Mystery Ranch Sawtooth 65 Backpack Review

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After every season, I try to fine-tune my setup to make the next hunt more successful. This year, I’m starting with my pack. The all-new Mystery Ranch Sawtooth 65 is a feature-packed backpack with a ton of versatility. The company behind it, Mystery Ranch, has been around for quite some time.

Since 2000, Mystery Ranch has been known for its packs with advanced load-carrying systems designed for firefighters, military personnel, and hunters. Long before that, the company was known as Dana Designs and, even earlier, Kettleworks. These earlier iterations had already amassed over 25 years of innovative pack-building experience before evolving into Mystery Ranch. Based in Bozeman, Montana, the company is surrounded by the perfect landscape for outdoor inspiration. Today, Mystery Ranch builds it all, from travel bags and backpacking packs to everyday carry options while maintaining strong roots in its military, fire, and hunting lines.

As I plan this year’s hunts, it almost feels like Mystery Ranch was reading my mind. The release of the Sawtooth 65 hunting pack is a perfect fit for the deer and elk hunts I’ve applied for this season.

About the Mystery Ranch Sawtooth 65 Backpack

The new Mystery Ranch Sawtooth 65 pack is a larger version of the well-regarded Sawtooth 45. This pack is designed for long, gear-heavy day hunts or backcountry trips lasting one to three nights.

External Features

Starting with the exterior, the Sawtooth 65 is built with two types of fabric. The sides of the pack use 330D Robic Kodra Ripstop, which helps reduce weight while maintaining durability. Meanwhile, the top and back, which are more exposed to the elements, are constructed with a weather-resistant coated Cordura fabric.

On the back of the pack, you’ll find a large external pocket that opens nearly all the way around for easy access. Inside that pocket is a smaller mesh pocket ideal for storing car keys, tags, or other small items. Additionally, compression straps on the outside provide secure carry options for a rifle or bow. Above the main external pocket, there is a smaller quick-access compartment for essentials. Stretch-woven pouches on each side are ideal for holding bear spray or water bottles. Furthermore, accessory tabs are placed around the body of the pack, allowing for attachment of various Mystery Ranch add-ons.

Large External Pocket

Frame and Support

The core of the Mystery Ranch hunting pack design lies in its frame and support system. The Sawtooth 65 is built to carry serious weight. The Mysterium Frame combines carbon fiber rods and flat bars, creating a strong yet flexible structure that moves naturally with your body. Two heavy-duty cinch straps help secure bulky and awkward loads.

Mysterium Frame

In addition, the pack features a five-piece padded waist belt with multiple gear attachment points. This belt offers excellent comfort and support under heavy loads. The shoulder straps and back panel are made from breathable materials well-suited for warm weather conditions. An adjustable yoke customizes the fit for different torso lengths, ensuring a more personalized and dialed-in fit.

Five Piece Padded Hip Belt

Internal Features

Inside, the main compartment of the Sawtooth 65 is accessed via a large 270-degree zipper. Beneath the top flap, two zippered mesh pockets help organize small essentials. Along the interior sides, dual sleeve pockets and accessory tabs make it easy to keep gear in place. At the back of the pack, a hydration bladder sleeve is included, with routing options for the hose on either the right or left side.

Internal Compartment

Internal Zippered Mesh Pockets

Thoughts on the Mystery Ranch Sawtooth 65

I’ve used Mystery Ranch packs for years and have always appreciated their quality, innovation, and comfort. A couple of years ago, I reviewed the Mystery Ranch Metcalf, which performed well on numerous backcountry hunts.

Now, the Sawtooth 65 fits nicely into my pack lineup, bridging the gap between my smaller day pack and the larger Metcalf. It’s ideal for extended day hunts and short backcountry trips lasting a couple of nights. I see this pack especially shining during late-season and high-elevation hunts, where layering options are essential, even for single-day outings.

Mystery Ranch has made several thoughtful updates with the Sawtooth 65 that improve an already strong product line. For example, the top pocket is spacious and allows for quick access to items like headlamps, snacks, and phone chargers. I appreciate the generous size of this pocket as it holds more than you expect without feeling bulky.

The large rear pocket is another standout feature. I’ve been using it to store rain gear and an extra puffy layer. It’s perfect for quickly adjusting layers, especially during hunts that alternate between high-output movement and long periods of glassing. The convenience of accessible external storage makes these transitions much smoother.

Versatility

Versatility is a consistent strength across the Mystery Ranch lineup, and the Sawtooth 65 continues that tradition. There are plenty of straps and configuration options that adapt to a wide range of hunting needs.

For instance, the back of the pack includes a pair of compression straps that are fully adjustable and removable, secured via molle points. These straps help compress the pack close to your body, improving balance and comfort on uneven terrain.

Additionally, straps on the bottom of the pack offer secure attachment points for a tent, sleeping pad, or tripod. These flexible options give the pack a high degree of utility and customization.

The stretch side pockets are great for water bottles, spotting scopes, tripods, or even fly rod tubes. Inside the main compartment, the space is well-suited for anything from a long day hunt to a few nights in the backcountry. Internal side sleeves work well for a spotting scope or tripod if you’re not using the external pockets. Meanwhile, mesh pockets are perfect for items you need to bring but don’t access frequently, such as extra gloves, socks, or a first aid kit.

Perfect Size For A Big Day Or A Few Nights

Another element I appreciate is the built-in organization. Mystery Ranch makes this even easier with their optional void bags. These bags are excellent for toiletries, first aid supplies, snacks, and other smaller items. Since I use multiple packs depending on the hunt, I love being able to move these bags between setups with ease. Available in three sizes, void bags accommodate a wide range of organization needs.

Comfort

Let’s start with the waist belt, arguably the most important comfort feature in any hunting pack. Mystery Ranch gets it right here. The belt is oversized, thick, and built for serious load-hauling. It adjusts easily and stays in place even during strenuous hikes. During my ruck sessions with the Sawtooth 65, the belt stayed put, which bodes well for upcoming heavy pack-outs this fall. The thick foam padding is comfortable and can be tightened down without digging into your hips.

Comfortable Hike

Another welcome feature is the breathable foam back panel. Regardless of how cold it is, carrying 100 pounds of meat generates heat and sweat. This breathable layer makes a noticeable difference. While vacationing in the Midwest, I took the pack on several ruck sessions up a local ski hill. Despite the hot, muggy conditions, the back panel offered significantly better airflow and comfort.

The shoulder straps also include smart additions. A dedicated holder for a water bladder hose keeps the tube secure and eliminates the need to wrap it or let it dangle during hikes.

The pack is also highly adjustable. By removing the plastic insert and releasing the Velcro, the torso length can be customized to fit a wide range of users. The Sawtooth 65 comes in sizes from small to extra-large, but each size allows for generous internal adjustment. I found the medium size to be a perfect fit for my frame at 5’11” and 180 pounds.

Perfect Fit

Hauling Heavy Loads

Where this pack really excels is in its ability to haul heavy loads. The Sawtooth 65 uses the Mysterium Frame, which provides both strength and flexibility. This frame is lightweight, rigid, and allows for a bit of natural movement under strain. Additionally, this also creates a convenient grab point at the top which is technically not a handle, but it works well in a pinch and even serves as a decent improvised shooting rest.

Mysterium Frame

The bag separates cleanly from the frame to reveal a thoughtfully designed meat shelf. With just a few clips, the pack is ready to haul game quarters. Meat can be suspended inside the frame to avoid sagging, which keeps the load stable and evenly distributed. Compression straps cinch everything down and help keep the weight close to your back, making heavy hauls much more manageable.

Materials

The Sawtooth 65 is constructed from 330 HT Cordura fabric, which is extremely durable and resistant to tearing. Over the back panel, Mystery Ranch has added a waterproof fabric layer. This is a welcome upgrade to the latest generation of Mystery Ranch packs. While Colorado doesn’t always see constant rainfall, nearly every fall season includes at least one truly soggy day. This added protection will make a noticeable difference.

Additionally, waterproof YKK zippers are used throughout the pack, helping to prevent water from entering through critical access points. Altogether, these material upgrades enhance durability and peace of mind in unpredictable conditions.

Specs on the Sawtooth 65 Taken Directly From Mystery Ranch

• Breathable harnessing
• Attachable compression straps
• Internal mesh pockets
• Hydration reservoir compatible
• Adjustable yoke for custom fit
• Girth hitch and loop web for daypack lid attach
• Front pockets for more organization
• Dual autolock compression straps on frame for securing meat
• 330 HT CORDURA 5PM
• 330D Robic Kodra Ripstop
• YKK Zippers
• SJ Autolocks

Final Thoughts

The Mystery Ranch Sawtooth 65 is an outstanding addition to any serious hunter’s gear lineup. It fills the gap between a minimalist day pack and a full expedition pack, making it ideal for extended day hunts and short backcountry trips. Mystery Ranch continues to impress with its attention to detail, thoughtful features, and rugged construction. From comfort and adjustability to smart organization and heavy-hauling capabilities, the Sawtooth 65 is designed to handle real-world demands in the backcountry. If you’re looking for a pack that can keep up with tough terrain, changing weather, and demanding loads, this one is hard to beat. For more info or to check one out for yourself, visit mysteryranch.com.