MR Metcalf hurting shoulder?

[7RemMag]

My go-to (and currently my only) pack is a MR Metcalf. Love the pack. However, I find that if I have the pack on for an extended period of time, my right shoulder will get a little bit sore. For example, I put about 5.5 miles on yesterday morning here in the hills. I also carry my rifle on my right shoulder typically. To my knowledge, I have the pack adjusted properly, and my weight is centered and distributed properly. Could there be something I’m doing wrong to cause this? I certainly don’t think it to be an issue with the pack/frame design itself. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[The_Jim]

Are you carrying the rifle with the rifle sling on your shoulder?

If so try something like the kifaru gun bearer to get that weight on your pack.

 

[7RemMag]

Are you carrying the rifle with the rifle sling on your shoulder?

If so try something like the kifaru gun bearer to get that weight on your pack.

I was, and I have considered that as the issue, and it could be but I’m not certain.

The trouble I have with that is that in a lot of situations I find myself in I want the rifle readily accessible. For example, yesterday morning it was windy, with light snow, and I was still hunting down in the draws.

The gun bearer could still be an option if the rifle could still be accessed in a hurry, I suppose. I’ll have to do some research.

 

[The_Jim]

@7RemMag The gun bearer is pretty quick. I don’t think there’s a big difference between that and a sling. I don’t recall them being expensive, your probably not out much trying it.

I would guess that’s the problem. A pack already isn’t great for your shoulder posture. You just making it worse with the rifle weight.

 

[06x6spdGTO]

Curious of your overall impressions of the metcalf so far (looking to get a 50 for my main pack).

Other than the shoulder while w/ a sling rifle…. How do you like it?

 

[Geewhiz]

Curious of your overall impressions of the metcalf so far (looking to get a 50 for my main pack).

Other than the shoulder while w/ a sling rifle…. How do you like it?

I’ve got a metcalf and have used it pretty hard for the last 7 years or so. I probably pack 8-12 animals on it a year. Up to 8 so far this year. It’s a great pack and built like a tank. I’ve never broken a buckle, ripped stitching or had any other issues. The strap and buckle locations make tons of sense to me. I suppose not the lightest weight pack but if you want something tough as nails that you can use and abuse for years to come I would highly recommend it. Also I bought it used, so it’s been through a lot

 

[7RemMag]

Curious of your overall impressions of the metcalf so far (looking to get a 50 for my main pack).

Other than the shoulder while w/ a sling rifle…. How do you like it?

Sorry for the late reply. A busy week trucking kept me off the forum the last week or so.

I love my Metcalf. I love how simplistic it is. My friend has an older model and really likes his as well. The sling is more of a “me” issue than anything I’ve come to realize. I’ll have to make changes when going on longer trips. A couple miles doesn’t usually bother me, it’s only the 5 miles or longer that start to give me a sore shoulder.