Mystery Ranch Quietly Released an Upgraded Take on One of Its Most Sought-After Packs

The bag that helped define the brand is back in a limited-edition version that draws upon its decades-long history.

Close-up of a black fabric patch with orange "Mystery Ranch Bozeman MT USA" text on a gray bag with orange cords.

Add Gear Patrol as a Preferred Source on Google

Published November 24, 2025

·

If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn more

Long before EDC became a buzzy acronym, quality packs made to haul essentials existed, built with premium materials, considered construction and an emphases on utility.

One such pack was Mystery Ranch’s Hip Monkey, which helped establish the brand’s reputation for crafting high-performance bags and carry systems favored by everyone from the U.S. military and firefighters to EDC-obsessed civilians.

Black and orange Mystery Ranch waist pack with orange zipper pulls and a "Still Works 25 Years" tag on a wooden surface. — The US-made Hip Monkey 25: Legacy Edition looks quite nice dressed in Mystery Ranch’s classic colors.

Now the brand’s longest-running style returns, celebrating the original design while incorporating modern materials and updates.

Heritage carry

The Hip Monkey 25: Legacy Edition pays homage to the original version of Mystery Ranch’s longest running pack style, released two and a half decades ago.

As one of the most popular bags the brand makes, the Hip Monkey has been brought back time and time again over the years in a variety of textiles and colorways, but the newest version is something special.

Black and orange Mystery Ranch bag with open main compartment showing bright orange interior lining. — The addition of X-Pac fabric brings modern performance to a timeless pack.

The latest Hip Monkey is a limited-edition, made in the USA re-release that isn’t just a retro re-skin; it’s a true original that classily builds upon the first silhouette by introducing modern materials and heritage-inspired details.

Two black Mystery Ranch waist packs, one with orange accents and the other with black straps, shown side by side. — The first-ever Hip Monkey (left) and the latest edition (right) share similar DNA, with slight differences in construction and color.

The new materials include 210-denier Advanced Technology Sailcloth X-Pac, a low-stretch waterproof fabric designed to handle years of use and abuse, and smooth, durable YKK zippers.

Black fabric patch with orange and white "Still Works 25 Years" text sewn onto black textile material with an orange loop above. — A close-up of the commemorative patch.

The Hip Pack 25: Legacy Edition favors black and orange, classic Mystery Ranch brand colors, and adds a new, commemorative “Still Works” buffalo fuzz patch that is a throwback to the original logo.

Black and orange Mystery Ranch waist pack worn on the hip with an orange shirt and gray pants. — At just one pound, the Hip Monkey is easy to wear, and with eight liters of storage, it’s easy to bring along everything you need.

Despite its light weight of a single pound, the hip pack boasts 8 liters of volume, more than enough room for your EDC loadout, plus extras.

Availability and pricing

The Hip Monkey 25: Legacy Edition is available now for $175 on Mystery Ranch’s official website.

Black and orange Mystery Ranch waist pack with multiple zipper pulls and "Made in USA" tag.

Mystery Ranch Hip Monkey 25: Legacy Edition

The Hip Monkey 25: Legacy Edition pays homage to the original version of Mystery Ranch’s longest running pack style, released two and a half decades ago. The limited-edition, made in the USA re-release introduces modern materials to the silhouette, including 210-denier Advanced Technology Sailcloth X-Pac — a low-stretch waterproof fabric designed to handle years of use and abuse — and smooth, durable YKK zippers.

$175 at Mystery Ranch

About the Author: Hayley Helms is an associate editor at Gear Patrol specializing in outdoor gear. Once upon a time, she wrote for Men’s Journal, Gearjunkie and Shape. Whether it’s testing a new rain shell or putting a pair of hiking boots through its paces, she leaves no stone unturned (however, she always Leaves No Trace).

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.