MILITARY CATALOG 2012
INTRODUCTION Born in Bozeman, Montana, Mystery Ranch brings 35 years of experience with packs, materials and people to bear on the problems facing operators in the field. Since “The Ranch” was founded we have equipped Tier 1, all of SOCOM, and countless other units with packs and specialized load-bearing gear. During this time we have also set the standard for integrating packs and body armor into a functioning system. The Marine Corps’ adoption of the Mystery Cinch into their new FILBE pack system brings the Ranch’s pack and armor integration to a new level. We live in and work in Bozeman -a city surrounded by five mountain ranges, with rivers and trails making it an outdoorsman’s haven. We are proud to be building your gear here and across the West. Please visit us if you are in the area. Dana Gleason Principal/Designer
BOZEMAN, MT CRAIG HERGERT
CONTENTS 5 6 7 9 9 11 11 13 13 16 16 17 17 18 19 19 23 24 25 27 27 29 29 30-31 32-33 34-35
COPYRIGHT © 2012. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OF THIS CATALOG IN ANY PART WITHOUT CONSENT IS PROHIBITED.
BODY ARMOR SOLUTIONS
BOLSTERED VENTILATION AND STABILITY SYSTEM (BVS) MYSTERY CINCH BASE
ASSAULT
3 DAY ASSAULT 3 DAY ASSAULT BVS
MEDICAL PACKS RATS PACK ROUS
SOCOM ISSUE SATL TACTIPLANE
NICE FRAME
NICE FRAME NICE FRAME BVS NICE MOUNTAIN RUCK NICE WOLF ALPHA NICE WOLFPACK SYSTEM NICE 6500 NICE 7500
COMM SYSTEMS NICE COMM2 NICE COMM3 COMM COMPONENTS
LOAD HAULING NICE LOADSLING NICE CREW CAB
OVERLOAD
NICE OVERLOAD NICE 3ZIP OVERLOAD
SPECIALIZED/OEM ACCESSORIES FABRIC AND MATERIALS
BODY ARMOR SOLUTIONS Body armor creates significant load-carriage issues and Mystery Ranch has been improving our line of products which address them. Our BVS system keeps packs stable across armor plates; the Mystery Cinch keeps shoulder straps out of your armpits; and our new BASE takes the weighWt of armor and kit off your shoulders and shifts it down to your waist and legs. These solutions allow warfighters to focus on the task at hand and to perform at a higher level. We are serious about the development of these products because we believe that they make a significant difference in the field.
4 // BODY ARMOR SOLUTIONS
NEW FOR 2012: REMOVABLE BOLSTERS
2012 BOLSTERS ARE REMOVABLE AND OPTIONAL WAISTBELT UPGRADE
Bolstered Ventilation and Stability System (BVS)
US and Foreign Patents Pending
The Mystery Ranch BVS system works by stabilizing the pack across your back, preventing the pack from rolling across the plates. Our new removable bolsters are made of durable, molded EVA foam and mount to the sides of the pack frames. When missions don’t require armor, the bolsters are removable.
3 DAY ASSAULT AND NICE FRAME WITH BVS
Mystery Ranch BVS system comes standard on all SOCOM-issued Assault and Recce packs and is an option on all of our military packs.
www.mysteryranch.com // 5
Foliage
WITHOUT THE MYSTERY CINCH
MYSTERY CINCH
Coyote
Multicam
MYSTERY CINCH MOUNTS TO YOUR ARMOR
TM
US and Foreign Patents Pending
Wt: 3 oz
The Mystery Cinch is our solution to keep your pack secured down to your armor. It keeps shoulder straps from sliding off the armor into your armpits and prevents the pack from shifting across the armor on your back. The Mystery Cinch simply attaches to the MOLLE on the front of your body armor and routes around your pack’s shoulder straps to a quickrelease buckle. The Mystery Cinch works with nearly any pack -MOLLE, ILBE, FILBE, ALICE and all Mystery Ranch packs. The Mystery Cinch is the solution to make any pack more secure and comfortable over body armor.
Mystery Cinch now issue on new the USMC FILBE pack system
6 // BODY ARMOR SOLUTIONS
MYSTERY CINCH KEEPS THE SHOULDER STRAPS ON TOP OF YOUR ARMOR
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
BASE HARNESSING
BASE COMPONENTS
BASE
US and Foreign Patents applied for
Wt: 1 lb 2 oz
The Body Armor Support Equipment (BASE) is our solution to help take the weight of armor and kit off the shoulders. Initially developed for plate carriers, it works well with nearly any armor system. BASE is adjustable to most torsos and effectively transfers the weight of the armor and kit from the shoulders to the hips and legs. Installation is simple and quick. Just attach the BASE panel to the MOLLE on your plate carrier, and then adjust the frame to fit your torso.
www.mysteryranch.com // 7
ASSAULT
8 // ASSAULT
Black
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
2012 REMOVABLE BOLSTERS AND OPTIONAL LIVEWING WAISTBELTS
3 DAY ASSAULT
3 DAY ASSAULT BVS
We designed our 3 Day Assault to be the last word on assault packs. Big enough to carry sustainment gear, extra ammo, IFAKs, and all manners of tactical radios. The 3Zip design gets you in the pack fast –rip, unzip and you’re in. PALS web on the sides and on the inside back panel give you options to expand. The side compression straps compress the bag down when not fully loaded and can hold longer items, like M4s, aiming stakes, or tripods securely. Built for Military use, the 3 Day Assault pack is popular with hunters and Police tactical units as well.
This pack has all of the same great features of the standard 3 Day Assault with the addition of our Bolstered Ventilation and Stability (BVS) system (patent pending). This system was designed to give more stability to a pack when worn with body armor. The 3 Day Assault BVS is now issue for the Australian Army. • Radio Access top zippers • Three 100oz water bladder pockets • Adjustable Futura Yoke System • Live Wing Waistbelt upgrade available • Bottle and pass-though pockets on sides
Wt: 5 lb 1 oz (2.3 kg) Vol: 2000 cu in (32.8 L)
• Radio Access top zippers • Three 100oz water bladder pockets • Adjustable Futura Yoke System • Live Wing Waistbelt upgrade available • Bottle and pass-though pockets on sides
Wt: 5lb 9 oz (2.5 kg) Vol: 2000 cu in (32.8 L)
www.mysteryranch.com // 9
MEDICAL
10 // MEDICAL
Red
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
RATS PACK
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
ROUS
Wt: 5 lb 9 oz Vol: 1800 cu-in
Wt: 8 lb 10 oz Vol: 3500 cu-in
The Rapid Access Trauma System (RATS) pack is a frontline medic bag whose every detail is focused on quick, one-handed access to organized medical supplies. There are multiple trauma shears and tourniquet holders throughout and large reinforced handles for hanging the pack on branches or inside of helicopters. It’s sized so that when mounted on the NICE Frame, there is room below the pack for carrying litters or hydraulic combi tools. Inside the RATS are four removable pockets with clear vinyl windows and two IV bag pockets.
ROUS is larger than the RATS pack, it still features quick access to your organized medical supplies. The ROUS is mounted on the NICE Frame with BVS system to stabilize and handle heavier loads. The large top lid has elastic loops for gauze and a detail pocket for administrative needs. The front panel has one large pocket and two Rip Zip pockets for more storage. Inside the main compartment are six removable pockets and two IV bag pockets, all with clear panels for fast identification.
• Inside back panel stores a closed-cell foam pad to insulate patients from the ground • Internal trash pocket to keep track of items used • Two internal sleeves for splints and long items • Comes with Futura Yoke harness and is NICE Frame compatible • Two 150 cu in front pockets for blowout kits plus PALS web on sides • Top lid features internal bandage and gauze loops • 300 cu in zippered bottom pocket • Redundant zipper retainers
• Mounts to NICE Frame with BVS • Top lid features internal bandage and gauze loops • Redundant zipper retainers
www.mysteryranch.com // 11
SOCOM ISSUE
These packs have won technical competitive contracts with Special Operations Command (SOCOM)
12 // SOCOM ISSUE
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
SATL
TACTIPLANE
The SOCOM Assault Top Loader (SATL) is the standard-issue assault pack across Special Operations Command. It is a 3650 cu in internalframed pack that comes with our BVS system to increase the stability of the pack on body armor. The main compartment can be accessed through the top or the full-length center zipper. Like all our packs, the SATL features the Futura Yoke harness, a self-contained adjustment system that fits nearly any body type.
The Tactiplane is the standard-issue Recce pack across Special Operations Command. At 6000 cu in, the Tactiplane is designed to function near the maximum size load a soldier can effectively haul. It features our BVS system and modified Cush Lumbar Wrap to be stable on your body armor. With years of countless SOF missions under its belt, the Tactiplane is ready for whatever you can dish out.
Wt: 4 lb 15 oz Vol: 3650 cu-in
• Two 100 oz water bladder pockets • Radio holster for PRC117F, G and like-sized models • NSNs available
Wt: 9 lb 10 oz Vol: 6000 cu-in
• Two removeable Rip Zip Pockets • Long Front Pockets • Speedzip sleeping bag compartment • Removeable Daypack Lid • NSNs available
www.mysteryranch.com // 13
NICE FRAME The NICE Frame system provides a radically better carry than even a well-fit and well-packed Mystery Ranch internal frame. A thoughtful redesign of the interface between the user and the load led to the idea of building in pre-programmed flex to an ultra-stable platform like the NICE Frame. It utilizes the same segmented flex of the Lumbar Wrap and customized sizing of the Futura Yoke as in most Mystery Ranch packs, but pairs them with a unique mainframe engineered for unruly loads. The NICE Frame can be used alone as a freighter or with any of our numerous packbags, providing the versatility to handle any load situation. The NICE Frame BVS also includes our Bolstered Ventilation and Stability (BVS) System which was created to lock down over your ceramic torso plate with minimum pressure on your shoulder straps, increasing the pack’s stability when worn over armor.
X-RAY VIEW OF NICE FRAME STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
14 // NICE FRAME
ONE NICE FRAME FITS MANY PACKBAGS
ALICE RUCK
K
UC
R BE
FIL
www.mysteryranch.com // 15
Foliage
Coyote
NICE FRAME
Wt: 4 lb 5 oz (1.96 kg)
The NICE Frame is the core of our solution for serious load-hauling and stability. The frame is made of carbon-fiber fiberglass stays created in a pultrusion process that are laid in a 3x3 grid. These six stays essentially double the amount of mainframe typically used in internal frame packs. The stays are connected by sewn nylon joints that are programmed to flex perfectly with your stride without wasting energy. All excess motion is limited by the Cordura tension panel that makes up the NICE Frame’s “skin.” The result is a comfortable and flexible frame system capable of controlling any load you can lift to your back. NSNs are available, call for details: 406.585.1428.
16 // NICE FRAME
Foliage
Coyote
NICE FRAME BVS Wt: 4 lb 10 oz (2.1 kg)
The NICE Frame BVS shares the same features as the standard NICE Frame but includes our BVS System for stability over body armor. New for 2012 removable bolsters made of molded EVA foam.
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
NICE MOUNTAIN RUCK
NICE WOLF ALPHA
The NICE Mountain Ruck is Mystery Ranch’s interpretation of the classic ALICE bag design. Like all of our military packs it’s made of IR compliant, Teflon coated, 500d Cordura fabric and mounted on the NICE Frame. Inside there’s a radio pocket and an internal load compression strap to help pull the load toward your back. Outside, there are three Rip Zip pockets for quick access.
The Wolf Alpha is our mid-sized Patrol pack which mounts on the NICE Frame. It is ideal for extended patrols, bulkier mission essentials or when you need something bigger than an assault pack. It’s a classic top-loading design with a dual drawcord shroud and our Daypack Lid that converts into a backpack. The sides of the Wolf Alpha have 5 rows of PALS webbing and side compression straps which keep the load cinched down tight. Additionally, the Wolf Alpha can be mounted in a higher position on the frame, creating an open space at the bottom to accommodate the Wolfpup -our SpeedZip sleeping bag compartment.
Wt: 6 lbs 15 oz Vol: 5300 cu in
• Two internal hydration sleeves • Optional, removeable Daypack Lid for an additional 900 cu in • Fits an H-harness for airborne operations
Wt: 8 lb 10 oz Vol: 4200 cu in
• Daypack Lid • Water Bottle Pockets • Two Vertical Long Pockets • Center zip access • Built-in radio harness
www.mysteryranch.com // 17
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
NICE WOLFPACK SYSTEM Wt: 9 lbs 4 oz (4.2 kg) Vol: 6100 cu in
The NICE Wolfpack is a versatile pack system based on the Wolf Alpha. At 4200 cubic inches the Wolf Alpha’s volume is ideal for patrol missions but will expand to 6100 cubic inches with the addition of the Wolf Pup. Ideal for sleeping bags, the Wolf Pup can hold 1900 cu in of gear as well. To add the Wolf Pup, just raise the pack to the higher position on the frame, then buckle in the Wolf Pup. • Daypack Lid • Wolf Pup adds an additional 1900 cu in Water Bottle Pockets • Two vertical Long Pockets • Center zip access • Built-in radio harness
18 // NICE FRAME
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
NICE 6500
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
NICE 7500
Wt: 9 lb 9 oz (4.34 kg) Vol: 6500 cu in
Wt: 9 lb 11 oz (4.4 kg) Vol: 7500 cu in
For extended Recce missions or bulkier items, the NICE 6500 is our classic top-loading pack. This bag has enough features to organize the largest loads and seven rows of PALS webbing on each side for your own additions. Two long vertical pockets on the front allow quick access to scopes, headlamps, food, ammo, etc. Side zippers get you into the main bag without having to dig down through the top. The bottom part of the pack is our SpeedZip sleeping bag compartment. The 900 cu in Daypack Lid is removable and also its own backpack.
For when big is not big enough, we made the NICE 7500 -the largest pack we make for the NICE Frame. Two long pockets on the front and side zippers on each side provide quick access. The lid can be removed and converts into a daypack and there is a separate SpeedZip sleepiing bag compartment on the bottom.The NICE 7500 is huge and not for the faint of heart!!
• Radio Pouch • Three side compression straps • Side grab handles • Water bottle pockets • Daypack Lid • Upper frame extension controls load
• Radio Pouch • Three side compression straps • Side grab handles • Water bottle pockets • Daypack Lid • Upper frame extension controls load
www.mysteryranch.com // 19
COMM SYSTEMS
22 // COMM SYSTEMS
Foliage
Coyote
NICE COMM2 NICE COMM2 LAPTOP CASE NICE COMM2 SYSTEM COMPLETE
NICE COMM2 Wt: 10 lb 11 oz Built to carry all the gear that modern communication specialists might need. The COMM2 system organizes and protects your radios, antennae, laptops and sustainment gear. The COMM2 main bag securely holds the PRC117F, G, PRC119s and equivalent-sized radios. The attached laptop case will hold the Toughbook 19 or 31, cables, connectors and folds open for fast work. At the bottom, the battery pouch holds two to four 5590, 2590 or similar-size batteries. Sustainment gear can be carried in the quick-attach Hitchhiker and the Daypack Lid, both of which convert to their own packs.
NICE COMM2 RADIO POCKET
NICE COMM2 BATTERY POCKET
www.mysteryranch.com // 23
Foliage
Coyote
NICE COMM3 RADIO, BATTERY AND COMPUTER BAGS
NICE COMM3 RADIO AND BATTERY POCKETS NICE COMM3 LAPTOP CASE
NICE COMM3 Wt: 10 lb 11 oz The COMM3 system is Mystery Ranch’s new modular communicator’s pack system. A modular version of our COMM2 System, COMM3 components can be carried together on the NICE Frame or on their own. The main radio compartment secures the PRC117F or G variants, PRC119 or ASIP radios, and can be carried alone with its built-in shoulder straps. The removable laptop bag holds a Toughbook 19 and has cable storage and ports for running cabling to the radio. Sustainment gear is handled with the Hitchhiker and Daypack Lid -both with shoulders straps to carry separately. The whole system is mounted on the NICE Frame BVS for stability with body armor. The modular NICE COMM3 system is ready to adapt to your changing missions.
24 // COMM SYSTEMS
NICE COMM3 SYSTEM COMPLETE
COMM COMPONENTS
Keypad Pocket (KDU)
The Keypad Pocket is designed to carry a keypad display unit. This small pocket contains a clear vinyl cover which allows for protected keying. A protective Cordura cover flips over the display when not in use. The KDU Pocket attaches to a shoulder strap, wrist or sternum strap. Wt: 6 oz (17g) Dimensions: 4”x 3”x 1” Colors: Coyote
Foliage
SAT Pocket
The SAT Pocket secures your Portable UHF SATCOM antenna system, ammunition, or GPS. The SAT Pocket surrounds items with wall to wall foam padding and a secure buckle attachment. Wt: 5 oz (14g) Dimensions: 6” x 3.5” x 2.5 “ Colors: Coyote
Foliage
Hitchhiker
The Hitchhiker adds 1600 cu in of space for sustainment gear and locks onto either COMM system with four non-slip AutoLock Quick Release buckles. There is a 200 cu in top pocket for organization and PALS on the sides. Hidden shoulder straps allow the Hitchhiker to be used as a daypack. Wt: 2lbs 1 oz Dimensions: 18” x 11” x 5 “ Colors: Coyote
Foliage
NICE Daypack Lid
The Daypack Lid has 900 cubic inches of storage in two separate pockets -big enough for two MREs and two 100 oz water bladders. The Daypack Lid has shoulder straps to become its own backpack. Wt: 1 lb 1 oz Dimensions: 4”x7”x12.5” (900 cu in) Colors: Coyote
Foliage
Multicam
Multicam
www.mysteryranch.com // 25
LOAD HAULING
26 // LOAD HAULING
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
NICE LOAD SLING
NICE CREW CAB
The Load Sling is the most basic method to carry objects with the NICE Frame. This simple design uses a carbon-fiberglass stay to maintain rigidity and is lined with durable Hypalon on the inside . Its wide range of adjustability can manage any load you are attempting to carry, from ammo cans to Pelican cases.
The Crew Cab is our variable-capacity, do-anything pack which mounts on the NICE Frame. The Crew Cab can be compressed into a low-profile, 1900 cu in pack. Fully expanded, the Crew Cab can reach the equivalent of a 5000 cu in pack. It can carry EOD gear, Pelican cases, Packbot 310s, our Load Cells, ammo cans, even cas evacs in a pinch. For additional storage, add the Daypack lid which converts into its own backpack. The Crew Cab excels at carrying weird loads well.
Wt: 1 lbs (.45kg)
Wt: 7lb 12 oz (3.52 kg) Vol: 1900-5000 cu in
www.mysteryranch.com // 27
OVERLOAD
NICE Overload with 60mm Mortar and bipod
28 // OVERLOAD
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
NICE Overload Weapons Carry Configuration
Foliage
Coyote
Multicam
NICE Overload Normal Configuration
NICE OVERLOAD 3ZIP
NICE OVERLOAD ALPHA
The NICE Overload 3Zip is a smaller, 3000 cu in version of the Overload Alpha. It features the quick-access 3Zip design with the Overload system. Like the Overload Alpha, it carries sniper and crew-served weapons securely with room for mission essentials or sustainment gear.
The NICE Overload Alpha is one of the most versatile packs we make. In one incarnation, it is similar to our 4200 cu in Wolf Alpha mounted securely on the NICE Frame. When you unbuckle the pack and fold it away from the frame, it becomes an incredibly effective weapon carry system. Adjust the Overload tray out a bit further to carry crew-served weapons like the 60mm mortar or M240G.
Wt: 8 lb 4 oz Vol: 3000 cu in
• Water Bottle Pockets • Two Vertical Long Pockets • 3Zip design for quick access • Load bearing slings for load hauling
Wt: 8 lb 13 oz Vol: 4200 cu in
• Water Bottle Pockets • Two Vertical Long Pockets • Center Zipper Access • Load bearing slings for load hauling
www.mysteryranch.com // 29
SPECIALTY/OEM One of the things we are thankful for at The Ranch is the interesting problems our customers bring to us. That includes packaging comm gear, optics, sensors, connectors and cabling -all part of our day’s work. We have designed and built systems to carry jammers, receivers and robots. Working with weapons? We are not shy. If it needs to be carried by a human, it’s part of our mission -let’s talk.
30 // SPECIALTY/OEM
STRLLS FRAME
TIMBERWOLF
EXTRACTION FRAME
CADPAT NICE FRAME
PRC152 POCKET
www.mysteryranch.com // 31
ACCESSORIES
Bottle Pocket Wt: 3 oz
Flip Top Box
Wt: 5 oz Dimensions: 5”x 4”x 2.5” (50 cu in)
Designed to hold a quart-sized Nalgene bottle. Can be mounted on the Flip Top Boxes secure your items waistbelt or through PALS webbing. with wall to wall padding. Perfect for digital cameras, ammunition, range finder, or GPS.
Long Pocket
Wt: 7 oz Dimensions: 15.5”x 5.5”x 4” (400 cu in) The Long Pocket is a detachable pocket with its own frame to keep its shape. It can be added to any pack with two compression straps. It is a great way to add additional volume to your pack.
Rip Zip Pocket
Wt: 5 oz Dimensions: 12”x 6”x 3” (300 cu in) This is the best accessory pocket we have ever built. Fiberglass structure and attachment points lock it on so tight you’ll think it was sewn in. Dual zippers allow for complete closure and quick rip-open access.
NICE Daypack Lid
Wt: 1 lb 5 oz Dimensions: 14.5”x 6”x 3.5” (800 cu in) Perfect for binoculars, spotting scopes or just increasing the size of your NICE Frame setup. These padded pockets are sold as a pair and attach to any NICE Frame.
NICE Load Cell
Wt: 1 lb 1 oz Dimensions: 4”x 7”x 12.5” (900 cu in)
Wt: 9 oz (Small), 10 oz (Large) Dimensions: 12”x 6”x 3” (Small-950 cu in) 7”x 13”x 6” (Large-1450 cu in)
Designed with two separate pockets for your gear. This lid attaches to your existing pack and removes to double as an escape and evasion pack with enough room for survival gear and a hydration system.
32 // ACCESSORIES
NICE Pocket Pair
Coyote
These gear bags have internal compression straps to hold your gear in the bags. The bags come in two sizes and are designed to work with our Load Hauling packs. One Large and two Smalls work best with our Crew Cab.
Foliage
Multicam
Hitchhiker
The Hitchhiker locks onto any Mystery Ranch pack with four non-slip AutoLock buckles. The Hitchhiker adds 1600 cu in of extra space, with a 1400 cu in main compartment and a 200 cu in top pocket for organization. Hidden shoulder straps allow the Hitchhiker to be used as a daypack. Wt: 2lbs 1 oz Dimensions: 18” x 11” x 5 “ Colors: Coyote
Foliage
Multicam
Spandura Duffel
The Spandura Duffels utilize a large swath of a very unique fabric called Spandura. Literally Lycra threads wrapped in Cordura, Spandura fabric has the durability of Cordura yet stretches. Lining each side of the main zipper with this fabric allows these panels and the zipper to easily stretch and close over the worst overloads. Each duffle is lined with foam so it keeps it shape for easy packing. Use the interior pockets and exterior end pockets for smaller items. Wt: 3 lb 1 oz Volume: Small 3000 cu in Medium 5000 cu in Large 7000 cu in
One Man Duffle
Designed for travel and large enough to fit almost anything. Folds into its own storage pocket when not in use. Wt: 3 lb 1 oz Dimensions: 14”x 33”x 18” Colors: Black
Coyote
Red
Colors: Coyote
Black
OD Green
www.mysteryranch.com // 33
MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION All Mystery Ranch packs in this catalog are made in the U.S. All sewn materials are U.S. made –from the fibers up through every stage of production. These packs are fully IR and Berry-compliant.
Fabrics
Our primary fabric is 500 denier Cordura nylon. Tougher than traditional ALICE-style packcloth, 500d Cordura is around half the weight of 1000d Cordura. This can mean a pound lighter pack. 500d Cordura has superior waterproofing qualities and just plain makes a better pack. 1000d Cordura is a little tougher, but anything that damages 500d Cordura will damage 1000d as well. The difference in durability comes down to minutes while the difference in weight is double. The bottoms of all of our packs are double layered. The inner layer is stitched 1/2” smaller than the outer layer which places the bulk of the load’s weight on that inner layer, leaving the outer unstressed to maximize the material’s waterproof and abrasion resistance qualities. Where there’s a need to stiffen the packbag itself we use X-Pac. X-Pac is a laminate that sandwiches thick strands of polyester between an inner and outer fabric layer. These strands stiffen the fabric, giving the bag additional structure and load control properties. All pack shrouds are built out of coated and water resistant 200d nylon which is tougher than most tent floors, yet flexible enough to seal tightly. All military fabrics are IR-compliant and double-coated: one side with a polyurethane coating, the other side with a Teflon treatment for excellent water resistance. For places that require stretchy and/or compressive material we use Spandura, a hi-tech fabric that combines the toughness of Cordura with the stretch of Lycra. Made of Cordura fibers spun around a Lycra core, it provides a level of abrasion resistance never before approached in a stretch fabric. For areas on the packs that experience extreme abrasion, we use Hypalon. Hypalon is traditionally what the toughest whitewater rafts are built from. Our Coyote and Foliage Cordura cloths are solution-dyed, i.e. the fiber is colored before it is woven. This imparts an inherent IR masking that piecedyed fabrics lack. All web and buckles are also IR-compliant. Our Multicam packs come with matching woven webbing and are built to meet IR requirements.
34 // MATERIALS AND CONSTRUCTION
Thermoplastics, Alloys and Composites
Fiberforge, a thermoplastics company we’ve partnered with, builds our Framesheet Adjusters. These adjusters are a thermoplastic composite material created by fusing fiberglass with recycled pop bottles. Per pound the resulting material is lighter than aluminum and stiffer than steel. We have several versatile aircraft alloys to choose from when using aluminum in our framing. These alloys are strong, light, and bendable, yet retain their shape once formed to our specs. Carbon fiber is the key ingredient in the NICE Frame. Carbon fiber is incredibly strong, impressively light, and remains flexible under massive loads.
Foams
With attention to memory and durability, each foam we use is chosen for appropriate firmness, breathability, and cushioning.
Parts and Accessories
All main zippers are YKK #10 and all lid and pocket zippers are YKK #8. All zipper sliders are Black Oxide plated, which produces a far more durable zipper than painted sliders. All grommets for drawcords are Black Oxide plated and mounted in a 500d Cordura reinforcement. All web is mil-spec nylon, and all plastic buckles are tough Delrin made by National Molding. For serious lashing and compression options we use the National Molding Autolock buckles. For more detailed information on materials, packs, fitting and use, please visit our website:
www.mysteryranch.com
www.mysteryranch.com // 35
Mystery Ranch
1750 Evergreen Drive Bozeman, MT 59715 Phone: 406.585.1428 Email: theworks@mysteryranch.com Website: www.mysteryranch.com
COPYRIGHT © 2012. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OF THIS CATALOG IN ANY PART WITHOUT CONSENT IS PROHIBITED.