Why doesn’t my Mystery Ranch feel right?

[BigCountry344]

I’ve been using the old guide lite frame packs for over a year now and it just constantly wants to move around on my back and just won’t stick. The frame size is correct and I have it packed correctly. So is something wrong or should I consider getting the new frame or going with a different brand entirely?

 

[Wrench]

I find my MR fits me better than my Kifaru does when adjusted correctly, my pard is exactly the opposite.

 

[sneaky]

There's more to it than selecting the right frame size and packing it correctly. Having the waist belt adjusted just right, shoulder straps tightened in the right sequence, load lifters adjusted correctly. Chest strap. It all plays a role in how it rides. Have you talked to MR directly about it?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[BigCountry344]

There's more to it than selecting the right frame size and packing it correctly. Having the waist belt adjusted just right, shoulder straps tightened in the right sequence, load lifters adjusted correctly. Chest strap. It all plays a role in how it rides. Have you talked to MR directly about it?

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

When I called them they said it was either from yoke adjustment or the way it was packed other than that they would have to see it to make anymore recommendations. Everything is adjusted correctly and I even moved everything around trying it the wrong way on purpose just to see if the fit was better but still nothing.

 

[LaHunter]

Some packs may not work for certain people. I tried a GL frame with a Metcalf a couple years ago for 2-3 months and tried every adjustment possible and it just would not work for me. With about 30+ lbs in the pack, the belt would not stay in place. It would eventually slide down and rest on my glutes and my shoulders would be bearing most of the wt. In my opinion, the GL frame belt was the weak link in that system. It just seemed to me like the belt was poorly designed for carrying significant loads.

 

[BigCountry344]

Some packs may not work for certain people. I tried a GL frame with a Metcalf a couple years ago for 2-3 months and tried every adjustment possible and it just would not work for me. With about 30+ lbs in the pack, the belt would not stay in place. It would eventually slide down and rest on my glutes and my shoulders would be bearing most of the wt. In my opinion, the GL frame belt was the weak link in that system. It just seemed to me like the belt was poorly designed for carrying significant loads.

I do have major issues also with the belt exactly like you’re saying it does not want to stay in place it doesn’t move as much as yours does it sounds like but it still isn’t where I want it but I have read and talk to some guys that for the new 2020 models the belt was a huge thing they had fixed maybe it’s worth taking a shot on ?

 

[*zap*]

You might try the OV Innovations 'mean pad' which will increase the size/thickness of the lumbar pad.

MEAN Pad

A lumbar pad accessory for the NICE® Frame. Increase the comfort and body armor compatibility of any NICE® Frame with this lightweight, removable add-on.

ovinnovations.com

What is your back profile?

 

[805Bowhunter]

Its very hard to say without seeing it in person. One thing I will say that seems to be a common mistake is belt placement and how tight the belt is. I wore my pack incorrectly for a few years before someone stopped me and showed me how to wear the belt on my hips. My version of "hips" was not my actual hips. When the belt is on your hip bones (and I am not saying yours is not), but you can really tighten the belt down and it should sit correctly. When the waistbelt is on your hips, you can really cinch it down much tighter than you probably realize...thus taking a lot of the load off of the upper half of the pack. I see a lot of people who have their pack on their waist instead of hips and it throws off everything. MR is a great pack company and I would strongly bet that with a proper adjustment, it will be fine.

I do not know where you live but it would be worth a trip to a local outfitter, backpacking type store, even if you have to pay $20 because you didnt buy the pack there and have them run through the fit with you.

 

[*zap*]

The middle of the belt should sit on top of your iliac crest.

 

[Newtosavage]

I’ve been using the old guide lite frame packs for over a year now and it just constantly wants to move around on my back and just won’t stick. The frame size is correct and I have it packed correctly. So is something wrong or should I consider getting the new frame or going with a different brand entirely?

I have owned and sold two MR packs for this very reason. No matter what I did, I just couldn't get that tight/snug fit against my back that I get with my external frames and my Eberlestock packs. I guess packs are like shoes. Some brands just fit and others never will.

 

[BigCountry344]

I have owned and sold two MR packs for this very reason. No matter what I did, I just couldn't get that tight/snug fit against my back that I get with my external frames and my Eberlestock packs. I guess packs are like shoes. Some brands just fit and others never will.

That’s what I was thinking but seems like not everyone would agree on that.

 

[805Bowhunter]

That’s what I was thinking but seems like not everyone would agree on that.

Its not that your body/pack dont fit together as they should, I think it is just important to have it fitted 100% perfect before making that decision. It may be that it isnt a good fit. I would just recommend getting it double/triple checked before moving on. There are a lot of times where people get rid of a pack way too quick and blame the pack. I would bet that for every 10 people that get rid of a higher end pack, 8 of them are because the pack is not adjusted properly. Im not negating some brands will fit some people differently, however, lots of folks on various forums will sell their pack, get the brand that everyone is saying to get, only to have the same issues with the new pack. Good packs can be made to fit a body like a glove.

I would just make sure that you are 100% spot on with your fit. If you are confident that it is correct, then maybe go towards selling it. If you're not, get some help with it from a reputable source that you can spend time with IN PERSON.

 

[BluMtn]

I have the Popup 28 and really tried to like it. Even went into Bozeman and had them fit me. just never could get it to fit me without killing my shoulders. Went back to my KUIU and put the Apex shoulder straps on and wore it all fall and never had a shoulder issue. Not knocking the pack I really like the design could not get it to fit me.

 

[Kevin Dill]

Packs fit like boots. The human body is far too variable (as are our preferences) to believe my pack or boots will work for you. But saying that, a guy really needs to be sure he's explored his possible remedies before liquidating boots or backpack. And continuing the boot theme....sometimes the average decent boot fits and works better than the high-end expensive ones. I owned 2 different Kifaru packs and could not sell them fast enough after hunting. I also once packed meat a LONG ways using a $129 Cabela's pack which was far more comfortable than the $495 Kifaru pack I was previously so proud of.

I've personally owned 3 different Mystery Ranch packs and every one of them has been a good fit for me. The hip belt has never presented an issue, so long as the yoke adjustment is good and I've got the belt down on top of my hip bones (iliac crest actually). Waistline on pants needs to be above the hip belt for me.

 

[KRW4]

I've got the Beartooth 80 with the Guide Lite MT Frame, that seems to fit very well. Heard a lot of poor reviews of the just the Guide Lite Frame

 

[Ledanek]

You might try the OV Innovations 'mean pad' which will increase the size/thickness of the lumbar pad.

MEAN Pad

A lumbar pad accessory for the NICE® Frame. Increase the comfort and body armor compatibility of any NICE® Frame with this lightweight, removable add-on.

ovinnovations.com

What is your back profile?

I have the Sawtooth GL MT and it fit better than the first GL.
When I added the OV MEAN Pad, it was night and day, since I don't have quite a curve on my back.
There's some nights I would loosen the Liftloaders and let the frame's lumbar bad rest on my back and my hike up the garage seems to be better, with minimal slippage

https://imgur.com/a/YLnsC0I

 

[gregory r]

I have the Sawtooth GL MT and it fit better than the first GL.
When I added the OV MEAN Pad, it was night and day, since I don't have quite a curve on my back.
There's some nights I would loosen the Liftloaders and let the frame's lumbar bad rest on my back and my hike up the garage seems to be better, with minimal slippage

https://imgur.com/a/YLnsC0I

Just to be clear Ledanek, do you have the Mean Pad on your Guidelight MT frame?

 

[Ledanek]

Just to be clear Ledanek, do you have the Mean Pad on your Guidelight MT frame?

https://imgur.com/a/81Wlsra

it's THE BEST add-on I ever acquired. I read about here actually. I might have its own thread.
I made that gallery for another person who asked me about it sometime ago...don't get old or you'll be make gallery like myself to "document" ...stuff you know you'll forget eventually.

 

[gregory r]

Wow. Thanks Ledanek! Great info.

 

[Desk Jockey]

Packs fit people differently. I couldn’t love the kifaru fit even though I tried.

I run my MR packs with a torso length about an inch or two shorter than my measurements indicate. Works very well for me.