First Real Pack Help

[BFM]

I ordered my first real pack with frame the other day. Metcalf with NICE frame on camofire. I was thinking it would be easy to add a crew cab bag only or something like that for day hunts. I've been reading about needing to add lifters? I'm 6'3" 36" waist and ordered the Large. I'm assuming the new packs won't be compatible with the NICE frame, how hard will it be to find a CC or longbow bag?

Now Kuiu is having their sale and for not a whole lot more than I paid for the Metcalf/NICE I can get a frame and 3 different size bags. Ultra 1800, 3000, 6000 for about $385 or Icon 1850, 3200, 5200 for $525.

I know MR has a great reputation but almost seems worth it to return it to have the variable Kuiu set up. Any feedback on the Kuiu system vs the NICE systems and are there any absolute necessities I still need to add to the Metcalf?

 

[oldgoat]

Can only answer the lifter question because I read the camofire description, those MR packs all had lifter kits already

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

My understanding is this load lifter will be coming with it you can choose to use or not depending on what you're doing. I ordered one to try out and thinking I like the concept because the stay height on normal packs I'd find annoying as a "day pack" where the normal NICE frame should be lower. Then when duty calls put the lifter kit back on. We'll see when I get my hands on it.

No clue on the KUIU stuff. I see they say "load tested to 150lb" but that usually means it won't break rather than it being comfortable, others will have to chime in there. My Eberlestock X2 "can handle 100lb" in terms of fabric strength too, just know after 30lb or so it all starts loading your shoulders. So yeah it'll hold 100lb to your body but you're not going to love the feeling.

 

[Poltax]

BFM...your Metcalf that you ordered will come with the load lifters. It also has enough straps on the pack to tighten and cinch up to use the Metcalf as a day pack. Cinch up the Metcalf and go on your hunt for the day. Later in the day you find your animal, kill it. Then you already to go for the pack out, with out making another trip for a different pack.

The Longbow is a great day pack/overnight bag. I love the tri-zip. If you can find them, they are getting scarce as guys are snapping them up. They will switch out on the NICE Frame with your Metcalf bag.

In the end you need to decide which bag set up is best for you. Order the Kuiu system. Set up next to the Metcalf. Then send back which ever one you do not like. IMHO, the MR is the best of both worlds. Yes, its a bit heavier, but you will never have to worry about a strap braeking, or your bag splitting when you need it the most. Like five miles from your truck. Having said that I am not bashing the Kuiu packs at all. They are also a good pack.

 

[ianpadron]

Just got my Metcalf in the mail today. NICE lifters are included, easily removed as is the top detachable bag. Cinches up to basically nothing, I can't wait to get it out in the mountains this weekend. This pack setup appears to be ready to do just about anything you could ask of it.

 

[huntaz31]

Had the Kuiu ultra 6000 and Kuiu icon pro 7200 and both after 40-50 pounds were extremely uncomfortable and had an eberlestock team elk same thing nothing felt good! I have never worn or seen a MR pack but heard they aren't too bad. Heard some stuff recently that they might have sold it and going overseas and that's why it's on CAMOFIRE now? But I Sold all 3 and bought a Kifaru in September and won't look back or even consider another brand in packs. Bought The duplex frame with a timberline 1 and absolutely love it! I love it so much I just bought a tactical frame and a 22 mag pack for a smaller pack dor a couple days! Addicted to their stuff! Give Aron, Heath or Frank a call and they will hook you up for sure! Aron talked to me for about 35 minutes and directed me to a cheaper option so I had more money to spend on accessories and save money. Great company!

 

[PathFinder]

This might come across as biased, but I am because I bought and attempted to use a Kuiu pack. The Kuiu is not a real backpack hunting pack. At best, it's halfway there. I think you'll be much happier with the MR. If you end up being dissatisfied with the MR, there are probably just four companies to consider depending on individual preferences. Stone Glacier, Exo, Kifaru, and Seek Outside. All of the pack threads probably sound like a broken record, but there's good reason the same systems get recommended over and over. Hundreds of miles with heavy loads, logged by dozens of different hunters, don't lie. Advertising does.

 

[Muttly]

Had an X2 that I used a lot, a Dragonfly that I only used 4-5 times in as many years, cause it didn't carry much weight much better than the X2. Looked real hard at the MRs, mostly Longbow pack/NICE frame combo for a long time. Being a little tall for the packs, and hearing the Kifaru packs worked better for those over 6 feet kept me from going for an MR for a long time.
This fall, about the same time I was getting ready to round up a new pack, MR dropped the ala carte option on their website, Kifaru brought out the new frame, and I my wallet was crying like a baby. Got rid of the two Eberlestock packs within a few days of getting the Kifaru, don't miss em much.

If the MR fits, you should mostly be set. If not, Kifaru, Stone Glacier, Exo, probably serve you better..

 

[boom]

Bfm. Let me know if it doesn't work for you

 

[BFM]

Bfm. Let me know if it doesn't work for you

Lots of promising responses above. Pack delivers today. I plan to try it on and throw some heavy stuff in it to see how it feels. I will report back.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Pack delivers today.

I don't get mine till tomorrow... but I need to prepare for my daughters b-day party anyways so probably better I'm not fiddling with a pack tonight, wife might loose patience for my addiction.

 

[boom]

Lots of promising responses above. Pack delivers today. I plan to try it on and throw some heavy stuff in it to see how it feels. I will report back.

You are gonna love it bud. If its anything like my dragon slayer it is gonna rock it.

 

[jwpenn]

I am waiting on my Metcalf from camofire too. I was saving up to buy a kifaru this summer but that deal was too good to pass up the other day. From what I've learned about backpacks in the last year MR is a top end pack company. I own the kuiu icon pro 1850 and ultra 3000 (both suspensions) and I will echo huntaz31 s response that heavier loads sag and sway in them both (no matter how you prop them up or load them in the bag or meat shelf). Granted I have only had them a year and didn't get the chance to get them bloody but I workout regularly with sandbags in them and I have noticed I end up running/hiking unnaturally as the weight shifts (my core is much stronger because of the work it has to do, thanks kuiu!)

Now the kuius are nice "pack a jacket some food and some other small things and go day hunt/hike pack" and I plan on keeping them for just that when I am hunting an area where roads are everywhere and don't need to pack an animal very far.

I am hoping this MR Metcalf will be what I'm looking for in a more comfortable load carrier.

 

[Poltax]

If you would like a great youtube vid of the MR Metcalf. Look on Montana Wild Outdoors channel. Look for the vid "The Pack Out". About half way thru the vid they show you how to load up the Metcalf.

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

If you would like a great youtube vid of the MR Metcalf. Look on Montana Wild Outdoors channel. Look for the vid "The Pack Out". About half way thru the vid they show you how to load up the Metcalf.

Nice video to watch in general and dream of fall:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSeRFHZ7Pb0

 

[BFM]

So here is the pack. It does compress down very well. I feel like it sits a little high on my back but since this is my first pack i'm not sure.
If I run the waist belt level, it pretty much sits on my bottom ribs.

http://i.imgur.com/bbK3dRu.jpg

 

[BFM]

So here is the pack. It does compress down very well. I feel like it sits a little high on my back but since this is my first pack i'm not sure.
If I run the waist belt level, it pretty much sits on my bottom ribs.

http://i.imgur.com/bbK3dRu.jpg

Maybe I should learn to read instructions. I will figure out how to get the yoke right on my back and redo.

 

[Backpacker]

It takes a few minutes to get the yoke JUST right, I found its best to stuff the pack so it keeps its shape and then try it on and adjust a couple times. You can also use a measuring tape to measure from the top of your hips to your C7 (bony bump at the base of your neck) and then adjust the pack accordingly.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Maybe I should learn to read instructions. I will figure out how to get the yoke right on my back and redo.

Yeah that's pretty high. Another good fitting video is the Stone Glacier one - feel for your hipbone, top of the nice frame belt will ride a little above that.

I think it helps to have a little weight in there when doing the mr yoke setup. Keep in mind you'll probably want to run it with 40 or 50 lbs on some hour long walks, that'll really help you fine tune the fit.

 

[Ozzymodel70]

MR has good video for fitting. Took me a little to get fitted just right. Mostly because it was comfortable in many settings. http://www.mysteryranch.com/fitting-and-sizing