From Gucci-branded KEEN knockoffs to Prada snowboards, the bizarre interplay between outdoor gear and high fashion always seems to take place just beyond the pale.
Enter Mystery Ranch. The tactical-focused brand built its reputation on backpacks under categories including “Assault,” “Hotshot,” and “Sustainment.” Mystery Ranch just announced a partnership with Dior in what it calls a fulfillment of its mission.
“Working with companies like Dior is the ultimate recognition that we are doing what we set out to do: to design and build great packs and bags specific to the mission. The Dior collection is a thing of beauty. Mission accomplished,” said Mystery Ranch Founder Dana Gleason, without elaborating on what that mission is.
Inspiration came from Christian Dior’s passion for the outdoors, Dior Men artistic director Kim Jones said in a news release. So, the two companies said, Jones sought a partnership with Mystery Ranch to “bring authentic outdoor design and functionality” to the summer lineup of the house of Dior.
Meet the Dior x Mystery Ranch Bags
First up: the Gallagator pack. The 19L pack has multiple interior storage spaces, compression straps on the front to allow for volume adjustment, and a detachable hooded rain cover. Various other common features like stretch-woven side pockets, hydration reservoir compatibility, and a removable waist belt are also there.
It’s “poised for any skirmish,” Mystery Ranch said. At a glance, Dior’s changes to the stock Gallagator ($89 MSRP) include reducing the pack’s two compression strap buckling closure points to one.
The three-zip closure is a calling card.
“Born out of aggravation and necessity, the ‘3-ZIP’ design serves a unique set of families. It’s been adopted by climbers, hikers, and backpackers, and now Paris,” Gleason commented.
A co-branded Saddle Bag, Belt Pouch (also a three-zip design), Wallet, and Tactical Belt fill out the collection. They each come in one of two colors: a beige/sand theme or olive drab. (The pack also comes in a sultry black iteration that may or may not be leather.) They also all use CORDURA re/cor fabric, which is recycled from post-consumer waste products into fibers the manufacturer calls durable and responsible.
Finally, you’ll notice the embroidered patches, which the brands call “a leather crest intermingling the seal of the two houses.”
The collection arrives on Feb. 16. Pricing information was not available as of this writing.
