The Mystery Ranch Difference
Mystery Ranch was founded by Dana Gleason, legendary pack designer who created Dana Design packs in the 1970s-90s. After selling Dana Design to K2, Gleason founded Mystery Ranch in 2000 to continue building the highest-quality load carriage systems possible.
The company's packs are used extensively by US Special Operations Command (SOCOM), elite law enforcement units, wildland firefighters, and outdoor professionals who operate in the world's harshest environments. This isn't marketing - these are contract suppliers to military units who can choose any gear they want.
What sets Mystery Ranch apart is an obsessive focus on load carriage engineering. Every design element serves a purpose: superior comfort under heavy loads, bombproof durability, and thoughtful organization. They don't chase trends or make cheap versions - they make the best packs money can buy.
Core Technologies
Tri-Zip Access
Three-zipper design opens pack like a suitcase for full access to contents without unpacking.
Futura Yoke System
Adjustable shoulder harness adapts to different torso lengths for perfect fit and load distribution.
500D+ Cordura
Premium fabric weight balanced for durability and weight. Reinforced at high-stress points.
YKK Zippers
Only premium YKK zippers used throughout. Stress points reinforced with bar tacks.
Who Should Buy Mystery Ranch?
Buy Mystery Ranch if: You need the absolute best load carriage for tactical operations, multi-day missions, or extreme conditions. You'll use the pack hard and need it to last 10+ years. You value superior comfort with heavy loads. You want Made in USA option. The price is justified by mission requirements.
Consider alternatives if: You're on a tight budget. You need a vehicle/patrol bag that won't see extreme use. You prefer traditional top-loading packs. You want maximum capacity (Mystery Ranch focuses on efficient load carriage over raw volume). The 5.11 RUSH series offers 70% of the capability at 50% of the cost.
Top Mystery Ranch Packs
Battle-proven backpacks trusted by US Special Operations and elite tactical professionals worldwide.
Mystery Ranch
3 Day Assault Pack
50L tactical pack with tri-zip access. 500D Cordura construction. Used by US Special Operations. Legendary durability with lifetime warranty.
Mystery Ranch
SATL Assault Pack
26L patrol pack with tri-zip design. Fully customizable MOLLE. Perfect for day missions. Made in USA option available.
Mystery Ranch
2 Day Assault Pack
37L capacity for 48-hour missions. Tri-zip access. Load carriage excellence. Battle-proven design trusted by military units worldwide.
Mystery Ranch
Terraframe 3-Zip 50
Internal frame pack for extended missions. 50L capacity. Superior load distribution. Adjustable yoke and hipbelt for custom fit.
Mystery Ranch
Coulee 25 Day Pack
25L everyday carry pack. Tri-zip access. Perfect for patrol duty or daily use. Legendary Mystery Ranch durability in a compact package.
Mystery Ranch
Urban Assault 21
21L everyday pack. Three-zip access. Laptop sleeve. Water bottle pockets. Ideal for EDC, office, or light duty use.
Choosing Your Mystery Ranch Pack
Daily/Patrol Use
- →Urban Assault 21 (21L, $135) - EDC, office, light duty
- →Coulee 25 (25L, $165) - Patrol duty, day missions
- →SATL Assault (26L, $250) - Patrol with tactical capability
Tactical Operations
- →2 Day Assault (37L, $285) - 48-hour missions, callouts
- →3 Day Assault (50L, $325) - 72-hour capability, bug-out
- →Terraframe 3-Zip (50-80L, $495+) - Extended operations
Specialized Use
- →Hotshot/Hotshot HC - Wildland fire, rescue operations
- →NICE Frame Packs - Multi-day wilderness, extended field ops
- →Mountain Series - Alpine operations, mountaineering