Mystery Ranch NICE

[Haulinbass02]

So my buddy bought a MR NICE frame off of eBay and had a Kifaru pack that we managed to make work for our first outing this past hunt. Obviously not the best thing to do. He is planning on buying the correct Kifaru frame and I would like to buy the MR frame, only if I can find a large MR pack to go on the NICE frame.

I realize from talking to MR that they don’t have a separate pack that fits that particular frame anymore. It appears they are only selling them as complete “systems” and the new packs aren’t interchangeable to the NICE frame due to the nickel and strap design.

Due to the large amount of packs that they made that fit the NICE frame, the rep wasn’t really able to give me specific pack names that fit. So I’m trying to get that info now so I know what to look for on eBay, etc.

Looking for something that is comparable to the new MR Mule pack. Any help with this is greatly appreciated!


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[Lionhound1975]

You can use both the Crew Cab and the 6500 but both are bigger than the Mule. I would imagine both can be found on ebay. I was issued a MR NICE frame and a 6500 bag before i went to Afghanistan. I carried it there and then bought a MR Crew Cab for the NICE frame when i got home. The only bad thing about the Crew Cab was the load lifters on the NICE frame were useless with it. So i bought the extension kit from Oneiros Valley Innovations and in 20 minutes installation i had functional load lifters. With the 6500 bag i didn't need them since the 6500 bag has built in load lifters on the top part of the bag. MR then came out with a load lifter extension panel kit but i have never used that. Another small item i bought from OV Innovations to upgrade the NICE frame is an adjustment on the belt called the belt guide that allow you to cinch it tight, sort of similar to the Kifaru belt set up. I think it cost around $8 but it made a huge difference in the amount of control on the MR NICE frame waist belt. Both upgrades made a huge difference for me with the NICE frame.

 

[Wrench]

I have the 6500, a custom that pods 8 built and a hydration pack/load sling. I have a couple kifaru rigs and the nice is my preference for elk hunting as its more compact. I agree that the 6500 carries weight VERY well. The pack I bought from pods is about perfect for a day pack.

The nice was and is a very good design. It's a bit heavy, but it carries like a light pack.

 

[Haulinbass02]

So in looking at the Crew Cab and 6500 that I found on eBay, it appears the straps that are on the bag come off to accommodate the NICE frame? One listing said it was an internal frame pack?


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[Wrench]

I'll post some pics of my 6500 tomorrow.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Welcome to the forum.

MR is a great company but they are a bit inflexible about selling pack bags only like some other companies.

To clarify MR went from the NICE frame to the Guide Light to the guide light MT frame. The “MT” frame has new buckle hardware in addition to a few other changes and was released on 2 new and one old pack last year. I have heard they will roll it out further this coming year.

That NICE frame will work with packs built for the NICE and Guide light frame and I think is still the frame sold on the military packs. The new Guidelight MT frame they released last year needs an adaptor for older packs due to the different buckles. You can make an old pack work on a new frame and I assume you could go put an old frame to new pack but it might require some mods.

As far as finding a pack, A few of the popular military packs do not have detachable frames - 3DAP and the SATL - so they don’t work. However, there are tons of packs that will work - pintler, overload, Metcalf, 6500, wolkpack, Marshall. If you want something along the lines of the mule, a convertible day pack, look for a mule, cabinet or crew cab. Some people use and love the convertible day pack with a camp bag style pack. I tend to prefer a full size bag for longer trips but they both work fine.

If you are looking for cheap, the crew cabs bag only are $100-150 on eBay and they show up on the classifieds here fairly often. Another even cheaper option is a USMC FILBE or ILBE pack bag. They sell for $50-100 and will drop right onto the NICE frame. Heck, you can even drop a $35 ALICE pack on a NICE frame and haul some stuff.

Lastly, MR sells these load lifters mentioned above. I think you need to contact the repairs department or something. They change the geometr of the shoulder strap load and do help the comfort of the pack a bit and are worth it in my opinion.

 

[Wrench]

I have hauled a boned out mule deer and my camp out a few times with my 6500 and never wished I had load lifters. The thing I like most about that setup is being able to not have my head hit the frame when climbing super steep stuff.

 

[Haulinbass02]

Thank you Desk Jockey for the great information. I did happen to find a thread about the USMC FILBE pack fitting the frame as well. I don’t remember seeing these during my time in the Corps so I’m not very familiar with them. BUT they look like a very cost effective option.
If I am understanding you correctly, an OLDER Mule bag will fit on the frame, just not the newer ones marketed for the Guidelite MT frames? If so, then I will be looking for one of those or a Crew Cab with a FILBE as a backup.
Now does it matter if the pack frame I have has the breaching tools holder? There are so many options for these things it is awesome but mind boggling at the same time.


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[Wrench]