The World’s Lightest 1-Ton Winch Turns One

May 19, 2026

One year ago, Dragan Systems launched with a singular, ambitious goal: to redefine what
portable recovery looks like for the modern adventurer. Founders and inventors Jake Ruhl and Ryan Neil didn’t just want to build another winch; they wanted to solve a problem they encountered personally in the backcountry. They envisioned a recovery tool that delivered serious utility in a format people could realistically carry, store, and deploy across overland travel, off-road riding, and remote property use.

The Genesis of the Dragan Pocket Winch

Before the first Dragan Pocket Winch was ever sold, it was a concept born of necessity. Ryan and Jake realized that traditional vehicle recovery equipment was often too heavy, too bulky, or required complex mounting solutions. They set out to create a compact recovery winch that bridged the gap between a massive 12v truck winch and a bulky, standard manual pulling winch.

The result was a lightweight winch designed for self-recovery in environments where space and weight are at a premium. Whether you are wondering how to get a snowmobile unstuck in deep powder or searching for the best recovery gear for overlanding, the Pocket Winch was engineered to provide a mechanical advantage without the footprint of traditional gear.

Validated by the Best in the Field

In just twelve months, our handheld winch has transitioned from a bold idea to a global reality. The Dragan Pocket Winch is now being utilized in 38 countries. From adventure motorcycle recovery on the Trans Euro Trail to backcountry hunting gear essentials in the Alaskan wilderness, our customers are proving the tool’s versatility every day.

We are particularly proud of the diverse professionals who have integrated Dragan Systems into their emergency recovery equipment. Our tools are currently in the hands of:

NASA
US Air Force
US Marine Corp
US Coast Guard
US Marshals and US Army Rangers
Canadian Infantry and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
National Park Service and Alaska Dept of Wildlife
First Responders, Search and Rescue (SAR) teams, and Electrical Contractors
In the Media

The industry has taken notice. Dragan Systems has been featured by Bikerumor!, The
Financial Times, New Atlas and SnoWest. Renowned content creators like Matt Spears and Dork in the Road have put the Pocket Winch to the test, validating its ease of use as a compact winch for sleds, watercraft and motorcycles alike.

Beyond the Vehicle: A True Utility Winch

While many see us as an off-road recovery brand, our users have found success using the Dragan Pocket Winch as a property use winch. It has become a favorite deer drag
alternative for hunters and a reliable fence post puller for ranchers. If you’ve ever compared a come along vs winch, you’ll find that our system offers the portability of a hand crank winch with the engineering of a professional utility winch. The biggest difference is the compact size and weight, which truly sets us apart.

Looking Ahead to Year Two

As we enter 2026, our mission remains the same: to empower individuals to explore further with confidence. Whether you need a winter driving emergency kit essential or a portable winch for your snowmobile, Dragan Systems is committed to building the best portable, self-recovery solutions on the market.