It’s been a while since I first heard of the brand Mystery Ranch. It was an article with a photograph showing two soldiers, each with a 3 Day Assault Pack in the color coyote. I was fascinated by the backpack’s silhouette and Mystery Ranch’s characteristic Y-shaped zipper. Minimalist and timeless in a certain way, but with the charisma of a backpack that exudes longevity and reliability.
I was always put off by the high price to make a 3 DAP my own. The good quality made in USA in connection with a lifelong guarantee have its price for sure. I was more than pleased when Mystery Ranch fulfilled the many requests of its fans and released a slimmed-down version that was designed for outdoor and urban areas. A backpack that needs less volume than the 3 day version and is affordable without sacrificing high quality.
The 2 Day Assault Pack can confidently be called the little brother of the 3 Day Assault Pack. Little brother, because it is somewhat smaller in volume (27 L instead of 30L) and slightly smaller in size and weight.
From a visual point of view, there are hardly any differences at first glance. The MOLLE system not only extends on the side parts, but also almost over the entire front and thus offers a variety of attachment options for equipment. Even at the bottom there was no saving on MOLLE, which makes me particularly happy because this part is perfect for attaching a sleeping mat or sleeping bag.
The key difference is that the 2 Day Assault is made in Asia and not in Bozeman, USA. But the price has become a lot more attractive with the same quality.
The addition of a laptop compartment, which enables the storage of a laptop (or tablet) with a size of 15“, is contemporary. The side slide-in compartment is particularly practical, as it enables the procedure to remove the laptop without opening the backpack from the front.
It is possible to carry a laptop and a hydration bladder at the same time.
Whether it is intentional or simply construction-related, there is a secret compartment at the bottom of the inner back padding large enough for important documents.
During a 3-day hike I was able to test the comfort of the 2DAP. In terms of comfort, it is identical to the 3DAP. Minimalistic yet highly effective back padding in combination with well-padded shoulder straps are enough to be able to carry the backpack for several hours, even with a heavy load. The unique Mystery Ranch yoke system naturally contributes to comfort, provided that you have correctly adjusted it to your height.
The waist belt can be removed quickly and easily, which is particularly practical for urban use. The same applies to the chest strap.
Inside, the 2DAP offers enough pockets with space for all kind of equipment, some with mesh fabric, which shows the contents from the outside without having to open the respective pocket.
Two large outer pockets allow quick access to water bottles or similar items that have to be stowed away quickly.
The color selection with Black, Coyote, Foliage and Forest (Olive) is clearly based on the military history of the backpack. It is particularly nice to mention that the zippers are now in the same color as the fabric (except for Foliage) and thus integrate more into the look.
VERDICT
Even after many years, the characteristic 3-zip design does not get old. Despite outsourcing the production to Asia, the 2DAP does not have to sacrifice quality in any way. The opposite is the case. The processing of the high-quality materials such as 500D Cordura and water-repellent YKK zippers is unprecedented and is in no way inferior to the made in USA styles.
The 2 Day Assault Pack is a more than successful reduced version of the 3 Day Assault Pack. It looks great not only in nature, but also in the city and we get a clear buy recommendation.
Thanks to AT EASE SHOP for supporting us
with the MYSTERY RANCH 2 Day Assault Pack
