Mystery Ranch 3 Day Assault Pack Review

 

Pretty good sized bag. Plenty of horizontal and vertical compression straps.

I like the combination of pockets and molle webbing. The pockets hold a halgene bottle perfectly. There are also numerous wire guides on the sides of the pack. The pockets are also perfect for holding tripods. I do wish there was 1 more row of molle on the side.

One of the biggest selling points of this pack for me were the MOLLE loops on the back inside panel towards the top of the bag. This is a great place to mount the radio so that it doesn't get bumped around outside the bag but is still at or near optimum antenna placement, and easily accessible. This is also a great spot to mount an admin pouch for tickets, extra cash, passports, maps for the next sector etc.

If you notice the harness and wing loops around the molle they are actually meant to support ASIP’s through PRC-117 Radios (http://www.mysteryranch.com/military/military-pack-accessories/radio-wrap).

I plan to haul around smaller UHF/VHF and possibly HF radios, APRS stations and beacons, transponders and GPSes in that spot.

The other great selling point was this zipper opening to the inside of the pack. This is great for sticking a radio antenna through, running additional comms and power cables, quick access to admin pouch or quick access to a weapon/axe/BK3 that was attached to the molle inside the bag.

Overall impression of the bag is that it's built solid. If the bag was built any tougher it would be unreasonably heavy when empty. The bag easily fits lenovo W510, thinkpad T60, thinkpad X60, their chargers, pelical case with write blockers, pelican case with hardcopy 2, 3 empty drives, evidence bags, small toolkit and all the other EDC items I like to have with me when going on location. The adjustable frame makes all the difference. The pack is about as comfortable as it can possibly be with 40lbs of gear inside.

I really like the attention to detail. Adjustment straps everywhere and zippers on either side of the internal molle panel for running wires in and out.

The side flaps have a long pocket as well as a smaller mesh pocket.

There are wire guides behind the mesh pockets. Both side flaps are set up identically.

One thing this pack is missing is a lot of internal organization. I will probably be using 1 or 2 of these panels to organize some of the contents I need to get to quickly. For now I have a spare pistol and spare mag, radio, first aid kit. I will also be adding an admin pouch.

The laptops will be carried in a similar sized sinsert with laptop sleeves on either side and a pouch for chargers.

The manufacturer web site: http://www.mysteryranch.com/military/assault-patrol-packs/3-day-assault-pack

Preview of Whats to Come - Bag Reviews

I'll be posting a few reviews of several Mystery Ranch bags and Camelbak Tri-Zip side by side.

Side by side.

This is a Mystery Ranch tan 3 day assault pack. One of the contenders for my new EDC bag. Some days I am haulting 2 or 3 laptops along with chargers and forensics gear in addition to my typical stuff I like to have on my like a first aid kit, HAM radio, and spare mags.

(http://www.mysteryranch.com/military/assault-patrol-packs/3-day-assault-pack)

Camelbak tri-zip. Possible EDC bag for when I don't need to carry the kitchen sink with me. Maybe 1 laptop if that and the every day items.

Mystery Ranch NICE Crecab with a NICE frame. This will be girlfriends backpacking bag.

(http://www.mysteryranch.com/military/assault-patrol-packs/nice-crewcab-pack)

Also got the Mystery Ranch daypack lid to increase the load to either of the packs if its needed.
(http://www.mysteryranch.com/hunting/nice-frame-packs/nice-daypack-lid)

I fully expect the nice folks at Mystery Ranch to name their next boat after me given the bag prices...

This maxpedition is my current EDC. I will likely be replacing it with the camelbak tri-zip in the next few days. The bag is just a tad too small, hard to organize and doesn't have a good way to mount a HAM radio in a way that will allow the antenna to be properly positioned while the bag is worn.

I am also not quite sold on the 'sideways' orientation it is meant to be accessed in.
I can only fit an X60 laptop in it, the T60 laptop doesn't fit never mind the larger analysis laptop.
I really want to be able to have a compartment just for APRS gear as well.