NEWS – If you are looking to upgrade your day bag or create the ultimate dad bag, Mystery Ranch of Bozeman, Montana recently released an updated version of their smallest assault pack, the ASAP. Like many of their other assault packs, the ASAP uses their patented 3-Zip design to allow you to access even the deepest recesses of the pack without having to unload everything from the top. The military / tactical design of the ASAP means it will stand out in a crowd and stand up to just about any abuse you can throw at it.
The main compartment has three pockets, of which two are designed for holding water reservoirs, but can also swallow light jackets, water bottles, or a changing pad, baby wipes, and diapers with ease. In addition to the main compartment, there is a small compartment in the top lid. MOLLE / PALS (pouch attachment ladder system) webbing on the outside of the ASAP allows for expansion and customization using any pouches that utilize the PALS system of attachment.
The ASAP utilizes Mystery Ranch’s internal Futura Yoke system to customize the fit of the pack to your torso once you’ve selected one of the three frame sizes. ASAP packs are available in four colors: black, coyote (tan), foliage (green) and multicam (green with multiple shades of brown).
Mystery Ranch designs and manufactures all their assault packs in the United States. While many of their mountaineering packs are available through various brick-and-mortar retailers in the United States, most of their assault packs are only available from their website www.mysteryranch.com. The ASAP retails for $275.
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It’s Bozeman not Boseman.
Yes. I didn’t scrutinize auto-correct closely enough.
Sorry about that.
Not all the MR packs are manufactured in the USA. Some are USA made to be Berry Compliant for military and government sales but a lot of them are made overseas now. Usually the USA made models will specifically say so in the model title or the description.
Paul,
You are correct that some of the Mystery Ranch packs are now made outside of the United States.
However, my statement stands–all of the Mystery Ranch military packs (including the assault packs) are made in the USA as part of their ongoing contracts with SOCOM and other DoD groups.
Matt
I’ve been considering an ASAP for the longest time but still haven’t pulled the trigger on one. So what exactly was updated from the previous model? I don’t have an older one to compare it to.
Minor tweaks to the design to make it similar to the other revised assault packs.
The biggest visual difference is the use of color matching zippers rather than black. My understanding is that this change brings them into compliance with military requirements about removing high-contrast patterns on gear. It also looks better in my opinion.
The thin waist belt is also removable now, rather than being sewn on.
I use mine as my everyday bag and have an admin pouch and a first aid kit attached to the side MOLLE panels. I use a Stick It over the back to hold my softshell. Inside I use a MOLLE Panel (http://www.themollepanel.com/) inside as a laptop sleeve / quick carry to organize the inside compartment.
Thanks for the quick response. I was also wondering if you think the ASAP can be compressed vertically? I’d love to be able to take it on a plane as a “personal item” in addition to my carry-on. But to meet the size requirement of 17″ L (43.2 cm) x 13″ W (33 cm) x 8″ H (20.32 cm), the length needs to compressed down significantly. Not sure if that’s doable.
Short answer: no
Long answer: still no, but….
The internal frame on the ASAP is a rigid polymer piece which helps the pack keep it’s shape. The pack can easily meet the 13″ and 8″ requirements even when moderately loaded, but even unloaded, I was not able to squeeze my pack down to 17″ long. Maybe 19″ but not 17″.
Personally, I’ve never had airline personnel question me about the size of what I’m putting under the seat, just about the size and weight of my regular carry on. Now, I’ve had to explain the pouches and overall militaristic look of the packs (mine are coyote, black would be less conspicuous, unless you are on a plane full of SWAT officers).
I have had to explain the empty breaching bar and multi-tool sheaths (the multi-tools either get left at home or put in checked luggage) while going through security (these are on my larger pack that was my luggage for the trip.
The worst time was when I left my Leatherman fold-up EMT shears in my first aid kit. Luckily the agent had been a military corpsman and recognized that they were part of a first aid kit. Not sure that was completely okay, but at least I didn’t lose a $60 set of shears.