Exo mtn k4 vs mystery ranch

[CaseyRyback]

I’m curious where people think the MR lacks in comfort? That’s what I currently use and comfort has never really been an issue for me. I train with 60 pounds all summer and hauled probably 90 lbs on a pack out last year and it seemed fine. Eventually I’d like to upgrade to an Exo but I’m just wondering what I’m missing.

For me, the EXO transfers the load to my hips far more effectively than any of my MRs. My MR seems to just hang on my traps and that’s where I carry all the load. It’s very tiring. The crew cab and daypack have virtually no load lift capability. My Grizzly 6500 does have load lift capability but it’s not as effective at transferring load to my hips like the EXO. So for me, it was comfort, that I was missing.

 

[EcoastDG]

For me, the EXO transfers the load to my hips far more effectively than any of my MRs. My MR seems to just hang on my traps and that’s where I carry all the load. It’s very tiring. The crew cab and daypack have virtually no load lift capability. My Grizzly 6500 does have load lift capability but it’s not as effective at transferring load to my hips like the EXO. So for me, it was comfort, that I was missing.

I was just about to write this same thing. Plus, the straps on the older frame were too thin for my liking. Packing out 80 lbs plus was kinda painful. The newer versions seem to have corrected this.

 

[fatlander]

3 of the guys I hunt with had mystery ranch guidelight MT frame packs at one point or another. We’ve all go EXOs now.


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[SuperDUECE22]

EXO hands down, MR are garbage once you add weight.

 

[ianpadron]

K4 2200 or 3600 would be perfect if you just need a day pack. I still have Mystery Ranch packs with the guide lite frame and they've held up well but they squeak and they don't carry weight as well as the Exo. I also got a heavy discount on all my Mystery Ranch stuff, if I was looking at them at their full price I would definitely save a little more for an Exo.

How on Earth did I forget about the squeaking?! That used to drive me absolutely nuts with my old Metcalf.

 

[ianpadron]

I’m curious where people think the MR lacks in comfort? That’s what I currently use and comfort has never really been an issue for me. I train with 60 pounds all summer and hauled probably 90 lbs on a pack out last year and it seemed fine. Eventually I’d like to upgrade to an Exo but I’m just wondering what I’m missing.

I'm 6'2" 205-215 depending on if I've been running or not.

The MR shoulder straps lack any sort of horizontal adjustment (width), so if you've got a big upper body, particularly traps/chest, a heavy load will make you feel like you're slowly being choked out lol. I can imagine that skinny guys probably find the contoured yolk very comfy. The lack of adjustability and awful waist belt/lumbar pad system was essentially useless for me. I had one of my vertical stays break at the truck while putting my pack on, MR took care of it, but that also left a sour taste in my mouth, and resulted in the most miserable pack in to any hunt I've ever had.

The XCurve and EXO I have used since are markedly better in every sense.