Metcalf question

[Alberta Jonny]

Has anyone used this bag to pack out a Moose? Is it do-able? I don't have the opportunity to look at it before I order it and I'm curious as to how much you can load in that slot. Thanks in advance!

 

[nobody]

Mine sagged horribly under just my overnight load, I wouldn't even dream of putting anything significant in the load shelf. Is it doable? Probably, I don't see why a quarter wouldn't fit. And I doubt the frame would buckle/break under load. But based on using one for a little over a year across multiple hunts from early August to late November, the load carrying capacity (pack's ability to actually distribute weight to your hips from your shoulders and back) is comparable to my old badlands superday.

Moose are big critters, we've hauled out a few in my fam. I wouldn't trust a Metcalf to help me get it out.

EDIT: Specifically, mine had the newer Guide Lite MT Frame, which is shared by many of the expedition type packs from Mystery Ranch. It's not the Metcalf bag that I had an issue with necessarily (though in practice, I think the pack design and layout sucked). So to be more specific, I would avoid the Guide Lite MT Frame.

 

[BigNate]

I have NOT, however I did consider buy a Metcalf and passed it over because it didn't seem to be ready for heavier loads.
I bought a MR Beartooth 80. It got here to late to use this year though.

 

[roosiebull]

Has anyone used this bag to pack out a Moose? Is it do-able? I don't have the opportunity to look at it before I order it and I'm curious as to how much you can load in that slot. Thanks in advance!

I would say yes, without issue. I packed a few roosies in mine when I had it and wasn’t maxing it out at all.

The only thing is whether the frame fits YOU well, mine did not. My impression of mystery ranch frames is they fit a wide range of people, but only fit a small range of people well… if you fit into that, mystery ranch is hard to beat for the price, very durable setup, it just didn’t fit me and heavy loads felt a lot heavier than necessary… but they seem to work well for many folks.

I would rather pack 100# in a pop up than the guide lite, the pop up fits me better, which is where I realized fit trumps design (for comfort under a heavy load)

 

[Geewhiz]

I will vouch for a metcalf on a guide lite (no experience with the MT) frame all day. It will haul more weight than you can carry. I have had (weighed on a scale) 140+ lbs of meat in it for miles at a time on more than one occasion. Its not comfortable with that much weight but I couldn't imagine any pack would be. I realize moose are larger animals but it has done everything I have asked of it, while my old mans alps pack literally ripped the belt in half and broke a shoulder strap with the same weight.

 

[Werty]

Ive put half a boned out elk in it multiple times.

 

[Citizen]

Does anyone have direct comparison from the Mystery Ranch to a Kifaru Duplex under load?

 

[Kenai_dtracker]

I have NOT, however I did consider buy a Metcalf and passed it over because it didn't seem to be ready for heavier loads.
I bought a MR Beartooth 80. It got here to late to use this year though.

I'm pretty sure that it's the exact same frame set up, just different bags.

I had a Metcalf but sold it because it always slipped off my hips and was not tall enough for me. I do not think the lumbar pad is adequate.

 

[justinspicher]

I have used both the Kifaru Duplex and the MR frames. I prefer the MR frames because they fit me better. I used the Metcalf for a couple of years on multiple hunts from Sheep in Alaska to Whitetails in Kentucky and had zero issues, from day hunts to 15 day excursions in the backcountry.

I also sized down on my MR frames and that seemed to really help the most. Unlike most folks, I like my hipbelt to be above my hips so the smaller belt helped me keep the pack where I wanted it.

 

[roosiebull]

Does anyone have direct comparison from the Mystery Ranch to a Kifaru Duplex under load?

I do, but my experience won’t likely mirror yours. It’s no comparison on my back, the kifaru holds a heavy load way better… other people have the exact opposite experience, that’s why pack recommendations are tough… both will hold up well, have good features, but the MR doesn’t fit me well.

 

[knale87]

I can’t speak for moose quarters but I’ve had a metcalf for a couple years now. I’ve packed out a few one trip whitetails with it. I’ve also had it on two extended back pack hunts, one of which we packed out a black bear (split between 3 guys) plus camp. Over the time that I’ve had it, I’ve also used it on countless training hikes with varying weights. The only real issue so far is the hip belt strap is starting to come undone at the stitches. I plan on replacing that soon. If the pack fits you, I think it’s a good pack for the price. That being said, I plan on upgrading when funds allow it.

 

[Alberta Jonny]

Thanks guy's