When Dana Gleason launched Mystery Ranch in 2000, he began to bring production back to the US in order to regain control. Quickly, he began to realize that military and firefighters were more demanding of their equipment than the average user. One thing Dana loves is a challenge and that’s why you saw such a focus at MR on the Soldier. Dana related to me that the more he worked with them, the more deserving he felt they were as customers.
Mystery Ranch has dedicated production at historic Clark Field, Republic of the Philippines to produce packs and other products for those customers who do not require full Berry Compliance such as international clients. For example, the Australian Army issues packs made at Clark Field. The Philippines have long been a US Ally and the production facility has certainly risen to the challenge of manufacturing military grade packs. One challenge that exists is that the gear must be interchangeable no matter where it is produced. For example, a country may purchase some packs produced at Clark Field directly from MR and then purchase additional packs through FMS that are made in Montana. They have to be completely compatible with interchangeable parts and MR works hard to ensure this capability.
While most of the materials are Made in USA, this new offshore production opens some new opportunities. For example, some materials are not available in the US. Not only can they bemused in the production of these foreign produced packs but it can serve as an opportunity to identify new technologies to bring back into the US. Although, it’s important to note that all special projects remain at the home office.
Most importantly, none of this would be possible if MR hadn’t spent several years perfecting the quality standards and controls to produce consistently in multiple locations. Ranchers are on location at all MR production facilities both in the US as well as at Clark Field to provide a guiding hand in all aspects of production. For you the customer, it won’t matter where your pack was built so long as it came from Mystery Ranch.
This new, additional Mystery Ranch production seems to be a big hit at this international show. Already, MR packs have been adopted by a wide variety of international SOF and general purpose forces customers. Remember, this in no way affects US production which remains full speed ahead. Rather, this Philippine production move has made Mystery Ranch competitive for international tenders.
Tags: DSEI, Mystery Ranch
Now get rid of the black zippers…
I am enjoying Kensey in a suit!
They use those black zippers becuase those are the only ones they could find that meet their stringent quality and durability standards.
You can always paint them if you don’t like black.
Congrats Guys… best of luck with your new shop! Paul looking sharp…tie and all
Haha Dana’s wearing a jacket!
Whatever could that laptop bag be, hmm? I wonder if it’s a one off.
Keep up the good work Mystery Ranch!
I have one of the Australian Army issue MR 3 Day Assault packs and have compared it very closely to an American-made one and they really are indistinguishable.
I also am an Australian and was issued with this day pack.
The specific day pack I had was pretty comfortable at the start and I was pretty Happy with the volume, however saying that I found when I loaded it up for a long day mission the pack wasn’t comfy anymore, and the load barring including the waist band wasn’t sufficient.
After using this pack for about one month it begun to fall apart, sticking started to fray, zippers became very sticky, and wear and tear took a toll on the outer layer and holes begun to form.
I take very great care of my operational equipment and I didn’t find this specific bag stood up to my
Operational requirement, I have a similar size bag and find it to be better.
That’s wy I call it old trusty, I wish for a day I can retire
This bag and a new old Trusty takes its place,
Not a bad effort keep up the good work.
Strike-Hold,
Paint a zipper? Put some glue in it as well, it’ll stick better. 😛
Seriously, I wouldn’t want to paint a zipper, as it might not work fluently anymore, if (when) I get paint on the teething.
Amazing there aren’t ‘color-matched’ zippers of necessary quality. Perhaps it’s because most pack designs have a flap covering the zip? Anyway, now the point of the camo-pattern is kind of lost, at least the finer details, like the printed PALs webbing.