MR Metcalf or Beartooth 80

[Clrems77]

In the market for a new multi day pack for hunting and backpacking in the off season. I enjoy my ospreys but find the “Top Only” loading on the Osprey just isn’t conducive to hunts. Want a bag large enough for multi day hunts with hauling ability for elk. Would also enjoy extra pockets/compartments for gear.

 

[brettdunn7]

This is actually my dilemma as well. I live the front U zip of the beartooth. It makes getting to things sooooooo much easier. Why they don’t put that on the Metcalf is mind boggling to me. I bet they would sale a ton more if they did. That pack (other then the side zip) is damn near perfection. I still may go with it though as the beartooth is pretty large. Heck the metcalf is pretty large but I think just right size.

I’ll be dual purposing mine for hunting and family backpack trips.


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[Clrems77]

This is actually my dilemma as well. I live the front U zip of the beartooth. It makes getting to things sooooooo much easier. Why they don’t put that on the Metcalf is mind boggling to me. I bet they would sale a ton more if they did. That pack (other then the side zip) is damn near perfection. I still may go with it though as the beartooth is pretty large. Heck the metcalf is pretty large but I think just right size.

I’ll be dual purposing mine for hunting and family backpack trips.


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I agree on the zip. The side zip on the Metcalf looks to open pretty wide which should work well, but the Bear tooth’s looks the best. Maybe a suggestion for next years Metcalf model

 

[brettdunn7]

I agree on the zip. The side zip on the Metcalf looks to open pretty wide which should work well, but the Bear tooth’s looks the best. Maybe a suggestion for next years Metcalf model

Yea I would be pissed if I bought one this year and they changed it to that next year lol. I have a 100 mile 6ish day hike coming up in July in the Wasatch mountains so I think both will have plenty of room, but I will have to setup and take down camp everyday as we hike. I may just try the Metcalf.


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[darcytribe]

I bought the bear tooth and after using it a season I’m not as impressed with the u shaped zip opening as I thought I would be. Wondering if a side zip might work better for me I think it’s just personal preference for me and how I lash things to the outside of my pack.

 

[ID_Matt]

I have had both. The horseshoe zip of the Metcalf is great for access but it makes it so the bag does not compress near enough and almost sort of bulky when not completely loaded. I loved the Metcalf except I agree with the above comment that it would be a ton better with a full horse shoe zip. The side zip just doesn't offer that much access. I have not checked lately if they have moved the new frame to the Metcalf but that was the biggest factor for me. The new frame is a million times better than the previous.

 

[Clrems77]

I have had both. The horseshoe zip of the Metcalf is great for access but it makes it so the bag does not compress near enough and almost sort of bulky when not completely loaded. I loved the Metcalf except I agree with the above comment that it would be a ton better with a full horse shoe zip. The side zip just doesn't offer that much access. I have not checked lately if they have moved the new frame to the Metcalf but that was the biggest factor for me. The new frame is a million times better than the previous.

Thanks for the info. Which frame would that be?

 

[ID_Matt]

The new frame is the guide light MT. I cant remember what the old frame was called. It looks like they are making the Metcalf with the new frame now. That is a big upgrade

 

[ttucci16]

I have a beartooth 80 and it is a good pack, BUT unless you're going on a 5 plus day hunt, it's just too much pack. The U shaped zip is nice, but can also be a PITA when you have to dig around all the straps to unzip it. If i could have a redo, and only buy one pack it would be the metcalf. If you do get a Beartooth 80, but want a smaller day pack, then buy the Pintler bag to switch out and then you're absolutely golden for all situations.

 

[swanny]

Good timing of a post. Looking to go up a size in carrying capacity over the Selway that I have right now. I'm leaning towards the Metcalf as most hunts are 4-5 days and possibly a Pintler for day trips.

 

[brettdunn7]

Anyone have a Metcalf think it would be good for a 100mile 6-7 day hike?


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[GunsAreFun]

Look into the Terraframe 80 if you’re not dead set on Camo patterns. It’s cheaper and right in the middle as far as capacity.

 

[brettdunn7]

Look into the Terraframe 80 if you’re not dead set on Camo patterns. It’s cheaper and right in the middle as far as capacity.

Load hauling also? Mine will be dual purposed.


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[GunsAreFun]

Load hauling also? Mine will be dual purposed.


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Yes. It has the meat shelf, but they call it overload.

Terraframe 80 Pack | MYSTERY RANCH Backpacks

Finally, a pack built for general outdoor, backpacking, and mountaineering use featuring our patented OVERLOAD® feature. TERRAFRAME 80 – your new secret weapon when carrying awkward, excessive loads.

www.mysteryranch.com

 

[GunsAreFun]

It is regularly available for about $340 and often from retailers on Active Junky that allow you to get 8+% cash back.

 

[carmanusa]

I’d think the terraframe could handle loads no issues. I have the terraplane scapegoat pintler and just picked up a metcalf previous model yr (under $200 shipped new). I am not the lightest packer and could not get a metcalf for probably more than 3 nights in the fall, but that’s me. I don’t know if is proven but have heard the new frame system the belt is the key upgrade however the previous frame might carry more lbs???? I do not know and likely will never break a frame, but I have no issue with the previous years frames and would not hesitate to save $ and pick up another steal on a guide light framed pack. I do not worry about the zippers regardless I pack my bags the same bottom up and in the metcalf will have a variety of small bags to separate towards the top, then the lid to help separate as well, but for me if more days I’d need bigger. Good luck!

 

[Clrems77]

Look into the Terraframe 80 if you’re not dead set on Camo patterns. It’s cheaper and right in the middle as far as capacity.

Great recommendation, thanks! This looks like exactly what I need. How does this frame feel/preform compared to that on the Metcalf?

 

[GunsAreFun]

Great recommendation, thanks! This looks like exactly what I need. How does this frame feel/preform compared to that on the Metcalf?

I have not personally used one. I was just about to pull the trigger on a 2019 close out when I found the last Exo 3500 on their clearance sale for $399 and couldn’t pass that up.

There are a decent number of reviews out there about these, including a guy that uses it to haul 100#s of batteries to remote locations.

 

[Clrems77]

Pulled the trigger on the very last Metcalf in stock today. After speaking with MR's great customer service over three different bags, (Metcalf, Beartooth and Terraframe) the metcalf seemed best for my usage. Ill be using it on a few backpacking trips this summer and will do my best to report back for you guys considering one. Thanks for everyones input!

 

[MThuntr]

Pulled the trigger on the very last Metcalf in stock today.

Good call. You'll be happy you chose the Metcalf. Very practical pack. I have the Beartooth 80 but likes others have said it's more of a 5 day bag and the U shaped zipper setup can be a pain.