I will be going elk hunting for the first time this year, and I just got my first "real" pack - 2020 MR Pintler on the new Guide Light MT frame. I am 6'3", 255 lbs (lots of padding, but working on it), with a 22" torso length. I ordered the XL size pack.
I watched all the fitting videos and read all the fitment tips, loaded up the pack with 25lbs of weight, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to get the load lifters up to where they give that 45º angle. I've called and emailed MR a couple times now, and followed their guidance, but it's not seeming to make a difference. My last attempt involved me extending the yoke all the way to MAX, and that actually felt the best on my back/hip/shoulders. But the load lifters still aren't up by my ears, and I don't see how they ever would be.
I am wearing my hip belt around my fat tire so that the middle of the belt is on top of my iliac crest. This is way higher than where I wear my pants, but I'm following all the guidance MR gave me.
This pack was already more than I ever anticipated spending on a pack that I would use a few times a year (at most) on day hunts only. I have no interest in doing backpacking hunts or spending the $600+ for a Kifaru, SG, etc. I really like the setup of the Pintler and how I'd use it, but if it's not going to provide a noticeable benefit, then I might give up on it.
Pics for reference. NOTE: These pics were taken with yoke at 22" setting. Since then I moved the yoke up to MAX (which feels better), but the load lifters aren't really any higher than what you see here.
I watched all the fitting videos and read all the fitment tips, loaded up the pack with 25lbs of weight, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to get the load lifters up to where they give that 45º angle. I've called and emailed MR a couple times now, and followed their guidance, but it's not seeming to make a difference. My last attempt involved me extending the yoke all the way to MAX, and that actually felt the best on my back/hip/shoulders. But the load lifters still aren't up by my ears, and I don't see how they ever would be.
I am wearing my hip belt around my fat tire so that the middle of the belt is on top of my iliac crest. This is way higher than where I wear my pants, but I'm following all the guidance MR gave me.
This pack was already more than I ever anticipated spending on a pack that I would use a few times a year (at most) on day hunts only. I have no interest in doing backpacking hunts or spending the $600+ for a Kifaru, SG, etc. I really like the setup of the Pintler and how I'd use it, but if it's not going to provide a noticeable benefit, then I might give up on it.
Pics for reference. NOTE: These pics were taken with yoke at 22" setting. Since then I moved the yoke up to MAX (which feels better), but the load lifters aren't really any higher than what you see here.