New mystery ranch packs

[todd kelly]

I've been using a pre-production Metcalf on a guide light frame since September. I'd love to compare the new to the old but the last MR pack I used was a Gen 1 with a Crewcab sans lift kit, circa 2005. In my mind this isn't even a close contest. Once I get a little spare time I'll write up my thoughts on the new frame and pack and how it compares to the the other packs in my collection (Stone Glacier 5100 & Kifaru T2). But it may be a little while.

Sounds cool, having a comparison article would be sweet, and some videos to go with it would be awesome.

 

[MT_Wyatt]

I got to check out the new frame in person yesterday - just picking it up compared with the NICE frame makes you smile. One thing that I haven't read or noticed in pictures is the use of hypalon to.give more flex to the aeembly (torsionally, not vertically). That part is very impressive, there's flex, but no barrelling. I asked about the "becoming stronger as you load it up" statement, which they explained is the more you weight the frame, the more it reinforces itself vertically. The black at the top of the frame is all that hypalon material, and it's used where the horizontal stays connect to the vertical ones on the outside of the frame. The stay layout is the same as a NICE frame, they are just smaller in size.

The waistbelt is smaller than the NICE frame with less foam. The belt connection to the frame is different. The biggest thing is the belt webbing is higher up (not centered), which I assume is to help cup the belt over your hips. The belt isn't thick (vertically) like a kifaru or stone glacier, but the foam and lumbar pad felt substantial, and is finished quite nicely.

One thing they still do, which I think really helps comfort wise, is a thin layer of rigid material over the waistbelt and yoke where the webbing is pressing. They say that helps distribute load across the foam better, and after running a pack without that, I believe it. Overall, I was really impressed with the changes, lots of buckless changed out for tri-slides, which is a welcome change.

They didn't have any new bags in the showroom so I can't comment on those.....from looking at them, the Marshall and Metcalf have some extra seams put in vertically where the lid attachment straps are. This makes it so the side and back compression straps span a shorter area. I'm really curious why they decided to do that....I suspect it's to make the bag compress down cleaner along those new seams, not sure

 

[Shrek]

Which communist country did they have them made in ?

 

[duchntr]

New frames look good, strange there isn't really any field reviews. Has anyone used the new frame and the old one that can comment on a difference in load hauling ability or comfort?

 

[Josh Boyd]

New frames look good, strange there isn't really any field reviews. Has anyone used the new frame and the old one that can comment on a difference in load hauling ability or comfort?

I used the Guide Light frame with a new Metcalf bag last fall. It was along for several elk hunts in MT and ID, a MT moose hunt, and an ID mule deer hunt. Over the course of these hunts I carried loads varying from light day loads to 1/2 an elk + gear. One load was verified at 120 lbs with the lightest load of meat being about 80 lbs. The total loads of meat carried out of the mountains was six with many more with just backpack and day gear.

Years ago I had a gen I NICE frame with a Crewcab, Longbow, and a 6500. The Crewcab setup weighed about 9.5 lbs without any mods or lift kit. The Guide Light with Metcalf weighs 6.1 lbs. The reduction in weight and built in lifters was a huge leap forward for MR. Also the stays seem more compliant laterally yet are stiff vertically. It's been years since I used a NICE frame but I can pack more weight more comfortably and safely with the new set up. Everything adjust similarly but with more refinement. The waist belt is a great upgrade for sure. I never had the lift kit so I really can't speak to that. Nor am I really familiar with the older Metcalf bag. I do know the whole set up is durable and considerably lighter than the older stuff.

Here are a few photos from last fall...hopefully they show some of the details most guys are interested in. If you have any questions, I'll try to answer them.

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[Elkfitness]

I'm a die hard Kifaru user but cannot stand the mr pack bashing. Here are a bunch of pics from one of the shows. They seem to be standard mr quality.

 

[Elkfitness]

 

[sr80]

Just curious, does the lumbar pad have any sort of tacky material on the surface to help it stay put?

 

[duchntr]

Thanks for the info Jumar good to see the new frame getting bloody!

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Just curious, does the lumbar pad have any sort of tacky material on the surface to help it stay put?

It's the same as the hip belt interior, no

 

[Clinch]

Not to hijack the thread but there is a lot of talk about this bag being on Camofire. I had a membership way back and renewed it to check out the deal, but not being the sharpest tool in the shed, I haven't found the Marshal on there. Are they out or am I as dumb as I think I am.

 

[sr80]

Not to hijack the thread but there is a lot of talk about this bag being on Camofire. I had a membership way back and renewed it to check out the deal, but not being the sharpest tool in the shed, I haven't found the Marshal on there. Are they out or am I as dumb as I think I am.

its been on there twice now, its not the new frame though.

 

[hammer0419]

I actually wanted one of their hunting lids to try. Said they do not sell them separately. Sucks

 

[Bkaufmann]

Not to hijack the thread but there is a lot of talk about this bag being on Camofire. I had a membership way back and renewed it to check out the deal, but not being the sharpest tool in the shed, I haven't found the Marshal on there. Are they out or am I as dumb as I think I am.

Call them. I called them two days ago and bought one. They only had 12 coyotes in tan last I heard. They also said they are getting one more shipment shortly.

 

[duchntr]

Does anyone know if the Marshal (Gen 1 or 2) has the aluminum stays like the 6500?

 

[Kevin Dill]

Excellent, excellent! Great pictures and updates guys. I'm in, but curious on availability...has anyone heard when the new series will be in-hand?

 

[MT_Wyatt]

Excellent, excellent! Great pictures and updates guys. I'm in, but curious on availability...has anyone heard when the new series will be in-hand?

They told me April in the shop

 

[Jason Snyder]

Thanks for the update. I may have to look at upgrading my frame down the road.

 

[LBFowler]

Which communist country did they have them made in ?

This has been common knowledge for quite some time now, and says clearly on the website that they are made in the Philippines, if you actually cared you would know. If other people care they will vote with their wallets and buy one of the many MIUSA packs still available from MR, its not like you can't use it for hunting just because it isn't in the "hunting" section on their website.

If you've ever worked in the sewing industry here in the states, you've probably met more then a few Filipinos, they do a lot of sewing over here too. And they tend to be more patriotic then your average American

 

[ransom87]

This has been common knowledge for quite some time now, and says clearly on the website that they are made in the Philippines, if you actually cared you would know. If other people care they will vote with their wallets and buy one of the many MIUSA packs still available from MR, its not like you can't use it for hunting just because it isn't in the "hunting" section on their website.

If you've ever worked in the sewing industry here in the states, you've probably met more then a few Filipinos, they do a lot of sewing over here too. And they tend to be more patriotic then your average American

well said LBFowler! im all for supporting American made products but does it really matter if the quality is the same? im not switching from MR just because they sent some production over seas. they make a hell of a product in my opinion.