Mystery Ranch upgrade

[emmagator]

I’ve ran a Mystery Ranch Metcalf with the Guide LT frame for years. Pack has served me well. Only complaint is I don’t necessarily like the access into the main bag. I don’t really need a new pack, I’ve been looking at the Initial Ascent and EXO pack. Look like great packs and good reviews. But $700+ is steep. Those who have upgraded to one OD these packs, particularly those coming from a Mystery Ranch pack. Was it worth it?

 

[solostalker]

Went from MR Beartooth on the Guide LT frame to an Exo K4. It was worth it for me mostly from a load hauling standpoint. I liked the layout and function of the MR but it just did not handle heavy loads well. Anything over 50lbs was uncomfortable for me.

If the MR works for you and the weight you haul, I would not upgrade solely for the bag layout.

 

[emmagator]

Went from MR Beartooth on the Guide LT frame to an Exo K4. It was worth it for me mostly from a load hauling standpoint. I liked the layout and function of the MR but it just did not handle heavy loads well. Anything over 50lbs was uncomfortable for me.

If the MR works for you and the weight you haul, I would not upgrade solely for the bag layout.

I haul elk and deer quarters. Never hauled on anything but a Mystery Ranch, so nothing to compare to. Don’t know if I’m missing out.

But I have heard EXO and particularly Initial Ascent haul loads well.

 

[solostalker]

I haul elk and deer quarters. Never hauled on anything but a Mystery Ranch, so nothing to compare to. Don’t know if I’m missing out.

But I have heard EXO and particularly Initial Ascent haul loads well.

Sounds like your not suffering. Maybe hold off until you have the opportunity to try one on before buying.

 

[emmagator]

Sounds like your not suffering. Maybe hold off until you have the opportunity to try one on before buying.

I might be and just don’t know it. lol

 

[mc1119]

1000 percent it was worth it. I went from MR to kifaru, it was amazing and didn’t think it could get any better…until I tried the K4.

The K4 fits me the best and is incredibly comfortable with heavy weight. Now keep in mind each pack fits each person different, but that was my journey and I am now all about the EXO K4.

Now for the “steep” part, buy used from classifieds. A lot of great people on this forum, pay with G/S and add the fee if they request, get videos of the item, etc…

Good luck on the journey

 

[solostalker]

I might be and just don’t know it. lol

Lots of threads on here with MR complaints. Might look and see if you notice the same things.

For me the lumbar pad and hipbelt on the MR was inferior. It didn't transition weight properly onto my hips and after a while I felt discomfort on my traps from the weight riding more on my shoulders. I always had to constantly read just pr hike the pike up after I felt it slipping

 

[justinspicher]

Why not just get a different bag?

 

[Kow]

If your main complaint is access and not comfort under load, I would try a bag swap first before spending $700 plus on a full system. Where the new frames usually earn their price is when you are routinely hauling 60+ and your current setup starts creating hip or shoulder hot spots by mile two or three. If your MR still carries meat and camp weight comfortably, the value play is often keeping the frame and solving organization with a different bag layout. What weight range do you usually carry when it starts feeling bad?

 

[MThuntrrr]

Went from a MR pintler on a guide lite frame to k4 3600 and 7200. Sold the pintler for $250 and spent over 1000 for the k4 setup. They both work but I have no regrets