Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack is a specialized backpack for transporting electronic warfare equipment, communication devices and similar equipment.
Not so long ago, we told you about a specialized backpack for transporting medical equipment, the example of the TSSI TACOPS M-9 Assault Medical Backpack. Our today's example is the same specialized solution, but this time for transporting communications equipment and electronic warfare equipment. But, before talking about the backpack itself, first I will dwell a little on its purpose and manufacturer.
Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) have become one of the most important risk factors during military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are widely used to attack the personnel and vehicles of the coalition forces, and complicate their free movement. Most of these devices, due to their design simplicity, are powered by household radio-controlled devices and cell phones.
Such explosive devices do not detonate until they receive an external signal. Therefore, to protect against remote detonation of such IEDs, the coalition forces began to widely use electronic warfare and radio signal suppression. By blocking the corresponding part of the radio wave range in a small radius from ground units or vehicles, the military was able to protect themselves from IEDs and losses.
And if it is not a problem to place electronic warfare equipment in vehicles for transporting personnel or logistic support, then everything is a little more difficult with foot units. Indeed, for the effective use of means for suppressing radio signals when walking on foot, it is necessary to provide them with protection from mechanical damage, reliable power, and also the ability to relatively comfortably transport them over long distances along with the individual equipment of soldiers.
The three-generation THOR series portable electronic warfare and countermeasures (THOR I-THOR III) from Sierra Nevada Corporations have responded to these challenges. These devices were purchased during operations in Afghanistan, and the current third generation is still actively used by explosives experts to suppress radio signals and counter the remote detonation of IEDs.
Image with https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thor_III
The military received the devices from the Sierra Nevada Corporation, but in search of means for their comfortable carrying, they turned to experts in the field of pedestrian transportation of large loads over difficult terrain - the Mystery Ranch company.
Mystery Ranch is well known in the shoulder segment as a provider of specialized solutions for the military, firefighters, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts. The products of the campaign have been successfully used for several decades for the transportation of large cargoes during reconnaissance landings and raids by the Armed Forces and Special Operations of the United States and NATO countries, for transporting chainsaws, tools and fuel and lubricants during forest fire fighting, carrying equipment during mountaineering ascents and searching - rescue operations in the mountains, transportation of body parts of killed game in high-altitude hunting, and the like.
With extensive experience in the development of shoulders for heavy and atypical loads, Mystery Ranch has developed a specialized solution for the transportation of the AN \ PLQ-9 THOR III electronic jamming device in combination with individual explosives equipment. Everything so that it was convenient for them to accompany foot raid groups, and to protect them from remotely controlled improvised explosive devices, was included in the design of the Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack:
- Adjustable space for the RF jammer, its power supply and additional batteries.
- Built-in ducts and means for wiring electrical appliances.
- Main compartment for storing personal equipment.
- Mystery Ranch 3 Zip system for quick access to the inside of the main compartment.
- Rigid yet flexible frame for efficient weight distribution.
- Padded waistband and patented straps with flexible adjustment for maximum wearer comfort.
- Quick release system in case of injuries and emergencies.
- Dimensions (see): 30 x 55 x 30 (width \ height \ depth).
- Available colors: Multicam.
Mystery Ranch fundamentally differs from other manufacturers in its close attention to how the backpack carries weight and at the same time affects the user. They first design the frame and suspension system, and only then pay attention to the container itself, which will carry the weight. Therefore, I propose to get acquainted with the Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack in the same sequence, so that it would be easier for you to understand the key differences between the shoulders of this manufacturer.
There are two zones that directly contact the user in the Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack: this is the belt onto which most of the weight of the load is transmitted, and the straps, which take only a small part of the weight, ultimately help to maintain the load in an upright position.
The straps of the Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack are pretty typical of this manufacturer. This is a design called Futura Yoke, which is also the hallmark of Mystery Ranch, and is used on other backpack models. The straps have an anatomical S-shape with a difference in width from 8 centimeters at the top to 5 centimeters at the bottom. At the top of the straps are two metal D-rings for hanging accessories: glasses, gloves, carabiners, etc. Nearby is a chest strap with an inch sling and a plastic buckle. The chest strap is adjustable horizontally and vertically, so you have the flexibility to adjust it to your body size and current clothing.
Additionally, two Velcro channels have been added to the straps of the Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack, which are provided for the passage of AN \ PLQ-9 THOR III cables and communication equipment. On the left strap there is also a one-inch horizontal sling for fixing the electronic warfare device control panel. With its help, it is possible to monitor the work and make changes to the settings without having to remove the backpack and device from the shoulders.
The Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack is composed of three independent pillows filled with medium-hard EVA foam. According to the manufacturer, the density and angle of inclination of the foam were chosen so as to be comfortable for the user during prolonged use, not to cause discomfort, but not to slip off the lower back. The gap between the side cushions, 12 centimeters high, allows you to freely move your legs without tilting the frame to the appropriate side. This feature helps to stabilize the position of the load. The central pillow has dimensions of 15 x 17 cm (width / height) and a large thickness in order to transmit the weight of the load to the user's pelvis as much as possible without accompanying pain and discomfort.
The side cushions of the belt are externally equipped with PALS modular interface panels for 2 slings of 3 columns for hanging additional pouches, holsters and compatible equipment. In front of them there are two plastic buckles for two slots, for an adjusting strap 5 centimeters wide, which is responsible for the ability to adjust the belt in diameter. Please note that to tighten the belt, you need to pull the sling forward, not backward, which is quite convenient when putting on the backpack yourself. The belt is loosened by the displacement of these plastic buckles towards the back. Therefore, you have the opportunity to adjust the diameter of the belt during movement, taking into account the weight of the apparatus.
The quick release system is located at the bottom of the straps, where they go into the regulating strap. It is made of metal buckles. In one half, a rectangular hole is made, in the other - a lever with a protrusion, which abuts against the wall of the hole. To prevent the system from accidentally disconnecting, the lever has an additional fuse in the form of a sling with a button. While the button is fastened to the shoulder strap, the system is securely closed. To quickly reset the backpack, you, respectively, need to unfasten the metal buttons and pull the safety lines down. Just make sure that the chest strap is released so that it does not pull you along with the backpack.
Below the metal buckle of the quick release system, there is also a plastic buckle with two slots, which is responsible for vertical adjustment of the straps. With their help, you can adjust the position of the straps on the torso.
On straps from the outside there are additional adjusting slings of inch width and a power reserve of 25 centimeters. These straps are called Load Lifter and are responsible for the tightness of the straps to the frame. Using them, you can increase this distance, or reduce it by pulling the straps close to the frame. You will need a looser fit of the frame when actively moving or running, when the shoulders need a greater margin of motion without affecting the position of the load. A tighter fit will be more relevant in situations where you need better control of the load, such as when crossing water obstacles or moving difficult terrain.
The Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack is made in the best traditions of the patented Mystery Ranch NICE Frame system.
On the outside of the frame, at the top of the frame, there are two upper compression buckles and two side compression buckles. They fix the main compartment of the backpack to the frame, which I will talk about a little later.
Below, under an empty area with a height of 9 centimeters, there is a PALS interface panel with a height of 21.5 centimeters in four rows of 4 cells. Here, if necessary, you can fix additional pouches and joint items of equipment. The modular interface panel floor also passes two short compression straps with a 22 centimeter range of travel. Initially, they are designed to fix the AN \ PLQ-9 THOR III electronic suppression device directly to the backpack frame, however, if necessary, they can also be used to fix other equipment.
The frame of the backpack itself is located in the channels with a nylon sling and is formed by composite stiffening ribs measuring 1.5 x 52 centimeters (width / height). These ribs are made from a combination of carbon fiber and glass fiber. As a result, the frame of the Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack is lighter than its aluminum or plastic counterparts, but can withstand significant loads. Due to the flexibility in the joints, this frame is even less susceptible to overloads and, accordingly, bend rather than crack. Therefore, Mystery Ranch frames have proven themselves well for parachute jumps, and for dumping cargo from aircraft.
On the inside of the frame, where it connects to the Futura Yoke straps, there are two more flat pockets. One of them has Velcro on both sides. With this Velcro, you can adjust the vertical position of the attachment point of the straps to the frame. For this, an additional polymer component is used, which is placed in an adjacent flat pocket. Take it out of the pocket, insert it into the pocket with Velcro, separating its halves, set the required height for the straps relative to the frame, let the halves of the Velcro reconnect - and that's it, your straps are in the optimal position for your height. Learn more about adjusting the Mystery Ranch shoulder straps in this video.
After adjustment, you can return the plastic insert measuring 32 x 16 centimeters back into her pocket, where she will take some of the load, and distribute it along the spine. Therefore, even with oversized or heavy loads, the Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack will not squeeze your collarbones, but instead it will be convenient to press against the spine in the area between the shoulder blades. Expansion up to 19 centimeters at the top, and three longitudinal stiffeners only contribute to this. In addition to adjusting the position of the straps in height, unloading the shoulders and distributing the load, there were also recorded cases of using this polymer insert as shovels for organizing improvised shelters in the snow, or as oars when moving in water bodies.
From the side, you can clearly see how three pockets are fixed to the frame of the Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack: the main transport compartment for individual equipment, a specialized pocket for the AN \ PLQ-9 THOR III power supply, and a pocket for additional batteries. Vertically, their height is 38, 10 and 5 centimeters, respectively. It is also worth paying attention here to the four compression lines of the main compartment with an adjustment margin within 37 centimeters, and a PALS panel for three horizontal lines of three cells each, available on the sides of the main compartment. They can be used to secure additional pouches to increase the overall capacity of the backpack.
Bottom of the pocket for batteries measuring 23 x 16 centimeters (width / height) is equipped with a PALS interface. Here you have access to 2 rows of 5 cells, which can be used to hang sleeping bags, awnings, ponchos and other items of clothing, or individual equipment.
On top, on the surface of the upper pocket of the main compartment, a Velcro panel with dimensions of 14.5 x 9 cm (width \ height) is sewn, where you can install various insignia: nametaps, unit chevrons, moral or reflective patches, flashing lights, and the like.
A 2-way spill-resistant zip provides access to the top pocket of the main compartment of the Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack. The pocket is irregular in shape and measures approximately 23 x 10 x 6 centimeters (width / height / depth). Please note that the bottom of this pocket is made of mesh, which allows you to wear wet things here (mittens, ponchos, etc.), or ventilate the main compartment by opening the lid of this pocket. You may have such a need, for example, when electronics are located inside the main compartment, which are sensitive to overheating.
The main compartment of the backpack has dimensions of 29 x 37.5 x 12 cm (width \ height \ depth), and is designed to transport personal equipment of the AN \ PLQ-9 THOR III carrier during patrols, foot raids and short-term operations. The patented Mystery Ranch 3 Zip system is responsible for access to the inner space of the main compartment, which consists of three zippers, converge at one point, and provide quick access to the contents along the entire height of this section.
In the lid of the main compartment, next to the upper pocket, there is another moisture-resistant zipper 21 cm wide with two sliders (see photo). With its help, you can create a hole up to 15 centimeters wide, through which cables of electronic devices, antennas of communication equipment, or a hose of a drinking system can be brought out from the main compartment to the outside. A textile loop is also provided at the top of the main compartment to hang the reservoir of this system.
Below, on the back wall of the main compartment, there is a regular zipper with a width of 27 centimeters. Through it, a white polymer sheet is mounted inside the back of the main compartment, which gives rigidity to the rear wall. If necessary, it can be dismantled to slightly reduce the weight of the backpack, but then the main compartment can be very deformed, especially if it is not 100% full.
Below the zipper is the neck of a volumetric pocket measuring 19 x 26 x 5 centimeters (width / height / depth), which will contain the reservoir of the drinking system, or other equipment, according to your needs.
On the front walls of the main compartment, on either side of the central zipper, two PALS interface panels, 4 rows by 3 cells, are available. If necessary, additional pouches can be placed here to increase the overall carrying capacity of the backpack.
The pocket for the power supply is located just below the main compartment of the Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack, and measures 22.5 x 6 x 15 centimeters (width \ height \ depth). The upper and lower walls of this compartment are soft thanks to neoprene inserts, and are designed to reduce mechanical stress on the power supply of the AN \ PLQ-9 THOR III electronic warfare system. The power supply is also weatherproof thanks to a water-resistant plastic buckle zipper located in the front wall of the pockets.
In the left far corner of the pocket there is a hole for passing the cable, which connects the power supply to the device for suppressing radio signals located between the frame and the main compartment of the backpack.
The pocket for additional batteries measuring 22.5 x 5 x 15 centimeters (width \ height / depth) is located just below the pocket for the power supply, and is designed to transport two army batteries format 2590 and 5590. To fix them on the top wall of this pocket, inside, there is an elastic sling 4 centimeters wide. The central seam of this sling is divided into two equal sections of 11 centimeters. If necessary, this pocket can be reclassified as other items of equipment that require relatively quick access.
The main feature of the Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack, arising from its primary purpose, is the ability to carry large and heavy objects closer to the frame. It can be AN \ PLQ-9 THOR III, a radio station, a Pelican protective case or other equipment, but it is for this purpose that the ability to move the main compartment from the frame to a distance of 15 centimeters is provided. Items 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 main compartment compression straps on the sides and top. The frame, on the other hand, will take on the main load and direct it to your pelvis, relieving the shoulders and spine. That is why the Mystery Ranch backpack is considered one of the most comfortable for long-term transportation of heavy and non-standard cargo.
Of course, I do not have access to AN \ PLQ-9 THOR III for demonstration, so in the photo below, the difference in the volumes of the assembled and unfolded backpack is demonstrated using an overall sleeping bag.
In general, Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack is a rather specialized and highly targeted solution for transporting electronic warfare devices and communication equipment. However, this does not mean at all that it cannot be used outside the primary purpose. Replace the RF jammer with a suitably sized protective case or airtight bag, and you get a comfortable frame backpack with smart design, flexible adjustment, efficient load distribution and high quality workmanship. And he can carry any equipment you need.
Thanks to punisher.com.ua for the Mystery Ranch Thor III Backpack sample provided for this review.
Source: https://secretsquirrel.com.ua/snaryazhenie/ohliad-zaplichnyka-mystery-ranch-thor-iii-backpack/
Author: MAD
