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.

 

[Watrdawg]

Moved on from a Metcalf to the Exo K4 5000. Just spent last week in the K4 and really liked it. Glad I made the change.

 

[AKEK]

I would highly recommend you look into the AKEK packs. AKEK spent a ton of time getting rid of squeaks and noises! Lifetime warranty and the best bang for the buck! Plus the frame design is very good for hauling heavy loads!

Watch this short youtube video HERE

 

[Nicaburns]

I moved to an Initial Ascent this year... didn't get to pack any meat out but absolutely love the pack!

 

[DoubleAron]

Moved from MR to a Stone Glacier (X-Curve fit me best) after trying Kifaru and Exo. The SG just worked best for me. The MR could get the job done but the SG is much better for me.

 

[AARONB]

I think you’d be happy with your decision to move on to any of those packs. I also had a metcalf before moving on to a K4 5000. I really liked my metcalf. I could carry loads over 60lbs fairly well with it, but the K4 handles those loads a lot easier. I also like the extra room the 5000 bag has compared to my old metcalf. The metcalf, with its yoke design, would snug up to my back tighter than the k4. That took a little bit to get use to, but the k4 carries loads so well it didn’t take too long.

 

[Blackbird]

SG for me as well and love it, the customer service is also amazing if you have any questions. If you can try some on beforehand that will serve you well.

 

[Desk Jockey]

To each their own. I was an MR fanboy for a long time. Switch to Kifaru and then back to MR. Bought a seek frame and pack for nonhunting backpacking use. Like it. May think about getting a hunting pack bag for the frame. I doubt I have enough miles left in my back and legs to wear these out but I will probably buy something else long before then.

So it goes… I like to tinker. The only winners are the gear companies and the guys who buy my stuff in the classifieds.

 

[100%DIYazCOUES]

I bought an exo k4 this year, best pack I’ve ever used. If I were you, I’d go exo or stone glacier if you want the best, love the stone glacier 5900 too.

 

[Fowl intentions]

I've used a SG Sky 5100 for about a decade. Great pack and has had a lot of blood on it. My guide friend was an MR guy for ages. He pulled a Mt goat tag this season and went with a SG 5900. He was hugely impressed with the frame and pack compared to his years of MR experience.

 

[Hnthrdr]

K4 would be my only choice I have a few MR packs and a loaner eberlestock mainframe. If I ever get a new pack it’s 100% an exo K4

 

[mtnbound]

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!

Have used EXO, Kifaru, and SG. I prefer the EXO because Kifaru and SG mostly use the single dump pocket design. All will carry a load better than the MR.

 

[rjb84]

Have used EXO, Kifaru, and SG. I prefer the EXO because Kifaru and SG mostly use the single dump pocket design. All will carry a load better than the MR.

Does the EFO have a pocket for a hydration bladder?

 

[Trade2hunt]

I’ve got 3 exo’s. Love em. I keep two k3 frames ready to go with different bag sizes. I keep a bare K2 with a crib for training or for a buddy who wants to help pack. I’ve had some squeak issues that appear after the frames get to sweaty and/or dirty after prolonged use but they are easy to break down and throw in the wash. That’s always fixed the issue. The guys at Exo have always been helpful whenever I’ve had a problem.