Gear Review: Glacier 70 Backpack By Mystery Ranch
If you're looking for a high-volume backpack for your next big adventure, the Glacier 70 Backpack by Mystery Ranch is a durable and extremely comfortable pack that's capable of hauling a lot of gear in a compact design! Check out our review to learn all about why it might be perfect for you!

If you've been looking for a backpack that can carry a ton of gear while maintaining a comfortable fit, the Glacier 70 Backpack by Mystery Ranch has likely popped up on your radar. Featuring a minimal design and loads of usable space, this is a backpack for serious adventure!
Mystery Ranch is an outdoor brand known for its high quality builds and the Glacier 70 Backpack is a solid example of why folks love their gear. Keep scrolling and reading to see why this backpack might be the perfect solution to your next big backpacking trip.

Quick Rundown of the Glacier 70 Backpack By Mystery Ranch
- Volume: 70 liters
- Weight: 5 pounds 7 ounces
- Maximum load: 60 pounds
- Made of Nylon 330 Robic Kodra Ripstop
- Available in women's fit and men's fit
- 2 front torpedo pockets, 2 side stretch water bottle pockets
- Center daisy chain with tool attach
- Side zip going from top to bottom of bag
- 1 pocket lid with bottom zip compartment for small items
- Lid converts into hip pack
- 5-point hip belt system with zippered pockets
- Adjustable yoke with multiple attachment points for load lifters
My Experience with the Glacier 70 Backpack By Mystery Ranch
The Continental Divide Trail in the southern Rockies is where I tested out the Glacier 70 Backpack by Mystery Ranch. I wore it on a 60 mile stretch of trail, fully loaded up with everything I'd need for a super fun backpacking trip, leaving nothing behind if I thought it might be nice to have. Some trips are like that!
On the first day, which was about 12 miles long, it was noticeable that the shoulder straps and hip belt of the Glacier 70 Backpack were designed for comfort. My backpack weighed in at around 50 pounds and I expected my shoulders to feel that by the end of the day, but they actually felt pretty good. Both the shape and the padding helped to alleviate discomfort. Well designed load lifters helped a lot too!

I like all the attachment points the Glacier 70 has on the outside. They're great for clipping Crocs, a wag bag and other doodads to. Just as important, this backpack has really nice cinch straps that compress your load down. If you have to do some bushwhacking, or are dealing with tight terrain, having a compressed backpack makes the experience a lot easier.
There was a period of two days on my trip where it never stopped raining. I like the pack cover Mystery Ranch makes for this backpack, but in light rain I didn't bother with it. This backpack sheds light rain, and the zippers are sealed a bit, so you don't need to worry about your gear getting soaked. Definitely use the pack cover if it's raining-raining! But if it's a light mist the water resistance of this pack works well.

The way the Glacier 70 Backpack by Mystery Ranch distributes a super heavy load when packed up properly is exceptional. And that's one of the main things the brand is known for. Balance and a nice fit because of it.
This line of backpacks recently got a redesign, and that has shaved some weight off of it. I believe it's a full pound lighter than the older versions. While this is still quite a heavy backpack when you compare it to ultralight models, the lighter redesign makes this a tempting backpack to bring on most any adventure. It's right around the same weight you'd expect from a standard Osprey backpacking pack, but built much more durable and capable.
If you plan to carry a good deal of weight on your next big trip, but demand a comfortable backpack, look no further than the Glacier 70 Backpack by Mystery Ranch!
Glacier 70 Backpack by Mystery Ranch: Pros and Cons
The Glacier 70 Backpack by Mystery Ranch is a comfortable and super durable large volume pack. It's perfect for grand adventures. Check out the pros and cons below:
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
Very comfortable fit with padded hip belt | Very heavy at 5.7 pounds |
Available in women's fit and men's fit | The torpedo pockets can be slightly cumbersome |
Very durable fabrics used, and sewn well | |
Mystery Ranch products are super reliable |
Click here to learn more and purchase Glacier 70 Backpack by Mystery Ranch for your next big adventure!
My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.