Daypack with ability to carry out first load

[Cabman]

I believe there is a mesh pocket under the lid and a chamber pocket. I have the Spikecamp and it is set up this way. I just ordered the LS to use as my daypack and first load and with a couple of belt pockets it has plenty of organization for me.

 

[SDHNTR]

I will likely get flamed on this site, but IMO, the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab is still the best in class for this job. It's just an incredibly functional pack. Yes I sure wish it were lighter and perhaps had some shoulder pad lift, but even despite those negatives, the functionality of it and the ability to carry out gear and a BIG meat load is second to none.

 

[Justin Crossley]

I will likely get flamed on this site, but IMO, the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab is still the best in class for this job. It's just an incredibly functional pack. Yes I sure wish it were lighter and perhaps had some shoulder pad lift, but even despite those negatives, the functionality of it and the ability to carry out gear and a BIG meat load is second to none.

I believe it's second to the Kifaru Bikini and Timberline series for sure. Probably the new Kuiu also but I haven't had a chance to try that one out yet.

I can use pretty much any pack for a day pack but when you start talking about packing loads, you need a pack that is properly designed or you will be hurting.

 

[Cabman]

I will likely get flamed on this site, but IMO, the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab is still the best in class for this job. It's just an incredibly functional pack. Yes I sure wish it were lighter and perhaps had some shoulder pad lift, but even despite those negatives, the functionality of it and the ability to carry out gear and a BIG meat load is second to none.

I was stoked to finally receive my MR Nice frame with Crew cab bag several years ago as I thought it would be the ticket for me. I only had it for a couple weeks and realized it was not the pack for ME try as I might to make it work. I am glad it works for some people as it is a great design on paper.

 

[luke moffat]

I will likely get flamed on this site, but IMO, the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab is still the best in class for this job. It's just an incredibly functional pack. Yes I sure wish it were lighter and perhaps had some shoulder pad lift, but even despite those negatives, the functionality of it and the ability to carry out gear and a BIG meat load is second to none.

Certainly not flaming you at all and glad it works for you.

Having packed meat long distances out of the backcountry with both, I have to respectfully disagree and say for me the Kifaru Duplex frame with a cargo panel is superior in comfort FOR ME to the NICE/crewcab or even just the NICE/Loadsling when it comes to hauling out large heavy loads long distances. The NICE 6500 on the other hand is far superior to the NICE/crewcab when hauling is concerned.

 

[Clarktar]

What is the Duplex frame exactly? I do not see it on the Kifaru website, I see DT 1-3 which are bags that need a frame. Then frame options are Bikini or The hunting platform frame and suspension...

 

[luke moffat]

Sorry Clarktar....yes I'm referring the hunting frame and suspension as the Duplex frame....should have been more clear on that....and to remove any doubt I'm talking about this frame

http://store.kifaru.net/hunting-platform-frame-and-suspension-p8.aspx

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

I will likely get flamed on this site, but IMO, the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab is still the best in class for this job. It's just an incredibly functional pack. Yes I sure wish it were lighter and perhaps had some shoulder pad lift, but even despite those negatives, the functionality of it and the ability to carry out gear and a BIG meat load is second to none.

Have you tried the Metcalf yet? Far better option imo.

 

[Clarktar]

Thanks Luke. I figured it was a legacy name for a frame that was still for sale but under a different name. Just had to clarify!

 

[Jared Lampton]

http://www.rokslide.com/forums/show...hat-time-again&p=135529&viewfull=1#post135529

I've had real good luck with the Eberlestock Just 1. Nice size for a daypack and great expandability. Great value IMO. My buddy has a newer Blue Widow and it seems to haul a heavy load better than my Just 1. Just another solid option especially if budget is a major concern. I realize there are better load haulers out there but this one has done the job for me and is quite versatile.

 

[todd kelly]

I will likely get flamed on this site, but IMO, the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab is still the best in class for this job. It's just an incredibly functional pack. Yes I sure wish it were lighter and perhaps had some shoulder pad lift, but even despite those negatives, the functionality of it and the ability to carry out gear and a BIG meat load is second to none.

Have you tried the Metcalf yet? Far better option imo.

Well worth the look as sreekers pointed out. I have been able to haul out 2 bull moose and a mule deer buck so far with it this fall and it has been great. I was even able to get the bone-in moose hind quarters into the Metcalf bag. It's a great bag and frame.

 

[justinspicher]

I am using my Kifaru MOLLEX in this same fashion. I have a large pod that I take with me that will attach to the outside of the pack should I get something down. Everything I carry for a day hunt and possibly an overnight stay will fit in my pack, then, when I get an animal down, it will all go in the pod. I picked mine up used for about half of what they are new.

 

[madcityelkhunter]

Does anyone have any experience with the MR Big Horn?

 

[tipsntails7]

The bighorn is awesome, I have one as my non hunting backpack. It doesn't run on the nice frame so the load lifters are functional and it's got a gab it like flap on the front that is nice. It's also where I fell in love with the trizip design. Although I wouldn't ever put over 70-80 pounds in it, and honestly it's more comfy in the 50-60 range. Great great pack, just not made for heavy loads. But I doubt you could find a more functional comfortable durable pack at that price point anywhere.

 

[Wrongside]

Does anyone have any experience with the MR Big Horn?

I ran a DragonSlayer for a few years. Good pack, but I wanted more capacity and better frame. Have a BigHorn now and stinking love it. The Tri-zip design is great and MR quality is tops. Durable packs. The BigHorn works great for 2-3 day 3 season trips as well.

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

Only knock i have on that frame and design is no shoulder lift. Would rather have the SG Solo for that category.

 

[wapitibob]

Having owned a crewcab for several years and now the addition of the Bikini/highcamp, what makes the CC a seemingly good choice for a day pack and meat hauler is the batwing design.
Make a better/bigger batwing bag than the CC, stick it on a Bikini frame and there's no comparison between the two. A smallish bag for daypack mode that opens up for more gear or meat without having the "big empty bag" syndrome.
Essentially a "weekender" bag.

 

[Wrongside]

Only knock i have on that frame and design is no shoulder lift. Would rather have the SG Solo for that category.

Certainly true of the old DragonSlayer, but I get enough lift from the BigHorn. Maybe me being short, helps?

Not that the SG isn't a great choice as well. Probably better, what with the load shelf and all.