Mystery Ranch whips up special blend for SEALS

Mystery Ranch owner and founder Dana Gleason says his company is supplying the Navy SEALS with 1,000 backpacks.

The SEALS have worked with Gleason to create Big D’s Special Blend, a 7,000-cubic-inch pack based on the design of the Mystery Ranch G-6000. A primary characteristic of the G-6000 is that its Outamatic internal frame separates the fitting mechanism from the load support system. This design is not only easy to size and fit, but it also allows the pack to be flexible, and doesn’t sag and take the shape of a heavy load.

“The SEALS needed something to carry a heavy load comfortably,” Gleason told SNEWS. “With the SEALS, they have to be able to put it on and go immediately, and have it work extremely well.”

Gleason is providing the packs to a group of SEALS who have been training on Alaska’s Kodiak Island and developing a new gear system. “They’ve been able to spec a whole lot of the best out of the outdoor business, using Mark Twight as a consultant,” Gleason said. The new packs utilize the best fabrics and materials available, such as Teflon HT coatings.

Gleason says a civilian version of Big D’s Special Blend will be available some time this summer and retail for about $587.