Is the Mystery Ranch Pop Up 30 a substantial upgrade from the older 28?

[KootenayShooter]

I'm looking for my first day bag and while I haven't handled one in person, I like the idea of Mystery Ranch's Pop Up which can be primarily used as a compact day-pack but expanded to carry the occasional heavy load or act as a platform for glassing and shooting. I can pick up a new old stock Pop Up 28 for a considerable discount from the current 30, but is the newer model a considerable upgrade that's worth spending extra for? They appear to have very different pocket and frame designs, but I can't find any information comparing the two or outlining what's improved with the 30.

Does anyone here have experience with either or both?

 

[Macintosh]

Get multiple opinions because I may be an oddball.

But I strongly prefer the old version. The newer one is heavier and bulkier, which on a low profile pack is a big deal to me. Its why I think using a big multiday pack as a daypack is a major compromise. I have old version pop up 28 and 18, and really like both. I have not had any issues carrying weight in either of mine. I have never tried to pack an elk in them, but have had no issue carrying an entire bone-in quartered whitetail, Ive carried an entire ladder-stand, etc, and they are hardly more cumbersome than a standard day pack of the same volume. I would personally not trade them for a newer version.

 

[KootenayShooter]

Get multiple opinions because I may be an oddball.

But I strongly prefer the old version. The newer one is heavier and bulkier, which on a low profile pack is a big deal to me. Its why I think using a big multiday pack as a daypack is a major compromise. I have old version pop up 28 and 18, and really like both. I have not had any issues carrying weight in either of mine. I have never tried to pack an elk in them, but have had no issue carrying an entire bone-in quartered whitetail, Ive carried an entire ladder-stand, etc, and they are hardly more cumbersome than a standard day pack of the same volume. I would personally not trade them for a newer version.

That's good to hear and the kind of information I'm looking for. I've found that newer gear is not necessarily always better than the discontinued stuff. Do you know if you have the Gen 1 with folding frame shown here or the Gen 2 with a telescopic frame like this? I read a few old threads with a small handful of comments complaining about the Pop Up 28 being uncomfortable under a light load with too much weight resting on the shoulders and insufficient padding, but maybe that's just the result of poor fitment.

 

[Macintosh]

Both of my packs are gen 1.

Re weight carrying ability—its a matter of expectation. They are absolutely not as good at hauling really heavy loads as a full-sized pack frame. They are day packs that also carry moderate meat loads. If you want a heavy hauler get a kifaru or stone glacier or exo, etc frame. If you want a day pack that can also haul some weight in a pinch, these are great. Two different things.

 

[Drenalin]

I had the newest version 40 for a minute. I didn’t like anything about it. Bulky, heavy, buckles sucked, strappy and fiddly, and didn’t carry weight well. Haven’t tried the older versions.

 

[Kurts86]

The side pockets on the gen 1 are not stretchy or grippy and are prone losing stuff. The gen 1 frame also flips up 180 degrees to deploy first requiring the bag to be loosened to raise the frame. On the gen 2 it’s just flip lock extensions like a trekking pole to raise the frame.

The best part of the gen 1 is the 18L bag which they killed off for the 2nd generation. The 28L/30L bags are good but are kind of unremarkable. The 18L is a cult classic bag because of how tiny it was with the capability to load cell carry quarters. It was probably the best eastern whitetail public land pack ever made.

 

[KootenayShooter]

I had the newest version 40 for a minute. I didn’t like anything about it. Bulky, heavy, buckles sucked, strappy and fiddly, and didn’t carry weight well. Haven’t tried the older versions.

After reading a ton of old threads and reviews, they definitely sound a bit polarizing where most people love them but a small minority find them horrifically uncomfortable. I ended up ordering a Pop Up 28 Gen 2 for a decent price so I'm hoping for the best.

 

[KootenayShooter]

The side pockets on the gen 1 are not stretchy or grippy and are prone losing stuff. The gen 1 frame also flips up 180 degrees to deploy first requiring the bag to be loosened to raise the frame. On the gen 2 it’s just flip lock extensions like a trekking pole to raise the frame.

The best part of the gen 1 is the 18L bag which they killed off for the 2nd generation. The 28L/30L bags are good but are kind of unremarkable. The 18L is a cult classic bag because of how tiny it was with the capability to load cell carry quarters. It was probably the best eastern whitetail public land pack ever made.

I ended up ordering a Pop Up 28 Gen 2 for a good price although I'd probably run an 18L if they were still available, but I also like the idea of being able to shoot or glass from the telescopic Gen 2 frame. I might try adding an optics thumb screw similar to the current Pop Up 30.

 

[Matt G.]

I run the gen 2 28 for my treestand saddle setup. My total weight is 20lbs about and no issue with comfort etc. The only issue i have is when limited gear in the bag, there is slop (excess bag) in the bag.

Sent from my SM-S921U using Tapatalk

 

[Desk Jockey]

I think there are 3 gens so far. I have owned all. I am a fan of the current version. I run the 40 and like the removable lid and they addressed some of the slop in the pack attachment to the top of the frame. I like the molle attachments too.

All of them have been pretty solid but I think the biggest improvement was from gen 1 to 2 where they revamped the frame and hip belt. Having said that, the gen 1 pack is a solid option.

The current version of the 40 lists for $440 at MR but I have seen it below $300 elsewhere. I bet you can get a gen 1 or 2 for half that.

Since you already ordered it may be too late, but I started with a 28 (gen 1). It filled up very fast with winter layers in late season so i jumped up to 40. It isn’t always or often full but i like having the extra space when i need it and don’t mind cinching I down when i dont.

 

[KootenayShooter]

I think there are 3 gens so far. I have owned all. I am a fan of the current version. I run the 40 and like the removable lid and they addressed some of the slop in the pack attachment to the top of the frame. I like the molle attachments too.

All of them have been pretty solid but I think the biggest improvement was from gen 1 to 2 where they revamped the frame and hip belt. Having said that, the gen 1 pack is a solid option.

The current version of the 40 lists for $440 at MR but I have seen it below $300 elsewhere. I bet you can get a gen 1 or 2 for half that.

Since you already ordered it may be too late, but I started with a 28 (gen 1). It filled up very fast with winter layers in late season so i jumped up to 40. It isn’t always or often full but i like having the extra space when i need it and don’t mind cinching I down when i dont.

I ended up ordering a new old stock gen 2 Pop Up 28 for about half the price of a new Pop Up 30. Unfortunately I'm in Canada where everything is marked up even before conversion. It's actually good to hear that the 28 was too small for some people because I tend to pack very light and am worried it will end up being too large and loose. I do wish the older 28 included the integrated optics thumbscrew in the frame but I might see if I can modify something in.

 

[eaglemountainman]

I have a gen 1 PU 28 since MR first dropped them. Probably it's best feature is that it's so slim. I can stillhunt through thick NE woods without getting hung up, like I would with a larger pack. As others have stated, it's not a designated meat hauler, but it'll get the job done. At my age a don't carry a load over 60lbs or so anymore. But the little pack is a tank, and capable of much more, even though it's not as comfortable as my Sawtooth 45 on a Guide Light MT frame.
I think you'll be happy with your decision.

 

[plebe]

Had a Popup 28 Gen 2. It was nice enough for my use case but I hated the MR belt. Swapped in Seek Outside’s belt and it was much improved. Also tried an EXO K3 for K2 belt and that was pretty good as well.

 

[KootenayShooter]

I have a gen 1 PU 28 since MR first dropped them. Probably it's best feature is that it's so slim. I can stillhunt through thick NE woods without getting hung up, like I would with a larger pack. As others have stated, it's not a designated meat hauler, but it'll get the job done. At my age a don't carry a load over 60lbs or so anymore. But the little pack is a tank, and capable of much more, even though it's not as comfortable as my Sawtooth 45 on a Guide Light MT frame.
I think you'll be happy with your decision.

Right on, sounds exactly like what I'm looking for - slim enough that the frame isn't a big compromise when acting as a day bag but with the ability to haul out the first load back to a dedicated meat hauler so that subsequent loads are a little lighter or I can cut out a trip.

 

[roosiebull]

I ended up ordering a new old stock gen 2 Pop Up 28 for about half the price of a new Pop Up 30. Unfortunately I'm in Canada where everything is marked up even before conversion. It's actually good to hear that the 28 was too small for some people because I tend to pack very light and am worried it will end up being too large and loose. I do wish the older 28 included the integrated optics thumbscrew in the frame but I might see if I can modify something in.

It will serve you well, especially what you need it to do. I have an 18 and it’s a great day pack, worst case I have strapped layers to the outside of the pack.

To me, the bigger pop ups defeat the purpose for my needs, there is no reason to not just wear a full frame pack at that point, but the 18&28 are low profile enough that they separate themselves from a full frame pack. The 38&40 if you had much in them, they are going to be a lot closer to the profile or a regular pack. My 25” frame exo is going to be easier in the brush with a 3600 bag/no lid than a full 40L popup

The 28 still tucks under my head in the brush, but the 18 is really good, it’s like hunting with a lumbar pack, but I could pack an elk out with it, or a whole quartered buck/head and cape… it won’t be as stable or comfortable as the same load in my exo, but it also won’t be a problem and won’t hinder me.

I think the popup is a pretty genius design, but I don’t think mystery ranch understands its niche very well. I know that they just want to sell volume, but I think they could market the concept better, understand and explain the strengths of their design vs a full frame, and design bags that compliment the concept of the popup

 

[KootenayShooter]

It will serve you well, especially what you need it to do. I have an 18 and it’s a great day pack, worst case I have strapped layers to the outside of the pack.

To me, the bigger pop ups defeat the purpose for my needs, there is no reason to not just wear a full frame pack at that point, but the 18&28 are low profile enough that they separate themselves from a full frame pack. The 38&40 if you had much in them, they are going to be a lot closer to the profile or a regular pack. My 25” frame exo is going to be easier in the brush with a 3600 bag/no lid than a full 40L popup

The 28 still tucks under my head in the brush, but the 18 is really good, it’s like hunting with a lumbar pack, but I could pack an elk out with it, or a whole quartered buck/head and cape… it won’t be as stable or comfortable as the same load in my exo, but it also won’t be a problem and won’t hinder me.

I think the popup is a pretty genius design, but I don’t think mystery ranch understands its niche very well. I know that they just want to sell volume, but I think they could market the concept better, understand and explain the strengths of their design vs a full frame, and design bags that compliment the concept of the popup

Very well said and I completely agree about the larger pop ups largely defeating the purpose. Like you, I just want something that acts as a compact day bag without much compromise but can be used to haul heavier loads when needed - either to pack out the first load while heading back to base for a proper frame bag as to not waste a trip and make subsequent loads lighter or as a loaner frame. I'd definitely prefer a PU 18 if they were still available for that reason, although the telescopic frame on the gen 2 28 (when then 18 was discontinued) seems like a nice upgrade too.