We loved the Mystery Ranch Radix 57 for its balance of weight and traditional pack features. Photo: Lindsay Gough//The Inertia
Your backpack is arguably the most important purchase when it comes to backpacking gear. It’s right there in the name, after all! Without a good pack, backpacking is not so fun. But with a wide range of options available, the choice can seem daunting. When compiling our guide to the Best Backpacking Backpacks, one pack rose to the top for its impressive ability to do it all, but still come in with a reasonable price tag and modest overall weight: the Mystery Ranch Radix 57 ($299).
The Radix series from Mystery Ranch uses recycled materials to give a durable, well-balanced, and feature-rich pack that weighs less than four pounds. That’s no easy feat, considering that many backpacks sacrifice pocket space and durability to reach their ultralight status. While it’s not light enough to be considered an ultralight pack, it’s still well within the range to not be too cumbersome while having enough features to bring plenty of extras beyond just the bare essentials.
| Pros | Cons |
| Great combination of lightweight + storage options | No back venting |
| Durable materials | The top compartment is fairly small |
| Lifetime warranty |
Mystery Ranch Radix 57: First Impressions
Weight: 3 lbs 13 oz
Capacity: 57L
Frame Type: Aluminum
Closure: Cinch top
Available In: Men’s, Women’s
Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Mystery Ranch is a backpack company, first and foremost. They make backpacks for professionals in different fields, from firefighters to medics, and even tactical packs. They have made packs for some of the toughest conditions out there and know a thing or two about building backpacks that can handle the rigors of intense work in the field.
So, when I got my hands on the Radix 57 the first thing I noticed was the quality of the stitching. All the stitches are concealed well to be out of the way and not deteriorate over time. The zippers are also well concealed to keep water and dust out, so the pack should last plenty of years with proper care.
Speaking of zippers, the pack offers a full-length zip on the main compartment for easy access, even when packed. This is great for both packing and unpacking in a hurry if you are pressured by the weather to move your items in and out. Lastly, the pack has several well-placed bungees on the sides to secure extras such as trekking poles and both large and small items to the side without worry of coming loose.
We also made note that this pack comes in sizing specifically for Men and Women.
Check Price on REI Check Price on Backcountry
Notable Features of the Mystery Ranch Radix
The big feature of this pack is the material. Made of primarily 100D nylon, the pack has plenty of durability in a lightweight package. After taking the pack on several trips that included some heavy bushwacking, the fabric looks no worse for wear than the first time I picked it up. This is a major contrast to the ultralight packs with a flimsy appearance that seems to get flimsier over time. Not so in this pack.
Good water resistance sure does go a long way. Photo: Lindsay Gough//The Inertia
Another great feature is the multiple well-placed daisy chain loops on the top, sides, and shoulder straps. This allows you to clip on even more gear to the exterior without it getting in the way or swinging about. At 57 liters the pack already holds a lot of stuff, but for bigger expeditions, you might want a few extras to attach to the exterior, and in that case, you’ll have no shortage of tie-down points.
The angled, stretchy side pockets make it easier to quickly grab or stash your water bottle and other quick-access gear. Plus, they feature cinch cords to secure your gear.
And probably the best selling point of this backpack is its relatively low weight. At 3 pounds 13 ounces, the Radix 57 is a clear departure from Mystery Ranch’s usual packs, which are typically burly and traditional. With a full feature set and a lower weight, we found this to have a lot of appeal for multi-day trips.
Drawbacks of the Mystery Ranch Radix
Being a lighter pack, they have to sacrifice some of the bells and whistles you might find on a larger pack. This happens in the padding. While the padding is still sufficient for most loads, you might find the padding too thin if you have a heavy load to carry. The aluminum frame helps keep the pack poised on the back, but it lacks some of the vest-style comforts of other Mystery Ranch packs.
Another area where they sacrificed some ounces is in the back area. The pack sits flush against the back, and since they use synthetic materials, breathability is at a minimum. So those who tend to sweat a lot while hiking might opt for something with better ventilation in the pack, or one that sits a bit farther from your back.
The Mystery Ranch Radix 57 performed well in all conditions. Photo: Lindsay Gough//The Inertia
Final Thoughts
The Radix 57 by Mystery Ranch offers a well-made, well-engineered backpack without a ton of weight. The pockets are all in the right place and the durable 100D nylon will withstand the test of time.
With enough pockets and daisy chain loops to add to the exterior, this pack can hold much more than the 57 liters of interior space it boasts. Add in the fact that the straps are sturdy and well-stitched, and you have a pack that can go the distance. It’s best suited for seasoned hikers who want to include plenty of stuff on their journey, but don’t want excess weight to bog them down. If you are used to carrying a heavy pack and have the fitness to stay upright, this is a well-made pack at a great price. Add in the lifetime warranty that Mystery Ranch offers on their gear, and it’ll be a pack that will hopefully take you to some really cool places over many years.
Check Men's Price on REI Check Men's Price on Backcountry
Check Women's Price on REI Check Women's Price on Backcountry
Editor’s Note: Don’t miss the rest of our favorite packs in our guide to the Best Backpacking Backpacks. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
The Best Backpacking Backpacks of 2024
