanks
I think those are fairly similar packs. I've used the Exos and I do prefer the Radix, I think it's a better pack. But if you already have the Exos, I'm not sure you'd find a dramatic difference and you'd probably be better off just keeping what you have.
Mystery Ranch was Dana Designs long before they made military packs.
Too big to be favored with the UL crowd, unless you do a lot of winter trips. Wish it came in black (and NIR-compliant)
I'd love to see mystery ranch sell a separate yoke thats compatible with the radix but comes with the running vest style pockets and straps similar to the bridger. It would give us as a consumer an extra way to customize our packs and the option to swap some weight for comfort if we seem fit. Even if it was $50-60 I think I would be super interested.
That's interesting. Having the ability to choose which yoke system on which pack is an intriguing idea. If they'd made the Radix with the Bridger running vest I'd be over the moon with this pack.
@@eric_hanson maybe there's a cottage company out there that we could commission one from based the specs from the original radix yoke. If you can't buy it, make it, right?
@eric_hanson The "running vest" style harness is becoming the new "in thing" but I gotta say it's a harness system that eliminates a chunk of users, namely any woman with more than a b cup.But sadly in the UA-cam space as well as the backpacking gear space in general zero shits are given about gear that actually fits women. If you are built like the average woman and not a woman athlete (which realistically 90% of us are not athletes) you can't get gear that fits properly/is comfortable. Most big gear companies and even some cottage companies think that offering a "women's" version of a pack which simply has shorter torso lengths and more hip padding makes it a "women's" pack...but most of my women friends still have to buy mens packs cause guess what? While some of us do have shorter torsos, many many of us do not. And our hips have a different angle than a mans, we don't need more padding, we need it attached differently. Also, the vast majority of us weigh more than 130 pounds...give us some apparel that goes past size 14 for heavens sake. Sorry for the rant...just a woman still using mens gear after 30 years.
@@HapticTraveler no, it's a fair rant, but offering more options to mix and match only allows more users to find an option that works best for them, not exclude individuals with different fit preferences and needs. At the end of the day, these companies tend to prioritize the groups that represent the largest portion of their customer base and sadly that leaves out many groups that deserve gear that works for them and allows them to also enjoy the great outdoors. In fact, it's another perfect example for why the option to purchase different belts and yokes might be a welcome idea, give the people the ability to find what they need, not force them to fit a mold.
@@kevinjones5236 I would LOVE to see backpacks with options for harness systems/belt systems etc that can be customized. As you say, there are a LOT of people out there that can't get their needs met by corporate gear makers, and can't afford cottage gear makers, and so they simply give up on the whole idea. The outdoors is not for people like them, they decide...and since it isn't for them, why should they care about protecting those spaces, about preserving or even adding to those spaces? And that's a downward spiral for the outdoor/wild places that we as a culture seem intent on seeing to the bottom sadly.
I heard about Yeti had bought the Mystery Ranch brand. Have you heard about that and what's your thoughts on this?
I've heard! I think nothing changes for about a year. Then after that, I have no idea what shifts will happen.
@eric_hanson I enjoy yeti products and mystery ranch products, so hopefully, yeti doesn't change things too much cause the packs are freaking awesome now, so hopefully, good improvements if anything, I wouldn't think would need much improvements at all but who knows. I'm going to purchase that 45L before something happens to it just in case, cause I really like that pack. Great reviews, Thank you for all you do.
Just ordered the Black 47 L version! So pumped!
They are on sale now at 25% off.
Nice! Enjoy it!
I did the same with the RADIX 47-L (actual capacity is 45-liters), taking advantage of the 25% President's Day discount! Already received it and appears to be a great pack at 3.5-lbs. with a weight rating of up to 60-lbs...not that I plan to load that much, but good to know it could.
I have the Bridger 65 already and that is my "go-to" multi-day pack...I'm positioning this RADIX at my lightest weight option for a longer hike for a 3 - 4 day outing.
I just heard yeti bought mystery ranch. How do you feel about that?
What do you think will change??
I don't think much will change for about a year. After that it's really hard to tell.
Wasn’t it just announced that Mystery Ranch was purchased by Yeti?!
Was just watching TOGR and evidently Yeti bought Mystery Ranch at the end of January. Opinion?
Been getting asked this a lot. It's too early to tell what direction Yeti takes MR. I think it could be really good, infuse the company with more marketing power and resources to develop even more into the backpacking world (since their bread and butter is military and fire). But it could go sideways if Yeti decides to make a cheaper product and sell it for higher prices. I don't think there will be any real changes for a year or two.
What was that noise right about 6:00 to 6:05 Minutes? Somebody have too many beans?
The waist belt far a xl 39+ but has big does it go
I'm sorry to hear your pack was heavy and was a pain in your A.S.S. (Achy Shoulder Syndrome)
The radix has certainly caught my eye, but I'm far more interested in the packs that Nemo has on the horizon.
Nemo making big changes! I'm interested in what they're cookin' up too!
Granite gear blaze 60 is cheaper, lighter and also carries heavy; I don’t see the value prop here.
They should come with a Yeti cup, since Yeti bought them, lol. Better yet, Yeti should make an ultralight Yeti cup to go with it!!!
Haha great suggestion!
Can the brain be used as Fanny or a waist bag. Does it have the straps for that?
I think you can technically rig it to use that way, but I'd say mostly no. At least not in a practical comfortable way.
They’ve been bought by Yeti, so might be some more competition in backpacking sector.
Great video, I always liked MR till yeti bought them. Glad I purchased the radix 47 before yeti got to them.
haha, got it in the nick of time!
It seems to me that this pack sits in a spot that will appeal to a small number of users. It’s not light enough, and has more bells and whistles, than most ultralight backpackers are looking for. Yet, to cut weight, it loses the features that allow you to comfortably carry really heavy loads.
I imagine that it will attract a small number of devoted users, but will miss the mark for most.
Holy crap! I just heard Mystery Ranch is being acquired by Yeti? #WTF
Mystery Ranch was just bought by YETI??? Guess they want to expand product line.
Why did they sell out to yeti?
I'm guessing the old owners who've been in the business for many decades were looking to retire.
Which do you prefer the Bridger or the Radix? Say 30 pounds
Good question! I’d go radix. To me the tipping point is 35 lbs where I’d go Bridger.
❤ From 🇮🇪
I wish they'd incorporate a better back ventilation system. I despise a sweaty back
That's true. MR could really improve that across their pack lineup.
Is the brain on the 47 removable like the 57?
No, the brain is fixed to the 47 pack. That's a good note that I missed!
@@eric_hanson thanks!
When you have to push a product, but you know it’s not worth it. 😂
❤
Trying to decide between this and a kakwa pack, begginger backpacker trying to plan ahead for wanting to take the wife or one of my children on a trip. Have a EE quilt and a x mid tent so far.
Nice. I'm just about to take the Kakwa pack out for my first trip with it. I've heard good things. Radix is great and I'm sure you'd be happy with but if you're really committed to going ultralight than the Kakwa is probably better.
With yeti acquiring mystery ranch expect their already high prices to go even higher, quality to take a nose dive, warranty to offer less coverage, and their designs to appeal to influencers and outdoor fashion snobs more than true outdoorsmen.
It's definitely possible. I don't think it'll go that way, but who knows!
Yeti, notorious for having F U prices, just wants those government contracts that mystery ranch has so they can continue to charge insane prices and know the government will pony up.
Mystery Ranch has a 25% off sale for Presidents Day.
Score!
@@eric_hanson - Heard 'dat...and I just secured my RADIX 47 order with that discount !
That completes my Mystery Ranch backpack family of: 18-liter - 32-liter - 47-liter - and 65-liter gear !
Well covered for all scenarios I'll ever do !
No discount code?
Concerning the criticisms of MR selling to Yeti...any owner looking to sell a successful biz will most likely take the best bid. I don't fault MR for this; they took the risks when starting off. They now reap the value for their families, shareholders etc. Years ago I recall an Astros player taking serious criticisms for considering leaving Houston for a salary of $6M/yr vs $5M/yr to stay. Radio listeners would call in saying, "Come on, it's just a million dollars, what's the difference?!". I'll tell you...it's a MILLION DOLLARS difference, EVERY year of his contract, that's what.
Decent gear, but I definitely don't support companies that make gear for hunters.
When Yeti takes over ALL Mystery Ranch backpacks will hold ice for a very long time. 🧊 😂