It doesn’t matter how long you’ve spent walking in the woods; you inevitably have a favorite pack. It’s comforting, familiar, and the one you go back to repeatedly. Admittedly, I was reticent to give up on my favorite pack and put on Mystery Ranch’s Glacier pack. I was delighted when I realized this pack provides all my favorite features, plus so much more.

　　I’ve spent a lifetime hiking the forests of the Rockies, Cascades, and the Olympics. Ive carried overnight gear, packed for multiple weeks in the canoe, thrown a weekend pack out into the fishing boat, and hauled out big game.

　　Rarely can I find a pack that meets my versatile needs, is comfortable enough to carry all day, and looks good to boot. The updated Glacier Pack delivers.

　　The pack has all the functional pockets and access zips I’d expect, plus additional access points and attachment points that made the loadout easy. The new upgrades make it all the better.

　　In short: Mystery Ranch’s new version of the Glacier pack is thoughtfully designed with all the core features you’d expect from a backcountry pack. It delivers serious upgrades from the previous version that add to carrying comfort and utility. 

　　Mystery Ranch Glacier Backpack Review Check Out the Womens Pack at Mystery RanchCheck Out the Mens Glacier at Mystery Ranch

　　8.0 How we rate products Specifications MSRP: $399 Weight: 5.7 lbs. Sizes: 50L and 70L Opening style: Top, with side zip and sleeping bag compartment access Construction: 330 Robic nylon, Kodra ripstop Frame: Carbon fiber internal frame Lid: Detachable Pros More comfortable, breathable suspension Adjustable load lifter anchors Detachable lid Robust hardware Easily carries 60+ lbs. Now includes hip belt pockets Cons Less functional daypack lid than predecessor Small side mesh pockets Stephanie Mollet First Impressions

　　(Photo/Stephanie Mollet) We tested two of the updated packs. My spouse carried the 70L, and I opted for the 50L. Outside of color and size, both packs are essentially the same.

　　The pack is nice and light and has a durable feel to it. With the new frame and stay system, it certainly feels nimble and not bulky, but also rigid enough to hold weight securely without breaking your back.

　　Mystery Ranch does a great job explaining how to fit your pack, and taking the extra time is worth it. Once fitted and fully loaded, I can honestly say this pack cradled my spine like a baby.

　　What’s New in the Glacier The latest Glacier updates several key features that set it apart from its predecessor. Mystery Ranch replaced the old frame with a lighter carbon fiber design, paired with fiberglass stays that improve weight transfer to your hips. The updated Futura Yoke system dials in a more precise fit, which makes the pack noticeably more comfortable over long miles.

　　The most welcome change is the addition of front zipper access to the main compartment, eliminating the need to unpack everything to reach gear buried at the bottom. Mystery Ranch also boosted comfort with more padding on the waist belt and shoulder straps, and added versatility with a detachable lid that doubles as a day pack.

　　Fit and Weight Distribution

　　The Futura Yolk brings serious comfort and support; (photo/Mystery Ranch) Mystery Ranch’s “Futura Yoke” design really does create a customized fit, no matter how tall you are or where you like to carry your pack. It’s important to me to use my hips to carry most of the weight, especially after a long-suffering shoulder injury.

　　After just a little practice, I was able to get the pack to sit just perfectly on my back. The delightfully padded waist belt spread the weight across the back, sides, and even the front of my hips. My whole core was engaged to carry the load. 

　　That said, I did find the instructions on the tag to be a little confusing. I might suggest that Mystery Ranch (and all backpack companies) start to include a QR code linking to a little instructional video. Sure, we figured it out. But it could have been spoon-fed to us in a how-to video.

　　Once we had our packs fully loaded, it was a simple pull of the load lifter straps to suck the pack close to my back and adjust the gap behind my neck. No hunching here. After a good few miles of walking, I stopped and commented to my spouse that my spine felt cradled and was shocked I didn’t have any points of discomfort.

　　After miles of walking, I didn’t feel any discomfort; (photo/Stephanie Mollet) Pockets, Attachments, and Zipper Access This is where the Glacier’s design really shines. Clearly, the folks who designed these packs have spent a lot of time carrying loads and trying to access them while on the trail. The two exterior long pockets were perfect for the weird, awkwardly shaped items, like my camp sandals.

　　Between those, you’ll find a daisy chain of attachment loops, which allow you to strap on multiple items, or one item in multiple places. Perfect for keeping my camp cup. 

　　Front zippers allow easy access to the main compartment of the pack; (photo/Stephanie Mollet) The most pleasant feature is the front zippers to access the main compartment of the bag. Gone are the days of having to unpack and restuff to get one damn thing down at the bottom of your bag! Wahoo! Why did I not have a pack with this feature before?

　　You can disconnect the top lid and use it as a day pack, which adds a ton of utility. The straps tuck in neatly when the lid is attached, and they feel surprisingly comfortable when I unclip it and carry the day pack on a walk to collect firewood. The second pocket on the lid/day pack is a thoughtful idea where you can stash your maps, permits, and such.

　　Size: 50L vs. 70L

　　The pack offers plenty of room; (photo/Stephanie Mollet) Look, you’re going to pack your pack full. You’re even going to strap things on the outside. It doesn’t matter how big it is, it’s just human packer nature. With my spouse carrying the 70L, and the women’s 50L on my back, we noticed a difference. He was able to put our BearVault BV500 (the biggest of its line) into the 70L. However, it was just too tall to back it on its side. Instead, it had to run upright, but it still worked.

　　I’m sure a smaller BearVault could fit just perfectly, though. I carried our tent with the 50L, but just couldn’t quite get it into the designated compartment, so I ended up strapping it to the bottom of the pack. I’m a tallish woman and could see myself carrying the larger 70L pack. If you’re smaller than me or take fewer “camp necessities” along, the 50L would totally meet your needs.

　　Final Thoughts

　　The Glacier pack is my new favorite pack; (photo/Stephanie Mollet) Well, I must confess, I have a new favorite pack. The updated Mystery Ranch Glacier pack makes me want to get off my fishing boat and back to stomping through the woods. With some careful fit adjustments, it’s one of the most comfortable packs I’ve ever loaded. It carried all my necessities, made them easy to get to, and had the capacity to attach more.

　　What more can you ask for?

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