Mystery Ranch or Exo?

[Praxeus]

Looking at both of these. They both look excellent. Anyone out there have both and can add a few comments? Thank you-

 

[Billy Goat]

It comes down to what fits you. Look in the backpack section and you will find reviews of both.

You can order an Exo and try it then return if you don't like it. I don't know if MR does the same but most of the pack companies allow you to do it.

 

[roosiebull]

no bad option there. Mystery ranch builds bomb proof packs that are well thought out.... EXO builds an awesome pack in every regard, and have been the most comfortable I have worn in hunt mode, and are very lightweight.

comes down to fit, and your particular needs

I have used both, but can't speak on the K3 or improved MR frames this year. from what everyone is saying, EXO killed it this year with the K3. the earlier models were great comfy packs, if they improved as folks are saying, would be a crazy nice pack.... their original and K2's were great as they were

 

[psirus7]

I have an EXO K3 3200 and an MR Sawtooth. They are both good packs. The EXO is superior to me in every way, especially carrying heavy loads, but the MR Sawtooth isn’t far behind and is an excellent value. Try both if you can.

 

[MidGAHunter]

Packs are very personal. You've got to find the one that fits you best. You cannot go wrong with either MR or EXO. I have a MR Sawtooth 45 and love it. I have tried an Exo 3500 that didn't fit me quite as well but you can tell the build quality is there. Haven't tried the new Exo packs. Find a frame/belt that works for you then pick your bag.

 

[grizz_bait]

If weight is important to you, I'd look at different packs. EXO packs weigh around 5 pounds depending on the model and MR packs even more. Increased durability isn't necessarily a bad thing until a pack is overbuilt. This can lead to uncomfortable features like super thick/harder foam waistbelts and shoulder straps.

 

[Mike Islander]

Exo, 100% made in USA and unbeatable customer service. Most MR hunting packs made in Phillipines yet are priced almost as high. Both great packs. My Exo K3 4800 is best ever...for me. And built here by men I respect made the extra $ worth it.

Oh, Exo sells used for almost same price as retail.

 

[Jahvette20]

I’ve had MR Metcalf, Exo K2 and now K3. MR was built well but left me sore. Both Exos are far superior in comfort for me. I wouldn’t go back to MR

 

[cbat]

I went through exactly what you are right now. Finally decided on the EXO and never looked back.

 

[[email protected]]

Kifaru but of those two exo for sure for the comfort of them.

 

[RazzleDazzle]

MR was my choice. Both comfortable but the cost of the EXO wasn't worth it for me.

 

[Zbot]

Both?????


I have a Longbow, Metcalf, and Exo 3500/HH. I’m pretty much covered for any trip or occasion.

 

[Agross]

I had the mystery ranch pintler. I liked the frame but didn’t love it. I really liked the pintler bag. I sold it and and bought a barely used exo k2. For me it was more comfortable and I really like it.

 

[nidaho]

Never had mr pack but my 3500 exo has packed a bunch of elk out of the woods. Great pack

 

[satchamo]

I started out with a shitty tensing, that lasted a year before I upgraded to a MR Metcalf. There was a HUGE upgrade. I used it for 4 elk seasons. It was a great, tough as nails pack but as I learned more I realized the MRs of that time don’t fit guys as tall as me well, so I finally bit the bullet on a Kifaru and never looked back.

I know it’s not what you asked, but if you’re on MR/EXO budget, you’re in the area of a Kifaru. If nothing else you can afford a new frame then shop the classified’s for a bag or bags you like to save a bit of $. A Kifaru frame gives you so many bag and configuration options and the fit, finish and quality is insanely good.

Also - they’re completely made in America which right now means alot to me.

 

[polarkraft]

I wish I bought kifaru now... but I've got an exo 5500 and its comfortable with heavy weight

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[ElkNut1]

EXO #1 -- Hard to best this pack!

ElkNut

 

[805Bowhunter]

I’ve had MR Metcalf, Exo K2 and now K3. MR was built well but left me sore. Both Exos are far superior in comfort for me. I wouldn’t go back to MR

I had the exact same issue. Well built but wasnt the most comfortable...especially compared to Kifaru, SG and EXO. Just didnt have that next level comfort at weight.

 

[COwineguy]

I can't speak to Exo but I currently switched to Kifaru from Mystery Ranch. I had been a MR guy since 2008 when I bought a Crew Cab. I have always loved that pack and would agree it is built bombproof. The recent MR packs I have bought not as much or I have just had bad luck. I have used the Pop up 28 and the Sawtooth and have managed to break both (twice on the Popup). They have taken care of me each time but having to tie straps because buckles break while packing quarters was a pain. I also like that Kifaru is made in America with material from America. I just changed so haven't used the Kifaru to pack quarters so we will see. I will say I loved the design of the popup 28 just kept having small issures. Still have my Crew Cab though.
Cheers

 

[Roksliding]

I ordered an EXO very nice pack very well built, that said I didn’t care for how high it sat behind my head. I sent it back they are great to deal with

I went with a Pop-up 28. And I am not in love with it like some guys seem to be with there packs but it’s good enough, to do the job required.