Mystery Ranch Day Pack

[JohnnyDesert]

I am in the market for a new day pack. I am looking to upgrade from my Eberlestock X2, as the frame is too short for my torso. I have been looking at the Mystery Ranch Mule, but also at the Cabinet. Would I be selling myself short by not going with the extra capacity of the Cabinet? I have done searches but not found the exact answer I'm looking for. The Mule is a little smaller than my current pack, but I rarely have it full anyway. I also like the idea of having the guide lite frame, in case I ever wanted to put a larger pack on it.

 

[*zap*]

I would rather have the new guide lite mr frame. They have it available with a few bags but not the mule, maybe call em and ask.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Do you want a full size frame that can haul 100 pounds and the weight and bulk that goes with that or a simple day pack.

They have tons of day packs. 20-30 liters. Very little frame structure. Light and fairly cheap. If all you are doing is hauling snacks and a few layers they are perfect.

If you want a full size frame that can haul the from smallest to biggest look at:

Mule - 23 liters fills up fast
Cabinet - 44 liters but very strappy and a pia to load.
Pintler - 40 liters
Selway - 60 liters big for a day pack
Sawtooth - new and cool

All are good and are basically in the same frame so can haul meat or a camp bag with relative ease.

A good compromise is a pop up 28. A fairly compact and light day pack and a capable hauler in one. It doesn’t replace a full size pack but it can handle the occasional heavy load pretty well.

 

[rjf611]

Buy the cabinet, only because you can add mule as a bag only purchase at any time. Pintler and mule are the only two bag only purchases you can make. All other bags need to be purchased as a bag and frame combo.

 

[JohnnyDesert]

Thanks for all the good info!

 

[JohnnyDesert]

Do you want a full size frame that can haul 100 pounds and the weight and bulk that goes with that or a simple day pack.

They have tons of day packs. 20-30 liters. Very little frame structure. Light and fairly cheap. If all you are doing is hauling snacks and a few layers they are perfect.

If you want a full size frame that can haul the from smallest to biggest look at:

Mule - 23 liters fills up fast
Cabinet - 44 liters but very strappy and a pia to load.
Pintler - 40 liters
Selway - 60 liters big for a day pack
Sawtooth - new and cool

All are good and are basically in the same frame so can haul meat or a camp bag with relative ease.

A good compromise is a pop up 28. A fairly compact and light day pack and a capable hauler in one. It doesn’t replace a full size pack but it can handle the occasional heavy load pretty well.

Thanks for breaking it down for me. I really just pa k like you said above, clothing layers etc, a days worth of food, maybe the occasional jet boil, knives and game bags... but want the capability to carry heavy.

 

[THBZN]

Thanks for all the good info!

Sawtooth. On the new frame with 5-pc waistbelt, and works great for short or long day hunts. Not sure where you are located, but you can likely check one out and get the right fit, etc. at a local retailer.

 

[muddydogs]

I have the cabinet and like it, carry's well and has the room to haul meat or extra clothes if needed. I'm not sure but I might have liked the Pintler bag a little better as the 2 side pockets on the Cabinet can be a pain to deal with but I do like the fact that I can slide my tripod between the 2 pockets very easy. I have thought about purchasing the Pintler bag to try out but can't bring myself to spend the money when the Cabinet works as well as it does plus I don't have to take the top end of the pack apart to utilize the load shelf like other MR packs.

 

[Dustin the wind]

The great thing about MR guide lite frame packs, especially the larger ones, is that they cinch down very thin with the straps to get out of your way in brush or tight terrain if not using all the space. Even the Metcalf gets pretty slim. I have the Selway. The Cabinet seems like a great choice for day hunting to me as it is relatively compact with good organized storage and I have heard people say it is spacious enough for 1 or 2 night backpack trips.