Dana arcflex versus newer Mystery Ranch weight carryability, comfort

[Macintosh]

Still have my Dana arcflex alpine from 1996. Has about a million miles on it and has backpacked on 3 continents, and still perfectly functional, especially since with this job thingie I dont use it nearly as much as I used to. Curious for all you other geezers, is the suspension on the dana packs the same or similar to the “modern” mystery ranch hunting packs as far as how they carry weight? I am aware function is different, just trying to guage if there is much benefit to me changing for a backpack hunt.

 

[Tman24]

I had a Dana Alpine & Terraframe. Have a couple MR NICE frame packs which is what the newest hunting line are based off of. Just trimmed down to save weight. Man that Dana Alpine just fit me perfect. It was more comfortable than the Terraframe. I had them at the same time too.
Pretty sure it was more comfortable than the NICE frame packs I have now.

If your Alpine pack is comfortable with the weights you’ll be carrying and works for your hunting style I say use it. Don’t think you’ll gain any thing in load carry with the newest MR packs. Just be gaining overall function.