Mystery Ranch vs Stone Glacier

[goathunter]

A calf would be easy - this one was 90 lbs on back and two 20 lb sacks, one in each hand. Stupid mistake to say the least...

Ouch! You don't forget packouts like that!

 

[Browtinemt]

I think you would be well served to wait a couple weeks/months to see the 2016 lineups for Mystery ranch and stone glacier. Nothing like buying what you think you want...only to have exactly what you didn't know you wanted come out a few days later. How did you like the Marshall?

 

[stuckbuck]

I think you would be well served to wait a couple weeks/months to see the 2016 lineups for Mystery ranch and stone glacier. Nothing like buying what you think you want...only to have exactly what you didn't know you wanted come out a few days later. How did you like the Marshall?

I think you are right, I'm going to hold off for a few weeks to see what 2016 will bring. Unfortunately I'm not attending the ATA show this year so I will have to view all the new goodies from the sidelines.

The Marshall is great, first pack I've owned of this caliber. My previous pack was a badlands 2200 so major upgrade. My concern came in when trying to use it as a day pack, I didn't have a scale but it just seemed way heavier than it should be. But always comfortable.

 

[MTbowhunter36]

My current pack is an SG Sky 5100. I can't say enough good things about this pack and the customer service from SG. I have owned packs from several other companies including a MR Dragonslayer and Kifaru T3.

The MR DS is more of a day pack, but weighed twice as much as the SG and the SG carried twice as much (volume) as the MR. The MR is a very beefy pack, but finally sold it as the SG does everything I need.

I did own a Kifaru which was very comfortable, however after two seasons of packing out my bulls and struggling each time I tried to put boned out meat inside the T3, I finally sold it. I realize it's a small pack with a very small top load opening, but it didn't fit my needs. I did, however, purchase a cargo panel to try to alleviate the issue of having to put meat in the bag, but it just seemed awkward.

The SG pack has worked very well for me. There are people that don't think that a load shelf works very well with a fully loaded bag. However, I've packed out my bull, whole antelope and mule deer this year in the load shelf and didn't experience one issue. To each their own I guess, but I like the load shelf.

 

[Bubblehide]

Yes you could. There's absolutely no difference in the hunting duplex and the UL duplex except the stays.

I talked to "Where'sBruce" about this as he has both the duplex frame, and Kifaru's new ultra light frame, he tells me they are very different. Although I understand that some guys are modifying their old frames using carbon arrow shafts.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I'm sure where's Bruce has the older duplex and the new ultralight. There are major differences between those. There are not major differences between the new hunting duplex and the ultralight.

 

[Bubblehide]

Your likely correct. I have never owned a Kifaru pack, so I have no expertise with them; but I do get that they are a top of the line pack.

 

[mtnclimber]

Ive had a Mystery ranch nice 6500 and a stone glacier sky7400.

I much prefer the stone glacier to the mystery ranch. Its half the weight for one. secondly, even with the 6500 frame extension it wasn't even close to giving me the lift i needed even with lower weight (50lbs) on the load lifters. And just because the MR weighs twice as much, doesnt make it more bomber than the SG...

 

[stuckbuck]

I don't really see info on torso size in the SG does anyone know if it will fit my 21" torso proper?

I'm torn between trying SG or Kifaru at this point.

 

[mtnclimber]

I don't really see info on torso size in the SG does anyone know if it will fit my 21" torso proper?

I'm torn between trying SG or Kifaru at this point.

Im 6'3" and had pretty good lift with 145lbs+ in it. Not sure of my torso size though.

 

[Chris Sloan]

I don't really see info on torso size in the SG does anyone know if it will fit my 21" torso proper?

I'm torn between trying SG or Kifaru at this point.

SG only makes a 26" frame, which is probably the right lenght. Also i have dry bag about 15" diam and about 36" tall that i like to carry deboned meat in, rather than just dropping it in the bag. Makes a log shape that balances and compresses in tight to the pack. I will add, i liked both packs but the kifaru just has this "military" built vibe and seems durable as can be, and would imagine its gonna be in better shape than the SG after 10+ years IMO. Another deal breaker was i thought i would be cool with a gray pack, but i just couldnt get over bowhunting in it. If it aint camo, i want earth tones at least, bottom line. Just a mental thing. LOVE the coyote frame/highlander bag.

 

[Chris Sloan]

I bashed on the gray, but actually all the black on the SG probably stands out the most

 

[goathunter]

What height range will the 26" stays be ideal for?

 

[airlocksniffer]

I guess I think of gray as an earth tone, at least hunting in the mountains. I also highly doubt that a non-camo backpack would be the one thing to blow an opportunity on a kill. I do love my SG Solo. Aside from the features/durability, etc (not to beat a dead horse but I will), all of Stone Glacier's pack line is made in the USA. Can't say the same for MR who is shipping jobs overseas.

 

[4ester]

Killed my archery bull this year with my Stone Glacier. Guess the bull didnt mind the black and grey pack at 20 yards. I have nothing but good things to say about my Archer 6200. Can be compressed down to nothing, even less in Bivy Mode so it can be used for day hunts to extended backpacking trips. Very Light....

 

[husky390]

I have never tried a Mystery Ranch but love my SG7400. I also have a Kifaru Duplex with an EMR II and it's coming along but still not as comfortable as my SG, to me.

 

[stuckbuck]

I have never tried a Mystery Ranch but love my SG7400. I also have a Kifaru Duplex with an EMR II and it's coming along but still not as comfortable as my SG, to me.

How tall are you for size comparison?

 

[husky390]

6'1" with a 32" inseam.

 

[belly-deep]

A calf would be easy - this one was 90 lbs on back and two 20 lb sacks, one in each hand. Stupid mistake to say the least...

Then you left a lot of meat on the carcass.

 

[jmez]

Stone Glacier works well with a curved back. I have a very "curvy" back and it fits me well.