Mystery Ranch is famous for crafting rugged and comfortable backpacks aimed at hunters, military personnel, wildland firefighters, and everyday hikers. But one demographic that has been hesitant to embrace this brand is the ultralight/thru-hiking community. These quirky adventurers tend to fixate on raw pack weight, which is one metric by which Mystery Ranch hasn't historically excelled.

But with the launch of their new Radix line of backpacks, Mystery Ranch offers sub-4-pound options that doesn't compromise on their longstanding strengths. 

I'm grateful to have gotten my hands on both the Radix 47 and Radix 57 in advance of their official release. After logging hundreds of miles with each, I can tell that significant inroads have been made to meet ultralighters halfway.

While I don't think die-hard minimalists are going to be seduced, lots of hikers will certainly be converted.

Mystery Ranch Radix 57

Weight: 3.8 lbs (1.7 kg)

Volume: 59.6 L

Price: $299 (USD)

Key Features:

Mystery Ranch has shed nearly two pounds from its comparable Bridger pack. But that doesn’t mean it’s a bare bones ultralight pack. You can tell that every feature, and every trade off was well thought out. For starters, it has a fully-adjustable framed harness (that's also removable), and an articulated hipbelt (with pockets). That kind of weight-distributing yoke system is something I sorely miss when going full ultralight. 

Another feature that I need in a dependable backpack is multiple packing options and access points. Along with the voluminous interior, the Radix 57 has two, angled, exterior side pockets (perfect for Nalgene bottles, trekking poles, and camera tripods), and a seriously generous central sleeve. And to help manage the peripheral bulk, Mystery Ranch made sure to include multiple straps so that everything can be cinched closer to your back. 

Next up, we have the Radix 57's full front-zip access point. Pure ultralight packs tend to just be tubes that can only be opened from the top. This creates a lot of repacking headaches every time you need something that's stashed lower down in your bag. With the Radix's full-zip access, you can do a cooked-lunch break without disturbing the Feng Shui. 

What is the Mystery Ranch Radix Made of? Is it Waterproof?

Though it looks a lot like the robust Dyneema fabric used in much of their line, the Radix backpacks actually use a material called Technical Ultra-PE Birdseye (i.e. high-tech nylon), along with recycled 100D Robic Ripstop, and YKK zippers. I was initially under the impression that it was waterproof, or at least water resistant, but the downpours I encountered while hiking the Colorado Trail quickly showed me otherwise. The shell of the Radix does have some weather-resistant qualities, but in rainy weather you’re going to need some extra protection. 

How Much Can the Radix 57 Carry?

Mystery Ranch claims that the Radix 57 can handle loads north of 40 pounds, and even has a capacity limit closer to 60 pounds. While I think that is technically true, I wouldn't recommend lugging those kinds of loads in a backpack like this. For instance, I had 44 pounds of gear with me on the Colorado Trail and found it to be less comfortable than the Bridger at that weight.

This is why I like to emphasize the difference between raw pack weight, and perceived pack weight. Somewhat paradoxically, a heavier backpack might actually feel lighter because of how well it distributes an otherwise identical load. So with that sentiment in mind, I would personally love to see Mystery Ranch adopt the running-vest-style shoulder/chest straps that they use on their Bridger backpacks for the next generation of Radix. I can't imagine the weight difference is more than a few grams, but the comfort benefits would be significant. 

Mystery Ranch Radix 47

Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg)

Volume: 45 L 

Price: $249 (USD)

Key Features:

There is a lot of overlap between the Radix 57 and 47, but also a few slight alterations. Both versions have the full front-zip access, generous exterior storage and gear clips for added carrying capabilities, hydration bladder compatibility (something I forgot to mention for the 57), and the fully adjustable yoke for a perfect fit.

But there are subtle differences. The Radix 47 has a simpler, non-removable, straight-zippered top lid that is anchored to the body of the bag with one buckled strap, rather than two. Even though it lacks the added storage pocket of the 57, I ultimately preferred the 47 brain a bit better. 

Who Are the Radix Backpacks for?

If you are a serious ultralighter who carries sub-22-pound loads, you will likely still prefer an actual ultralight pack. But if you are a savvy thru-hiker, or a dedicated weekend warrior who typically hauls between about 25 to 35 pounds, then either the Radix 47 or 57 will work beautifully for you. I like how the Radix packs mirror traditional models, while also leaning on design and technology to strategically shave ounces. 

Parting Thoughts:

The Radix pack is a solid pack that will make a lot of people happy. But it juuust misses the mark for being a truly great pack. If this pack had incorporated their running vest style system from the Bridger, this would be an absolute banger of a pack.

I’m a well-documented fan of the Bridger pack. It’s the comfort king. So if you are consistently carrying over 35 pounds, I’d steer you to the Bridger pack.

This is an exciting time for Mystery Ranch. The Radix pack will likely be a big part of the evolution of one of my favorite gear companies.