Mystery Ranch or EXO for Hauling out Deer

[Ty17]

I've real pretty much every thread on here about frame packs and the general consensus seems to be that EXO is the best and MR is ok but not great. I am looking for a pack to mainly use for whitetail hunting on public land just to pack a quartered deer out a mile or 2 or maybe shorter distances of the terrain sucks and dragging the whole deer would be too bad. I would like to eventually venture out west and try elk hunting, but that won't be happening for several years yet I don't think. I've can get the MR for $450 with the meat shelf, and the EXO is $690. I could get the EXO frame only and then buy the bag later on if I end up going out west eventually and get the EXO frame and meat shelf for $405. For those of you who have tried both, for my situation would you get the MR for the EXO?

 

[elsb0048]

You should check out Mindful Hunter backpack review. He talks about both MR and exo there and makes a good comparison as far as load carrying and frame flexibility.

I think based on your description the MR would likely be good enough, especially if you're on a budget and the real heavy duty use case is more fringe for you.

I haven't tried the exo (yet, I'm seriously considering it). But I've had a MR for ~4 years and packed a few deer and an elk all 1-2 mi and it's done the job.

 

[shax2lex]

I don’t know about the MR but I’ll share my EXO K4 experience. I’ve had one since they came out and I use it to hunt whitetails on WMA’s in SC. I strap my climber to the frame and use the 2200 bag and crib panel.

I’ve carried out field dressed deer by tying their feet together and holding them to the pack with just the crib panel. If you are day hunting and don’t need a clothes bag then the crib panel and lid could be all you need. Heck you may be able to put a molle bag on the crib panel.

I think it’s a good pack system and gives good flexibility.

 

[justinspicher]

I’m a huge fan of my MR pack. In fact, I traded my Exo for it. So far it’s carried out a couple of elk, a few deer, several turkeys and a bear. I’ve even carried live fish to a stream for CPW in mine.

I’ve used most of the main pack companies and I always come back to my MR.

 

[Taudisio]

I’ve packed out elk/deer/bears with both. Still have both. Either way would work fine for your specific use case. I find the exo a touch more comfortable and it handles heavier weight better, so the MR is a backup/loaner. A single deer though, I wouldn’t complain with either option.

 

[Eastonsgrandpa]

Get the EXO. You will still have it when you come west and will be glad you do. It’s head and shoulders better than the MR and they will always have your back if something fails.

The MR is a decent option. But if you can get the best performance without buying twice, why not?