Mystery Ranch
Tactical and outdoor packs, patented 3-ZIP system, Bozeman since 2000
Acquired by YETI in 2024 for $36M. Civilian division shut down late 2024, refocused on military/tactical only. Layoffs in Bozeman, local production halted. Dana Gleason's DNA, the made-in-USA legacy, is gone. No longer relevant to the civilian market.
Philosophy
Founded by Dana Gleason, a legend in pack design. Bags for military, firefighters, and adventurers. Patented 3-ZIP system. USA manufacturing for premium lines.
History
Dana Gleason landed in Bozeman, Montana, in 1975, launched Kletterwerks with Renee Sippel-Baker (a third-generation Montanan), which became Dana Designs, then got sold. In 2000, they started from scratch with Mystery Ranch. For 20 years, it was legend: packs for military, wildland firefighters, hunters. 'Virtually indestructible, very comfortable' - among enthusiasts, people talk about packs lasting 20+ years. The patented 3-ZIP system became iconic. 'One of the best in the business for reliability, quality, and customer service.' Then in late 2024, YETI bought them. Among enthusiasts, it's a firestorm: mass layoffs in Bozeman, local production halted. 'MR is trash after Yeti buyout,' 'being gutted by YETI.' The independent storefront may disappear, absorbed under the YETI brand. Dana Gleason's DNA - the made-in-Bozeman legacy - is evaporating.
Iconic Products
3 Day Assault Pack
The 30L tactical pack with patented 3-ZIP system. Full access to main compartment via three zips opening the bag like a book. Designed for special forces, adopted by civilians. 'Virtually indestructible.' The pack that built the legend. YETI can't erase that.
SATL Bridger (wildland fire)
The pack for American wildland firefighters. Designed to carry 20+ kg of equipment in extreme terrain. The kind of pack that saves lives because the carry is impeccable even after 16 hours of hiking. Mystery Ranch's original core: equipment for those with no room for failure.
Urban Assault 21
The daily urban pack. 21L, 3-ZIP, Mystery Ranch system adapted to the city. The bridge between tactical and civilian, the pack giving access to Bozeman DNA without being a wildland firefighter. Civilian division shut down by YETI late 2024. Still available secondhand. Buy one while they exist.