Beyond the Winch: Introducing the Dragan Pod
When we launched the Pocket Winch — the world's lightest 1-ton winch and a first-of-its-kind recovery tool — we set a new standard for what outdoor enthusiasts could expect from their gear. We proved that mechanical advantage doesn't have to weigh you down.
But for Dragan Systems co-founders and engineers Ryan Neil and Jake Ruhl, the Pocket Winch was just the first step.
Driven by a relentless commitment to innovation, Jake and Ryan have spent the last several months prototyping, testing and perfecting our next contribution to backcountry self-reliance: the Dragan Pod.
Can You Lift a Motorcycle or ATV Without a Tree or a Jack?
Yes. A portable monopod lift creates its own overhead anchor point, so a winch can lift where there is no tree, vehicle or beam to pull against. The Dragan Pod is a carbon fiber monopod that assembles into a freestanding support and pairs with the Dragan Pocket Winch to lift an estimated 500 to 750 lbs. The complete kit weighs roughly three pounds, which means the lifting capability travels with you instead of staying in the garage.
This solves the quiet limitation of every winch: a winch multiplies force, but only against a solid anchor. On a gravel bar, an open field, a remote airstrip or a bare trail, that anchor often doesn't exist.
Engineered for Self-Reliance: The Story Behind the Design
As engineers and avid outdoorsmen, Jake and Ryan understand the unpredictable nature of the backcountry. Whether you're navigating remote trails or managing demanding remote operations, you need heavy-duty tools you can trust when it counts.
"Our community doesn't just want gear; they need packable, lightweight solutions that perform flawlessly under pressure," says co-founder Ryan Neil. "With the Dragan Pod, we applied the exact same design philosophy we brought to the Pocket Winch — compact engineering, premium materials, and multi-functional capability."
Dragan Pod Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Pod weight | Approximately 1.5 lbs |
| Complete kit weight | Approximately 3 lbs (Pod plus Pocket Winch kit) |
| Estimated lifting capacity | 500 to 750 lbs |
| Construction | Separating carbon fiber sections with a modular crown |
| Anchor required | None — freestanding |
| Required for operation | Dragan Pocket Winch (sold separately) |
One Tool, Many Use Cases
Ryan and Jake engineered the Pod to break out of the traditional moto-only box. It's a universal backcountry tool designed for:
- Overlanding and off-road vehicles: wheel changes and maintenance support for side-by-sides (SxS), ATVs and UTVs.
- Adventure motorcycles: a lightweight, packable trail stand and lift for ADV moto field repairs.
- Aviation and aerospace: portable stabilization and maintenance lifting for airplane tail wheels on remote backcountry airstrips.
- Utility and hauling: trailer stabilization and a tailgate truck lift to assist with loading heavy items.
Built for the Future
At its core, the Dragan Pod features a modular crown structure. While we're keeping the full vision under wraps for now, the Pod is designed to adapt: in the future, a suite of quick-interchange tool heads will let this single monopod evolve into an all-in-one backcountry recovery system.
How to Secure Your Dragan Pod Pre-Order
We're near completion with prototyping and have opened our official pre-order window. This is your chance to back the next phase of Dragan Systems innovation and secure your gear before the global public launch.
- Official retail price: $249
- Special pre-order pricing: $229 — save $20 on the ultimate addition to your recovery kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a Pocket Winch to use the Dragan Pod?
Yes. The Dragan Pod is a support structure that creates a lift point; the lifting force comes from the Dragan Pocket Winch, which is sold separately.
How much can the Dragan Pod lift?
Paired with the Pocket Winch, the Pod provides an estimated lifting capacity of 500 to 750 lbs — enough for adventure motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, small trailers and aircraft tail wheels.
What is a monopod lift used for?
A monopod lift provides a freestanding vertical anchor so you can lift in locations with no tree, vehicle or overhead beam. Typical uses include field wheel changes, trail-side motorcycle repairs, trailer stabilization, and maintenance on remote airstrips.
How much does the Dragan Pod weigh?
The Pod weighs approximately 1.5 lbs. Combined with the Pocket Winch kit, the complete lifting system is roughly three pounds and packs down for transport.
What is the Dragan Pod made of?
The Pod is built from lightweight separating carbon fiber sections that form an upright support when deployed and collapse quickly for transport.
See the Pocket Winch in the field: enduro racer Nick Wood's backcountry recovery setup. The Dragan Pocket Winch was named Overland Travel Safety Product of the Year by the Outdoor Innovation Awards.
