I love the new Endurance yoke, and cant wait to see it appear on more packs. Cordura fabric is often used in things like mid to high-end protective motorcycle jackets because of its exceptional abrasion resistance. (More info here..). A: Some are, but this particular pack is not, and most of their packs that arent made for military or fire usage are made overseas in places like the Philippines and Vietnam. They are refined through systematic testing and careful incremental improvements. Well, its as close to perfect as Ive found so far. Matt Sampson The 2-DAY has color-matched brown urethane-covered zippers and buckles throughout and features a generic Mystery Ranch sewn-on tag, as well as a loop-side Velcro panel on top, which can be used for name tags, distress strobes, or more realistically, Punisher skull patches. El Dorado Hills, CA 95762-4549 (Yes, click here for details), OCIE (Organizational Clothing and Ind. The key feature of the Bridger backpacks is Mystery Ranchs new harness system, which theyre calling the Endurance Yoke. The smaller pocket zips closed and has a key leash; an incident during testing renewed my appreciation for key retention, so Im glad to see this here. A versatile EDC pack? 500D Cordura is also the same rugged material Mystery Ranch uses in the Mil-Spec rucksacks they supply to active-duty military and law enforcement personnel. WellRigged.com focuses on durability products, but what good is it to have reliable, tough Hi, I'm Don and I despise junky, unreliable products.

Is it a true tactical backpack? What lies beneath is all the grit and toughness of Mystery Ranchs professional line of military rucksacks (namely their 2 Day Assault BVS.

Let me put it this way. Sale. Sales - (916) 633-6565 It features the usual lower tightening straps, as well as load lifter straps on the top, which really help you to get a weighted pack higher on your back, mitigating the potential for injuries. I think the 3-Zip system is the single most compelling reasons to get one of their backpacks. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wellrigged_com-leader-2','ezslot_14',178,'0','0'])); The two water bottle holsters are large enough to accommodate any standard Gatorade-sized water bottle, or you can stuff them with a few pairs of socks or an umbrella. Equipped with the Hydrapak Shape-Loc Baffle, HydraFusion Tube and Blaster Bite Valve, its built to last a lifetime. During testing I passed my Mystery Ranch Bridger 55 to a friend so he could try it on. The packing list for this was an ECH, a woobie, front, back, and side ESAPI plates, and a full Camelbak bladder, and I used the laptop cases feature of being placed higher in the pack to hold the ESAPIs to keep their combined 20 pounds high and close to my body. For instance, to remain stealthy, the Urban Assault uses paracord zipper pulls instead of noisy metal tags. In testing, I found myself not getting much use out of this feature; I know some folks like to pull their sleeping kit without unpacking, but I found that my tent, extra layers, food were all out of the pack first, every time. The rearmost internal pocket is a laptop pocket that can be accessed from the outside of the pack through a zipper, or through conventional means by opening the entire pack up. This hydration bag mounts in the traditional location on the yoke/upper back, but is easily removable. The water beaded off the fabric in light rain and my camera always stayed bone dry. Durable, well-design products are painstakingly developed over time and multiple production cycles. A chest cinch strap will likely fix a good chunk of the issues that I had with the lateral movement over my flak, and purchasing it in the bright blue colorway alleviates some of the issues I have with the overtly tactical appearance of the pack. Even the internal frame sheet can be removed for deep-cleaning or replacement. Finally, I tested the straps by doing the same thing I did to the top carry handle, and of course, they passed. The point is, Ive got a bit of experience with Mystery Ranch products, both personally and professionally. They list this as an EDC bag, but honestly, wearing a bag like this for any sort of EDC situation, even if youre unarmed, is just asking for undue attention, especially in colors like coyote brown, foliage green, or black. This was evident for my commutes. It was all I could do to stop him running away with it, there and then. Using the Bridger 55 in Spring I stayed practically sweat-free I cant wait to test for hot-weather performance, when I feel like this system will actually make a difference. By marketing this to the EDC market, and by using goofy terms like everyday urban operations or whatever, Mystery Ranch basically says the quiet part out loud: this is a pack for people who want to look tacticool, but who dont necessarily rely on the pack in a life-or-death situation, and it does so at an affordable price. Info@s3dvbe.com. The packaging is incredibly simple, and apart from the tags that explain the basic features of the pack, youre pretty much on your own. It allows instant full-length access to all the contents by flaying the whole pack wide open from top to bottom. The shoulder straps are broad and spread across the chest when worn, with two sternum straps included to keep the load in place. One of the things that I noticed is that the Futura Harness with its yoke and adjustable load-lifters really helped make the pack fit close to my body and the load not feel overly heavy. Read This Before You Buy, link to How To Survive Hard Times: 8 Unique Traits of Survivors, 17 Super Durable Backpacks Thatll Survive the Apocolypse, You can see and access everything at all at once, design it with a flat bottom so it could stand up on its own, add drawstrings to the water bottle holder, Add elastic to the top of the internal organizer pockets, upgrade the top carry handle to a padded grip. Meaning that your pack will be a giant glowing spot under standard Generation 3+ night vision. GOVERNMENT AGENCIES PLEASE CONTACT US FOR LARGE ORDERS. I thought the CC had a tombstone pocket for the bladder. Separation between the belt and shoulder pad allows air to move against the wearers back, reminiscent of the Bergans packs Ive used in the past. Get the very best "Buy It For Life" recommendations and benefit from thousands of hours of unbiased research for free! Heres Task & Purposes additional brief. If I could change one thing, Id have made these pockets rectangular instead of semi-angled rectangles so you could fit bigger items in. A: Depends on who you are. You must log in or register to reply here. I could see a looser-fitting water bottle being jostled out when running to catch the bus or when bending over to tie your shoes. When youre out in the field, you need durable, dependable form and function. The belt is well padded and shaped to ride the wearers hips snugly, without rubbing or pressure points. Probably my biggest gripe in relation to this pack is that by being a jack of all trades, its a master of none. An internal divider keeps this space separate from the main pack, though itll fold out the way if unwanted. Its made from densified urethane foam covered in a breathable aerospace fabric(also found the back panel). Folding down the front panel opens up the whole body of the Bridger, making it easier to pack neatly, or to grab a set of gloves that have slipped down below my food bag. The straps do a good job of pulling the bags load toward the users body and keeping it neat, but arent long enough to hold much against the outside of the pack. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wellrigged_com-leader-4','ezslot_16',179,'0','0'])); Although it is slim it reaches the full depth of the bag. Dont be fooled by its understated looks. Its a MOLLE-covered coyote brown pack with Velcro for morale patches and most of the alternate colors for it are explicitly military, so Im going to use it in the military. The second military test occured when my unit did a simple 5K hike with a 30-pound pack for PT. You are using an out of date browser. Heres why: This is a flat zip-pocket about 8 inches deep and accessible from the top flap of the Urban Assault 24 even when its loaded. Whether its a quick out-and-back section of a hike or stopping in town at the end of a trip, I think this is a really convenient and effective feature. The pocket layout is extensive and versatile, with room for everything. The pack is understated enough for the work environment and I especially like the layout of the internal organizer pockets. Theyre perfectly sized for a Jetboil cooker, and are well positioned for items that dont need to be accessed instantly but benefit from being kept secure, such as spare batteries or toilet paper. I think the Urban Assault 24 is a significant improvement over the 21. The two pockets on the wearers chest are open-topped and incredibly handy. Daisy-chain webbing on the front panel comes with shock cord to hold trekking poles in place. Of course not, but youll be hard-pressed to get one of them for $200 new. For example, Id been hoping to strap a Z-Lite style sleeping pad to the side of my Bridger, but found it impossible to get the straps around it. Even though Mystery Ranch really seems to be insistent that the 2-DAY isnt a military pack, I mean, come on. The sleeping bag compartment is frankly unneeded, in my opinion. Primary Material: 100d Robic recycled ripstop nylon (body), 330d Robic nylon (high abrasion areas). I'm not really familiar with the 7500. However, Mystery Ranch doesnt consider this a military pack, and therefore it is made in Vietnam. Finally, the Bridger 55s lid sports a decent volume in itself, opening clamshell with one additional mesh division inside. Id suggest using a document folder to prevent bent document edges when you put the bag down. Perhaps they can include this in the next refinement. At the bottom right side of the pack closest to you, youll feel a zipper head just under the base of the floating laptop sleeve. Fill out your information here and well be in touch. It may not display this or other websites correctly. With 4 adjustable vertically positions, the sternum strap allows a customized fit for most body types. The 3-Day Assault Pack, also known as the 3-DAP, has been a standard choice for military users since at least the late 2000s, issued to many special operations units and a private purchase item for people who want to look like special operations forces. Really, the only way in which the 2-DAY excels is by being 85 percent of a 3-DAP for half the price, and if I was a betting man, Id say thats the point. The other is that the mesh covering the padding on the straps started to fray from wearing it over my flak, due to abrasion from rubbing up against the edges of the shoulder straps. Also, every zipper has a webbing loop sowed to the ends to serve as counter-grips to grab onto while zipping and unzipping. View all posts by Jed Edwards. Inside theres a hook for you to hang a hydration pouch, the outside of the pack features two horizontal compression straps, and the larger of the two top pockets opens to a mesh pouch, which in any other pack Id call perfect for storing wet socks or clothes to let them dry, since everything below it would be in a waterproofing bag. This was due to lateral motion under load, as the 2-DAY lacks the 3-DAPs BVS stabilizing blocks (pictured below) and I wasnt using a chest cinch strap, both of which would have alleviated this.

First, the lack of Velcro strap keepers meant that when going from wearing the 2-DAY over armor to wearing it over civilian clothes or cammies, I had to re-tape all of the adjustment straps. This made the hike even more bearable than it would have been with my FILBE assault pack, although the distinctive Mystery Ranch pack shape got me a bit of attention for wearing something other than what Im issued. Likewise, the dedicated zip to the sleeping bag compartment at the base of the pack folds up when closed, moving tension from the teeth onto a Duraflex buckle. The older MR packs don't have sleeves for bladders built inside the bag. One thing thats lacking is the Made in USA tag thats proudly displayed on all of Mystery Ranchs military packs. Orders - (916) 625-6332 By The warning signs are flashing that tough times may be ahead. Overall, the pack passed the tests with two key caveats. That being said, the Bridger 55 is heavier even than Mystery Ranchs own Terraframe 50, so may be hard to justify for some users. For weekend trips you could use these pockets for underwear, socks, a GoPro or a rain ponchoyou get the idea. Thank you for your support. But that doesnt mean that this pack isnt right for you. The Bridger is a new addition to the Mystery Ranch backpacking line. How much is marketing hype and how much is real value? I dont wear backpacks casually or call my trips to the liquor store everyday urban operations, but I can definitely find occasions to wear a backpack and see if I can use it for what it looks like, which is a pack for the military (semi) professional. Spoiler alert: there actually isnt much to whine about.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wellrigged_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_4',166,'0','0'])); Also Worth Checking Out: 17 Super Durable Backpacks Thatll Survive the Apocolypse and An Epic Guide to the Most Durable Duffel Bags on Earth. Although not purpose-built for a stash, I discovered this neat hiding spot while doing a close inspection of the laptop compartment for this Urban Assault 24 review. Empty, the Bridger 55 weighs roughly double the Granite Gear Crown 60. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. The Mystery Ranch 2-DAY is a pack that cant figure out what its purpose is. At least Ill always be able to say, I was a fan of it before it ever went viral., Are Birkenstocks Worth It? All prices are in United States Dollars. Naturally, everyone has different priorities, and how the weight on the scale plays against weight on-body is up to you, in your own order of ranking. A 500ml soft bottle fits well, but I often used mine to hold my map, in a weatherproof case. I didnt expect this to make much difference, but moving around with the Bridger I found it exceptionally stable on my back. But those options are also not discounted, even if youre a professional. Copyright 2007-2015 ArmyProperty.com / Inventory Urban peeps could use these internal long pockets for things like laptop chargers, gym clothes, or wireless Bluetooth speakers. The fact that this pack isnt made in America, but is simply an American design executed overseas, doesnt seem to have affected it either, especially when comparing it to other Mystery Ranch packs that Ive used. A deep, generous stretch pocket covers the front panel, making a great spot for an extra layer. I tested the top carrying handle by taking the fully loaded pack and swinging it wildly by the handle, which survived. Mystery Ranch advertises it as being a 27-liter pack or, if you only understand merican, 1,650 cubic inches, which is an okay amount for a normal backpack in laymans terms. Unbuckling the side compression straps reveals a zippered access to the main compartment of the pack. It carries weight well, accommodates a variety of attachments and configurations, and overall seems to be well-made. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wellrigged_com-narrow-sky-1','ezslot_19',181,'0','0']));Toyota does this, and the Urban Assault 24 is an example of this process at work as well. Get the latest in military news, entertainment and gear in your inbox daily. There are three parts to the laptop compartment. Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about coupons and special promotions. Then, to test the Y-zipper, I hooked my fingers underneath the lid while closed, and ripped it open, which it passed, as its designed to do. If you plan on using this pack (or any pack, for that matter) over armor, there are some key considerations that you need to keep in mind.

The materials are weather resistant (though not waterproof) and have held up well against rocks, mud and snow. They are great for USB sticks, phone chargers, and other knickknacks like toiletries when youre on the road. Furthermore, does it actually serve a purpose besides being a diet 3-DAP? Should you just need extra spaceit can also be used to carry additional miscellaneous items and equipment if you prefer your water in bottles. Read This Before You Buy. This backpack will not stand up on its own. He lives in Fredericksburg, VA or Richmond, VA, depending on the day. The 2-DAY definitely can fit over armor, but its not as much of a revelation as the 3-DAP, since the latter has Bolstered Ventilation and Stability (BVS) foam blocks that keep it stabilized on your back by straddling your rear rifle plate.

Its roots are in the 2 Day Assault BVS and a further refinement to Mystery Ranchs bestselling Urban Assault 21. Join us on the hunt for the perfect pack. Just use the laptop sleeve for a hydration bladder(without the laptop of course). Mystery Ranchs signature 3-Zip design is the best thing about this backpack. As for the rest of the pack, Ill agree that some tweaks are needed. Hydration system/bladder for Kifaru 44 Mag, Hydration Pack Pain help/run 'n gun setup, New Mystery ranch crew cab for magnetospeed/labradar, New for 2022- Sitka Gear redesigned Jetstream Jacket and Vest, The Return Act bad for Wildlife Conservation and will ultimately be the demise of Hunting in the US, Redesigned Windproof Sitka Jetstream Jacket and Vest. Join the discussion, here, in our active community of several thousand bag enthusiasts. Id describe the Urban Assault 24 as a sleeper. Its got go muscle, not show muscle.. Its very tough, thoughtfully designed, light, well organized and versatile enough for the office or for a spur-of-the-moment backcountry weekend. Having just cleared their 21st year of making revolutionary packs, theyre still going strong and are showing no signs of slowing down. Additionally, youre getting a real Mystery Ranch tactical-style pack for $200, which is more than you can say for the legions of impersonators with much lower quality control levels. Along with that are two wide pockets for things like battery chargers, mobile phones or small notebooks. Just feed the hose out through the zippered opening on the top of the bag. Other than that though, who the hell is this pack for? Mystery Ranch was thinking smart when they placed these small mesh pockets at the upper-left and right of the pack. Looking to contribute your thoughts? The content of the review was not shared with Mystery Ranch prior to publication. My wife and I "hummed and hawed" over How To Survive Hard Times: 8 Unique Traits of Survivors. Updated Jul 22, 2022 11:27 AM. The Urban Assault 24 is an upgraded version of the popular Urban Assault 21.

The Endurance yoke improves the breathability of the Bridger pack, but also does an awesome job for comfort under load. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'wellrigged_com-leader-1','ezslot_11',170,'0','0'])); eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'wellrigged_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_9',153,'0','0']));Mystery Ranch isnt alone in choosing Cordura to construct heavy-duty backpacks. Going hiking? But that seems excessive for everyday urban operations.. In addition, there is a removable chest strap and a rudimentary removable kidney strap for added stability while in use with heavier loads. The bottom of the pack is slanted so that if want to stand it up you need to lean it against something. Intended for backpacking and camping, the design takes influence from trail running vests to further develop Mystery Ranchs already A-Grade stability and comfort, while improving comfort through breathability and ventilation to the harness. $70.00 Get In Touch Its also good to see Mystery Ranch considering the durability of their gear, using compression straps to take the strain off zips, which are common points of failure.

The pack sits high and snug with no messy slack which minimizes sway. 1-877-509-3179, Questions? Often, but not always, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase through certain product links. Mystery Ranch Hydrapack 3.1L OHY Reservoir, CAL FIRE Approved to Spec 1728, with all-black hose, hardware, and dust cover, Slide-Seal Top: opens wide for easy filling & seals tight, Shape-Loc Baffle: slim profile and increased stabilization, Blaster Valve: high-flow bite valve with twist shut/off, HydraFusion Tube: 36", insulates and protects, Plug-N-Play Connector: quick disconnect for convenient tube removal, Can be frozen or filled with hot water (max temp 60 C / 140 F).