First pack Sitka vs Mystery Ranch

[dusgmccl]

Hey guys, been reading the forums for a while now but just joined. Lots of great information so far! I am looking at the Sitka hauler 6200 and the mystery ranch metcalf. I was wondering if any of y'all had any pro/cons of the Sitka hauler or the metcalf. Thanks again for any info!

 

[couesbitten]

I'd pick Mystery Ranch, but for that kind of money, I'd be looking at the want ads for a used Kifaru, Seek Outside, Stone Glacier, or Exo.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I have only seen Sitka packs in the store. They seem good and Sitka puts out good gear. However, MR is one of if not the standard by which all are judged. Like kifaru, they do a lot of their R&D making packs for the military and then port that tech to their hunting lines.

The suggestion above to look for used is a good one. Take note of the robust resale market for MR packs. They hold their value because they are tried and true vs some newer brands that sell at a steep discount.

There are a few places people seem to think it is well worth paying a bit of a premium - boots, a solid jacket, binos, rifle scopes and a really good pack.

 

[NDGuy]

I have a Metcalf and have used a Pintler, I love it. But whatever you decide wait to buy because MR especially will go on sale (around 20% off) before hunting season. You won't be getting a Kifaru, Exo, Stone Glacier for $420 new.

Also should try to get into a store and try them on too before settling on one.

 

[Trial153]

Both good packs. Get the one that suits you better for size and features.

 

[jwilson4425]

Just my two cents as I've never owned a nice pack but am doing my own research as well. I'll also admit to being a little bit of a Sitka fanboy. That said...

If I was you, I'd get the MR. The MR would allow you to switch bags up without having to buy a new frame since they have a frame system. MR also has a long track record with their packs, and while Sitka has a phenomenal track record for quality and design in clothing, packs just aren't their bread and butter like they are with MR. Frankly, I was surprised when Sitka started licensing their Subalpine design to MR since they are clearly competitors in the pack space - but I think that speaks to Sitka's opinion of MR's packs, including the Metcalf.

Again, just my two cents. I'm sure the Sitka pack is great too, and there is a review on this site for it if you are interested.

 

[sneaky]

Just my two cents as I've never owned a nice pack but am doing my own research as well. I'll also admit to being a little bit of a Sitka fanboy. That said...

If I was you, I'd get the MR. The MR would allow you to switch bags up without having to buy a new frame since they have a frame system. MR also has a long track record with their packs, and while Sitka has a phenomenal track record for quality and design in clothing, packs just aren't their bread and butter like they are with MR. Frankly, I was surprised when Sitka started licensing their Subalpine design to MR since they are clearly competitors in the pack space - but I think that speaks to Sitka's opinion of MR's packs, including the Metcalf.

Again, just my two cents. I'm sure the Sitka pack is great too, and there is a review on this site for it if you are interested.

I would say the licensing of the patterns to MR has more to do with the fact that both company headquarters are about a mile apart in Bozeman. Sitka knows that packs aren't their forte.

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[Trial153]

All though Sitka is hasn’t been known as pack makers new Sitka packs aren’t comparable to what was offered in the past. They are solid offering that shouldn’t be discounted ad hoc.

 

[Jxferg7]

I would go with the company who specializes in making packs. Sitka makes good hunting clothes.

 

[Magnum61]

I have an original Metcalf on a Nice frame with a lift kit. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.


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[jwilson4425]

I would say the licensing of the patterns to MR has more to do with the fact that both company headquarters are about a mile apart in Bozeman. Sitka knows that packs aren't their forte.

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I’m just saying that given how few companies Sitka has licensed their patterns to, and given that Sitka makes competitor packs, they obviously have a pretty good opinion of MR’s offerings and feel that they offer something meaningfully different from what Sitka offers.

 

[sneaky]

I’m just saying that given how few companies Sitka has licensed their patterns to, and given that Sitka makes competitor packs, they obviously have a pretty good opinion of MR’s offerings and feel that they offer something meaningfully different from what Sitka offers.

That's what I was saying. They are very familiar with what MR does, the fact they are right down the street is an added bonus. Sitka over the past few years has licensed their patterns to more and more companies. Material wise, though, just to MR. They keep a pretty tight grip on that dept.

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[kmbrewcrew]

I bought my first MR last year, a pop-up 28 for a day pack with meat packing capabilities. The fit/comfort of carry, even with the smaller system, is fantastic. I’ve thought about the Metcalf as well...and that’d be my choice for a larger, longer hunt pack. Quality on the MR, from what I found was definitely second to none.

 

[vthokee]

My vote is for the Mystery Ranch as well. Like another posted I bought a Pintler off Iptics Planet for 280.00 with free shipping last month. If Inhad it to do over again I would have bought the Metcalf and then purchased bag only option for the Pintler to give me a smaller pack when not hiking in with camp on my back.

 

[bluetoofew]

Just my two cents as I've never owned a nice pack but am doing my own research as well. I'll also admit to being a little bit of a Sitka fanboy. That said...

If I was you, I'd get the MR. The MR would allow you to switch bags up without having to buy a new frame since they have a frame system. MR also has a long track record with their packs, and while Sitka has a phenomenal track record for quality and design in clothing, packs just aren't their bread and butter like they are with MR. Frankly, I was surprised when Sitka started licensing their Subalpine design to MR since they are clearly competitors in the pack space - but I think that speaks to Sitka's opinion of MR's packs, including the Metcalf.

Again, just my two cents. I'm sure the Sitka pack is great too, and there is a review on this site for it if you are interested.

One thing that gives me some pause with MR is that they only list a few bags on their site to buy without a frame. Is that to encourage buyers to go to their dealers instead? I would at least like to see every bag that fits a particular frame in one place.

 

[baeloth]

There is a limit on what bags MR sells withou a frame. other posts have mentioned it. you could however, get a metcalf bag and frame and by the bag only pintler or cabinet.

 

[vthokee]

One thing that gives me some pause with MR is that they only list a few bags on their site to buy without a frame. Is that to encourage buyers to go to their dealers instead? I would at least like to see every bag that fits a particular frame in one place.

Unfortunately no those are the only bag options that Mystery Ranch offers. Rumor has it that hopefully later this year or early 2020 they will release a bigger bag option.

 

[bluetoofew]

There is a limit on what bags MR sells withou a frame. other posts have mentioned it. you could however, get a metcalf bag and frame and by the bag only pintler or cabinet.

I saw that the pintler and the cabinet are available, but why not any of their other bags? they have about 12 bags that work on their light frame.

 

[vthokee]

I saw that the pintler and the cabinet are available, but why not any of their other bags? they have about 12 bags that work on their light frame.

Spoke with MR several times about this and the only consistent answer I get is that the Metcalf is their most popular pack and if they sell just the bag it will take them out of the price point it’s in right now. Basically they would have more cost and in turn we would have a higher purchase price. However I’ve been told that hopefully they are going to have a few different options coming our way late this year or in 2020.

 

[dusgmccl]

Thanks so much for all the input guys! I am leaning towards the MR for a few reasons. One of them being I am a tad OCD and the though of having to pack the meat and other inside with all my tent and sleeping bag doesn’t really thrill me although I know dry bags can prevent a mess just not really happy about that. I know the MR has a great reputation as well. I am a ways away from any store that would have any in stock. I have been searching the classifieds for a while hoping to stumble across one and just haven’t found the right one yet, but they do hold their resale value very well! Thanks again for the help. If anyone has one for sale let me know!