First Impressions of Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack
The Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack is a purpose-built hunting pack designed by Mystery Ranch, a company renowned for its durable and thoughtfully designed packs. This pack specifically targets treestand hunters, prioritizing quiet operation, organized gear storage, and convenient attachment to a tree. The fuzzy polyester laminate, a standout feature, promises to dampen noise, a crucial consideration for stealthy hunters.
I was in the market for a pack specifically designed for treestand hunting. My old backpacking pack was too bulky and noisy, making it difficult to maneuver in the stand and access my gear without spooking game. I needed something streamlined, quiet, and with dedicated attachment points for my bow and other essential hunting equipment.
Upon unboxing the Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack, I was immediately impressed by the quality of the materials and the overall construction. The fuzzy polyester laminate felt incredibly soft and quiet to the touch, and the stitching appeared robust and well-executed. The pack felt lighter than I expected for its size, giving me confidence it wouldn’t add unnecessary weight to my already heavy load.
I considered the ALPS OutdoorZ Commander Lite and the Badlands Superday pack. I ultimately chose the Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack because of its superior reputation for durability, the unique fuzzy material for noise reduction, and the dedicated tree strap system. The Mystery Ranch name carries a lot of weight in the outdoor gear world.
My first impression of the Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack was one of excitement and anticipation. This felt like a serious piece of hunting gear designed to solve specific problems faced by treestand hunters. I was eager to put it to the test in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack to the Test
First Use Experience
My first field test of the Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack was during a week-long whitetail deer hunt in the dense forests of northern Wisconsin. The conditions varied from crisp, dry mornings to damp, drizzly afternoons. I used the pack to carry my bow, climbing sticks, extra layers, food, water, and other essential hunting gear to and from my treestand each day.
The pack performed admirably in all conditions. The water-resistant fuzzy polyester laminate kept my gear dry during the light rain, and the pack remained relatively quiet even when brushing against branches and vegetation. The integrated tree strap system made it incredibly easy to secure the pack to the tree within arm’s reach, allowing for quick and silent access to my equipment.
The pack required minimal adjustment to get used to. The yoke adjustment allowed for a perfect fit, and the various pockets and sleeves helped me organize my gear efficiently. The one initial surprise was how effectively the front compression straps secured my bow; it felt stable and secure even on steep climbs.
Extended Use & Reliability
After a full hunting season of regular use, the Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack has held up remarkably well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear. The stitching remains intact, the zippers operate smoothly, and the fuzzy polyester laminate shows no signs of fraying.
The pack has proven to be incredibly durable. I’ve subjected it to rough terrain, heavy loads, and harsh weather conditions, and it continues to perform flawlessly. Cleaning is simple; I just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each hunt to remove dirt and debris.
Compared to my previous hunting packs, the Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack is a clear winner in terms of durability, organization, and quiet operation. It has significantly improved my hunting experience by allowing me to carry my gear more efficiently and access it silently in the treestand. It exceeds all expectations I had.
Breaking Down the Features of Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack
Specifications
The Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack boasts a 38-liter capacity, providing ample space for a day’s worth of hunting gear. It weighs in at 4.5 lbs, a reasonable weight considering its size and features. The pack is constructed from a unique fuzzy polyester laminate backed with Nylon 210D fabric, designed for both water resistance and noise reduction.
The 38-liter capacity is ideal for day hunts, providing enough room for extra layers, food, water, binoculars, rangefinder, and other essential gear. The 4.5 lb weight is a good balance between durability and packability, ensuring it won’t weigh you down on long hikes. The fuzzy polyester laminate is the key to the pack’s stealthy performance, dampening noise and resisting moisture effectively.
Performance & Functionality
The Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack excels at its intended purpose: carrying hunting gear quietly and efficiently. The pack is comfortable to wear, even with a heavy load. The integrated tree strap system works flawlessly, allowing for quick and secure attachment to the tree.
The pack’s strengths lie in its quiet operation, organized storage, and comfortable carry. The weakness would be its price tag, which might be a barrier for some hunters. It definitely meets my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack is thoughtfully designed with the hunter in mind. The material is durable, yet quiet. The adjustable yoke ensures a comfortable and customized fit.
The pack is incredibly user-friendly. The top-loading design and dual-zippered access provide easy entry to the main compartment, and the numerous pockets and sleeves allow for efficient organization. There’s a minimal learning curve.
Durability & Maintenance
The Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack is built to last. The high-quality materials and robust construction ensure it can withstand years of use in the field. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with a damp cloth.
With proper care, the Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack should provide many seasons of reliable service. The pack’s durable construction and easy maintenance make it a worthwhile investment for serious hunters. Mystery Ranch‘s reputation for quality is well-deserved.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack includes an adjustable tree strap for secure attachment to a tree. The front compression straps can accommodate a bow, lightweight treestand, or climbing sticks. The side pockets are designed to hold quivers or camera arms.
The pack is compatible with Mystery Ranch‘s accessory line, allowing for further customization. Aftermarket accessories like hydration reservoirs and additional pouches can be easily attached to the pack’s exterior using MOLLE webbing. The customization potential makes the pack even more versatile.
Pros and Cons of Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack
Pros
- Incredibly quiet thanks to the fuzzy polyester laminate.
- Excellent organization with multiple pockets and sleeves for gear storage.
- Comfortable to carry, even with heavy loads, due to the adjustable yoke system.
- Durable construction ensures years of reliable use.
- Dedicated tree strap system for easy and secure attachment to the tree.
Cons
- Price is higher than some competing hunting packs.
- The white color might not be ideal for all hunting environments, potentially requiring extra care to keep it clean.
Who Should Buy Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack?
Perfect for: Treestand hunters who prioritize quiet operation, organization, and durability. Any hunter looking for a high-quality pack specifically designed for treestand hunting will benefit from the Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack.
Who should skip this product? Hunters on a very tight budget or those who primarily hunt from the ground might find the features and price of the Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack unnecessary. Backpackers will also be better served by other packs.
Must-have accessories or modifications? A hydration reservoir is a worthwhile addition for staying hydrated on long hunts. Depending on your specific needs, additional pouches or accessory pockets may also be useful.
Conclusion on Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack
The Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack is an outstanding hunting pack that delivers on its promises of quiet operation, organized storage, and durable construction. While the price may be higher than some alternatives, the quality and performance of this pack justify the investment for serious treestand hunters. Mystery Ranch has built a superior product.
The value proposition of the Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack is excellent for those who truly value stealth, organization, and durability in their hunting gear. The pack’s unique features and robust construction make it a worthwhile investment for serious treestand hunters.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Mystery Ranch Treehouse 38 Backpack to anyone seeking a high-quality, purpose-built hunting pack. It has significantly improved my hunting experience, and I’m confident it will do the same for others. If you’re serious about treestand hunting, this pack is a must-have.