Mystery Ranch Game Bag Set Review

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The old saying that the real work begins after the animal is down still rings true for every hunter. Yet with the Mystery Ranch Game Bag Set, that work has become a little more manageable. Over the past few years, I’ve relied on the Mystery Ranch Metcalf Hunting Pack and, more recently, the Sawtooth 65. Both have proven to be durable, well-designed, and built with the kind of practical details hunters appreciate. Because of those great experiences, when I found out Mystery Ranch had released their own game bags, I was eager to put them to the test for my upcoming season.

This year, I drew an exciting and demanding elk hunt high in the Rockies. I knew it would push me both physically and mentally, with a long, heavy pack out if everything went as planned. A dependable set of game bags would be critical to preserving meat in the backcountry. As it turned out, the Mystery Ranch Game Bag Set got exactly the workout I had hoped for.

About the Mystery Ranch Game Bag Set

The Mystery Ranch Game Bag Set is a complete five-piece system designed to handle everything from backcountry elk to smaller game. The set includes two 60-liter bags, two 40-liter bags, and one 20-liter bag, all neatly stored in a bright orange quick-attach void bag for easy organization in the field.

Each bag is made from durable, breathable nylon that allows meat to cool properly, an essential part of quality game care. Every seam is fully finished for strength, and the overall construction feels rugged enough for serious use. The tapered shape of the bags is designed specifically to fit the Mystery Ranch pack frame, allowing them to slide smoothly into the meat shelf for a balanced, secure load.

Various Sized Bags

Along the sides, sturdy reflective grab handles make lifting and loading straightforward, even in low light. These handles are rated for 250 pounds, while the reflective drawstring closure can handle up to 200 pounds. Small details like these make a big difference when you’re working late into the night or deep in the backcountry.

Each bag is designed to fully integrate with Mystery Ranch backpacks. Reinforced tabs along the handles connect directly to the pack frame, keeping the load tight and stable during those long, demanding pack outs. It’s a thoughtful system built with the same attention to detail that Mystery Ranch is known for.

Thoughts on the Mystery Ranch Game Bag Set

As luck would have it, I was able to take a nice bull just above the treeline. It was an incredible moment, but the excitement quickly gave way to pressure. The weather was turning, and a heavy storm was on the way. It took several hours to break the bull down due to the steep terrain and the fact that I was solo. At that point, I was thankful to be testing the Mystery Ranch Game Bags because I knew the night ahead would be long and the pack out brutal.

Getting Ready For A Long Night

The bull I harvested was one of my largest, so it was a serious test for the bags. I used the 60-liter bags for the hind quarters, which ended up being a tight fit, especially working alone. On a big-bodied bull, I would probably prefer the 80-liter size for a bit more breathing room. That said, with another set of hands, a smaller animal, or boned-out quarters, the 60s would do just fine. If I’m lucky enough to draw another hunt like this one, I’ll likely add a couple of 80s to my kit for extra versatility.

Tight Fit With the 60 Liter

The 40-liter bags worked well for the front quarters, though they too were on the snug side. For elk hunts, bumping up one bag size across the board would make things easier, particularly on solo pack outs.

Straps for the Win

Handling these bags was far easier than I expected thanks to the heavy-duty grab handles. Full game bags are usually awkward to maneuver, but these straps were a total game changer. By the time I finished my first load and reached the bottom, it was past midnight. I knew I’d have to hang the remaining bags for the night, and those handles made it simple to hook them over a broken branch.

Another standout feature is the connection pockets that attach directly to the pack frame. They do an excellent job of keeping the weight stable and centered. I actually forgot about this feature on my first two trips out, but on my third load, I used it properly and what a difference it made. The load stayed tight and secure, which is huge on steep, uneven terrain.

Morning Pack Out

The Material of the Mystery Ranch Game Bag Set

The nylon material really impressed me. It breathes exceptionally well, allowing the meat to form a perfect dry layer without sticking to the fabric. The durability was also top-notch. The bags resisted tears, kept out birds and insects, and showed no signs of stress after multiple heavy loads. These are clearly built to last through many successful hunts.

Cleaning the Bags

After the hunt, I was curious how the nylon would clean up. I soaked the bags overnight in a five-gallon bucket with dish soap, then rinsed and soaked them again with a little bleach. Finally, I ran them through the washing machine using scent-free detergent. The result was impressive and they came out far cleaner than other game bags I’ve used in the past. All in all, I’m thrilled with how well they held up and how easy they were to care for after a demanding hunt.

Specs on the Mystery Ranch Game Bag Set Taken Directly From Mystery Ranch

• MSRP $159
• 3mm reflective cinch cord for ease of locating hanging meat at night
• Breathable fabric allows meat to breathe and cool quickly yet protects content from debris and flies
• Drawstring closure
• Finished interior seams for extreme strength and durability
• Attaches directly to MYSTERY RANCH GUIDE LIGHT MT™ and GUIDE LIGHT FRAMES
• Shaped to transfer weight directly to frame and to control the load
• Double, heavy-duty grab handles for easy handling and hanging
• Reusable – washable

Final Thoughts

The Mystery Ranch Game Bag Set proved itself on one of the toughest hunts I’ve ever done. From the steep terrain above the treeline to the long, heavy pack outs, these bags handled everything I threw at them. The design is smart, the materials are rugged, and the integration with Mystery Ranch packs makes them an easy choice for hunters who demand dependable gear.

If I were to make one suggestion, it would be to consider offering an 80-liter option for those larger-bodied animals or solo pack outs. Still, the current setup is well thought out, and the performance speaks for itself. These bags are durable, easy to handle, and simple to clean. This is a combination that’s hard to beat after a long night in the backcountry.

Overall, the Mystery Ranch Game Bag Set earns high marks across the board. For anyone who already trusts Mystery Ranch packs, these bags are a natural addition that delivers the same level of quality and reliability the brand is known for. For more info or to pick some up for yourself visit mysteryranch.com.