Mystery Ranch's new Metcalf

Bag looks good, and I'm a big fan of mystery ranch but they need to come out with a non mil spec nice frame. It's just to heavy compared to other options.
 
Hmm, not that impressed, really the coolest feature is the new alpine lid that is 600ci. I'll be keeping my 900ci lid but for those that wanted a smaller lid option here they go.
 
Not to disparage the pack too much- but over 7 lbs empty? I know a lot of that is because of the Nice frame. I used and tried to like a Nice frame for 3 years- and to this day I am not really sure why, because that frame is the most uncomfortable pack frame I have ever used.

But, MR makes some great packs- I have a real small day pack, and my wife uses a backpacking pack from them that is very comfy for her; and I think it is comfortable also.
 
I think the new Metcalf looks great. I'm a big fan of MR especially how rugged they are, and how they work under fire...although I do agree I wish there was a lighter option. However kifaru makes heavey packs too, and I'm still skeptical of the durability of carbon.
 
I think the new Metcalf looks great. I'm a big fan of MR especially how rugged they are, and how they work under fire...although I do agree I wish there was a lighter option. However kifaru makes heavey packs too, and I'm still skeptical of the durability of carbon.

MR uses carbon composite rods....
 
I think the new Metcalf looks great. I'm a big fan of MR especially how rugged they are, and how they work under fire...although I do agree I wish there was a lighter option. However kifaru makes heavey packs too, and I'm still skeptical of the durability of carbon.

Kifaru doesn't use purely carbon, they use a composite with birch wood laminated in it.
 
I know this is sacrilege here, but pardon my heresy when I don't understand the uproar about the weights of MR packs. The new Metcalf with lid and nice frame runs 7 lb 1 oz with 4200 cu in. A Kifaru Duplex Timberline 3, xtl lid and 24 in carbon stays runs 7 lbs with 4600 cu in. I'm not trying to piss in anyone's cheerios, those numbers aren't scientific, but off both websites respectively, and as close apples to apples size wise comparison as I could find. It seems to me if you want a frame to haul serious, be it duplex or nice, you're going to have a platform weight around 4 lbs.
 
I know this is sacrilege here, but pardon my heresy when I don't understand the uproar about the weights of MR packs. The new Metcalf with lid and nice frame runs 7 lb 1 oz with 4200 cu in. A Kifaru Duplex Timberline 3, xtl lid and 24 in carbon stays runs 7 lbs with 4600 cu in. I'm not trying to piss in anyone's cheerios, those numbers aren't scientific, but off both websites respectively, and as close apples to apples size wise comparison as I could find. It seems to me if you want a frame to haul serious, be it duplex or nice, you're going to have a platform weight around 4 lbs.

Haven't checked weights but pretty sure you can get a duplex frame with T1 bag which is about 3000ci larger down into the 6lb range, swap the frame to a bikini which will handle more weight then most can carry and you drop another lb off the pack. I get the assumption (just guessing you haven't had a bikini, could be wrong) that the bikini isn't a hauler but it really works and works well for anything smaller then moose quarters and it may be fine even there.
 
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Looks like a great pack option. Their packs have a certain eye catching quality to them. I am too happy with my duplex frame to switch at the moment but I would give it a try if I could.
 
I know this is sacrilege here, but pardon my heresy when I don't understand the uproar about the weights of MR packs. The new Metcalf with lid and nice frame runs 7 lb 1 oz with 4200 cu in. A Kifaru Duplex Timberline 3, xtl lid and 24 in carbon stays runs 7 lbs with 4600 cu in. I'm not trying to piss in anyone's cheerios, those numbers aren't scientific, but off both websites respectively, and as close apples to apples size wise comparison as I could find. It seems to me if you want a frame to haul serious, be it duplex or nice, you're going to have a platform weight around 4 lbs.

i believe the difference is the metcalf is pretty much MR's lightest option for a multiday hunting pack. which is mostly attributed to the nice frame. and i think thats the above point guys were making.
using the dt3 with xtl is close as far as hauling ability and cubes but not necessarily accurate in the full line of options. being that you can choose a bikini frame and shed weight. or a high camp bag, even more. my wife HC48 it barely over 4lbs. my dt1 on bikini frame was only 91oz after trimming for 6k+ CI.
so the way i read it, some people would be interested in light frame from MR comarable to a bikini or SG so that you could get a metcalf in the sub 5lb range maybe.
 
MR uses carbon composite rods....
. Yeah good point I guess I was just thinking of the exposed carbon panel packs like KUIU...albeit super light I guess have the carbon exposed sort makes me more nervous of puncture or cracking....I know its probably just in my head.
 
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