Mystery Ranch is backpacks and load carriage systems for military, hunting, wildland fire, and mountaineering customers. The brand is highly regarded for its focus on function over fashion and its innovative, use-specific designs built to carry heavy loads in demanding conditions.
Brand Overview & Philosophy
Mystery Ranch, founded in 2000 by legendary pack designer Dana Gleason and co-founder Renée Sippel-Baker, has a design philosophy centered on function, comfort, quality, and durability.
- "Built for the Mission": Their unofficial mantra, this reflects their commitment to creating reliable tools, not just sporting goods, for users whose lives may depend on their gear.
- User-Centric Design: The design process begins with how the pack interfaces with the user, prioritizing proper load distribution and fit even when carrying heavy or awkward loads.
- High-Quality Materials: The company uses robust materials like military-grade 500D Cordura® nylon and employs meticulous construction techniques, including triple-stitched seams, to ensure longevity.
- Made in the USA: While they have global production, many of their mission-specific lines (military, fire, hunting) are manufactured in their Bozeman, Montana facilities, ensuring strict quality control and supporting domestic industry.
- Acquisition: In January 2024, Mystery Ranch was acquired by YETI Holdings, Inc., but continues to operate as a standalone brand from its Bozeman headquarters.
Key Technologies & Products
Mystery Ranch is known for several innovative features that set its products apart:
- 3-ZIP Design: A signature feature that provides quick, easy access to the main compartment from the top, front, or side, originally developed for military packs and widely adopted across their civilian lines.
- Futura Yoke: A patented, adjustable harness system that allows for a custom torso fit, efficiently transferring weight and enhancing comfort.
- OVERLOAD® Feature: An innovative system, primarily used in hunting and military packs, which allows the user to separate the main pack bag from the frame to securely carry heavy, often irregular loads (like game meat or equipment) close to the body, improving stability and comfort.
- Overload Shelf: A feature within some hunting packs, such as the Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75, designed to securely carry extra gear or meat between the main pack and the frame.
- Product Lines: They offer specialized product lines for:
- Military & Law Enforcement: Trusted by U.S. Special Forces for mission-critical gear.
- Wildland Fire: Their HOTSHOT pack is a standard among wildland firefighters.
- Hunting: Featuring products like the Mystery Ranch Beartooth 85 and Mystery Ranch Pintler, known for load-hauling capacity and organization.
- Mountaineering & Outdoor: Including lines like the Mystery Ranch Bridger series for hiking and camping.
- Lifestyle/Everyday: Urban-focused packs like the Mystery Ranch 2 Day Assault that bring military durability to daily use.
Sold Out
