Mystery Ranch Pintler

Joined
May 18, 2021
Messages
10
I am currently looking at buying a Pintler for Kansas mule and whitetail deer hunting as I am tired of dragging deer. Was curious as to how well it could double as a weekend backpack camping pack until I can upgrade to a Metcalf or beartooth 80 and finally go hunt out west. Anyone have much experience with this bag for this purpose?
 

i8urcat

FNG
Joined
Apr 2, 2021
Messages
62
They're all great. I would save a few dollhairs and just start with the Metcalf or beartooth. I've been out 10 days with a Metcalf and it was a bit tight.

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OP
K
Joined
May 18, 2021
Messages
10
I will take that into consideration. My thinking with the Pintler now and beartooth later was that the Pintler would be a great day pack and I know the beartooth can be bought as just a bag. Definitely will consider that though. How does the Metcalf compress?
 

i8urcat

FNG
Joined
Apr 2, 2021
Messages
62
They both compress down to nothing with all the straps and can be run without the lid. Make sure not to buy the 2019 and previous models as they're on the older frame.

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Joined
Aug 3, 2015
Messages
413
I just bought the Metcalf over the winter. I have done several days this past spring on turkey backpack hunts and I love the pack. I hunted with it during the day after I packed in and it compressed down just fine. I have been thinking of getting the pintler for a dedicated day bag down the road. However, if you have an idea of going out west and doing a backpack hunt you may want to just start out with the metcalf. I think its only 50 bucks or so more than the pintler. then get the pintler in the bag only option down the road, Just a thought.

Full disclosure, the reason I would like to eventually get a pintler is simply for ease of access in a day pack. I love my Metcalf but access into the main bag can be a bit annoying if you are getting in and out alot like you do with a day pack. I have the Mystery ranch Coulee 40 as an EDC bag to and from the station and I really like the tri-zip design like the Pintler has.
 
Joined
Apr 5, 2015
Messages
5,944
Pintler would work great in that role.

I have one and use it for exactly that. Depending on the size of your deer it may be more than one trip.
 
Joined
Dec 30, 2017
Messages
958
Location
NEW JERSEY
I am currently looking at buying a Pintler for Kansas mule and whitetail deer hunting as I am tired of dragging deer. Was curious as to how well it could double as a weekend backpack camping pack until I can upgrade to a Metcalf or beartooth 80 and finally go hunt out west. Anyone have much experience with this bag for this purpose?

If you like the Pinter I would also look at the Terraframe 50. It’s design is the same with a little larger bag, only comes in solids and the same frame capable of 150 pounds as the Pintler for less money.

Here is my son packing a doe he shot last year.
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OP
K
Joined
May 18, 2021
Messages
10
I definitely don't need a Metcalf for a few years, but I can't get just the bag. If MR did that it would be a whole lot easier decision!
 

i8urcat

FNG
Joined
Apr 2, 2021
Messages
62
Search for the Randy Newberg Metcalf video on youtube. It shows just how versatile that bag is.

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Joined
Apr 5, 2015
Messages
5,944
If I had one MR bag it would be a Metcalf or a selway. Having an 80 and 40 liter bag is best of both worlds IMO.

NOTE: if you are gonna sling a whole or gutted deer like that young fella above have some orange to drape over it, especially in rifle season. A cheap vest or I have a thin nylon scarf that is used for survival panels.
 
Joined
Sep 1, 2018
Messages
693
Location
MT and TX
Mystery Ranch makes great packs. I had the Divide, Pintler, Metcalf, and Marshall - sold all of them here in the Classifieds over the years. I wished MR sold each bag and frame separately … I moved to Stone Glacier a few years ago and have one frame and several bags.

If I was in your situation and set on MR - I’d get the Metcalf and then decide if you even needed a Pintler. At least you can buy the Pintler bag separately. They compress so well that you can get the Metcalf down to the size of the Pintler easily. My two cents based on experience with both packs. Good luck!
 
OP
K
Joined
May 18, 2021
Messages
10
Hey so something else i thought of. If using a tipi and a stove is the Metcalf going to be able to do a 5 day hunt? I would have only the stove, and maybe a bivy tarp in my pack. Thanks so much for the help!
 

kdmclaug

FNG
Joined
Feb 28, 2021
Messages
12
I just bought the Metcalf over the winter. I have done several days this past spring on turkey backpack hunts and I love the pack. I hunted with it during the day after I packed in and it compressed down just fine. I have been thinking of getting the pintler for a dedicated day bag down the road. However, if you have an idea of going out west and doing a backpack hunt you may want to just start out with the metcalf. I think its only 50 bucks or so more than the pintler. then get the pintler in the bag only option down the road, Just a thought.

Full disclosure, the reason I would like to eventually get a pintler is simply for ease of access in a day pack. I love my Metcalf but access into the main bag can be a bit annoying if you are getting in and out alot like you do with a day pack. I have the Mystery ranch Coulee 40 as an EDC bag to and from the station and I really like the tri-zip design like the Pintler has.
How do you like the Pintler vs. the Coulee 40? I love the Coulee 40, but wish it had more strap points and organization. Don't need an external frame, but was thinking of making the Pintler work as an all round pack. Thoughts on your comparison between two?
 
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