Customer Reviews Mystery Ranch Coulee 40

I've been using the Coulee for a couple months now for professional trail work and now Snowshoe/XC Ski guiding. Awesome backpack for trail work, the exterior pockets fit all kinds of tools, saw gas bottles, gloves, layers, etc. Zippers aren't super smooth but seem very tough. Hip pockets fit a large phone or multiple Clif bars. Pockets in the top of pack are super convenient. Not sure why one has a mesh bottom but it hasn't ripped yet (no mesh was one of the reasons I bought this backpack, and there isn't any exposed the the world). It's definitely on the large side for guiding compared to what other are carrying, but being able to fit a full size Stanley thermos with Cocoa, snacks and several extra layers is great. Very comfortable pack, and I haven't even done the shoulder strap adjustment properly. I've also used this bag as a personal item multiple times, taking off the hip belt, which is a very cool feature I haven't had before (it is definitely too big to be a personal item on most airlines but no one has stopped me yet).

Used my pack on a couple of hikes in the Eastern Sierras and on a visit to Colombia. Extremely well made and comfortable. It's a bit pricey but the best usually is.

I have many high end packs from other boutique manufacturers. While they have their place in my arsenal, the Coulee 40 fits my overnight and day hike bill perfectly. I can comfortably carry up to 30# and the suspension is very well done and extremely comfortable. Plenty of adjustment everywhere. Highly recommend this pack.

I'm 5'10" and this pack fits perfectly to my body. I carry camera gear and this fits all that and food and water, this is the perfect pack for that.

This is my first backpack from Mystery Ranch, and it definitely won't be my last... despite the fact that I'm going to have to work really hard to wear out this great weekender!

This pack is just what I was hoping it would be when I ordered it. I wanted something to occasionally use when travelling, and for light backpack trips when I don't bring a tent. It easily fits a jacket and rain shell, sleeping bag, pad, food, etc.- all the necessities if you're packing light. And for what it's worth, my tent does fit on the outside strapped to the side using the compression straps. I definitely thought the 3 zip design looked good, but was curious how it would actually function, and it's better than I expected. The top zips off cleanly, and if you want to open the front of the pack, it's available and can be a really nice feature to have. The brain has two nicely sized pockets and all the exterior pockets are deep and well made. The frame is easily adjustable and definitely worth the time to fit to your body. I am 6'2" and 155lbs, and because of my smaller waist size I ended up going with the small/medium, and was very happy when the frame was still tall enough to accommodate my torso. The hip belt comes off nicely if you want a lower profile in an airplane or something too which is convenient. Every time I've gone hiking or backpacking with this pack I feel like I forgot half my gear because it does such a great job distributing the load that it literally makes your pack feel lighter. I always thought that line sounded like a gimmick, but so far that's been my experience with the Coulee 40. The pack also does surprisingly well in the rain. That might change over the years as some coating may fade, but in the desert monsoons that I've been stuck in so far with this pack, the material acted like its own pack cover and all my gear inside stayed dry even when I was soaked to the bone. If you are interested in this size and design of a pack, I would highly recommend it. Its a great mid-size backpacking pack if you pack mindfully, and will likely perform well doing anything you want it to. Happy trails!

Boomproof as always. Fits more gear than expected and fit to body is great. Does well with light or heavy load. Highly recommended

This pack works very well for holding my spotting scope and related items. It provides quick access to the contents, and is very comfortable with the load. There are a couple of thing which would be nice to have, such as a waterproof cover and option or feature to have molle capability to strap more things to the pack.

I bought this about one month ago. I am replacing all my packs with MR packs. The Coulee 40 will be my day hike bag, and business haul bag. I love the access to the main compartment, and the spacious design. It's like a 40 acting like a 50. My only issue with this bag, and it may only be personal preference, is there is no elastic on the side pockets to retain water bottles, etc. This is why the 4* rating. Beside the side pockets, this is a fantastic pack. I love it!

Awesome as it is, I do wish I could have one that is the same kind of grey as the shoulder straps/hip belt. I am not into having anything with any part being high-vis, or camo because it is too conspicuous so I reluctantly got the black. That is my only gripe with the pack. But it fulfills all but that one itch.

I was looking for a pack to haul a 4x5 camera in protective case plus film holders, lenses, filters, necessary photography tools, and a couple tripods and still have enough room for a days worth of water and essentials for an unplanned overnight in the woods, and (unlike most photo backpacks) has a truly comfortable harness/weight bearing system. So far, this seems to fit the bill. Initially it seemed small/tight for a 40L pack but once it broke in a little it seemed to relax into its size, just like a good pair of jeans. I'm really happy with the harness/weight bearing system and the construction is phenomenal. If I could change anything I'd ask for some anchoring loops on the top and sides to make it easier to strap on a tripod or bedroll, but there are ways to make that work as-is. I also bought the separate rain cover. I'm happy with it, but I really think a pack for this price should have one included.

Super frustrating, there's no straps on the under side of the pack to strap a tent. The picture shows a tent inside the pack, but this thing fills up quick, & if you put a sleeping bag in it, it's near impossible to fit a tent inside.