When the job or the adventure takes you off-road, the risks increase, and help can sometimes be hours away. Good preparation means being able to get yourself out of a sticky situation—even better if it means the adventure can continue. I was recently introduced to Dragan Systems, and their Pocket Winch might be the insurance policy those of us who go off-road for work or recreation are looking for.
Dragan Pocket Winch Basics
The Dragan Pocket Winch design is the work of mechanical and electrical engineers, Jake Ruhl and Ryan Neil. Inspired by the frustration of a stuck chainsaw and a cumbersome come-along, they set out to develop a winch that was both powerful and highly portable. Today, they make them over in Bend, Oregon, using globally sourced materials.
The system set consists of several key components:
- Pocket Winch body
- Capio
- Doubler
- Carbon fiber handle
- High modulus UHMWPE fiber line
- Anchors
The winch assembly weighs just under 1 pound, and packs up into a case that’s 6.0 x 2.8 x 3.2 inches. It’s light enough and compact enough to keep under the seat of your truck, strap to your ATV, or toss in your backpack.
Lightweight and compact are easy enough to achieve, but it’s the pulling capacity that got my attention. With a single line, the Dragan Pocket Winch can pull 1000 pounds or 2000 pounds when you double the line over with a snatch block. You can pull a literal ton!
The genius is in the engineering. With precision-built components designed for strength, mechanical advantage, and light weight, it’s remarkable how capable and packable the system is.
Of course, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the winch’s operation before you’re in a situation that requires it. That said, it’s pretty straightforward, even if you have a basic knowledge of motorcycle straps or come-alongs.
Should You Buy It?
The Dragan Pocket Winch is amazingly strong for its size and weight. It’s a great companion for your work and adventures that involve utility vehicles, ATVs, motorcycles, and the like. You can use it to hoist game, help you load heavy items, lift a vehicle for tire changes, or remove debris from roadways.
However, it has limitations. The obvious one is the weight capacity. This isn’t the winch you want to rely on to pull your heavy-duty truck out of a ditch. It’s also not as easy or convenient as an electric winch. But within those boundaries, you can adapt it to whatever the day has in store.
For me, the Dragan Pocket Winch is the perfect addition to the “just in case” gear I keep in my truck. We’re under the constant threat of downed trees during hurricane season, I have a steep 35-foot drop on my property, my family enjoys hiking and mountain biking, and there is all kinds of outdoor equipment we use. We have plenty of reasons to have some extra hoisting insurance on hand.
What about you—how can you see this fitting into your work or lifestyle? Let us know in the comments below!
Ready to pull the trigger? You can get the complete Pocket Winch kit for $399, including the winch assembly, Capio, Doubler, 25-foot line, 1-foot and 4-foot slings, carry bag, and quick instruction guide. Plus, Dragan Systems offers each component separately if you’d like to customize your setup.
