Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Works / Mystery Ranch - what's the deal?

MR does not list any "Works/Mystery Ranch" packs on their site. However, they can be found on retail sites. Is this something that MR is allowing their name to be put on, or are they truly MR packs? Anybody know?

The Works/MR Cakewalk has got me thinkin....

It appears that the Works series of packs are not a USA made product but bear the Works @ Mystery Ranch logo. Couldn't find much on them either but there are several sites selling those packs. Here's what I found on the MR site.
http://www.mysteryranch.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=2

They're MR designs, made off-shore so they don't have to hire any more Americans to sell them

Interesting. That explains why the retail on a Works/MR Cakewalk is exactly half of the MR Deluxe. Otherwise, they seem like comparable packs.

I haven't heard any real complaints about build quality, so they may well be stout, for all I know. I do have a hard time including them in that elite bunch who keep their business on-shore when they pull that stuff.

Edit to clarify: I buy plenty of stuff that wasn't made in the U.S. It's unavoidable in many regards. I guess I add a bit of commentary to the fact that some of these outfits made their label on the sheer fact that they were made here, then slowly move offshore with the hope that the reputation goes with it.

They are made overseas. Same as the MR Camelback NICE packs. From what I understand, they did this to keep up with demand, and provide a more affordable pack. I used to have one the Works packs, the quality was fine. I would not lump them in with other companies that make everything overseas. They still have their base in Bozeman, and make good quality made in the USA packs. they employ local people and give them health benefits as well. Not an easy task in todays world. I visited the shop this summer. It was 98 degrees outside, probably warmer inside and the guys were busting their asses to get packs made and shipped out. Yet, one gladly offered to help me out and show me around the store. As far as I can tell, they are a fine example of an american company. They just can't keep up with demand for their fine packs and not everyone is willing to pay top dollar for a made in america pack.

The MR folks are great. I'm not beating on them. I do have concern about the offshore division. As well made as those seem to be, I worry that they could eventually negate demand for the American stuff. I'm probably paranoid.

Everybody knows of my total admiration for MR in all respects, so, all I will say is that Chawn's concern is valid and one I share. We ARE losing a LOT of skilled and manufacturing jobs to China, etc. and we SHOULD take action to stop this!

North American workers have a right to a decent job and life and if I have to pay more, I will, quality, service and "downhome" people are important to me.

Looks like they're giving you a choice. Vote with your money. Dana Gleason understands pack design and production like you wouldn't believe. His Bozeman built packs have always been beyond impeccable. Not that I'd be afraid of anything he puts his name on. I worked for Mr. Gleason back in the glory days of Dana Design, and our Montana produced packs were the best built outdoor gear I've ever seen, period.