Mystery Ranch BRIDGER Series // All FOUR Sizes Compared & Differences Highlighted

[@things_marc_does]

This is the best Bridger tutorial I’ve seen so far. You’ve helped clear up some questions I had that I couldn’t find in other videos. Thanks

[@JBOutside1]

Awesome, thank you Marc!

[@MJCGAMING]

Thank you for such a thorough and detailed walkthrough of all the bags. I wish I would've watched this before ordering. It blows my mind how basic The Mystery Ranch product pages are. I would love to see some type of interactive and/or schematic breakdown of there bags. I've had a Blitz 30 for about a year as my everyday/go everywhere pack and absolutely love it. For the Bridger, I ordered and sent back the 35 and opted for the 45, mainly because of that stretch front and underneath compartment. It'll arrive here next week, but seeing you hold it there and going over it, I now know that's the pack I need. I'm moving across the country permanently to the mountains of Arizona in 2 weeks. It's been a dream of mine forever. Lived all my life in Iowa. I have never been hiking before, but it is something I've wanted to get into. Not a lot of hiking terrain in Iowa haha. I workout a lot and am an avid cyclists, so I know I am in great shape, but I look forward to the challenges and adventure that hiking in the wilderness will bring. Love your video quality and how you present yourself. Easy to watch and listen to. Very well edited and shot. Great work. I subscribed :)

[@JBOutside1]

Awesome! What an adventure and you’ll love the easy access in your new location. Hope the Bridger serves you well! Thanks for watching and the kind feedback 👊🏻

[@Jarrych83]

With the recent updates and new models in the line, this was really helpful to see. The differences in the sizes mostly make sense and it's clear that the 45 could be even be used for shorter overnights or particularly in warm weather where you don't mind keeping things on the outside. And your comments about their use based on recent trips is DEFINITELY helpful for assessing if one of these is a good fit for someone's needs. And the weight of this line is definitely rough, but anyone looking at Mystery Ranch will figure out real fast that they're just not minimalist or lightweight bags. That 65L is a true modern expedition bag, like wow.

[@JBOutside1]

Thanks Timothy! Glad you found the review useful.

[@JarradShaw]

This was great Devin. Thank you back brother. I have loved watching your hard work, learning so much and having so many collaborated conversations back in forth. ❤

[@JBOutside1]

Thanks again!

[@nathanwhouston]

Subscribed as soon as you said you bought them all for me.

[@JBOutside1]

Yes! 👊🏻

[@DiabeticDawg]

This was definitely the most helpful review I’ve seen comparing this series and even just explaining each bag. Thank you.

[@JBOutside1]

You bet!! 🙏🏻

[@trailsportsuk3627]

I wanted the 35L but not having bottom access is a deal breaker. My search continues for the perfect pack. Great Video..

[@JBOutside1]

Sorry to hear that. Good luck!

[@Two_Names]

Bless, I was just trying to find somewhere locally that had the Bridgers in stock so I could actually compare the differences between the different sizes once I realized they actually had different features. I was drawn first to the Coulee series but I think the Bridgers are more appropriate for my needs. Awesome video, much appreciated!

[@JBOutside1]

You bet! Glad I could help

[@GubbePaaTur]

Thanks for this great comparison video. I got the 65 liter and totally love it. Thinking of getting either the 35 or 45, but have not decided yet. Probably going 45, since I love my 30 Liter Fjellreven "Bergen" daypack.

[@JBOutside1]

Nice! Tough choice for sure

[@Duanewrites]

More videos with fun stuff and outtakes, please!

[@mikeb5664]

I was in the market for an expedition back pack 65 L +, that could easily carry 50 lbs. The Bridger 65 was on my short list. But due to its weight of 5.5 lbs, it lost out to the Seek Outside, Divide 4800 2.0. The Divide certainly doesn't have the Bridger features, as it's just one compartment with a front pocket and two bottle pockets. But that is why the Divide weighs 2.9 lbs, yet has a main compartment capacity of 79 L, the front pocket is 13 L, and each bottle pocket will hold 2 Nalgenes, and has a weight rating of 200 lbs. Hip pockets and top lid are optional making the Divide about $200 more. Not cheap at $800 CDN dollars ($600 US), but I couldn't be happier with it.

[@JBOutside1]

Good stuff! Glad you found a winner!

[@strangerous1313]

First time seeing one of your videos, and it just happened to spotlight my favorite packs! I have a 45 and 55, with a 35 on order. I appreciate your easy, relaxed style on camera, and the way you offer suggestions and relay experience when talking about pack features. New subscriber here!

[@JBOutside1]

Thanks Mark! Hope you like the Bridgers! 👊🏻

[@daveevans7151]

I am really looking at the 45 but cannot find one locally to try. The harness is different and that is what I want to really try. How was it getting used to the different setup (double strap, bigger straps, etc…)?

[@Tennischamp450]

Do you think you could use the 45L for 3-4 days if you don’t carry a tent?

[@subsonicelf9271]

Top notch review 🤝

[@JBOutside1]

Thanks!! 👊🏻

[@YTusercomment]

Great features comparison video between all of the Bridger models. Mystery Ranch offers rock solid backpacks, made in America, and stellar support and customer service and repairs after the sale I chose the MR Bridger, 65-liter, in "Wood" color, for multi-day backpacking and camping: very pleased. Also own the MR Scree, 32-liter backpack...a great backpack that serves as a Day Pack, with a bit of extra capacity, or a minimalist single overnight pack. Most recently purchased the MR District, 18-liter to use for Urban trekking / business / technical gear packing.

[@JBOutside1]

Nice!!

[@Olympic_TryAthlete]

Those shoulder strap pockets lock like they’d be great for bear spray cans as well

[@JBOutside1]

Yes! 🐻

[@billbarrett7772]

Great video, thanks for the awesome presentation and info!

[@JBOutside1]

Glad it was helpful!

[@erickaesman4001]

Great video. Im leaning towards the 35L but this comparison was extremely helpful. Im looking for something that will hold some EDC+ stuff w/o looking too tacticool (5.11, Condor) and something for hikes w/ the dogs and even use as a Bug Out/Get Home bag.

[@JBOutside1]

Glad it was helpful! Gallagator video coming soon. Might look at that one too

[@agpilot02]

Great video JB!

[@JBOutside1]

Thanks!

[@Superfly816]

I feel like the front flap on the 65 could be used like a beavertail, if you partially zip it, 20% of the way, and mount a small clip to the top left and right to secure it to the lid or load straps

[@JBOutside1]

Good point...I'd have to play around with that to see how it works

[@Superfly816]

@@JBOutside1I like the utility of the stretch pocket, but a couple of plastic biners should do the trick. Beavertails are my favorite and part of why I rock the Pintler.

[@jasonc9196]

excellent!

[@JBOutside1]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@SlickMaximus]

-> Where can I learn how belt/low back or shoulder harness dimensions interact with body to increase comfort? Central to this question is discussion on which muscles pull on which bones to support pack while walking? For me pack comfort is the dominate reason to choose a pack yet no one discusses how pack dimensions create comfort. Reason I ask this question: 1- I have a 4 year degree in physics and due to on-off low back pain I did self study to understand how human body keeps pelvis horizontal with each step. Looks like body contracts at least 6 different muscles with each heel strike to keep pelvis horizontal. Add a 40 pound pack which amplifies the impact forces.

[@JBOutside1]

Great question. Best advice I have is to go to a retail store that has a lot of the packs to try on. Each manufacturer builds them differently. I haven't seen a place to answer your specific question yet.

[@codycox2685]

Good review. Subbed.

[@JBOutside1]

Thanks Cody!! 👊🏻

[@hokulele4059]

If I use that bottom compartment for my quilt/sleeping bag, is it protected from a downpoor rainstorm or multiple days of rain? How much protection does that compartment give you from the elements? Thanks for this review, it is very helpful.

[@JBOutside1]

I would say NO to heavy downpour. While the bag will shed water quite nicely it's not waterproof. You'll want either a cover for the whole backpack or a liner on the inside to keep things dry. I have a sea2summit backpack liner that works quite nice. You can also use a trash bag

[@layne4376]

Would it be possible to strap a tent horizonally between the bag and the top pocket on the 45?

[@JBOutside1]

Absolutely

[@layne4376]

@@JBOutside1Thank you!!

[@MRBenchwork]

What do the Brain bags weigh?

[@JBOutside1]

Oz’s. Sorry I’m out of town for a few weeks.

[@toodamnskippy6220]

Outtakes!

[@JBOutside1]

Haha, do you watch the whole video or skip to the end? Asking for a friend...

[@toodamnskippy6220]

@@JBOutside1 Am I under oath? Suggestion: do an outtake standalone compilation sometime when you’re bored at Angels 30. Hey, is the Goruck XPAC torture test still in the hopper?

[@JBOutside1]

@@toodamnskippy6220 Yes. I'm waiting on some 1000D and 500D test subjects to compare the XPAC to.

[@MG-ze3lf]

I wanna order the 35L but want the back stow pouch for wet gear. Kinda silly they didn't put one on the 35

[@JBOutside1]

I agree

[@MG-ze3lf]

@@JBOutside1 If I could make one or find an aftermarket one to improvise I will maybe grab one.

[@manueldelgado5336]

Maybe one thing they can improve is the water bottle size. Seems too small for such a big nag

[@JBOutside1]

True

[@michaeljensen4350]

what would be the max weight the 55 and 65 would carry comfortably?

[@JBOutside1]

Great question. But unfortunately I haven’t tested at super heavy weights

[@colinmillar6440]

Can you do a 2 night with the 45 or better to go.with 55?

[@JBOutside1]

The "what size is best" debate is really dependent on how you pack and what you like to take. My recommendation is to list out your packing list, assemble it and than think about the bag layout. I could go 2 nights in either when challenged to do so. Another that is you can always compress the bag down to a smaller size but you can't add capacity to the smaller option

[@colinmillar6440]

@JBOutside1 fair points, I guess I was just asking personally if you had to grab one or the other for most two nighters which would you find yourself grabbing 9 out of 10 times given your combined experience with both sizes. Not ultralight, but not a hoarder either.

[@Tennischamp450]

Awesome review, trying to decide between the 45L 55L. How many days do you think the 45L would be good for if you didn’t have to carry a tent?

[@JBOutside1]

A ton of questions to ask before you can answer that like season, style of packing, etc. but I’d say without going crazy hyperlite a weekend adventure is doable

[@PhilAndersonOutside]

I've actually gone a week in a 50L pack, with a bear canister. Keep in mind I took a 1 person tent, have a very lightweight sleeping bag, and pad, simple stove, and the weather was consistent. I'm not an UL person, but I am a minimalist and have a lot of experience, so I'm good at not taking too much stuff. I have a friend who has gone 9 days in a 48L pack. If I did the PCT, I'd likely try to do it in a Bridger 45, and find a way to make it work strategically. Once you have a fairly compact base (tent, bag, pad, stove, purifier, first aid kit, etc.), the key is food, and clothing. Most people take too much of both, and some people simply won't wear the same shirt 6, 7, 8 days in a row, which I get. But if you're going solo, who cares?

[@daveevans7151]

Great video! Thinking about the 45 myself. I use the Grayl water purifier…wondering how stretchy those pockets are and if they could hold a GeoPress. Any thoughts/experience? Some of my packs can’t really hold it as they don’t stretch enough and then due to the rubber base on the filter, it’s hard to get it in and out. Also, could you put a bear can under the brain vs having to carry in the pack?

[@JBOutside1]

I don’t have that filter but the pockets are plenty big. I just can’t speak to the utility of the one. As for the bear canister, not sure you could get it in and out through that opening but the divider is removable so it could definitely sit in the bottom

[@daveevans7151]

@@JBOutside1 thanks!

[@Battlem0nk]

Bridger 35 is 24" height on paper spec but can the top brain compartment be squished down to be 22" carry-on compliance?

[@JBOutside1]

Not sure. On a trip so I’ll check that out this weekend.

[@markmclain1956]

@@JBOutside1 My question as well. I hope to use the 35L in the Alps where I will be going hut to hut. Still need a suitcase to take all of those presents to my Euro friends though!

[@BeautifuLakesStreamsBiologists]

I used to worry about height. A relative is a flight attendent, so I stacked up my personal item pack to the plane and she said it would be ok. I have never been questioned about height, just as long as the width lets me stuff it under the plane seat. To that end I added an external pouch that hangs off the bottom, again with no problem from airlines from the US.

[@undefeatedgaul3201]

Only problem with these is the colors for the men’s version are fucking terrible and they force that light grey strap on you too. Holy shit how do they not offer better colors??

[@JBOutside1]

I personally love the copper color

[@robbynatividad6857]

Looking forward for 45 l black

[@JBOutside1]

It's a good one

[@robbynatividad6857]

What is the color of bridger aura for women? I am confused if it is grey or light purple

[@JBOutside1]

Great question…I’m the last person to give color advice 😜 but I think mostly gray with a hint of purple 🤷🏼‍♂️