Mystery Ranch Radix 57 Men's Backpack

2025-06-12T20:00:00

Haven't used it yet but so far looks robust and lightweight which I liked a lot

Emilio

Originally posted at

2025-05-29T20:00:00

Put it on and started training!! Have 2 trips this summer A total of of 170 miles!! Adjusted pack to fit right ??The Radik 57 fits and feels very tight on back (love that)No bouncing around O have a 31 waist and got a small this time (good move)So far very happy But that's what you get with Mystery Ranch Super Stoked Steve

No n.

Originally posted at

2025-05-03T20:00:00

Great pack! Good balance between light weight and ability to carry a load. Well thought out design and great quality.

Gusdog

Originally posted at

2025-04-01T20:00:00

I have not had a chance to take it for a hike yet but it seems like a great pack. Nice and light. I really like the larger outside pockets.

TIB1986

Originally posted at

2025-03-15T20:00:00

I purchased this for my son who is preparing for a backpacking trip, and so far, we, as a family, are all very impressed with the quality of the materials used, the fit as well as the overall, very thoughtful, very intelligent design/construction. We're also sensitive to chemicals, and I'm happy to report that this pack is ideal in that way, too. Nothing noxious about it - whatsoever.

alex

Originally posted at

2024-12-11T19:00:00

I have used several backpacks over the years and the radix 57 is my favorite. It is lite weight, comfortable and the external pockets allows easy access to a lot of gear as needed.

MidField

Originally posted at

2024-08-27T20:00:00

I've had this pack for a few months now and have gotten a few hundred miles under it with varying loads and equipment needs. From overnight fishing trips where I hauled my pole and tacklebox to multi day trips through rocky alpine trails, this pack has been fantastic. Mystery Ranch is the king of comfort, and is my go to brand when it comes to the majority of my trips. The robust hip belt, quality load lifters, and torso length adjusting system really lets you dial in the perfect fit. The only negative I can bring up on that point is I wish there was an option for the running vest style sported by the Bridger series. That running vest style REALLY helped distribute the load across your shoulders and brought your chest into the support system. If I'm hauling extra gear (fishing equipment, ice axes, gear for my dog, camera equipment, etc.) I really want the ability to spread the weight bearing across as much of my body as I can. I sometimes find myself eye-balling my Bridger 65 over my Radix 57 when I'm hauling my tripod and DSLR. This is not an ultralight pack, but its a good measure lighter than traditional-styles of backpacks while still managing to handle weight far better than most UL packs. The cost is competitive with packs of similar quality, though I feel like I haven't QUITE gotten my money's worth with this product as of yet. It's strong, fairly water-resistant, and has great space inside the bag with a comfortable diameter of the interior pocket. Though it's missing the great organization of the Bridger series, the brain and outer pockets of this bag offer plenty of organization for 99% of backpackers. I love the large side pockets that allowed me to fit a 1.5 L Hydrapak bottle and my trekking poles one side with my poop kit, camp chair, and 1 L Hydrapak bottle in the other. The open tube-style paired with the full length zipper really scratches the annoying itch I have with other-brand UL tube style packs where you nearly have to climb inside to access your gear at the bottom of your pack. Overall this is a great product for a MOSTLY fair price. I rated 5 stars on Value but in my eyes, it barely makes that 5th star. The state of backpacking gear is overpriced as a whole so I feel like I can't blame Mystery Ranch for just competing with the market. Plus I like buying American. You'd be hard pressed to find a pack that's THIS comfortable for this price to weight ratio.

Kodiak J.

Originally posted at

2024-08-21T20:00:00

This new pack replaces my Dana Design Terraplane bought in 1995. I just took it out on a 3 day trip in SW Colorado and am very pleased with this pack. The craftsmanship is excellent, which is expected from Dana. But, what I love are the outside pockets. These 3 pockets are roomy but can be cinched down to nothing if you don't need them. Also, the pack has a multitude of features that can shed weight if that is important to you. All of the straps, waist belt, and top pocket are removable. What is most important to me is the comfort and this pack is as comfortable and adjustable as my old terraplane. This pack distributes the weight evenly and allows the user to move weight from hips to shoulders while hiking.

Zack

Originally posted at

2024-08-20T20:00:00

I was previously using a Coulee 50, and love everything about it other than the size being a touch too small. Radix 57 seemed like the perfect upgrade. Turns out it has WAY more room, since that 57 liters doesn't include the enormous outer pockets. Pros: 1. Pocket layout is great. Good amount of space in the brain, the tiny key holder pocket is perfect and includes a lanyard, and the shove-it pockets are spacious yet cinch down. 2. Light enough to make a great summit pack too. And speaking of that, there is plenty of clearance to be able to look up while scrambling/climbing. 3. Just fits a bear vault 450 sideways in the bottom. Awesome! 4. Fabric is very durable especially considering g the light weight. Cons: 1. The hip belt is tiny and weak sauce. The buckles are microscopic and do not have enough friction to keep the belt from loosening up. The pads are a okay but this loosening almost had me ditch the pack, until I decided to throw on my coulee 50 hip belt. Problem solved! If this affects you reach out to MR for one of those belts. Bonus is it's a bit bigger overall and distributes weight better. 2. Main bag is very tall, which isn't bad, but it needs a second drawstring 8 inches or so down from the top. Like older, bigger MR packs. Loads that sit above the upper compression strap get a bit floppy. This is pretty nitpicky though and shouldn't stop anyone from buying this. Overall a great pack and I would recommend it, especially considering there's a solution if the hip belt isn't working out.

Druke

Originally posted at

2024-08-04T20:00:00

Review by Mike (Mozzie) Review by Mike (Mozzie) I recently used the Mystery Ranch Radix Series pack on the Oregon/Washington portion of the PCT, covering nearly 1,000 miles. My initial review was not based on actual usage, but I stand by much of what I originally said. Many straps are excessively long, and a roll top with the brain would be a fantastic addition. Having spent considerable time buying and using ultralight packs, I own a Granite Gear Blaze 60, Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight, and a couple of lightweight Gregory packs. I've also completed many long-distance trails. When Mystery Ranch released the Radix Series, I jumped at the chance to try one, despite its heavier weight. The waist belt pockets were excellent, and the zippers worked smoothly throughout the trip. However, I found the side pockets for holding a Nalgene-type water bottle inconvenient, as I always had to remove the pack to access the bottle. I didn't use the hydration sleeve because it's too difficult to keep a bladder clean on a long hike. Once I got the pack dialed in, it was very comfortable. Even on resupply days when I added 8-10 lbs of food or had a long water carry, the pack's performance remained consistent. I did encounter an issue with one of the fasteners that held the top on. It wouldn't hold, and when it slipped, it threw the pack off balance. I ended up tying the strap to prevent it from slipping. Overall, this pack is excellent-rugged and showing very little wear even after taking falls. I highly recommend it for anyone who values quality and isn't obsessed with ounces. PS: I carried between 29 and 35 lbs depending on the number of days between resupply.

Mozzie

Originally posted at

2024-07-19T20:00:00

After trying out many different packs (Osprey Atmos AG 65, Osprey Aether 65, Gregory Baltoro 65, Terraframe 3-Zip 50), the Radix 57 was the one that fit and felt the best for my body. Some people reported that the padding isn't enough for the Radix but for me, it's just perfect. I didn't like the thick padding like on the Atmos AG, etc.. it just felt "too much". The Radix also has just the perfect amount of loops and whatnot while still maintaining a "minimal" feel to it.

Alan

Originally posted at

2024-06-17T20:00:00

Super light, great fitting on the fly, I've stuck with mystery ranch for years, no complaints, just quality adventures/journeys world.wide

Boston m.

Originally posted at

2024-06-08T20:00:00

I replaced my NorthFace Banchee 65 with the Radix 57. And the ease of loading and unloading the backpack is just freaking awesome.

Rafis

Originally posted at

2024-03-20T20:00:00

Pack is lightweight and durable so far. Ive only used it a few times with a full loadout. ( including a 10lb tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, food and water.)

Green M.

Originally posted at

2024-03-15T20:00:00

I have a Terraframe 65 that has served me well for quite a few years but with age and wisdom I decided I wanted something lighter. I was researching ultralight packs when I saw a YouTube review of the Radix 57 and I decided to buy it in February. I have around a 50 late winter miles on it so far. The build quality is good with the expected tradeoffs of a lightweight product. I don't like the finicky small buckles that are tough to use with gloves on but I'll get used to them I suppose. The waist belt is comfortable with adequate sized pockets. The shoulder straps are comfortable. The yoke adjusts easily. The only real miss is the side pocket design. It is difficult to get a water bottle in and out of them while wearing the pack. It becomes impossible [for me at least) while winter backpacking when I wear a bulkier jacket and gloves. I am 6 ft/200 lbs with decent to good flexibility in my shoulders and torso but the location, angle and top hem of the pockets just aren't conducive for easy access of a water bottle while wearing the pack. Again, this could just be me. Your experience may be different. I like the pack overall, more so when I use a water bladder instead of bottles. It's just that using a water bladder works against being able to have a lighter load.

Missoula g.

Originally posted at

2024-02-25T19:00:00

Feels lighter than it is when fully loaded, as MR packs usually do. The adjustability is great which also helps make the pack so comfortable. Perfect pack for the weight conscious backpacker not looking to go ultralight, it really shines between 20-35 lbs load carry and can easily handle loads up to at least 45 pounds. And the price is at least as good as any of the competitors.

JMax88

Originally posted at

2024-02-16T19:00:00

This pack has everything I could have asked for, the pockets are perfect and the room is great.

Trey

Originally posted at

2024-02-14T19:00:00

I received my Radix 57 a couple of weeks ago and while I haven't used it yet, it is packed and adjusted for my trip. I do have some thoughts and nitpicks. First - I wish the top closure would fully close so that if you choose not to use the lid you could. A simple roll top would work to protect the inside from the elements. Second - the attachment points on the shoulder straps don't work well for a water bottle holder or phone pouch. Third - One of the waist belt pouches needs to be bigger since my Samsung A53 won't fit in the pouch and I can't use my phone pouch on the shoulder straps. My final thought is the straps really don't need to be as long as they are. I have little doubt I will love the pack since I own a Bridger and had a Dana Designs ArcFlex Astralplane I purchased in "88". This pack is much bigger than I expected, I probably could have gotten by with the Radix 47. The Radix seems comfortable and I am looking forward to using it soon.

Mozzie

Originally posted at

2024-02-01T19:00:00

Very comfortable pack, lightweight but still able to handle a good load. I particularly appreciate the fact it has a brain. It's not commun for lightweight packs.

Maxime

Originally posted at