Inconsistent theory

Dear people,

Please help me to analyze and understand the

following sentence in terms of meaning.

For centuries, sled dogs were indispensable to the native

Chukchi people living in the frozen reaches of northeastern

Russia, where temperatures can drop to -75 C. Known for

their intelligence, Chukchi dogs were carefully bred for

obedience and endurance rather than size and speed.

Though their pace was moderate, they could cover up to

100 miles a day with a fully loaded sled. Explorer Benedict

Allen says that over log distances, the breed remains reliable

and capable than anything people have yet to devise for

traveling across ice and snow.

[souce: STEP Grade 1 Reading Test]

I cannot understand the theory of the phrase.

Because "anything" is "what people have not devised yet,"

why is it possible to compare the breed with something that

is actually non-existent? I was wondering if it would be completely

understandable for native English speakers.

Ray