Alex Rich from Mystery Ranch reveals the thought process behind designing packs built for extreme conditions. From the groundbreaking overload system to the meticulous choice of materials, we explore how the company merges innovation with practicality. Whether for hunting or hiking, discover what makes Mystery Ranch packs stand out in the world of outdoor gear.

Shelter size is a big deal for backpack hunters. Go too small and waiting out a storm for a few days will drive you crazy, but go too big and you might not find a suitable place to pitch it. Choosing the right sized shelter for your hunt will impact your overall comfort and capability so let’s get it sorted out!

Floorless vs. floored shelters; the new “age old question” that has floored backpack hunters since the beginning of time. Depending on where you live, where you’re hunting, what your willing to sleep with or not sleep with, and what weather is headed your way, you’re going to find yourself considering which type of shelter to haul with you into the backcountry. In recent years, floorless has become a staple in the backcountry for a number of reasons, yet traditional floored shelters still have their place in the backcountry. If you’re caught trying to decide which is right for you, this article is going to help you out.

We’ve all seen those pictures floating around the internet of toes and heels blistered so bad it turns your stomach inside out. Blisters happen to the best of us, but they are preventable and treatable if you know what you’re doing. There’s no perfect solution to blister prevention because each boot, foot, and skin type is different. It’s an exercise in finding the right combination of treatment and prevention to make your life on the mountain enjoyable for your feet.

There are two main types of backpack hunting camps; a base camp where you return to each evening and a mobile (or spike) camp which requires you to pack up each morning and make camp each night. It’s up to you as the hunter to determine which camp is best suited for your situation and to plan your gear accordingly.

We all have to start somewhere and we all make mistakes. Lucky for you, you can learn from all of mine! Here’s my list of 5 mistakes we all tend to make when starting out.

Finding the right gear for the job can be a daunting task With a little research and some forethought, you can easily identify the gear you need to bring. I’ve put together a guide to help you do just that.