Mystery ranch Pop up 28

[pcrider]

Anyone have any experience or thought on the M.R. Pop up 28? Going to be antelope and mule deer hunting?

 

[cap]

I recently picked one up on sale but the waist belt didn't suit me, so i returned it.

According to the MR sizing guide i was between Large and Medium and their recommendation was to size down so i went with the Medium. There is a rigid "brace" that comes off the bottom of the frame and feeds into the waist belt. I'm assuming this design is to stabilize the load laterally like when side-hilling. But in my experience it dug into my kidney area and was quite uncomfortable from the start. I can only imagine how much worse it would be after many miles with a load.

I'm not sure if a Large would have made it better, but ultimately i decided i preferred a dedicated external frame pack where i could switch out bags for day hunts and back country, so im back on the market.

Everything else about the popup was great though. i liked the bag and the popup concept is really cool.

 

[White Mamba]

The compact size is the main benefit
They weigh almost the same as a full size but don't carry heavy loads well.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Agree somewhat with white mamba. I had a 28 and upped it tot he 38. It is a hybrid pack in a sense so it has its compromises. They are very compact in day pack mode but still a little bulkier than a true daypack. They handle a load reasonably well but not as well as a full size frame. I have packed 70# in mine in decent comfort.

if I wanted a daypack that could haul a load of meat every now and then, it is a great choice. If I were carrying a load more often, I think a full size frame with a small bag is a better option.