Mystery Ranch, which was contracted to produce packs for the U.S. Special Forces, develops products that function comfortably in a variety of harsh environments. Tomohiro Konno, a designer at NEXUSⅦ who is known as one of the industry's leading military freaks, reviewed the brand's backpacks from his own experience. We asked him about its appeal, from the functional aspects he learned from actually using it, to how he uses it in his own unique way and how he wears it.
Born in 1977, he started his own brand "NEXUS VII." in 2001. In 2014, he opened his own store, V.E.L., in Sendagaya, Tokyo.
. it was clearly different from the other bags.
First of all, please tell us about your first encounter with Mystery Ranch. When was the first time you used the brand's products?
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)More than 10 years ago, in 2007, I bought a used backpack that had been disposed of by the U.S. military. That was my first Mystery Ranch.
What motivated you to purchase a Mystery Ranch backpack?
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)I had been using backpacks made by Dana Gleason, the founder of Mystery Ranch, and was aware of the Mystery Ranch brand. However, at the time, I rarely had a chance to see the actual products in Japan or in the U.S. I finally came across Mystery Ranch. The Mystery Ranch backpack I finally came across was quite expensive, but it was in good condition even though it was used and had been disposed of by the U.S. military, and after much deliberation, I bought it.
What was your first experience with Mystery Ranch like?
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)I could tell right away that it was made in the tradition of "DAYNA DESIGN" when I used it. . The way it feels when you carry it on your back, the ingenuity of the details, and so on. As one would expect from a bag made by Deyna, I felt that it was clearly different from the others.
When you first encountered Mystery Ranch, what was your impression of the brand?
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.). I had a strong image of them as high-spec equipment used by the military. And I still have that image in my mind.
There is always a reason for every detail.
Mr. Konno is known as one of the best military freaks in the industry, but what made you fall in love with the military?
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)I have been a military enthusiast ever since I can remember, to the point that when my parents would buy me miniature cars or Choro-Qs, I would choose tanks without hesitation (laughs). (Laughs.) After elementary school, while everyone around me was into Gundam plastic models, I was building only military plastic models, not Gundam models. After that, I got into skateboarding and stayed away from the military for a while, but when I was in high school, I saw a vintage MA-1 that a guy at a local store was wearing and thought it was the coolest thing ever, and I was totally smitten. At the time, "Boon" and other magazines often carried military features, which further deepened my interest and knowledge.
Why are you attracted to military items?
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)There is always a reason for every detail. I think that is the most interesting thing about military items. Even if there is a function that we don't normally use, we may find an unexpected use for it after using it for a while. I think the great charm of military equipment lies in the fact that you can find unexpected uses for it.
Mr. Konno, in your own design work for "NEXUS VII.", do you feel that the military has a significant influence on your work?
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)Yes . . my influence has been so great that I would say that the brand would not be possible without military.
It is wonderfully comfortable to carry on your back , and you don't feel the weight of your luggage.
And now we have asked you to try out the "3-Day Assault CL," one of Mystery Ranch's most iconic models.
Mystery Ranch "3 Day Assault CL" size: 56cm x 34cm x 24cm, capacity: 30L, weight: 2.1kg, material: 500 denier Cordura, made in USA ￥70,000+TAX
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)Above all, it is wonderfully comfortable to carry. The back length of the pack can be adjusted in unauthorized levels to get the best fit for your body, so you don't feel the weight of the pack even if you put a lot of stuff in it. This surprised me.
What is your main use?
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)The 30L capacity is just right for daily use. . I carry a lot of stuff with me on a daily basis. . clear files of documents, fabric swatches, and so on. The total weight of my baggage probably exceeds 5 kg. There was a time when I used to use a tote bag, but it was too heavy for my shoulders and I got tired. In that respect, the Mystery Ranch backpack can easily carry a large amount of luggage. In addition to daily use, it can be used for short business trips of one or two nights, and it will also be useful for camping and other outdoor activities.
A number of details that military enthusiasts will love.
What do you think about the details and design?
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)I found the Y-shaped, three-zip design that is characteristic of this model to be really well done. It opens simply by hooking one's fingers, and the wide opening makes it easy to take out and put away one's belongings, making it surprisingly convenient.
Also, it is equipped with a PC sleeve inside, so you can carry your laptop, a necessity for work, without worry. Every detail has been thoughtfully designed.
Everything is made in the U.S.A., even the buckle, including the production of parts, which is rare nowadays. The fact that each product is signed by the producer shows the strong commitment of the creator.
This "Three Day Assault Classic" is based on a model that has been used by the U.S. Special Forces and other countries' special forces, and features very high-spec construction. However, it may be said that it is over-spec for daily use. What do you think about that?
the recently departed (and buried or cremated, etc.)As I mentioned earlier, as someone who is attracted to over-specified objects, I think that is part of the appeal of this bag. The specifications of the bag are very high, and the details are amazingly detailed, but it is simple and monochromatic, so it has a clean appearance. I think this is one of its charms. Incidentally, black is only issued to a small number of elite units in the military, police, and other special units. Personally, I find that attractive as well.
MYSTERY RANCH TOKYO
Address: 6-15-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 03-4578-8827 www.mysteryranch.jp
