Mystery Ranch premiered a version of their commercial Saddle Peak ski pack modified for military use. While the pack design is still being refined, several are already in use with Navy units.
Archive for the ‘Packs’ Category
Mystery Ranch Saddle Peak
Wednesday, March 11th, 2009Mystery Cinch
Tuesday, March 10th, 2009
Let’s face it, wearing a pack over armor sucks. But Mystery Ranch has just released an innovation that promises to change all of that. Its simplicity astounds. Designed to work with any pack, the Mystery Cinch routes the straps close to the center of of the chest and prevents the straps from creeping up under the arm. Additionally, pack straps don’t adjust tight like they would during normal wear so when released from the Mystery Cinch they fall off the arm. It’s one motion, quick release design sheds the pack smoothly.
Because the Mystery Cinch uses the armor’s PALS grid it offers the flexibility to accommodate a variety of armor vests, pouch configurations, and pack straps.
For more information contact Mystery Ranch.
Kifaru Launches 2009 G2 Line
Monday, February 23rd, 2009Kifaru, manufacturers of specialized military packs release their Generation 2 (G2) line today. Kifaru has not raised prices in nearly three years but increasing costs for materials and transportation have forced them to revise their price tags. However, they are upgrading their line’s features in order to help soften the impact. Those familiar with Kifaru products will get the most from this report and I encourage readers who have not taken a look at Kifaru to check out their website.
Overall Changes
Across the board, they have made several improvements including use of thicker, dual density foam lumbar pads, featuring their anti-slip PackLock technology as well as providing velcro patches on the packs for removable tags. Additionally, all of the packs, except for the Tailgunner waist packs, will now come with an interior hang loop for water reservoirs. Finally, they have switched over to ITW Quick Release shoulder strap buckles on most of the packs to eliminate strap slippage.
Omni Suspension Packs
With the exception of the Tailgunner and Scout waist packs all Omni Suspension packs will have external, raised torso pads, along with new anatomical dual density foam lumbar pads using Kifaru’s anti-slip PackLock material. The Tailgunner will also feature just the anatomical foam lumbar pad with the PackLock material.
Armor Grip
In addition to the numerous upgrades made to individual packs, Kifaru is also releasing two packs incorporating their new Patent Pending Armor Grip technology; the AG1 and AG2.
Armor Grip was developed to facilitate carrying heavy loads when wearing armor while mitigating pack sway. The torso pads are stowable and can be rolled out and secured to the sides of the frame, which create rigid stabilizers that cup around the armor. There is no need for torso pads when wearing armor, so by rolling them to the outside, the pack/frame can now ride even closer to your back. If you’re not using armor, just roll the torso pads back down onto the frame, where they use a velcro attachment system. Both of these packs use the same 24″ Duplex frame with the Armor Grip.
The AG1 pack uses a Navigator type bag, with almost all the same features as the Navigator, and the same capacity of 4000ci.
The AG2 pack uses an EMR bag that is 2″ shorter, and it has a capacity of 6500ci.
New Look
In conjunction with the new product launch they are also unveiling a new look for their website which incorporates drop down menus in order to improve navigation. Additionally, the hunting line is also receiving the upgrade and will be launched next week.
Kifaru packs are made in the USA and come in Coyote, OD, Foliage, Black, as well as UCP and Multicam at a slight additional charge.
Be sure to visit Kifaru to check out all of the enhancements to their line.
Mystery Ranch Names SOCOM Pack Winner
Wednesday, February 4th, 2009Mystery Ranch owner, chief designer, and head bottle washer Dana Gleason has christened the winner of the SOCOM pack (Recce Ruck category) competition the TactiPlane, seemingly in honor of its forbear the Terraplane (from Dana Design) which saw quite a bit of duty in the 90s on the back of some of America’s most elite commandos. In fact, there was a period of time before the UM-21 (aka Strap Master 2000) was fielded as a component of SPEAR BALCS that a militarized Terraplane was in the offing. But it was not to be. SOCOM would have to wait a full ten years to begin receiving a general issue pack from the genius of Dana Gleason.
The new TactiPlane incorporates Mystery Ranch Bolster Ventilation and Stability (BVS) system to stabilize the pack when worn over body armor and features a slimmed down lumbar pad. For old school fans of the original Terraplane, the long pockets on the back of the pack are present but a stuff sack style sleeping bag compartment offers an improvement over the zippered access.
Although details for a civilian release of the Coyote Brown TactiPlane are not yet available, Mystery Ranch offers an excellent family of packs that combine leading edge commercial load carrying technology adapted to designs inspired by close interaction with military customers.
For those customers with specialized requirements contact Mystery Ranch to discuss your needs. For all others check out Mystery Ranch online.
Granite Gear Tactical at SHOT Show
Thursday, January 29th, 2009Granite Gear was well represented at SHOT Show. In addition to their current line of packs and pouches they unveiled a few new items. Additionally, Multicam was prominent in their line.
Lightweight stuff sacks in various sizes were displayed.
Granite Gear also unveiled their new IMAG Interlocking Magazine Pouch system. In addition to a PALS compatible backing, the pouches integrate a hinge style system to attach adjacent pouches to one another. A stiffened web “pin” is inserted into the interwoven loops of each pouch. The pouch’s flap closes with a tabbed closure system very similar to the one used on the M-14 magazine pouch of the M-1956 load carrying system except that the materials are modern.
Also on display was the Chief Patrol pack selected as the new Patrol Pack for SOCOM. The issue ruck will have a few changes from the stock item including changes in direction for zippers, improved hydration interfaces as well as other unspecified alterations.
The Granite Gear Tactical line is distributed by SMG Tactical.
CP Gear Launches New Website
Tuesday, January 27th, 2009CP Gear by Wheeler has launched an entirely new website. They have also added three new colors to their line of CADPAT-TW and CADPAT-AR; Coyote, Universal Camouflage Pattern, and Multicam are now also available.
Check it out at www.cpgear.com.
Down East at SHOT
Wednesday, January 21st, 2009Down East are the geniuses behind such products as the FastMag, Snap Dragon buckle, and MOLLE Frame. Amid little fanfare they unveiled their latest incarnation of the FastMag at SHOT Show. As the prototype FastMag passed from hand to hand among gear aficionados, the inventors explained the evolutionary improvements over previous versions. The greatest improvement is the attachment mechanism. A thin, rubberized, PALS compatible strap has been integrated directly into the design and pulls over a tab to secure the pouch via tension. Additionally, they introduced the ability to shingle the FastMag with Tactical Tailor’s MALICE Clip. The pouches can be stacked on top of one another or in conjunction with soft pouches as seen below. Additionally, you will notice that the bungee is missing. Down East felt that it was superfluous and drove up cost. Instead they engineered holes into the design so that the user could integrate a bungee if they felt the need. The new design is still in the prototype phase but if past performance is any indicator, these should begin to be available soon.
To announce their new Direct Sales program, they also showed a version of their rucksack. In order to test their latest frame (DEI 1606) and suspension (in this case made by Eagle), Down East commissioned Log House Designs to manufacture a 2400 cu in pack. They are pleased to now offer limited numbers of these for sale in UCP and Multicam (available Late Jan 09) as well as civilian Black and Navy Blue. The pack is a simple top loader with ample PALS webbing to attach accessories and features a comfortable suspension.
For more information visit www.downeastinc.com.
Photos from Soldier Systems Daily, Down East Inc and Mil Spec Monkey.
SHOT Show – Mystery Ranch
Thursday, January 15th, 2009As usual, to get the real scoop on what the folks at Mystery Ranch are up to you have to catch them at a trade show. In fact, if you still aren’t sold on MR’s feature laden packs then all you have to do is try one on. If there is one common design element in the entire MR line it is functionality. The innovative designs have been refined over the years and the telescoping Futura Yoke ensures you have a custom fit no matter what you are wearing underneath the pack.
Mystery Ranch will be showing a new item at SHOT Show called the Medical Pallet. It is a velcro panel that fits inside the 3 Day Assault Pack. It is available with a variety of velcro based pouches in order to organize your equipment for rapid deployment.
Mystery Ranch is located in Booth Number 23244.
