Pull the trigger on the MR Metcalf2 or not?

[cwoods]

Fixing to pull the trigger on a MR Metcalf2. I have been researching like crazy and this site has been very helpful with tons of great informative threads. I kept bouncing back b/w MR and Kifaru but, for me to get more of what I wont the Kifaru's start getting out of my price range. The most Im looking to spend is $550.
I am from NC and this pack will spend most of its time backpacking, camping, and diy whitetail hunts with some turkey mixed in. I do however want the versatility and cargo room for western hunts at some point. I was curious if anyone had any other advice or negative feedback on the MR or if there was another pack you would highly recommend checking out.

 

[goodgrouper]

I've only had my new exo 3500 out a few times so far but it's incredible. Light and fits like a glove. Look into them. I have no hands on experience with mystery ranch.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I run a metcalf and it's a great pack, I've had my hands on the exo and it's a cool pack with some intriguing features, but I didn't think the workmanship was as good as mystery ranch was my initial assessment.

 

[blgoode]

I had a Metcalf and loved it. I ended up going with a duplex frame and bag because the NICE frame has it's downfalls. No load lifters, cushiony belt wouldn't hug my hips.

 

[fillthefreezer]

if not going kifaru, SG sky would be my next choice. no experience with it but it would be high on my list.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I did add the load lifterkit this summer and it is very nice I must say.

 

[cwoods]

fIve looked into the SG's and they look nice and have some good reviews but they are out of my price range. I started with a $400 budget but after researching decided I need to come off a few more green backs. I originally thought I was going get a Kuiu icon but after researching decided I should probably buy something a little more higher end. This will be my first hunting pack and the MR will likely be overkill 80% of the time for my hunting. Thanks for all the advice and opinions. Keep them coming.

 

[quackaddict]

I've got a MR Longbow and I love it. I'm wanting to add a Metcalf 2 to the arsenal too though...The Longbow just won't be big enough for multi day trips. I think for hunting back east (I grew up in SC, so I've done my share of hunting there) I think you should look for a used LB bag too. They'd be the ticket for packing out a little eastern whitetail with gear for a day trip.

 

[cwoods]

Thanks quackaddict. I may take you up on that advice. After all this "western" influence it makes me scratch my head at why we drag deer out. I like the lid transforming into a day pack w/ the Metcalf which will be great for public land hunts. I'll look into the LB for all day rut hunts.

 

[doncarpenter]

Cwoods, I'm using the Metcalf 2 this year for pretty much the same thing you are. I hunt whitetails on public land which requires a lengthy walk in. I will be packing my climber in the load sling, cold weather gear in the bag, and kill kit and incidentals in the alpine lid. The lid will be taking the climb with me in the stand and the accessory straps that come with the lid are perfect for mounting on the tree. It's funny you mention wondering why we are dragging deer out because I was wondering the same thing. I don't think the pack is overkill personally. Will I need all the cubes for whitetails? Probably not, but I wanted a pack that I could use for a lot of different outdoor activities and the way this thing compresses down, it's incredibly versatile. I should mention too that the suspension is very comfortable but I wouldn't even think about it without the lift kit. The NICE frame is very short by itself, but I think that dead horse has been beaten. I was torn between the longbow and the Metcalf 2 and the deciding factor for me was the load sling feature on the Metcalf.

 

[blgoode]

I'm a nc fella and haul my deer out. I ain't dragging anything unless it's right at a place a truck can drive to. I have carried out deer on my back the last 3 seasons.

 

[stevenm2]

I have a Metcalf gen 1 and really do like it a lot. perfect size for multiple days. Sturdy enough to be the last pack I ever buy.
They say it is too heavy but it does not seem so. I will make up the weight elsewhere.
Best of luck and Good Hunting

 

[Flyrod]

Don't rule out the Overload from MR too.
A little bigger than the Longbow, but with the same trizip design and a built in load shelf.

 

[kickemall]

Awhile back on this site there was a thread that Mystery Ranch was going to release a new, improved and lighter NICE frame after the first of the year. So if your not in a hurry you may want to wait or call them about that. Maybe someone else can provide more info. about that. Good luck in your search. If you haven't done it you should read Luke Moffat's review of the KUIU Ultra 6000. Sounds like it would work well for you and if you buy used you can find them for under $300.00. Theres also several "backpacking" packs that can be had in your price range that cross over well. Good luck.

 

[quackaddict]

Don't rule out the Overload from MR too.
A little bigger than the Longbow, but with the same trizip design and a built in load shelf.

Man, I've never noticed that pack before. I REALLY like that