I pulled the trigger and finally bought a do-all pack for my Oregon/Idaho hunting. I was looking for a pack that could hold 2-3 days worth of gear and food comfortably but still pack down for day trips. I do about 75% day trips and the rest is overnighters and a few summer backpack trips with friends and the kids. I've been using an older Camelbak Outlaw that my brother handed me down and it's served me well for 3 years as a day pack but lacks the size, frame and other features I was looking for. Budget was definitely a factor and I really needed a pack that could do everything I needed, last me many years, and not break the bank.
I looked at three different packs from Mystery Ranch (local retailer in my area) including the Metcalf, Sawtooth 45, and Selway 60. I liked the Metcalf a lot, but the fact it is on the Guide Light Frame and not yet on the new Guide Light MT Frame gave me some pause. Maybe a petty thing to most but since this is a big purchase, I thought it'd be best to go with the newest iteration they're offering. Also, for my body style, the comfort of the newer frame on the Sawtooth and Selway felt night and day more comfortable side-by-side. I really like how easy it is to access the frame on the newer model as well; one buckle on the inside and it slips right off. Needless to say, it came down to the Sawtooth and Selway in the end. The Sawtooth was really functional, laid out well, and had a lot of pockets and places to organize, which I usually like. My problem is that I couldn't comfortably fit 3+ days of gear and food in it without having to utilize the pack shelf and I didn't really like that for myself - I felt like it put the weight of the pack too far back and would make backpacking a little awkward for extended mileage.
So, I went with the Selway and couldn't be happier. It has all the real estate I need for my gear (I'm definitely not a minimalist hiker, but I don't pack the whole house either). All my gear and everything I need for several days in the back country is around 30 pounds and fills the Selway up with a little room to spare. I do feel like there was a little bit of compromise with giving up some internal pocketry and such, but honestly, I bought some mesh bags and the belt pocket and can easily organize everything that way. The zipper pouch on top is really nice too, as is the zipper access design - very functional. To me, it feels like a pack that will do everything I need it to whether out for the day or out for several. Mystery Ranch quality seems to be top notch, the thing is built like a tank but comes in right at 5 pounds, which felt lighter and less strappy than the Metcalf did.
I have a 3 day backpacking trip this coming weekend and I'll get a chance to put it through it's paces a little bit then, can't wait! I did a lot of research on forums and I was thankful for people's observations and input; very helpful.
I looked at three different packs from Mystery Ranch (local retailer in my area) including the Metcalf, Sawtooth 45, and Selway 60. I liked the Metcalf a lot, but the fact it is on the Guide Light Frame and not yet on the new Guide Light MT Frame gave me some pause. Maybe a petty thing to most but since this is a big purchase, I thought it'd be best to go with the newest iteration they're offering. Also, for my body style, the comfort of the newer frame on the Sawtooth and Selway felt night and day more comfortable side-by-side. I really like how easy it is to access the frame on the newer model as well; one buckle on the inside and it slips right off. Needless to say, it came down to the Sawtooth and Selway in the end. The Sawtooth was really functional, laid out well, and had a lot of pockets and places to organize, which I usually like. My problem is that I couldn't comfortably fit 3+ days of gear and food in it without having to utilize the pack shelf and I didn't really like that for myself - I felt like it put the weight of the pack too far back and would make backpacking a little awkward for extended mileage.
So, I went with the Selway and couldn't be happier. It has all the real estate I need for my gear (I'm definitely not a minimalist hiker, but I don't pack the whole house either). All my gear and everything I need for several days in the back country is around 30 pounds and fills the Selway up with a little room to spare. I do feel like there was a little bit of compromise with giving up some internal pocketry and such, but honestly, I bought some mesh bags and the belt pocket and can easily organize everything that way. The zipper pouch on top is really nice too, as is the zipper access design - very functional. To me, it feels like a pack that will do everything I need it to whether out for the day or out for several. Mystery Ranch quality seems to be top notch, the thing is built like a tank but comes in right at 5 pounds, which felt lighter and less strappy than the Metcalf did.
I have a 3 day backpacking trip this coming weekend and I'll get a chance to put it through it's paces a little bit then, can't wait! I did a lot of research on forums and I was thankful for people's observations and input; very helpful.
