US Mystery Ranch THOR III Backpack, MultiCam, Surplus

Carrying and compartments

Back-friendly Futura Yoke

The strap system is Mystery Ranch’s iconic Futura Yoke, where shoulder straps take only a small part of the weight, and most is carried by the belt. This helps you to carry heavy loads without looking like Quasimodo. The quick-release system is located at the bottom of the straps. To quickly reset the backpack, unfasten the metal buttons and pull the safety lines down. Just make sure that the sternum strap is also released (in case you buy the version that has it. To prevent the system from accidentally disconnecting, the lever has a safety mechanism.

Both straps feature a metal D-ring for gloves, water bottles, etc. The straps have Velcro channels for cables and communication equipment. The left strap also has a 1" horizontal sling for the device control panel. Adjust the tightness of the straps to the frame with load lifter slings. Use a looser fit when moving fast to give your shoulders more room to move. A tighter fit is better when you need to control the load better, e.g. when crossing waterways or moving in difficult terrain. The adjustable hip belt is very well padded.

Versatile storage space

On the outside of the frame, there are two compression straps for fixing the jammer directly to the backpack frame. You can, of course, use them for any other gear you want. Inside the frame, there are two additional flat pockets.

The main compartment panel can be moved 15 cm (6") away from the frame, giving you space for the jammer itself. Items put in this space will rest against the "shelf" of two additional pockets at the bottom of the frame, and will be held back by the compression straps on the sides and top. The frame will take on the main load and direct it to your pelvis, relieving the shoulders and spine.

On the lid of the main compartment panel, next to the upper pocket, there is a moisture-resistant zipper with two zipper pulls. Through that, cables, antennas, or a drinking system hose can be brought from the main compartment to the outside.

A 2-way spill-resistant zip provides access to the top pocket above the main compartment. The pocket measures c. 23 x 10 x 6 cm (9.1 x 3.9" x 2.4"). Thanks to the mesh floor, you can store wet things here (mittens, rain poncho, etc.), or ventilate the main compartment by opening the lid of this pocket. On top of the pocket, you have a 14.5 x 9 cm (5.7" x 3.5") Velcro panel for name tags, unit chevrons, moral patches, flashing lights, and such.

The main compartment is designed to transport personal equipment during patrols and short-term operations. The size is c. 29 x 37.5 x 12 cm (11.4" x 14.8" x 4.7"). The patented Mystery Ranch 3 Zip system provides quick access to the contents. Inside, you’ll find an open 19 x 26 x 5 cm (7.5" x 10.2" x 2") pocket for a water reservoir and such. A polymer sheet is mounted inside the back of the main compartment to give the rear wall rigidity. The sheet can be removed, but then the pack will be floppy.

Below the main compartment, you’ll find the 22.5 x 6 x 15 cm (8.9" x 2.4" x 5.9") power supply pocket. The soft neoprene inserts of the upper and lower walls are designed to reduce the mechanical stress on the power supply. In the far left corner, there is a hole for passing the cable, which connects the power supply to the device, between the frame and the main compartment of the backpack. Thanks to the water-resistant plastic buckle zipper located on the front wall, the power supply is protected from bad weather.

Below the power supply pocket, there is a 22.5 x 5 x 15 cm (8.9" x 2" x 5.9") compartment for additional batteries. It fits two US military batteries (2590 and 5590) and features an elastic sling for fixing the batteries to the top wall of this pocket.

Lots of PALS webbing for extra gear

The front walls of the main compartment have two 4x3 PALS panels for additional pouches and other gear. There is also a 3x3 PALS panel on both sides of the main compartment and 2x2 on each side of the hip belt. In the space where the jammer goes, you can also find a 4 x 4 PALS panel for additional pouches and gear. Finally, at the bottom of the battery pocket, there is a 2x5 PALS webbing that can be used to hang sleeping bags, awnings, ponchos, and other suitable equipment.

These enable you to increase the overall carrying capacity a LOT, plus they give you endless options for customizing your setup,