The Mystery Ranch Scree 32 is one of the larger packs on the list, making it one of the heaviest too. It has a great opening to the main compartment, which allows the backpack to be opened either via top-loading or through a duffel bag style opening along the front. There are also internal pockets that help create storage in the main compartment. For the unique style and zipper design, it did miss an opportunity for external storage pockets. All in all, the pack is very well built, but we felt the Kelty Redwing 32 offered similar performance at a lower price point. 

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Mystery Ranch might not be as well known as Gregory or Osprey, but the brand has a cult following of users who swear by its packs designed for every pursuit. As expected, Mystery Ranch has developed a very unique pack with the Scree 32. At first glance, it looks quite busy as there are a lot of external buckles and straps for compression and gear attachment. But on closer inspection, everything seems to have its place and fits quite nicely. The Scree 32 is very adaptable to many outdoor pursuits: from hardcore climbing to casual Sunday hiking. 

Ventilation and Suspension

The Scree 32 has an HDPE (plastic) back panel frame sheet to help support the weight that 32L of gear can create. The back panel is covered in molded foam with stretch mesh to improve ventilation. The pack comes with a pronounced lumbar support pad that sits nicely on the user’s lower back. The hip belt and shoulder straps feature molded foam and stretch mesh to increase comfort and wearability. The sternum strap and hip pads are both adjustable and removable if you want to remove the outdoorsy look from the pack for modern city vibes. The hip belt is forward pulling to reduce the amount of effort needed to adjust it, a simple feature but a show of Mystery Ranch’s creative design. There are also load lifters on the shoulder straps to improve the fit of the harness system. 

Mystery Ranch has created a well thought out harness system, which is great for the overall size of the pack. A large amount of storage often leads to a large amount of gear that is added to the pack, and more gear equals more weight. Mystery Ranch has addressed this problem very well.

Storage

The Scree 32 has one of the more interesting main compartments on the market. It uses a 3-way opening to access the main compartment: two “traditional” zippers for top loading of the pack and a vertical zipper that will open the pack like a duffel bag, allowing for easy access to everything in the main compartment. Inside of the main compartment is the hydration sleeve as well as two internal side storage pockets. The internal organization is great for camera tripods or other smaller items that you want to be able to find quickly. It is a great concept to have the additional storage within the larger pocket and not something that is seen in many of the day packs on the market. 

On the lid of the pack are two separate zippered pockets, which are excellent for small valuables and other items that should be kept out of the main compartment. Along the hip pads are zippered pockets on each side for quick access items. These are great for carrying your phone or smaller snacks that can be consumed on the go. 

The outside of the pack has two stretch mesh water bottle pockets, adjustable gear loops for trekking poles or ice axes, as well as parallel daisy chains. The daisy chains help with clipping other items to the exterior of the pack. It may look slightly chaotic on the outside at first glance, but the Scree 32 is well organized and ready for any adventure. 

Material and Weight

One of the few cons of the Mystery Ranch Scree 32 is its weight. It sits at 1406g, but considering the overall storage (32-liters), it makes sense. The frame adds to the weight but helps with support and comfort, keeping the user comfortable during wear. As with the CamelBak Fourteener 26, we felt that the pack’s weight went toward features that increased the comfort enough to be well worth the tradeoff. 

Mystery Ranch used a 210D Robic Nylon for the pack to help with durability and double layered the bottom of the pack for added support. The zippers are all coated in urethane to help keep the pack “weatherproof.” It might not be quite ready for a downpour, but it will stand up against a sprinkle.  

The Bottom Line

Mystery Ranch has designed something original with the Scree 32. The design is quite different from traditional day packs on the market, so it may take some time to get used to. The zippered system also takes away from the ability to have a stash pocket on the outside but creates superior access to the main compartment. The main compartment also has additional interior organization, which is a simple but handy addition.

The material and zippers are highly durable, and the forward-thinking design is very noticeable in the pack. It is a very versatile day pack that is functional in a variety of settings. 

It is one of the more expensive entries in the daypack category, at $190, so it is very important to know that it is a style you like. The price does include 32L of storage, though the Kelty Redwing 32 is only $100, so I would highly recommend trying on the pack before committing. 

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