***MORE PHOTOS AVAILABLE

I've had this special pack for many, many moons.....and, have never used it.

- By the renowned gear maker 'Mystery Ranch', when Dana Gleason was still in the proverbial picture; thus, the pack name:

BIG DANA'S SPECIAL BLEND - or 'BDSB'

Though there is a post-production number written in, so was possibly issued....I note no evidence of any actual use...unless I'm missing something minute.

Thus, a minty, surviving historic specimen.....ready for deployment on your mission.

Some of the less-common M-R packs are listed on ebay, from $2K up to...........$8K

Offered at $595.,   DOWN to $495.   including the separately-obtained, non-native M-R add-onable side pockets, themselves treasures....

{Though the inner struts can be removed, to
make for a more-compact shipment, I'll leave 'em in, to make it easier on your end....}

{Yes.....this one likely has some fair collector value, but, I'm offering it at just the reasonable value of a quality, larger tactical pack...}


INFO FROM BACK IN THE DAY:


Story of the Big D Special Blend (1 of 1000 Made exclusively for NSW)

Mystery Ranch owner and founder Dana Gleason says his company is supplying the Navy SEALS with 1,000 backpacks.

The SEALS have worked with Gleason to create Big D's Special Blend, a 7,000-cubic-inch pack based on the design of the Mystery Ranch G-6000. A primary characteristic of the G-6000 is that its Outamatic internal frame separates the fitting mechanism from the load support system. This design is not only easy to size and fit, but it also allows the pack to be flexible, and doesn't sag and take the shape of a heavy load.

"The SEALS needed something to carry a heavy load comfortably," Gleason told SNEWS. "With the SEALS, they have to be able to put it on and go immediately, and have it work extremely well."

Gleason is providing the packs to a group of SEALS who have been training on Alaska's Kodiak Island and developing a new gear system. "They've been able to spec a whole lot of the best out of the outdoor business, using Mark Twight as a consultant," Gleason said. The new packs utilize the best fabrics and materials available, such as Teflon HT coatings.


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Product: Mystery Ranch BDSB (Big Dana's Special Blend) backpack
Manufacturer: Mystery Ranch Backpacks
Year of manufacture: 2004
Year of Purchase: 2004
Listed weight: 8 lb 8 oz (3.9 kg)
Weight as delivered: 8 lb 5 oz (3.8 kg)
Capacity: 7400 ci (120 l)
Color: Titanium/castor grey

The BDSB is a top-loading, internal frame expedition backpack designed for use by U.S. Navy SEALs. The bag eventually became the G7000 then G6000. It's a 7,000+ cubic-inch pack based on the design of the Mystery Ranch G-6000. A primary characteristic of the G-6000 is that its Outamatic internal frame separates the fitting mechanism from the load support system. This design is not only easy to size and fit, but it also allows the pack to be flexible, and doesn't sag and take the shape of a heavy load.

Features:

On the back are two large vertical pockets with side zippers running from the top of the pack bag to the top of the lower compartment, for stuff needed in a hurry.

A top section with two zippered compartments (900 ci, 15 l total storage space) serves as the "lid." This can be detached for use as a day pack.

Just in case 7400 ci isn't enough space, the BDSB has straps on the each side and at the bottom for attaching extra gear outside the pack.

MR sells accessory pockets that are easily attached to the sides, and DD pockets.

There are five daisy chain loops between the vertical pockets in the back (handy for bear bells), and two larger loops just below the pockets (holding the sleeping pad in the photo).

The compression straps allow cinching up loads in the main and sleeping bag compartments for stability.

The BDSB has several features not found on DD packs. The most useful is the addition of one stretch pocket (made of Spandura, a Spandex-Cordura cross) on each side of the pack. Useful for skis and small items needed close to hand.

A radio pocket on the frame inside the main compartment provides a perfect fit for a 100 oz (3 l) Camelbak bladder.
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Navy SEAL issued Mystery Ranch BDSB assault pack complete with removable lid that can be used as a small day pack by itself, a separate roll top daypack, and two external pouches that can be attached to the sides.

This is one of the Big D's Special Blend packs that went to the Navy SEALs for the Kodiak Alaska training phase. The pack is titanium/castor grey, a color the SEALs selected to reduce contrast and visibility. All straps, buckles and zippers work perfectly.

Large volume size at 7400 Cubic Inches
Day Pack Lid
Classic top loading design
Made entirely in the U.S.A.