Wilderness Wonder

Deep Woods Survival Pack

- Patrick Diedrich

For or some, a trek through the wilderness means going to a nearby park within the range of cellular data, groomed trails, and posted maps. For others, it means quite the opposite. Venturing across areas without trails for extended durations is tough on mind, body, and equipment, and it's important to take gear that can stand up to punishment. Working as a forester, and volunteering for search-and-rescue incidents is demanding, and the Mystery Ranch Shift Plus 900 is perfect for those moments far from amenities. This pack has two components: the Shift is composed of the harness, fiberglass shelf system with easy access bottom compartments; the Plus is a modular bag with several compartments, including two easy-access, drawstring side pouches.

The Bag

Challenging terrain and the dense vegetation of remote areas can tear up gear quicker than black bears tear through lunchboxes. There are places where the forest floor is so thick and tangled with undergrowth that a traveler may feel like they're swimming through finger-thick saplings rather than walking. Tangled bush like this will destroy inferior clothing and gear, but 1000D Teflon-coated material created with wildland fire crews in mind keeps the pack safely intact. Sturdy fiberglass internal framing lends the pack lightweight strength, and a telescoping yoke helps maximize comfort. These features optimize weight distribution and reduce physical fatigue. Pack modularity allows for the removal of unnecessary components as needed, and the fiberglass shelf of the Shift system allows for placement of a variety of chemical or water tanks.