Mystery Ranch Guide light vs Guide Light MT

[RedSnow]

Hello all. I've spent some time trying to find info here and google on the Guide light vs Guide light MT frame without finding the difference in belts other than 5 piece vs single. My main concern is relative comfort under load as my lower back is not what it used to be. The Metcalf is my first high end hunting pack.

Is there a huge difference in the 5 piece belt spreading out the load better???

I am used to a Molle 2 set up I've carried for some time and appreciate its flaws especially under load. That being said I upgraded to the MR pack to help my tired old back carry weight more efficiently and hopefully not throw out my back in the process of hauling meat/equipment.

SO taking this pack out of the box I notice the lumbar pad rides differently than the flat type lumbar pad on the Molle 2 or many hiking packs and I'm worried it is going to concentrate the load in my lower back. I am not sure if I should switch up to the newer style MT frame or if that would even help in this situation.

SO would the new 5 piece belt spread out the load better on my hips? Looking at pictures online it looks beefier with more padding but I don't have a place near me to go and try them on. If people seem to think it will help distribute the load better than the Beartooth/Sawtooth look pretty NICE! Otherwise maybe I just need to fit the pack better, break it in or possibly try different brand suspension? Any input is appreciated!

Im 6 foot 185 lbs and have the Metcalf in Medium size. My back has normal curve.

Thanks everyone in advance!

 

[THBZN]

The Metcalf is a really solid pack, tons of hunters use it (I have used it for about 6 seasons.) The waistbelt on it works well too, but in my opinion, the new Guide Light MT frame/waistbelt is a great option -- and the Beartooth (especially if you are going in for several days) is tough to beat. If you need an overnight pack/ dayhunting pack, look at the Sawtooth. Same frame/waistbelt as the Beartooth.
Just like a pair of good hunting boots, fit is critical. Ensure your waistbelt sits more or less on the points of your hip bones, and the buckle is a bit below your bellybutton. The seam where the shoulder strap meets yoke should rest more or less on your shoulder blade. Put some weight in the pack, and put enough tension on the load lifters to snug it up; not too tight. This fitting method applies to any of the MR packs (most packs, actually) and ensures comfortable fit.
Just my two cents.

 

[backcountry_hunter]

the GLMT belt is a major upgrade. IMO it was the only thing lacking on the old GL frame and in true MR form they saw a imperfection and fixed it.

 

[Tenser.lof]

I would agree with the posts above and say it does handle weight better and conforms to different body shapes easier. I feel the padding on the belt is more substantial. I have had quite a few MR packs, my latest and current being the Pintler and the Beartooth. I will also add the the bag to frame interface makes accessing the overload shelf a much simpler process on the new frame.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Desk Jockey]

I have carried a guide light for the last couple of years. A Metcalf and version of the selway on occasion. Loads up to 85 lbs. it can certainly work but there is room for improvement.

I just got a sawtooth and don’t have any miles under it yet but the increased padding and other mods on the belt feel like a good upgrade from the previous frame.

 

[RedSnow]

I appreciate all your responses. Second night wearing the pack around house. Adjusted the yoke longer and wearing it slightly lower and it feels much better. Looks like i need to find a place to try the new belt.

THBZN I appreciate the fitting advice. Haven't put weights in it yet as I might send back. It seemed to ride better with the wife hanging a bit on the back I do plan some extended stays 5-7 days western style, 3-4 days here in the murder mitten and day trips in below 0 F temps here in Michigan.

Tenser good point about the access to Overload. I was surprised to see there were no buckles at the top? That would matter to me during extreme cold and swapping layers to the overload shelf.

Desk Jockey your avatar is spot on for me at work sometimes! I do back Bridges daily to get me straightened out haha.

I think y'all have me sold on the Beartooth. Its too bad I got such a good deal on the Metcalf and it should go back.

Thanks for all your time/responses.

 

[Lou2]

I really like the new belt. And if you're in the market for a new bag the beartooth is awesome. Super comfy with 50 lbs and we share similar dimensions

 

[RedSnow]

I really like the new belt. And if you're in the market for a new bag the beartooth is awesome. Super comfy with 50 lbs and we share similar dimensions

Rok and roll! I bought the Metcalf because I'd been eyeballing it for a while now. Everyone says it's the go to bag. I got a good deal on it but should have paid attention to the new bags and got a Beartooth instead. I'm hoping to swap it out for the Beartooth. I think I'll end up happy either way. I appreciate your input!

 

[Ledanek]

I just happened to be in Tokyo and remembered the flagship store there.
Despite limited communication, the staff there set me up for the Sawtooth, loaded it approximately 30 lbs.
Staff was very gracious with his time fitting me right, measuring, adjusting, re-adjusting until it fitted right. He explained to me the new sizing for 2019-20 and why the Sawtooth would be an ideal replacement for my Pintler.
He also showed various other mountain packs from MR.
He also disclosed that the Sawtooth is Vietnam-made vs my Pintler is Philippines-made.
He showed the US Made military packs like the Blackjack which was amazing pack, but...just Google the price.

The way the new 5-pcs belt wrapped around my waist and transferred all that weight to my hips is night and day for me vs my GL Pintler. Not sure if its adrenaline but it convinced me to get the new GL MT frame.

And boy, did I struggle with that Pintler's GL waist. You'll see how many times I've posted about it here.

When I was there, I really had to think it over if I should get it there and then because there were no taxes and I could use this pack while travelling in Japan. I hesitated because I knew Father's Day Sale is upon us. Glad I did wait.

 

[Desk Jockey]

I am a bit of an MR fanboy. Have used and loved Dana Designs stuff since the 1990s. I have way too many of their packs and buy and sell them from time to time, but don’t tell my wife...i have a problem.

I loved the feel of the NICE frame. Adjusted right with BVS pads in place it was the most stable frame I have ever had. My only gripes were a lack of load lifters, which can be fixed with an add on and the weight. Empty pack weights of 8-10# is a lot these days. I still own two NICE and use one load with sand in a crewcab as my trainer and the other as a loaner.

In 2017, I bought a Metcalf and another Metcalf on guidelight frames. I set up one Metcalf and frame for hunting and used another for backpacking. I love the Metcalf bag. If I had gripes it would be the lack of organization and the relatively useless side zip and exterior pockets.

However, the guidelight frame was never my favorite. It weighed less than the NICE for sure but it never felt as good or carried as well on my hips in particular. I always had to tighten the belt to keep weight transferred off my shoulders and the belt padding was a gripe. Lack of molle on the belt and the way belt pouches interfered with belt adjustments was another complaint but PODs8 fixed that. However, having to add $50 molle sleeves to an expensive pack is annoying.

So a month ago, I drank the coolaid and bought a new guidelight MT frame On a sawtooth. I ended up loving the frame. I only have about 20 miles of training on it but it feels much better than the guidelight. I can’t say the shoulder straps or yoke feel much differently but the belt is a major upgrade. More padding in the right places. The angle seems to hold better on my lower back and the belt adjustment holds in place. Also, they added molle webbing. In all, a fairly significant improvement On feel IMO. I also liked the new sawtooth bag. The organization appealed to my OCD and it is a good bit lighter than the 55 liter bag I had. I need more miles on the new frame to confirm function but so far I am impressed...enough that I bought a beartooth to replace one of my metcalfs. Like I said, I have a problem.

 

[RedSnow]

I just happened to be in Tokyo and remembered the flagship store there.
Despite limited communication, the staff there set me up for the Sawtooth, loaded it approximately 30 lbs.
Staff was very gracious with his time fitting me right, measuring, adjusting, re-adjusting until it fitted right. He explained to me the new sizing for 2019-20 and why the Sawtooth would be an ideal replacement for my Pintler.
He also showed various other mountain packs from MR.
He also disclosed that the Sawtooth is Vietnam-made vs my Pintler is Philippines-made.
He showed the US Made military packs like the Blackjack which was amazing pack, but...just Google the price.

The way the new 5-pcs belt wrapped around my waist and transferred all that weight to my hips is night and day for me vs my GL Pintler. Not sure if its adrenaline but it convinced me to get the new GL MT frame.

And boy, did I struggle with that Pintler's GL waist. You'll see how many times I've posted about it here.

When I was there, I really had to think it over if I should get it there and then because there were no taxes and I could use this pack while travelling in Japan. I hesitated because I knew Father's Day Sale is upon us. Glad I did wait.

Looks like a pretty cool shop! Im eyeballing the Beartooth for the frame for a fathers day special sale.

I am a bit of an MR fanboy. Have used and loved Dana Designs stuff since the 1990s. I have way too many of their packs and buy and sell them from time to time, but don’t tell my wife...i have a problem.

I loved the feel of the NICE frame. Adjusted right with BVS pads in place it was the most stable frame I have ever had. My only gripes were a lack of load lifters, which can be fixed with an add on and the weight. Empty pack weights of 8-10# is a lot these days. I still own two NICE and use one load with sand in a crewcab as my trainer and the other as a loaner.

In 2017, I bought a Metcalf and another Metcalf on guidelight frames. I set up one Metcalf and frame for hunting and used another for backpacking. I love the Metcalf bag. If I had gripes it would be the lack of organization and the relatively useless side zip and exterior pockets.

However, the guidelight frame was never my favorite. It weighed less than the NICE for sure but it never felt as good or carried as well on my hips in particular. I always had to tighten the belt to keep weight transferred off my shoulders and the belt padding was a gripe. Lack of molle on the belt and the way belt pouches interfered with belt adjustments was another complaint but PODs8 fixed that. However, having to add $50 molle sleeves to an expensive pack is annoying.

So a month ago, I drank the coolaid and bought a new guidelight MT frame On a sawtooth. I ended up loving the frame. I only have about 20 miles of training on it but it feels much better than the guidelight. I can’t say the shoulder straps or yoke feel much differently but the belt is a major upgrade. More padding in the right places. The angle seems to hold better on my lower back and the belt adjustment holds in place. Also, they added molle webbing. In all, a fairly significant improvement On feel IMO. I also liked the new sawtooth bag. The organization appealed to my OCD and it is a good bit lighter than the 55 liter bag I had. I need more miles on the new frame to confirm function but so far I am impressed...enough that I bought a beartooth to replace one of my metcalfs. Like I said, I have a problem.

Yeah I like the metcalf bag for sure but might end up going with the Beartooth instead because of the frame. Thanks for the input! Its a tad bit heavier but fit is going to be more important with heavy loads. I think the OCd in me will also like the organization factor as well with the Beartooth haha.


I appreciate your time/replies!

 

[Looney]

You won’t be disappointed with either as they’re both solid, but the MT frame is better. I ordered the beartooth and metcalf at the same time and first impressions are toward the MT

 

[Ledanek]

Looks like a pretty cool shop! Im eyeballing the Beartooth for the frame for a fathers day special sale.

for those venturing to Mystery Ranch's Tokyo, Japan flag store, the store is small
https://www.google.com/maps/@35.665...4!1s5VYaNR6w3BsGNEWvQH-O_Q!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

If you use Google Streetview and Google Image, you'll see how small the store is.
If specific Mountain, Hunting and Military packs only, you have to go upstairs: 2F Technical

My Sawtooth finally came in, hopefully I can load it up and fit it right.

Those who needs to see some more pictures, please let me know so we can help each other out.
I can only compare it to my GL Pintler.
Other MR Packs I have is a Rush, 3DAP, ASAP & Coulee 40

 

[Burrchin]

Following

 

[abbrown]

What is the actual hard part of the "frame" itself made of? Titanium, or another material? Just put 100lb on the new GL MT frame to see how it felt/handled - fair amount of flex but seems to be totally fine, undamaged. Wondering what material that is that can be both rigid and flexing? What would be theoretical max weight limit on the frame?

 

[Sobrbiker]

Carbon

 

[sanders]

I would have to assume that the new MT belt is not backwards compatible with the previous guidelite frame?

 

[Popper]

I just did a deep dive into MR packs and ended up getting the 2020 metcalf, and one of the complaints of previous models was the waist belt, and it seems the 2020 waist belt really improved that. Pack arrives tomorrow, looking forward to packing a sand bag around the lake this weekend!

Jon