Rebuilding Fire on the Landscape: The Vision Behind ASG

Published 2026-02-19
To date, I have spent twenty-three years in the wildland fire service. Over the course of my career, I have worked on hotshot crews, served as a smokejumper, supported fuels management programs, and contributed to training and workforce development efforts. Through these roles, I have seen and experienced the many facets of wildfire operations from both the suppression and land management perspectives.

Father’s Day Gift Guide

Published 2025-05-11
Engineered for durability, function, and fit, these packs are built for dads who always carry more than their share. This Father’s Day, gift him gear with purpose.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide

Published 2025-04-07
This Mother’s Day, celebrate the woman who shaped your journey with a gift built to support hers. Discover MYSTERY RANCH’s collection of durable, high-quality packs made to go the distance.

How to Select the Perfect Backpack for Travel

Published 2025-04-03
At MYSTERY RANCH, we’ve spent decades perfecting the art of carry, designing packs that help you get your gear from point A to point B without a hitch. Let’s break down how to pick the perfect travel backpack for your next adventure.

Small Steps Towards a Distant Summit: Healing in the Mountains

Published 2024-11-07
Watching someone who has never climbed before do it with bright eyes and gritted teeth is one of the greatest joys. It is a physical manifestation of pushing our limits in real-time, and watching young kids and adults, all of whom shared a similar hurdle that they were simultaneously navigating to the rockface, was emotionally fettered. These families had all lived through a year and a half of war as Russia waged a war of terror and attrition against their home country of Ukraine, and yet here they were, choosing to continue living and pushing the edge of what it meant to do so in the face of unimaginable pain and suffering.

Mastering Ultralight Backpacking: Tips for the Adventurous Minimalist

Published 2024-06-25
The very first time I went backpacking was basically a disaster - I understood very little about the importance of a good pack, careful planning, or anything related to being a minimalist in the outdoors. For that trip, we packed up what was essentially a duffel bag with backpack straps and hit the trail - honestly would not recommend it.

The All-New GALLAGATOR Series

Published 2024-06-10
The newly updated GALLAGATOR Series has something for everyone with fresh colors, lightweight recycled materials, pocketed shoulder pads, and four sizes to choose from. The naming of the GALLAGATOR pack was driven by a deliberate intent, aiming for a balance between the inherent fun of the name, rich local history, and its practical application in activities such as hiking, biking, and day trips.

Hunting as a Family Legacy: Connecting with Nature in the Mountains of Hawaii

Published 2024-05-22
The crisp air chills as I stand high upon the slopes of Mauna Loa, looking down toward the ocean, you can barely make out where the ocean and sky meet. An Erckle Franklin chuckles in the distance, as I stand against the backdrop of a fiery sunrise. This scene, etched into my memory, embodies the essence of hunting – a tradition passed down through my family for generations. My connection to this pursuit, fueled by the passion of my great-grandfather and nurtured by my father’s father and then to my father, transcends the mere act of harvesting game. It's a legacy built on respect for nature, the thrill of the hunt, and the satisfaction of self-reliance.

How To Be a Responsible User While Climbing

Published 2024-05-12
It’s that time of year again when rock climbers rejoice. The snow is melting, the sun is growing higher in the sky and the temperatures are rising, ever so slowly. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been training in the climbing gym all winter or if you've put climbing on the back burner for a few months, we all can agree that heading outside to your favorite crag with a couple of friends is a great way to grow your climbing skills as well as disconnect from the routine of life.

Spring 2024 Drops

Published 2024-03-23
Spring calls for lightweight agility, and MYSTERY RANCH, renowned for our top-tier, load-bearing packs and gear, now introduces a new era of lightweight precision. Crafted for the most discerning adventurers, our latest line ensures you no longer have to choose between lightness and comfort.