Moving on from a Mystery Ranch Metcalf to what?

[MT_Bow_Elk]

First post on this site so apologies in advance if this has been talked about prior…

I most commonly use a Mystery Ranch Metcalf for my hunting pack. Really early season archery I use the pop-up 38. I guess I have two questions: has anyone moved on from Mystery Ranch onto other packs that have seemed superior?

My Metcalf makes terrible squeaking noises now that are starting to drive me insane. No matter how much I tighten or mess around with straps the sounds just don’t go away. Now my hip belt makes a lot of noise in the hip area. I’ve packed out a few elk and deer both, and have hiked hundreds of miles with it, but I think it’s time to move on. Also, seems it’s harder than it should be to keep the bag tight to the frame compared to other brands when I look online or in stores. I’ve had buddies with Stone Glaciers who love them but they can’t really tell me why exactly they like them and no one has had a Mystery Ranch before so they aren’t much help.

I have my eyes on the EXO’s, Stone Glaciers and the Kifaru. I expect to spend $500 to $1,000 for quality and longevity, and am looking for comfort and minimal noise. It’s gotta be on a frame for pack-outs. Thanks in advance!

 

[Wyohunth]

I couldn’t stand the squeak either. Went from a metcalf to an exo k4 and love it so far after packing 4 elk

 

[mflo]

I switched from the same packs you currently have to Kifaru - I have a Stryker XL for day hunting, and a Gnargali for backpacking - both are on the older duplex lite frame. I know it all comes down to personal preference for how packs load and carry weight, but I find the Kifaru to be substantially better than the Mystery Ranches were for me... mostly in how I was able to fit the frame to my body and how they carry weight.

I've recently hunted with a couple of different guys that had Exo packs, and they look really nice as well. I just don't have any personal experience with those.

 

[Kurts86]

I went from a Metcalf to an Exo and was very happy with the improvement over the last 7 seasons.

Metcalf’s are the most economical, decent load hauling packs but they are a step below Exo, Stone Glacier and Kifaru.

 

[Taudisio]

I switched from the same packs you currently have to Kifaru - I have a Stryker XL for day hunting, and a Gnargali for backpacking - both are on the older duplex lite frame. I know it all comes down to personal preference for how packs load and carry weight, but I find the Kifaru to be substantially better than the Mystery Ranches were for me... mostly in how I was able to fit the frame to my body and how they carry weight.

I've recently hunted with a couple of different guys that had Exo packs, and they look really nice as well. I just don't have any personal experience with those.

Nearly my exact reply as well. Packed out a few deer and 2 elk with the mystery ranch. Did the job. I can carry twice the weight in my kifaru with less pressure.