Kuiu vs Mystery Ranch Packs

Houseminer

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Jun 29, 2019
Messages
109
I have kuiu and my hunting partner has mystery ranch. I run a 3000 as a day pack and have a 7000 ultra for pack trips. I love the low weight. I have packed lots of meat with the 3000.

The advantages of the kuiu is much lighter as a day pack. The MR is way burlier. When packing meat my friends MR won. Especially packing a rack where it was stiffer and easier to attach.

I just bought the Kuiu load hauler and I think it will be an improvement for hauling racks over the frame plus 3000 bag.

I also have a Tatonka that is amazing hauling big quarters.....

My take is KUIU is still better if you care about weight. When I’m in the bush for a long day I want to keep pack weight reasonable so this combination works for me.
 

robcollins

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Oct 7, 2014
Messages
203
I'd look at the MR Marshall too....

I traded a Kifaru Spike Camp for mine and couldn't be happier.

It's got design elements from the old Dana Designs Terraplane, the NICE frame 6500, but currently on the Guidelight MT frame. (So way lighter) I rarely will fill it up, but it secures loads well even if I only use the tube pockets. Mine is the version on the original Guidelight frame (not MT).

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zippe444

FNG
Joined
Mar 5, 2024
Messages
10
Ive been running a icon for the last 6 years and havent had any problems with it hauling elk out
 

jhoff04

Lil-Rokslider
Joined
Mar 15, 2024
Messages
102
Location
Midwest
I've been very pleased with my MR Sawtooth 45. I have packed out a couple of cow elk and a couple of deer with it in the past 2 years and have been thoroughly impressed with it's capabilities and toughness. I know there are probably better packs out there but for a premium price (i.e. Kifaru).

For what it's worth, several websites currently have the '23 MR Metcalf's on closeout... would be a heck of a deal for someone not wanting to spend $500+ on a pack.
 
Joined
Mar 20, 2019
Messages
369
I've tried MR a couple of times and can't make it work. Fit isn't good for me, which is the biggest issue, but their bags also lack intelligent design and are frustratingly "strappy" in use. I also hated Kuiu the first time I tried them, but the newer stuff works well from a fit perspective and the bags are very usable. Ultimately you can get used to any bag, so focus on finding the best fit.

Second vote that the MR’s are scrappy. The compression straps that are buckles on both ends opposed to sewn on are very easy to lose. I ended up just buying like an 8 pack of them from MR because I kept leaving them on mountains.


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tony

WKR
Joined
Nov 13, 2015
Messages
1,010
Location
WV
Camofire has bear tooth bags only and metcalfs listed today for the next 10 hours as of my post.
 
Joined
Aug 15, 2024
Messages
49
Do you guys think there is a certain body type or build that fits better for MR vs Kuiu or is it just variable for different people?

I like kuiu being lightweight but sounds like MR might carry better under heavy load. I am tall 6’2” and skinny just wondering if one might fit me better.
 

Nevvon

FNG
Joined
Mar 17, 2019
Messages
88
I have used several MR packs and now use a kuiu pack with three diff size bags to swap as needed. The kuiu frame was super customizable to the point that each shoulder strap can be adjusted independent of the other. I have carried lots of weight in them and flund they handle weight well. Both kuiu and MR had solid and comfortable hip belts and lots of pockets. For me the deal was sealed with customizable fit and bag swap on the kuiu.
 
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