By Following the 2022 launch of the Bridger series, with their new ‘endurance yoke’ system, outdoor gear legends Mystery Ranch have expanded the line, introducing two further volume options, at 35 and 45 litres respectively. When I reviewed the larger Bridger 55 last year, I remarked that a daypack built around that harness might become a new favourite.
Designed for long, tough days on the mountain, the Bridger 35 takes inspiration from running vests with its harness design, but adds structure and features for improved performance when hiking.
Tech Specs
| Metric | Imperial | |
| Height | 61cm | 24in |
| Width | 30cm | 12in |
| Depth | 30cm | 12in |
| Weight | 1.7kg | 3.7lb |
| Volume | 35.5L | 2165cu.in |
Primary Materials: 100D Robic recycled nylon ripstop, 330D Robic nylon.
Quality and Comfort
The Bridger series’ signature Endurance Yoke represents a development in Mystery Ranch’s already famous load carriage design. The shoulder straps are broad, spreading the load evenly, aided by the dual chest straps. The belt is well padded and the pack’s overall chassis is supported with a spring-steel wire frame. Being familiar with Mystery Ranch’s sizing and fitment practices, it didn’t take me long to get the pack dialled in perfectly for the trail.
As I remarked with the previous review, this design is heavy, and anyone interested in the Bridger 35 will need to literally weigh up their priorities when selecting a pack. I know many folks will compromise on support to reduce their overall weight but, coming from an environment that requires year-round layering and safety gear, I’m happy to invest a little weight into a system that will properly support whatever I’m carrying without cutting into my shoulders or straining my back.
All of the padding on the Bridger is constructed from a light but robust mesh, which is supposed to confer ventilation. Testing the Bridger 35 in hot weather, my shirt still soaked in sweat where it made contact with the padding sections, though I must admit it was more comfortable than other options I’ve used in the past, where a solid panel of airmesh has draped across my back. There was even a touch of the mythical airflow at times when the breeze picked up, channelling cool air against my spine. The airflow design lifts the body of the pack away from the wearer’s body a little, which might normally upset the balance of the load, but I didn’t find that to be the case in use. I suspect this might be the reason for the Bridger 35’s tall, shallow profile. Between this and the harness, I experienced no swinging or swaying at all, even when jumping or running short distances.
In terms of material selection, I find it hard to fault the Bridger 35. The 100d Robic nylon is lightweight and highly flexible, making it a superb choice for the side panels, while the 330d panels for the lid, face and base of the pack are more durable. Even after dragging my Bridger over granite and setting it down in the dirt, I can’t see any wear or scuffing
Access and Organisation
Although positioned as a daypack, the Bridger 35 is at the larger limit of that category, especially for warm weather use when winter layers and technical gear isn’t required. This may leave minimalists scratching their heads, but for anyone who likes to carry camera gear, group-leader safety equipment, tools, or simply wants to make fresh coffee with their summit lunch, the extra space will be welcome.
A true trail offering, the Bridger 35 is built as one large compartment, accessible through a tight top cinch as well as a large front-opening panel. As above, this design allows the wearer to pack their bag in the most stable, comfortable configuration, without restricting access to gear that might be better placed lower down. In testing, I was happy to throw my puffy insulator down into the base of my Bridger, knowing that I could find it quickly and easily as soon as I stopped moving. Fabric flaps cover both the front zips, protecting them from moisture ingress, though I’d still be inclined to keep sensitive gear in a sealed drybag in really wet weather.
The zips are equally protected from strain by dual compression straps on both sides of the Bridger 35. Even though they’ve used a YKK #8, zippers are a notorious failure-point, so it’s great to see these straps positioned to take the strain off the front panel, extending the lifespan. I’m happy to be reminded that Mystery Ranch really consider the durability of their packs. The pack’s tall shape lends itself well to carrying tripods or other outsize gear here. One criticism I made of the Bridger 55 was a degree of awkwardness with trekking poles strapped to the exterior, and I’m happy to report a much better experience here. There are extra compression straps, replete with duraflex buckles, around the base of the Bridger 35. They could be used for bulky overload, but I effectively ignored them during use.
Each side of the Bridger 35 also sports a stretch pocket that will hold a 1L Nalgene without struggle. The fabric and position enabled me to grab my bottle without taking the bag off, but kept me from worrying about losing the contents; this made a nice departure from other Mystery Ranch designs, which I’ve found unsecure on rough terrain or snow. They also have small cutouts for drainage, on the lower corner.
The lid pocket has a straight slash zipper, and an internal key leash. It’s simple but capacious enough to hold a first aid kit or possibles pouch. The Bridger 35 also features zippered pockets on each hip pad, which are similarly placed for quick access, and I found these well sized for snacks, lip balm, or a headlamp, though I struggled to fit my phone in a case (which the Bridger 55’s belt pockets had had no problem swallowing).
Iconic to the Bridger line, two more pockets appear on the mesh shoulder straps. Inspired by the chest pockets on running vests, Mystery Ranch advertise these for holding soft water bottles, but in practice I’ve found them neither necessary, nor particularly well shaped for that use. While runners feel a clear benefit from having their water in a more stable and accessible position, those needs are less relevant to backpackers. That’s not to say that the chest pockets were useless: I routinely stored a map and compass in one, and was able to swap out sunscreen, snacks, or other items I might want on-hand in the other. I’m a big fan of having certain items within easy reach while out on the hill, but I’d love to see these pockets better implemented for my needs while hiking – whether that’s closer to Mystery Ranch’s own Wingman pocket, or a standalone chest pack.
Hydration is well covered on the Bridger 35, both through the external bottle pockets and an internal bladder sleeve which holds my 3L Camelbak without complaint. The hose routes out on either upper corner of the back panel, meeting with retention elastics on the shoulder straps. Mystery Ranch have built two internal mesh pockets into the side walls, which are well sized for gloves or a power bank, and positioned to give fairly quick access, especially when using the front zipper panel. This is really all I need on a dayhike but for folks who want more, Mystery Ranch’s new Quick Attach Zoid Bags will mount to the rear wall, right behind the wearer’s head. The tabs are unobtrusive and look easy to use, and seem to feature across Mystery Ranch’s current Outdoor line, so I hope they remain easy to pick up for some time.
What’s Perfect
- Suspension rides beautifully on the body and helps with all day comfort.
- Access is balanced against stability, without compromise.
- Materials feel tough but not overbuilt; striking a balance between weight and durability.
What’s Not
- Pocketing could be refined for improved utility for hiking and backpacking use.
- High weight will put off some potential users.
Wrap up
It has become common for acolytes of ultralight backpacking to refer (with varying degrees of derision) to full-framed, durably built backpacks as ‘traditional’ – a term which I feel ignores the development and innovation in load carriage that companies like Mystery Ranch are driving.
My experience, however, after nearly a decade using Mystery Ranch products, tells me that they are driving constantly to improve on themselves. I remain seriously impressed by the Endurance Yoke, and happy with the organisational features built into this new bag. I just can’t wait to use it in winter. The Mystery Ranch Bridger 35 can be purchased directly from Mystery Ranch for $289 here.
Disclaimer: the Bridger 35 was provided by Mystery Ranch for use in this review. The content of the review was not shared with Mystery Ranch prior to publication. Our reviews are unbiased and never altered to keep a brand happy.
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