What Makes Mystery Ranch’s Revamped Adventure Pack Such a Minimalist Masterpiece?

The new Glacier 50 is a smart, streamlined backpacker’s dream with a cool bonus feature for quick excursions.

mystery ranch glacier 50 pack macroMystery Ranch

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To paraphrase Mark Twain or Oscar Wilde or whoever actually said it, the reports of Mystery Ranch’s death have been greatly exaggerated.

When Yeti acquired the Bozeman, Montana-based backpack maker last fall, many theorized the brand’s unique bags might lose their label.

While we’ve seen Yeti packs surface that resemble those of its latest acquisition — triple zip is a dead giveaway — Mystery Ranch continues releasing its own stuff, too, at least for the time being. 

mystery ranch glacier packs parking lot
Just as women’s and men’s bags can co-exist, so can Yeti and Mystery Ranch, it appears.
Mystery Ranch

We covered its excellent EDC-ready In and Out packs late last month. Now let’s take a look at the backpacking-oriented Glacier

My favorite storage feature? The pocket lid detaches and converts into a hip pack, the perfect accessory for shorter side quests in the midst of a big backpacking adventure.

Available in a 50L size and a women’s version for the first time ever, this pack has everything you need for ambitious outdoor adventures and, perhaps more importantly, nothing you don’t.

Packing light

So, what am I loving about this more compact spinoff of the original Glacier 70, besides its unfussy looks and durable Nylon 330 Robic Kodra Ripstop construction?

It might not meet the eye right away, but the Glacier 50 boasts a number of quiet technical features that make it easy to load up, hike with and access your stuff.

mystery ranch glacier pack back front
The Glacier 50 boasts a handy daisy chain as well as plenty of back- and shoulder-friendly padding.
Mystery Ranch

On the loading side, you get two front “torpedo pockets,” two side stretch water bottle pockets, a built-in hydration sleeve, compression straps and a center daisy chain for attaching tools and other essentials. 

My favorite storage feature? The pocket lid detaches and converts into a hip pack, the perfect accessory for shorter side quests in the midst of a big backpacking adventure.

mystery ranch glacier pack with top pack
These images provide a nice look at the water bottle slots, compression straps and detachable pocket lid/hip pack.
Mystery Ranch

On the actual carrying front, the Glacier 50 offers internal framing with carbon fiber stays that stabilize the upper load and transfer some of the burden to the hips.

There’s a five-point waistbelt system with zippered pockets for additional load management assistance.

mystery ranch glacier 50 features
This still from the product page video clearly shows the hydration sleeve, full-length side zip and hip pack.
Mystery Ranch

It also has a patented Future Yoka that micro adjusts to your torso length, enabling the right amount of stand-off between your back and the frame. 

Last but not least, from an access POV, the Glacier 50 has a hugely useful feature that’s not immediately visible: a side zip that goes all the way down to the bottom of the bag. 

mystery ranch glacier packs hiking
Additional straps near the base of the pack are perfect for toting a sleeping bag or other cylindrical cargo.
Mystery Ranch

That makes it easy to reach gear lower in the pack, like, say, an extra layer when temps dip, or a pair of binoculars to check out the view from the top.

Availability and pricing

The Mystery Ranch Glacier 50 is available now in three colors for men and two for women for $369.

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