MR Metcalf Tips or attachments for increasing size

[pewpew]

Wondering if anyone has any creative, cheap methods or attachments for increasing the volume of the Metcalf. Things like if/how you attached a dry bag to it, or extra attachments that aren't sold by MR as I have already looked into those. Planning a 10+ day hunt and the Metcalf just isn't big enough. Contemplating upsizing to the Marshall but I would like to avoid doing that if I don't need to.

 

[Middleofnowhere]

Two of my hunting buddies and I all run Metcalfs. I think the longest trips so far have been just four nights. So far the metcalf bag has been ample for everything.
My one cousin does strap his tent and a pad externally. He carries a lot more gear, likes to be comfortable.
Same cousin also just bought a Mule, the smaller bag, for his guide light frame for day hunts. The metcalf has been good to me for day hunts, plus I don’t see an option for a pintler bag to fit my US made Nice frame.
If your frame and belt suit you, you may want to just get a marshal bag? Or sell your metcalf and go bigger.

 

[machinethomas]

I think about the only difference between a 3-4 day trip and a 10 day is your amount of food. I know a few guys that just load up a load cell bag with food and carry that between the bag and frame. In theory, eating down on that extra load until it can all fit in your main bag.


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[mistertrustee]

I think about the only difference between a 3-4 day trip and a 10 day is your amount of food. I know a few guys that just load up a load cell bag with food and carry that between the bag and frame. In theory, eating down on that extra load until it can all fit in your main bag.


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I agree completely with this ^^^^

Get a dry bag and run it between the frame and bag. It will pretty much double your cubic inches. Another option is getting some split male and female clips and/or a lash kit and running some pockets on the outside of the pack.


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[Pn8hall]

I ran the metcalf last year for a 7 day hunt. I bought 2 Kifaru large side pockets and was able to use the split buckles that came with them to attach them to the side. It took a little bit of work to attach the buckles but it can be done. You have to double them up on the frame side with an existing MR buckle . I was able to get all my food into 1 pocket. The side pockets are 750 CI each so it added 1500 CI to my setup.

 

[boom]

I think about the only difference between a 3-4 day trip and a 10 day is your amount of food. I know a few guys that just load up a load cell bag with food and carry that between the bag and frame. In theory, eating down on that extra load until it can all fit in your main bag.


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This.

put the tent and sleeping bag on the outside. super easy on the metcalf. the load up all the food on the inside..eat everything for the walk out.

 

[Slawger42]

I was wondering the same thing as I am eyeing the Metcalf but would like external pockets, especially for spotting scope. I just came across the Eberlestock Batwing pouch that looks promising. Anyone ever attach and use this on the Metcalf? Looks like it should fit in the web loops on the back.


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[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Someone recently had me make a couple custom things for their metcalf: Tubular spotting scope pocket with tabs around there perimeter and also a center rear pouch that clips into the bottom ladderloc loops and the 6 rear panel straps thread through loops to support the rest of it. Hindsight we decided a horseshoe zipper probably would be more user friendly (happens doing one off custom stuff).

 

[Slawger42]

Pods8- Nice work! Will definitely be in touch.


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[LaHunter]

Someone recently had me make a couple custom things for their metcalf: Tubular spotting scope pocket with tabs around there perimeter and also a center rear pouch that clips into the bottom ladderloc loops and the 6 rear panel straps thread through loops to support the rest of it. Hindsight we decided a horseshoe zipper probably would be more user friendly (happens doing one off custom stuff).

Yep, that's my bag / photo. Just for reference, I have my MR pack rain cover and my Kuiu Chugach rain gear (top and bottoms) in the rear bag. I have my Swaro sts 65mm spotter in the spotter pocket. A horseshoe zipper on the rear pocket would be better. I have the lid flopped over out of the way for a better view of the pockets. pods8 does outstanding work. These pockets fit great and the quality of his work is excellent.

 

[elkyinzer]

I would get as much as I could jammed in the bag, then get a smallish dry sack between the bag and the lid, then maybe if I really needed more space and depending how bad your hiking is, get some kind of narrow rectangular bag for the shelf that would keep the center of gravity as close to yours as possible and the load contained reasonably. Seems like a lot of work personally I would just get the bigger bag.