Mystery Ranch, a backpack brand synonymous with hunting, military, and fire fighting, is launching a whole new collection of packs for outdoor recreation. While you could get ski and climbing packs online direct from the company before, starting spring ’16, four new collections in the Mountain Line will be available at outdoor stores in the U.S. and Canada. The company says they have been working on the Mountain Line for years and it’s finally ready for a big debut. All the new packs were on display at Outdoor Retailer 2015 Summer Market where I got to check them out.
GLACIER
The Glacier is Mystery Ranch’s flagship expedition pack. It’s a top-loading pack with a dual draw cord shroud for increased weather resistance and allows for upward expansion. The lid has two compartments for organization and load control. The SpeedZip sleeping bag compartment closes easily around even the bulkiest sleeping bag. It also features a heavy duty internal framing system that supports loads upwards of 90 pounds for extended periods of time. According to the company, The mainframe for the load transfer is comprised of two fiberglass stays backed by a full length frame sheet. This layered construction creates a vertical structure that rides in line with your spine and maximizes load transfer. There’s also a curved Futura Yoke that conforms to the shape of the upper torso, and a patented Contour Lumbar Wrap that provides contact all the way around the hips. Open-celled Matrix foam backed by closed-cell foam is used in the belts and lumbar pad to increase comfort and stability.
The Glacier will have a volume of 4270 cu-in (70L) and a MSRP at $350
SPHINX
The Sphinx is part of the Trail line of packs. These are packs are made for two or three day backpacking trips or thru hiking. Mystery Ranch says the Trail pack’s Adventure Frame provides a lighter, dynamic carry that can haul up to 60 pounds. The Sphinx is a top-loader that incorporates a center zipper which fillets open for full access to gear. It also has twin vertical pockets for external organization, and multiple hydration options. There’s even adjustable ice axe loops for trekking poles or ice tools.
The Sphinx will have a volume of 3960 cu-in (65L) and a MSRP at $299
URBAN ASSAULT
People looking for day packs or something to use at work or school, Mystery Ranch offers the EveryDay Carry collection. They have all the design and durability Mystery Ranch is known for, but with urban features like two internal zippered accessory pockets, lid pocket with sleeve, and a sleeve for a 15″ laptop. These packs are inspired by military assault rucks with a 3-zip design that allows the user to access gear quickly in the main compartment.
The Urban Assault will have a volume of 1280 cu-in (21L) with a MSRP at $150.
This is just a small sample of the new packs coming from Mystery Ranch next spring. Other packs that caught our eye include:
THE GUNFIGHTER
THE CAIRN
BOOTY BAG
SUMMIT
SCREE
Hopefully we will be able to get our hands on some packs for testing and review next year because these gear haulers look very cool. Stay tuned and look for them coming to outdoor shops Spring, 2016.