my Metcalf isnt new anymore! some questions.

[boom]

FINALLY!! guilted my boss into giving me monday off..and went backpacking.

it's a great pack! super easy to tie on fishing rods. i took my wife on her first outting EVER..so needlesstosay..my pack was heavy!! i had everything she couldnt or didnt want to carry. on the way out, after eating the food..i got a big tent inside with all my gear. i never had a chance to try the side zipper. i think bulging full, that would be tough to rezip..no? fully stuffed, that zipper cant be the best way in.

i love the two storage tubes in the lid. very smart. doing it that way lets the lid hinge in the middle and it covers up the top nicely..even with my wifes sandals smashed underneath it.

i do think (and wish) it had a small external pocket somewhere. i think i'll raid my Kifaru and DragonSlayer from some attachable pockets.

i never did figure out what those two loose extra straps i found were for.. to turn the lid into a small travel pouch?

the size is nice..we did an easy 3 day trip with it...and i was packing stupid stuff for the lovely lady..i found marshmallows and stuff for smors...i had a lot of "real" food with me. super bulky..like the pack of tortillas. hahaha.. i think i could do a my 10 day trout trip with it..if the wife was not with me. shhhh. oh the way up this big mountain..i was running scenarios thru my head on how to strap my wife's pack into the meat shelf area.

 

[Jason Snyder]

You should be able to use the side zipper. I fill the bag full, the use compression straps to snug it up.

Not sure about the straps without a picture. There are some buckles that can be used with additional compression straps.

I have the pocketed waist belt.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ams]

The additional straps help when using the meat shelf to lash it to the frame. The kifaru side pocket (discontinued) is a good pocket for the back or side of the metcalf as you can ruin the straps through the daisy chain. MR would do well to come out with belt pockets made for the new belt.

 

[Huntindog45]

ha, i had the same question about the extra straps. MR told me they were to help anywhere for lashing stuff to the pack and for compression when using the meat shelf. Extra straps are always good in my mind. I love the Metcalf. But I love my Marshall a little more. I just like the extra features on the Marshall.