Mystery Ranch Metcalf Pack Review Posted!

[Rent Outdoor Gear]

Todd Kelly wrote a great review of the MR Metcalf a 3600-4500 ci. backpack with loads of versatility!

http://www.rokslide.com/2012-01-09-05-09-42/backpacks

Check out the article and discuss here!

DC

 

[Matt Cashell]

Thanks for the review Todd.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Good review of the pack, I have used mine on a few trips this summer and like the side zipper feature a lot. It's a great bag.

 

[ScottR_EHJ]

The side zip is far and away the best feature.

Although, i really like the load lifter extension as well.

 

[muleman]

Todd,

Do you attribute your dislike of the load sling primarily to loosing functional load lifters? Do you think having functional load lifters would help?

Thanks for the review.

 

[luke moffat]

Great review Todd thanks for writing it up.

I find it funny that MR still puts load lift extensions built into their packs rather than switch the frame so they won't have to do it as an after thought.

I used the MR NICE frame for years, but always thought it was kinda hokey how they did that. Works fine with the extensions in a given back, but doesn't seem like the best way to approach the issue. The NICE frame for me with no extensions and just hauling meat with the load lifters coming off the frame was BRUTAL with weight.

Again very nice review Todd and a great breakdown!

 

[todd kelly]

Todd,

Do you attribute your dislike of the load sling primarily to loosing functional load lifters? Do you think having functional load lifters would help?

Thanks for the review.

Thanks for the comments guys!

muleman

There are a few thing I did not like about using the bag in the load sling mode, and loss of load lifters being the main one. I am not a fan of how the bag rides with a load of meat and a full bag that is sticking way out there. Yes you can cinch it down pretty tight but to me it made me feel off balance.

I also did not like that there was no way to elevate the meat on the load shelf to the middle of the frame like I normally have if the meat is in the bag. This caused the load to have a sagging feeling and had me hunching over to compensate.

The extra time it took to change over the bag is another. It is so much easier to just drop the meat in the bag and go. Using the load shelf I found myself messing around for a long time trying to get everything right. I'm sure a guy would get faster at doing it over time but I really don't feel its worth it.

When I bought the Metcalf it was for its size, sleek design and frame extension. I never really cared about using the load shelf, so I don't really see it as a down side of the bag, and just as a feature I'm not going to use.

 

[Liljozie495]

I met up and tried on brians (ridgerunner) Metcalf, being were about the same size, i may be a inch or 2 shorter it fit me like a glove and felt like I had no weight on at all. I have been keeping a eye on one for sale but I think by mid August I may just order one. That nice frame is nice!

 

[Kotaman]

Nice review...I have been intriqued enough with the Metcalf, that I ordered one to try. I have a couple hunts next year that it will work perfect for. Don't think it will kick my beloved T2 out of the stable, but I liked the looks of this pack.

I am not a fan of this new wave load sling method either, especially when you have to start moving straps around. Mine may never leave the frame.

Also, I agree 100% with Luke. There's been enough discussion about the Nice frame being too short for most, I can't imagine they aren't working on a re-design.

 

[cmeier117]

Nice review. I too am curious why they have not came up with a 24 or better yet 26 inch nice frame.

 

[muleman]

Thanks for the comments guys!

muleman

There are a few thing I did not like about using the bag in the load sling mode, and loss of load lifters being the main one. I am not a fan of how the bag rides with a load of meat and a full bag that is sticking way out there. Yes you can cinch it down pretty tight but to me it made me feel off balance.

I also did not like that there was no way to elevate the meat on the load shelf to the middle of the frame like I normally have if the meat is in the bag. This caused the load to have a sagging feeling and had me hunching over to compensate.

The extra time it took to change over the bag is another. It is so much easier to just drop the meat in the bag and go. Using the load shelf I found myself messing around for a long time trying to get everything right. I'm sure a guy would get faster at doing it over time but I really don't feel its worth it.

When I bought the Metcalf it was for its size, sleek design and frame extension. I never really cared about using the load shelf, so I don't really see it as a down side of the bag, and just as a feature I'm not going to use.

Thanks for the added details. I have a specific application in mind for the use of a sandwich / load sling type pack. Doing some testing as we speak maybe a formal review is in order.

 

[todd kelly]

Thanks for the added details. I have a specific application in mind for the use of a sandwich / load sling type pack. Doing some testing as we speak maybe a formal review is in order.

Any details on the tests you are doing?

 

[muleman]

Any details on the tests you are doing?

I'm looking to haul camera gear in 22x14x7 rectangular padded camera case along with spotting scope and tripod. Along with provisions for overnight stays.

 

[todd kelly]

I'm looking to haul camera gear in 22x14x7 rectangular padded camera case along with spotting scope and tripod. Along with provisions for overnight stays.

What pack/s are you using?

 

[muleman]

What pack/s are you using?

Current packs in the running Duplex with DT3, DT1, and Cargo Panel. Krux with Approach and dry sack(s). Dana external minus the bag. The Dana has been recently been dropped from my testing due to lack of time and two better options.

I really kike Dana packs and still have three. With the exception of the external. The Duplex and Krux are better hunting packs. I wish that MR packs were a little lighter and had load lifters in every application.