Review on MYSTERY RANCH Scree Womens Backpack by Jordan Jackson

I really, really wanted to love this bag. I think the materials are top notch, the Del Mar color is beautiful and the three zip design is really perfect. However, this bag fails where it matters most: comfort and weight. Some people like this bag, so maybe it just fits them better, or maybe they're not used to having a bag with proper weight distribution on their hips. Your mileage may vary, but here are my concerns: 1.) The biggest design flaw is that the plastic frame that gives structure to the pack is not connected to the waist belt in any way. As a result, the hip belt does not carry most of the weight. I tried many, many adjustments but no matter what I did, even with a small load in the backpack, too much weight was placed on my shoulders. You can fold the backpack by the hip belt; there is so little structure. 2.) The padding on the shoulder straps (and hip belt) is very stiff and I got hot spots on my shoulders. The lining is also hardly ventilated, so that you sweat a lot in summer. Both of those things are a bad recipe for comfort. Perhaps the lining will become more comfortable as you wear it, but who knows? 3.) I have to admit that I have a suitably hard body. I have a long torso of 22 inches, but otherwise I'm slim. Regardless, the hip belt on the L/XL is absolutely monstrous. I think the company could develop a belt with a wider range of adjustment. I think you can contact Mystery Ranch to get a different size hip belt, but I'm not sure if it costs extra or not. I love that Mystery Ranch is one of the few casual pack manufacturers that has packs that fit an extra long torso, but I think they sacrificed a good frame to achieve that design goal. Mystery Ranch, if you're listening, enlarge the frame sheet metal so it touches the hip belt! You can always crop it or offer it in different sizes! Also add mesh to the padding and soften it up a bit. If so I'd happily buy this otherwise good bag. Was sad to be back!