Mystery Ranch Hunting Pack- Sawtooth 65 Review

The right backpack can make the difference between a smooth, efficient hunt and a grueling, gear-juggling ordeal. Mystery Ranch has long been a leader in the hunting pack world, and their new Mysterium line brings a set of thoughtful upgrades to an already proven platform.

The Sawtooth 65 sits in the middle of the lineup, offering the versatility to handle both single-day excursions and multi-day backcountry hunts.

Take a closer look at what the pack is all about in the Mystery Ranch Sawtooth 65 review video with Paul Morrison below.

The Mysterium Line of Packs

As mentioned above, the Sawtooth 65 sits smack in the middle of an impressive series of packs Mystery Ranch calls their Mysterium series. The Mysterium line is made up of four packs, each built on the same Guide Light MT frame and suspension system.

All four packs share the same frame, shoulder straps, and hip belt — the difference lies in storage space and layout.

Sawtooth 45 – 45L capacity for day hunts or minimalist overnighters
Sawtooth 65 – 65L capacity with an added exterior front compartment
Beartooth 85 – 85L capacity for extended trips with heavier gear
Marshall 105 – 105L expedition pack for the longest hunts

Key Features & Upgrades

There are lots of great new features, additions and upgrades you’ll find in the Sawtooth 65 pack. It’s built to be a more hunter-friendly pack design with greater storage, customization and packability for the toughest hunts.

1. Increased Storage with Front Compartment
The Sawtooth 65 adds an exterior front compartment absent from the smaller Sawtooth 45. This quick-access space is ideal for gloves, wipes, hats, and other items that need to be reached without digging through the main pack.

2. New Color Options
The Mysterium line offers earthy, solid tones, including Ponderosa — a brown-and-green blend that hides naturally into grasslands, timber, and rocky terrain.

3. Improved Weather Resistance
High-wear, high-exposure areas such as the top, front, and bottom now feature water-resistant fabric to shed rain, snow, and morning dew, helping keep gear dry without requiring an additional rain cover.

4. Expanded MOLLE Webbing & Strap Customization
Extra MOLLE loops allow for more attachment points for pouches or accessories. Compression straps can be unclipped and repositioned to fit the load. Additional straps can be purchased for even more securing options.

5. Enhanced Meat-Hauling System
The Sawtooth 65 incorporates new frame-to-frame load straps. After unclipping six buckles, the bag swings away from the frame, revealing direct attachment straps for meat quarters or heavy loads. This system keeps weight tight against the back, improving stability and allowing access to the main bag without unloading meat.

6. Upgraded Shoulder Straps & Hip Belt
The harness system uses lighter, more breathable honeycomb-style padding for improved airflow and durability while maintaining the comfort and load-bearing ability Mystery Ranch packs are known for.

7. Interior Organization
Inside the 65L bag are multiple pockets, a hydration sleeve, and attachment points for Mystery Ranch’s accessory pouches. Spotting scope sleeves on both sides add to its organization, along with large zippered compartments for essential gear.

In the Field Performance

The Sawtooth 65 balances storage space and mobility well. For day hunts, it’s not overly bulky, yet it has enough room for overnight gear and a full load of meat when needed.

The new direct-to-frame strap system is a standout improvement for meat hauling, keeping heavy loads secure and close to the body.

The upgraded harness materials make a noticeable difference in long-haul comfort, and the expanded MOLLE webbing allows for easy customization of loadout.

Water-resistant fabric in key spots provides an extra layer of protection against the elements.

Final Verdict

The Mystery Ranch Sawtooth 65 builds on an already excellent design with smart, functional updates. The combination of improved weather resistance, customizable strap system, enhanced meat-hauling capability, and increased storage makes it a standout choice for serious hunters.

While it carries a premium price tag at $549, the durability, comfort, and versatility make it an investment that will likely outlast several lesser packs.

For those seeking one backpack capable of handling everything from early-season day hunts to late-season backcountry trips, the Sawtooth 65 is an exceptional choice.

Check it out for yourself at: MysteryRanch.com

Brodie Swisher

Brodie Swisher is a world champion game caller, outdoor writer, seminar speaker and Editor for Bowhunting.com. Brodie and his family live in the Kentucky Lake area of west Tennessee.