Mystery Ranch Metcalf

[Steve O]

Keep in mind the new version does NOT have the built in frame extension.

 

[Clinch]

I realize that and prefer it. I really don't like a tall frame as they tend to get in my way and 90% of the time don't carry the weight to make one worth while. I have the lift kit I can always strap on when the weight dictates.

 

[Jason Snyder]

I realize that and prefer it. I really don't like a tall frame as they tend to get in my way and 90% of the time don't carry the weight to make one worth while. I have the lift kit I can always strap on when the weight dictates.

I think that may be what I do with the adjustable one that I have. I'm going to have to mess around with it in the field and see if it's necessary and/or worth the effort, or just leave as is all the time.

 

[Clinch]

I carry a longbow bag most of the time, and figured I could just leave the lift kit sandwiched between the bag and frame. Then Should I find myself in a spot where I needed to carry more out of where I'm at I will have to pull the bag off the frame anyway, so I can just attach the kit properly then. Only had the pack for 6-8 months and haven't been able to try this out but should work out for my needs pretty well.

 

[Matt Cashell]

Just an update to this thread, but the mid-summer mini-review of the 2014 Metcalf is up on the rokblog:

http://www.rokslide.com/easyblog/entry/mystery-ranch-2014-nice-metcalf-with-matt-cashell

This pack really meets my needs well. With the alpine lid, organization really hits that Goldilocks "just right" spot for my preferences, similar to the Timberline series. It is really a great option Roksliders should give careful consideration when contemplating a high end hunting pack.

 

[Browtinemt]

Thanks for the review BB, is the load shelf adjustable vertically? It seems like whatever is on the shelf would be riding low, any way to raise it so the weight is up higher to carry better?

 

[Matt Cashell]

Thanks for the review BB, is the load shelf adjustable vertically? It seems like whatever is on the shelf would be riding low, any way to raise it so the weight is up higher to carry better?

Sorry I missed this question, BTMT!

Yes the shelf is adjustable. You can suck it up higher on the frame side by tensioning the attachment straps on the frame, and if you fully compress the tension lock strap connection between frame and bag just at the top of the belt, you can effectively raised the shelf to rest at the top of the belt. I did this when testing the pack with my duct-taped square-ish 50 lb. bag of sand, and it held the bag at the right location just above the belt.

Even without the shelf at all, there are enough heavy duty straps to pretty much keep a load where you want it secured to the NICE frame.

 

[Jason Snyder]

Here are some photos of the Metcalf in action.

It easily held all of my gear for a nine day bowhunt. A late season rifle hunt would be stretching it, but I think it would accomodate some extra clothing.

It collapses down very well, and is very convenient to use for hunting. The spotter was very easy to access. The side zip is a great feature and makes it super easy to grab stuff out without undoing a lot of buckles.

I didn't play with the frame extenders as far as moving them downward, because as you can see my trekking poles were taller than the frame stays. In order to have adjusted mine down lower I would have had to undo a strap and reroute it. Not a huge deal, and if you wanted to it probably would have taken all of 5 minutes. It just wasn't important to me.

The redesigned lid is a huge improvement. I loved the lid for holding my water filter, raingear, etc. Very easy to access and it rides much better on the pack than the old style lid.

Edit: two of the photos are of some very nice additions from FHF gear. The GPS holder is excellent quality. I didn't bring a GPS on this trip, but this holder is very nice for my Garmin Rhino. It has a soft liner that won't scratch the screen. It's very secure and I would highly recommend it. The other is the bear spray holder. I almost always have bear spray with me as there are grizzlies where I hunt elk in Montana. This spray holder is head and shoulders above the crappy holders that most bear spray cannisters come with. If you carry spray, you'll absolutely love this holster.

 

[Jason Snyder]

These show the Metcalf in action with bigger loads.

The boned out deer and head was easy to load. I had to play around with the load shelf a little bit to get it to the right height, but I think it took me all of about five minutes to get the bag off, load the meat, and cinch everything down. My bow rode very nicely on the back and I was able to get it high enough up on the pack that I didn't have to worry about the bottom cam getting dinged when I took the pack off.

You can also see the pack with deer, head, and camp in tow. The pack seemed to balance well and didn't seem to pull me backwards at all. I packed it so that my light stuff such as sleeping bag, etc were on the bottom of the bag and my heavier stuff like food and binos were in the middle and closest to the meat. Again, the bow strapped on nicely and the lid went over the antlers quite well. The lid rubbed a little velvet off, but nothing that shouldn't be expected.

The Oneiros Valley frame extenders make a world of difference for the NICE frame. Also, the Power Pull belt thingies are the best five bucks you can spend for these packs. I could really cinch down the waist belt with minimal effort using these.

I did experience a little chafing in my sacral area. I plan on ordering a Mean lumbar pad from Oneiros Valley and trying it out. With the really heavy load on the way out the pack seemed to rock a little bit, which caused the chafing. I did a little tweaking to the frame yoke, and part of it was probably my fault as I don't think I had it fitted as well as I could/should have. However, the lumbar pad on the NICE frame is pretty thin, and I think for the curvature of my lumbar area the aftermarket lumbar pad will help out.

All in all, I am very happy with the pack. Is it better than an Exo, Kifaru, Kuiu, etc? I have no idea. I've never tried any of those packs. I really like it's functionality and the craftsmanship on it is top notch.

 

[phish938]

These show the Metcalf in action with bigger loads.

The boned out deer and head was easy to load. I had to play around with the load shelf a little bit to get it to the right height, but I think it took me all of about five minutes to get the bag off, load the meat, and cinch everything down. My bow rode very nicely on the back and I was able to get it high enough up on the pack that I didn't have to worry about the bottom cam getting dinged when I took the pack off.

You can also see the pack with deer, head, and camp in tow. The pack seemed to balance well and didn't seem to pull me backwards at all. I packed it so that my light stuff such as sleeping bag, etc were on the bottom of the bag and my heavier stuff like food and binos were in the middle and closest to the meat. Again, the bow strapped on nicely and the lid went over the antlers quite well. The lid rubbed a little velvet off, but nothing that shouldn't be expected.

The Oneiros Valley frame extenders make a world of difference for the NICE frame. Also, the Power Pull belt thingies are the best five bucks you can spend for these packs. I could really cinch down the waist belt with minimal effort using these.

I did experience a little chafing in my sacral area. I plan on ordering a Mean lumbar pad from Oneiros Valley and trying it out. With the really heavy load on the way out the pack seemed to rock a little bit, which caused the chafing. I did a little tweaking to the frame yoke, and part of it was probably my fault as I don't think I had it fitted as well as I could/should have. However, the lumbar pad on the NICE frame is pretty thin, and I think for the curvature of my lumbar area the aftermarket lumbar pad will help out.

All in all, I am very happy with the pack. Is it better than an Exo, Kifaru, Kuiu, etc? I have no idea. I've never tried any of those packs. I really like it's functionality and the craftsmanship



Sorry was going to ask a question but then I realized you answered it.

 

[JasonWi]

Great post hunt write up Jason. The Metcalf seems like a very well thought out pack.

 

[Matt Cashell]

Jason,

Great write up and update!

I am curious why you went with the after market power pull over threading the belt through the three-bar slider on the belt?

Thanks and congrats on a nice buck!

 

[Steve O]

Dude! You should have linked your Bowsite thread--lot more great details there.

 

[Kotaman]

I've owned the Metcalf and love the layout, but HATE the weight of the NICE frame, especially for a pack like this. IF MR comes with a lighter weight frame for this pack, I will order another. Great write up/review. The improvements they've made in the '14 version are nice, now all that needs be done is the frame to make this a lightweight...

 

[todd kelly]

I've owned the Metcalf and love the layout, but HATE the weight of the NICE frame, especially for a pack like this. IF MR comes with a lighter weight frame for this pack, I will order another. Great write up/review. The improvements they've made in the '14 version are nice, now all that needs be done is the frame to make this a lightweight...

You seem to be a guy in the know, have you heard of any ftails of the 2015 Mr frame/pack that is in the works?

 

[Browtinemt]

Sorry I missed this question, BTMT!

Yes the shelf is adjustable. You can suck it up higher on the frame side by tensioning the attachment straps on the frame, and if you fully compress the tension lock strap connection between frame and bag just at the top of the belt, you can effectively raised the shelf to rest at the top of the belt. I did this when testing the pack with my duct-taped square-ish 50 lb. bag of sand, and it held the bag at the right location just above the belt.

Even without the shelf at all, there are enough heavy duty straps to pretty much keep a load where you want it secured to the NICE frame.

Thanks for the reply BB, that is a great feature for a load shelf. Jason, thanks for the write up, you will love the OV mean pad, best $30 I've spent.

 

[Kotaman]

You seem to be a guy in the know, have you heard of any ftails of the 2015 Mr frame/pack that is in the works?

Just the rumors that there is one coming Todd. IMO, a new frame will put MR back at/near the top...

 

[armyjoe]

Not rumors. There is a new frame coming.

 

[Kotaman]

Not rumors. There is a new frame coming.

Can't wait...

 

[Jason Snyder]

Jason,

Great write up and update!

I am curious why you went with the after market power pull over threading the belt through the three-bar slider on the belt?

Thanks and congrats on a nice buck!

Because I was already ordering the frame extender, so I wasn't out any additional shipping. Also, I was concerned about how the three bar slider would handle the stress at that odd angle.

I could have done the mother of all cliff throw tests in the Rubies, but I didn't want to hike down and retreive the pack.