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Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

96C

96C

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
    • Aug 9, 2007
    1,232
    2,121
    Aust
    Fellas,
    Does anyone have one of these packs or have any practical experience with them?

    I've been running an Eberlestock G4 Operator pack for the last year and a bit, it goes well but is often too "big" for what we're doing... Would be good to downsize a bit to more of a day pack size.

    Has anyone dealt with the tri-zip design? Any concerns? Does a good size tripod / spotter fit in the pack well etc?

    3d_mysteryranch_cl.jpg

    3d_mysteryranch_op.jpg


    Thanks,
    J
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    J, I have the 3 day and its a great pack. It wont fit a fullsize tripod inside but it will fit my swaro spotter. The tri zipper is a nice feature since it allows you to open the pack up like a duffel bag, and the hip belt folds and stores itself on the sides which can make it a slim profile.
    Send me a email and i can take some photos for you
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    I got one and it is really great for traveling. They are also bombproof. I have also used it for backcountry skiing and loved it for that.
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    I have one of these and absolutely love it. It carries an amazing amount of weight very well due to its well thought out design. The suspension, well padded straps and hip belt all do their job just like much larger, full size backpacks. You won't find many small/medium packs that are put together this well.

    The tri-zip design is genius. It makes it so you can find that little stuff that always seems to find its way down to the bottom of your pack without a) trying to sort through everything else or b) dumping it all out on the ground. I first saw the idea on the Camelbak TriZip, but there was no way in hell I was going to pay that much for a pack made in China. The MR is made right here in Bozeman and the quality is outstanding. This one saw a full tour of the valleys of Hell before it was passed on to me and looks almost new except somewhere along the way it lost its chest strap (which I quickly replaced as it is a key ingredient to how this pack carries weight so well).

    It has a good combination of inner/outer pockets and MOLLE to add your own pouches/first aid kit, etc. There are a couple pass through sleeves inside and outside that allow the capture of long thin stuff (cleaning rod kit, tripod, walking staff, etc).

    After using a couple of the cheaper 3 day packs, there is no way I'd go back.

    John
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    very interesting..i think that tri-zip design would definitely eliminate the hassle of not being able to find things that migrate down to the bottom.

    my only concern would be the middle zipper slipping down while you are wearing it. Do they have the ability to be locked in place when all are closed.
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Maelek</div><div class="ubbcode-body">my only concern would be the middle zipper slipping down while you are wearing it. Do they have the ability to be locked in place when all are closed. </div></div>

    I don't have one, but it looks to me like you could stick the loop from the zipper drawstring in the upper buckle strap.
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Maelek</div><div class="ubbcode-body">my only concern would be the middle zipper slipping down while you are wearing it. Do they have the ability to be locked in place when all are closed. </div></div>

    Those zippers aren't going anywhere unless you mean for them to. In fact, they have enough resistance, that MR has built-in pull tabs on the opposite end of the zipper to give you some purchase when closing them. I did not buy it new, so I don't know for sure, but they appear to be of the waterproof variety.

    This is a very well thought-out pack, obviously designed by people who use them. It is definitely not a piece you pick up at Army/Navy for $89.

    John
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    The Mystery Ranch stuff is definitely good to go. They originated the tri-zip and licensed the design to Camelback. It's a very well made pack and it packs a lot of stuff, more than you would think. They also have a larger pack in the same style if you're looking for the same form factor but with a little more room.
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    I love this bag. Being able to go in through the top and sides is the best. They are a little spendy though.
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    No way the zippers are opening up on their own. I have a Sweet Pea and that is the pack the 3 Day originated from. I love the size and the way it carries is great! Really hugs your back and stays in place. Doesn't droop and flop around.

    The trizip design has me sold over traditional type of pack entries. It really is like having a duffle bag you can access all internal areas with out dumping contents.
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    Great pack for sure, I love mine. Can't really add much more than what is already stated above.
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    I was issued one and it is good to go. I have used it to carry up to 40lbs and it works just fine. As has been stated, they are pretty much bomb proof (trust me on that one).

    I did manage to carry a Leupold Mark 4 spotting scope with a Leupold mini tripod in mine on a recent rifle course I attended, but you can always have the scope/tripod carried externally too, if that is an option.
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    This pack caught my eye as well thanks to the organization features and PALS webbing on the hip belt. I'm trying to get a sense of how it rides—does anyone have a picture of themselves wearing one that they could post? It looks fairly short in pictures.

    I'd mostly use the pack for day hikes (10–15 km) with some micro 4/3 camera gear along with water, snacks, rain gear, first aid kit, and the like. Looks like I could easily attach camera lens/accessory pouches to the PALS webbing on the hip belt and top sides of the pack to keep them easily accessible.

    Has anyone worn both this pack and one of the smaller Kifaru packs like the X-Ray, Marauder, or Express? The Kifaru packs are covered in PALS, and the backs look like they'd offer slightly better airflow, a strong consideration living in Georgia!

    —Andreas
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    Victory—That thread is what got me looking at the 3DAP. The online description lists it at 18" tall, but it looks quite a bit bigger in the photo you posted.

    —Andreas
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    It might be an Overload 3 zip in the photo. There were so many different packs I might of been wrong. It does look larger than the 3day assault. I know my ATL ran a 3day and it wasn't very big at all, but somehow he always stuffed everything he needed in it.

    There are a couple of packs they don't sell anymore, could be one of those.
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    I love mine, and the design keeps it off my back for good air flow - which like you, is important here in the muggy south.
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    Blair—Are you using the regular pack or the BVS model? I'm not expecting this thing to breathe like my wife's Atmos 35, but my current pack is like carrying a sponge on my back.

    On the Kifaru models, I'm seeing an opening between the shoulder pads and above the lumbar pad that look like they'd offer some airflow.

    —Andreas
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    Heya Andreas - I have the BVS model, which does provide additional flow - critical here in Florida.

    And.........this is pretty funny....... I have the Atmos 65 for backpacking, LOL! It's a great pack, super light, but different uses than the Mystery Ranch.

    The BVS actually gives you more back air space than my Atmos, but it is heavier.
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    Blair—I didn't even consider the BVS model since I'm an unarmored civilian. How comfortable is the pack with the bolsters when wearing a t-shirt? I see that they're removable for cooler weather. It might be real hard to not order one on Monday…

    —Andreas
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    I have only worn it with a tee shirt- the pack is comfortable enough,it really is a personal opinion,though. You are aware of the structural components while wearing it.

    It is not as comfortable as my Atmos.
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    ANY Mystery Ranch pack will be top notch. I own a Dana Designs Terraplane, built in USA when Dana owned the company. It's still going strong 15 years later. Dana now owns Mystery Ranch.

    BUT... all that said I'd prefer an Eberlestock Dragonfly pack in the Cordura military version. It can carry my rifle and anything else I want.
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    It's the best money can buy IMHO , here there are some pix of mine

    mr3day.jpg


    mr3daywalking.jpg


    PP out
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    PP—Thanks for those pictures! Looks like you're running some rip-zip pockets on yours. And +1 on the TRG! I'm thinking that either the 3DAP or Dragon Slayer will be just the ticket and need to chat with the folks at Mystery Ranch about a few things.

    —Andreas
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MBrady</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was issued one and it is good to go...they are pretty much bomb proof (trust me on that one).</div></div>LOL!
    laugh.gif
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    <div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Andreas</div><div class="ubbcode-body">PP—Thanks for those pictures! Looks like you're running some rip-zip pockets on yours. And +1 on the TRG!</div></div>

    Andreas ,
    you welcome !

    You're right , the two side pockets are a very good addiction to the pack IMHO , you won't be disappointed from any MR pack , they may be pricey but outstanding indeed .

    Stay safe,
    PP out
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    Pulled the trigger on a Mystery Ranch Dragon Slayer in foliage earlier today. Among other things, I like how the two sets of compression straps will pull the bag real flat when lightly loaded. They have the packs in stock, so I might even get to take it for a spin this weekend!

    —Andreas
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    I'm not sure about a spotter, but I have rarely not been able to get everything I needed in mine.

    Socks, bullets, food, water, maps, and of coarse extra demo. It all fits great and the tri-zip lets you get to it however it might be packed.
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    I just go the Crew Cab. It may be a bit heaver, but compressed its totally a day pack size. But it expands to carry a lot of weight and you can add quote a bit of extra storage. Hopefully I will have more info after my Elk hunt on how it performs :)
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    Thanks for your input men, I bit the bullet today... Sold my Eberlestock G4 operator and bought a Mystery Ranch Komodo Drago in Multicam.

    Komodo is the bigger version of the 3 Day Assault, based on alot of peoples concerns with a lack of space for some work this should be just right.

    If not, then it's a kick to the face and back to the drawing board!

    I'll throw pics up as soon as it lands.
     
    Re: Mystery Ranch - 3 day assault pack - thoughts?

    Just got back from deer season with my Crewcab. Performed flawlessly. I had somewhere between 70-90lbs hiked about 2 miles or so in steep terrain both up and down. Not a super endurance test I know, but was doable with no training.
     
    How is your Komodo dragon? Mind posting up some pics? Also include one of you wearing it? I just ordered a Komodo dragon in coyote. Can't wait for it to get here.
     
    Hi mate,
    It's a really great pack, very comfortable. I've been using it only for long range bolt gun work so it has filled that role perfectly. The Tri-Zip design is good for getting deep into the pack and picking gear from the bottom without unpacking the whole thing.

    I run my spotter, spotter tripod, shooting mat, data book, tomahawk, puff jacket, marker panel, cleaning kit, spare ammo in wallets, 2L South African water bottle in the pack itself and you can get to every piece individually if required.

    Some pics:











    The setup changes constantly, these are from a little while ago. I don't have any gripes with the pack which is a big deal considering I'm in the kit designing business... It's a great pack and works well.
     
    Perfect!!! Can't wait to get mine.

    96C said:
    Hi mate,
    It's a really great pack, very comfortable. I've been using it only for long range bolt gun work so it has filled that role perfectly. The Tri-Zip design is good for getting deep into the pack and picking gear from the bottom without unpacking the whole thing.

    I run my spotter, spotter tripod, shooting mat, data book, tomahawk, puff jacket, marker panel, cleaning kit, spare ammo in wallets, 2L South African water bottle in the pack itself and you can get to every piece individually if required.

    Some pics:











    The setup changes constantly, these are from a little while ago. I don't have any gripes with the pack which is a big deal considering I'm in the kit designing business... It's a great pack and works well.
    Click to expand...


    Thanks!!! I am super excited to get mine. I will be using it for long gun, range bag, and hunting.
     
    Sorry if this is a double post. (Stupid iPhone and poor reception).
    I am super excited to get mine on Friday. I will be using it for
    Long gun, range bag, and hunting.
     
    Received my Komodo Dragon in coyote yesterday. Fell in love just unboxing it.
    Great craftsmanship!!! Fell even more in love when put it on and adjusted it.
    I am SO looking forward to getting this thing out in the field!!!!
    No denying it, mystery ranch makes a great pack!!!! KUDOS to them.
     
    Hey mate, I'm also looking to replace my Eberlestock G4 with a Komodo. I foolishly sold my platatac MEOP and bought my G4 for highly inflated Melbourne prices thinking it would solve all my gear carrying problems. Although the G4 has some great features, it is the worst pack I have had. The back scabbard causes far too much movement in the pack. I really don't want to let it go cause I really liked the other features but I can't get it to work. Is that a similar problem you had the G4? How have you found the harness comfort under weight on the Komodo. Like you I don't want too make another pack mistake. It's getting too expensive. Cheers.
     
    Never had an eberlestock bag so I can't speak about them. My Komodo dragon handles all kinds of weight and very comfy I might add. It is the most comfortable bag I have ever had.
     
    I wanted a 3 DASP too but stepped up to the Dragon Slayer. Same basic design but just a little more space. Love it and I added side pouches for bit for space too. The Dragon Slayer replaced my Eberlestock Half-Track, still a good pack but I much prefer the MR.

    I'll end up with a 3 day pack too one of these days.

    720af45a-585b-4cf3-b8e4-72785cb9a487_zps025f7f15.jpg
     
    Can someone who owns a Komodo Dragon, Dragon Slayer, or Big Sky tell me if a Bear Vault 450 or BV 500 will fit in it, and if so, how much spare room?
    BearVault BV500 Food Container - Free Shipping at REI.com

    The Sierras, where I do my backpacking, require a bear canister be used, and I own both the BV500 and the smaller (though identical in width) BV450. It ends up being by far the bulkiest thing in my pack, as my tent and quilt are not huge. My pad I usually just lash to the outside of a pack.
     
    Jedi5150 said:
    Can someone who owns a Komodo Dragon, Dragon Slayer, or Big Sky tell me if a Bear Vault 450 or BV 500 will fit in it, and if so, how much spare room?
    BearVault BV500 Food Container - Free Shipping at REI.com

    The Sierras, where I do my backpacking, require a bear canister be used, and I own both the BV500 and the smaller (though identical in width) BV450. It ends up being by far the bulkiest thing in my pack, as my tent and quilt are not huge. My pad I usually just lash to the outside of a pack.
    Click to expand...

    The Komodo will hold it, but I would guess that would take up close to a third of the total capacity as I am suspicious it would not lay down in the pack(tough to tell from just looking at the specs on that container). My Metcalf would probably hold 6 or 7 of those containers.
     
    OK, thanks Redhooker, that gives me an approximate idea of how large it is. I have a huge pack right now, a nice custom by Dan McHale, but I find that with a huge pack I tend to fill it up. The only way I'm going to be able to limit what I'm carrying is by altering my pack size.
     
    Jedi5150 said:
    Can someone who owns a Komodo Dragon, Dragon Slayer, or Big Sky tell me if a Bear Vault 450 or BV 500 will fit in it, and if so, how much spare room?
    BearVault BV500 Food Container - Free Shipping at REI.com

    The Sierras, where I do my backpacking, require a bear canister be used, and I own both the BV500 and the smaller (though identical in width) BV450. It ends up being by far the bulkiest thing in my pack, as my tent and quilt are not huge. My pad I usually just lash to the outside of a pack.
    Click to expand...

    The Dragon Slayer will hold it too, not a problem.
     
    The zippers were designed or brought to the market by Dead Bird, somewhere in my mind I remember Sheri Tingy brought the idea to Arcteryx around 15 years ago and with her help the zippers were designed for the adventure packing crowd.

    They do not open on their own but they will leak under certain conditions but those are rare.

    As with any zipper, they are stress points and I have had zippers blow out. Of course others have different experience but outside of buckles, zippers are the weak link in a pack system and I have experienced them blown out, always deep in the backcountry. I cannot reason why, lay open access to pack contents. This is more of know know your kit and pack it properly.

    Nice pack but at over 5lbs for 2000ci in size, like all Dana its way over designed and constructed. This pack is non extendable so this really limits is function. I would prefer the top lid zipper be out so one the fly someone other than the wearer be able to access it easy that allows the wearer to keep the pack on and staying on the fly.
     
    Unless you are carrying a heavy load that you want well balanced and comfortable though the backcountry. Your 30 dollar pack will fail horribly at this.
     
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