US Mystery Ranch THOR III Backpack, MultiCam, Surplus

Here’s something epic you don’t see every year. A unique modular electronic warfare backpack designed to carry the Thor III IED jammer. If you don’t need to watch out for roadside bombs, you can use this very versatile and super customizable pack for hauling all sorts of heavy crap. When you could buy these in the store, the price was craploads higher, so this is a fantastic deal since these are in excellent condition, many completely unused. Made in the USA.

History

Improvised explosive devices became one of the worst risk factors for US and other Coalition troops during military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most IEDs are powered by cell phones and other simple radio-controlled devices and detonated with an external signal. To prevent this, the coalition forces began using radio signal suppression to block the signals close to the ground units or vehicles. Enter the three generations of portable radio-controlled THOR jammers by Sierra Nevada Corporations.

In addition to the jammer, the troops on foot needed a carrying system that protects the device, has space for all the necessary equipment and enables the soldier to transport all that heavy load reasonably comfortably together with all the individual gear. For this, the military turned to experts in the field of humping heavy shit over difficult terrain - Mystery Ranch.

Features

• The pack holds the jammer, peripherals, and extra batteries securely and offers c. 20 L (1,400 cu inch) space for additional gear.
• Adjustable space for the RF jammer plus pockets for the power supply and extra batteries
• Main compartment for personal equipment features the Mystery Ranch 3 Zip system for quick access
• Small additional pocket for smaller personal items
• Built-in channels for the wiring
• Rigid yet flexible frame for optimal weight distribution
• Padded waistband and patented straps with flexible adjustment for maximum comfort
• Quick-release system in case of injuries and emergencies
• Some have the sternum strap, and some don't. We separated them into their own varieties, so you can get what you want
• Lots of PALS webbing for additional gear
• MultiCam of course
• Capacity: From 30 L to lots, depending on how you set it up.
• Dimensions ((W x H x D): c. 30 x 60 x 30 (11.8" x 23.6" x 11.8")
• Weight: 3.1 kg (6.8 lbs)

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,

Use

As mentioned before, the Thor III backpack is designed for transporting electronic warfare devices and communication equipment, plus other heavy stuff. The pack carries large and heavy objects very close to the frame, making it one of the most comfortable packs for long-term transportation of heavy and non-standard cargo, such as chainsaws, fuel, and such.

You can use it for civilian purposes, too, such as hauling meat while hunting big game in the backcountry. And if you put a protective case or a dry bag where the jammer normally goes, you have a tough, ergonomic frame backpack with flexible adjustment and very efficient load distribution. This is also a pack customizer's dream. You have a plethora of options for changing the setup.

Condition

US military surplus. We bought unissued and issued packs at the same time, but they arrived mixed. Normally, this isn’t a problem, but this time, the used ones were in such a good condition that it proved impossible to sort them out. So, we’ll sell all of them used; we just divided them into two varieties: those with the sternum strap and those without it. Don’t be baffled if you happen to get a completely unused pack.