Mystery Ranch Pop-up 38 vs Pintler

[cpalm9]

New guy here so go easy on me. I’m torn between the Pop-up 38 and the 2019 Pintler. Wondering if I could get some feedback from more experienced guys. It will be mostly a daypack for summer fly fishing hikes and fall hunting. I won’t be doing any multi night trips for the foreseeable future with a growing family but would like a pack that can do occasional overnight trips as well as summer overnight trips.

I tried on the Pop-up and really liked it. I need to try the Pintler but it seems overkill for a daypack? What do you guys think? Thanks!

 

[Desk Jockey]

Welcome.

Do a search, there have been a few threads on this in the past few months AP that are worth checking out.

I have owned and used both a pintler (now a sawtooth) and a pop up 28 ( upgraded to a 38 a few months back but haven’t used it).

Pintler is a great bag. The full size MR frame is excellent and you could add bags for longer trips later if you wanted. It can haul probably more than you would care to carry and is durable as hell. If there is a downside, it is a little bulky and heavy for a day pack.

The pop up series fills a great need. It is a light, compact daypack that can haul a serious load in relative comfort. I don’t view it or use mine as a replacement for a full-size pack but for day hikes that might require me to haul in a tree stand or haul out a quartered up animal, it is great. If it has a downside, it is a bit heavy and pricey for a daypack. ..

Between the two, of you want a full size frame and a small bag, a pintler is a fine option. If you want a day back 90-95% of the time but want to haul a heavy load once in a while, the pop up is awesome.

 

[roosiebull]

I am a big fan of the pop up, but I would say pintler for sure between them. the pop up 38 loses the novelty of the pop up frame with the larger bag size... may as well get the more versatile pintler.

the pop up concept is awesome, but I don't know what niche the 38 fills. the pintler is only 1oz heavier I believe, and more capable.

ditching the 18 and replacing it with a 38 is a bit of a head scratcher to me considering what the benefits of the pop up concept are.

of course this is just my opinion, not speaking for everyone, just giving my perspective.

 

[DropTyne]

Does anyone have one of the new 2020 Popup 28 or 38 bags? I am seeing a few reviews that the straps will not cinch the bag tight against the frame unless the bag is packed full.

 

[Hairhunter]

Does anyone have one of the new 2020 Popup 28 or 38 bags? I am seeing a few reviews that the straps will not cinch the bag tight against the frame unless the bag is packed full.

It has been talked about on the pop up thread.You can wrap the frame buckle around the handle-crosspiece and remove the slop.

 

[Kevin Dill]

I have a Pintler and have hunted the living heck out of it. But it doesn’t have the gee-whiz factor of some setups. And actually, that’s one of the most attractive things about it when I’m out on a long tough hunt.

 

[timberlinehunter]

Does anyone have one of the new 2020 Popup 28 or 38 bags? I am seeing a few reviews that the straps will not cinch the bag tight against the frame unless the bag is packed full.

I have the Popup 28 on order. Once I get my hands on it I can post my thoughts and answer any questions you may have. I ordered the new Pintler to try too.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[timberlinehunter]

I just got the Popup 28. The pack doesn’t really compress down all that tight against the frame with the straps. In my opinion it sticks out too far and seems like it would snag branches pretty easy. Nice pack but not for me. I am sending it back.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[DropTyne]

That's a bummer to hear. Sounds like such a basic problem for a company like MR. Thanks for the info.

 

[timberlinehunter]

Yeah I was really hoping to like the pack. Back to the drawing board I guess. I may try an Exo K3 next.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Desk Jockey]

It has been talked about on the pop up thread.You can wrap the frame buckle around the handle-crosspiece and remove the slop.

I am a fan. Had an original 28. Swapped to the 38 this year. The frame attachment of the new design has some slack up top. As mentioned, if you give the straps a loop around the frame extension crossbar it takes up the slack.

I am a big fan and as I have said before, if you want a daypack that can haul once in a while, it is a heck of an option.