Mystery Ranch | WQW Featured Brand Partner

GEARING WARRIORS FOR SUCCESS

For backcountry hunters, a good pack is an essential element that can make or break their experience. It needs to be reliable, withstand harsh, unpredictable conditions, support an animal's weight, and most importantly, it needs to be comfortable for the days spent and miles hiked in nature.

When Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW) launched our hunting track in the Built for More program, we knew that finding the right partner to provide packs for the Warriors was critical. Serendipitously, one of the leading hunting pack manufacturers is just down the block from us in Bozeman: MYSTERY RANCH.

At MYSTERY RANCH, craftsmanship and mission go hand in hand. Known for designing some of the most trusted load-bearing packs for the military, wildland firefighters, and outdoor professionals, the Bozeman-based company brings the same purpose-driven ethos to its partnership with WQW.

We sat down with Johnny Contreras from the MYSTERY RANCH team to talk about what drives their support for veterans, their world-class hunting packs, and what it means to be part of our mission at WQW.

“We’re honored to walk alongside Warriors & Quiet Waters in empowering veterans through meaningful experiences in nature. Together, we’re building more than packs—we’re building purpose.”

– Johnny Contreras, Mission Community Marketing, MYSTERY RANCH

A COMMITMENT TO HEALING THROUGH NATURE

MYSTERY RANCH and WQW share a commitment to supporting those who serve by helping them to discover healing through outdoor endeavors.

For MYSTERY RANCH, supporting veterans and their families is a passion that runs deep. Johnny shares:

“As a company deeply rooted in supporting those who serve, whether in the military, wildland firefighting, or other demanding roles, MYSTERY RANCH saw a natural alignment with WQW’s mission to help post-9/11 combat veterans find peace and purpose through therapeutic outdoor experiences. The opportunity to contribute gear and support to a program that uses nature as a pathway to healing resonated strongly with our values and community focus.”            

EQUIPPED IN THE FIELD, AND IN LIFE

There’s a reason MYSTERY RANCH is an undisputed leader in the hunting pack industry. Their level of care and commitment to providing the most durable, easy-on-your-back pack is unparallelled. MYSTERY RANCH engineers their hunting packs with top-tier materials and purpose-built features for hunters. With innovations like their patented OVERLOAD™ System for efficiently hauling game and gear, and the Futura Yoke for precise torso-length adjustment, MYSTERY RANCH obsesses over every detail to deliver the most reliable, comfortable, and high-performing load-bearing equipment in the field.

When it came to outfitting the Warriors in our hunting track with this top-tier equipment, Johnny shares how this decision was driven by MYSTERY RANCH’s commitment to those who serve: “We believe in equipping those who serve with the best tools possible, both in the field and in life. Our packs are designed for durability, performance, and comfort in the most demanding environments. By supporting the Built for More program, MYSTERY RANCH honors the grit, resilience, and mission-driven mindset of these Warriors, helping them reconnect with purpose through the transformative experience of hunting.”

GOOD PACK FUNDAMENTALS

We wanted to know what makes a pack great, and at MYSTERY RANCH, there are three critical fronts for backcountry hunters when they are out in the demanding terrain of Montana:

1.             Durability - Your gear must be reliable. When the moment matters most, you need to trust that your pack won't let you down.

2.           Comfort - A well-fitting pack keeps you focused on the hunt, not on nagging discomfort. Enjoy the experience without distractions.

3.           Fit for Your Style – Your pack should fit your hunting personality. If you’re more fast and light, The METCALF series is built for mobility and minimalism. If organization is your top pack priority,  the MYSTERIUM line is your go-to.

Now we know, a pack is only as good as its fit, and that’s the #1 lesson Johnny said they start with when introducing Warriors in the Built for More hunting track to their new pack: “Achieving a comfortable carry starts with proper pack fitment. The key is adjusting the yoke to match your torso length, allowing our framing system to shift the load from your shoulders to your hips. This ensures optimal weight distribution and long-lasting comfort. When it’s time to pack out elk quarters from deep in the backcountry, you’ll be glad your pack is built to perform, keeping you comfortable mile after mile.”

LEADING THE PACK

It’s clear to see why MYSTERY RANCH is leading the pack game, and they aren’t going to slow down. Johnny shares more on the drive that keeps propelling this great organization forward: “At MYSTERY RANCH, we’re always pushing forward. Whether it’s innovating new packs, supporting our military and first responders, or deepening our commitment to those who serve. We will continue to build gear that meets the highest standards of durability and functionality, while also expanding our impact through partnerships with organizations like Warriors & Quiet Waters.”

Curious to learn how you can best support MYSTERY RANCH? Here’s some great ways to get engaged and support their mission:

1.             Get their gear: Every pack tells a story. When you choose MYSTERY RANCH, you’re choosing gear built with purpose and tested by those who serve.

2.           Spread the word: Share your experiences with MYSTERY RANCH gear and values. Your voice helps them to reach others who believe in quality, service, and giving back.

3.           Supporting their nonprofit partners: When you support organizations like WQW, you’re also supporting the broader mission of supporting those who serve our nation, which MYSTERY RANCH is proud to be part of.

JOIN THE MISSION

At WQW, our brand partners make our work possible. Their donations and advocacy in support of the work we are doing are critical to our longevity. If your company is interested in making an impact like MYSTERY RANCH, learn how to become a WQW Brand Partner here.

As Johnny shares, Brand Partners who back WQWs programs provide something much more meaningful than just financial support:  

“These donations directly empower Warriors to reconnect with the outdoors, build community, and rediscover their strengths. For companies, it’s a meaningful way to align your brand with a mission that truly matters. It’s not just good business, it’s the right thing to do.”

Finally, if you’re looking for a new pack to support your hunt, hike, or even your everyday (yep, they have your daily essentials covered, too!), we encourage you to support MYSTERY RANCH and shop their entire store here!