AllOutdoor Review – Mystery Ranch Forger Hip Waste Pack
Patrik Orcutt 01.30.24
The Mystery Ranch Forger Hip Waste pack is a 2.5 liter storage solution that is designed for days when you don’t need more then the essentials/ You can either sling this pack across your shoulders or let it ride on your hips and engage ultimate dad mode. The best part is when someone needs a band-aid and you have 35 in your Forger Hip Waste pack. The history of Mystery Ranch backpacks is a fascinating journey that spans several decades and is deeply rooted in the world of outdoor adventure and military gear. Founded by Dana Gleason and Renee Sippel-Baker, Mystery Ranch has evolved from its humble beginnings in Bozeman, Montana, into a globally recognized brand known for its exceptional craftsmanship, innovative design, and unwavering commitment to producing top-quality backpacks. With a rich heritage that blends Dana Gleason’s earlier ventures, such as Dana Designs and Kletterwerks, Mystery Ranch has become a trusted name in the world of backpacks, catering to a diverse range of outdoor enthusiasts, from hikers and hunters to firefighters and military personnel.
Mystery Ranch Coverage on AllOutdoor
- AllOutdoor Review – Mystery Ranch Sphinx 60L Backpack
- Old Favorites, New Colors – Mystery Ranch Releases New Fall Colorways
- AllOutdoor Review: Mystery Ranch Bridger 55 – Actual Innovation
- AllOutdoor Review – Mystery Ranch Three Day Assault Pack
The Forger Hip Waste Pack was privately purchased by myself and no money has been exchanged for this review. Mystery Ranch has not been allowed to preview this review prior to publication. I have been using the Forger Hip Waste Pack off and on for the past 6 months.It accompanied me on a trip to Canada this past summer but I don’t have any good images of it out in the wild.
Specs – Mystery Ranch Forger Hip Waste Pack
- Bag Style – Waist Pack
- Capacity – 2.5 Liters
- Number of Pockets – 2
- Materials – 330d Robic ATY fabric / 210d Robic Dynagin fabric
- Fits Waist/Hips – 26-46 inches
- Dimensions – 10 x 5 x 4.5 inches
- Weight – 6.6 Oz
- Country of Origin – Vietnam
- MSRP – $35.00
Quality and Comfort – Mystery Ranch Forger Hip Waste Pack
When it comes to size vs comfort, the Mystery Ranch Forger Hip Waste Pack is like an old Cadillac. While certainly being the largest hip/waist pack I will carry, this little bag is well-padded and very comfortable to carry around all day long. The air mesh material on the back of the pack is soft and breathable while creating a cushion between you and your gear inside the pack. The large 1-inch strap is wide enough to keep even a heavy load of two beers comfortable around your shoulder (that was just an assumption, I would never drink in public unless I was in Canada). The pack itself is constructed of both 330d Robic ATY fabric / 210d Robic Dynagin fabrics and these give the pack its durability without sacrificing too much weight. Coming in at only 6.6 Oz, the overall weight of this pack is really nothing to complain about.
The zippers on the pack are of the ZKK variety so you know they will probably never break. The buck is made out of plastic but I have little worry about that buckle ever breaking unless a large weight like a dumbbell was dropped on it. One feature I really like on the Forger Hip Waste Pack is the swivels that attach the belt to the bag itself. While not something I would have thought of being important at first, these simple swivels make this pack much more comfortable when filled with heavier items. Overall the quality, like everything Mystery Ranch makes on the Forger Hip Waste Pack is top notch.
Organization – Mystery Ranch Forger Hip Waste Pack
Being that this pack is on the larger side for a hip pack in my opinion, you can stuff a lot of gear In this bag. The main compartment is large enough to hold everything you see pictured above. There is another zippered mesh pocket inside the main compartment and this is a good spot for spare money or smaller items. The back of the pack has a small buttoned pouch for very slim items like cards or tissues.
While this pack is big enough to fit my G43X with and optic, when I do conceal carry with this pack, the gun takes up almost all of the useable internal space. The Glock fits nicely in the pack but you will be limited on what else you can carry.
Likes
- Priced at only $35 (and often on sale for less) makes this a very affordable waist pack
- Quality and construction is on point
- Highly adaptable for your daily needs
Dislikes
- No internal key lash
Wrap Up – Mystery Ranch Forger Hip Waste Pack
If you are in the market for a medium to larger sized Waist pack that can conceal a small handgun or just cart around your daily essentials, the Forager Hip Waist Pack is hard to beat. Its priced very reasonably at only $35 and is built with quality components and materials. I do wish it had an internal key lash but it would be an easy fix with a small Nite Ize keychain clip.
