Mystery Ranch pack

[Huntin4Ever]

Any opinions out there on the Mystery Ranch Metcalf and Sawtooth 45 packs. for overnight hunts and for packing out deer?

[fowl smacker]

I've had the Metcalf for 3 seasons now and LOVE it.  Hunted for 4 and 5 days out of it.  Packs meat awesome with the load shelf and pack still on.  I highly recommend.

[WapitiTalk1]

Ok, listen. Research the history on Mystery Ranch and “Dana” packs. That’ll answer your questions. And yes, they are upper crust packs for backcountry hunting. Happy shopping 

[deerhuntr4885]

I love mine. Hauled out half an elk in one last year. 

[huntnnw]

7 years and counting on mine. Had 80-145lbs in it hundred plus times.no issues

[Jakobv]

Had the sawtooth 45 for about 2 years now, hauled out an elk with it, and many overnight hunts not a complaint at all. Would definitely recommend


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[JakeLand]

Mystery ranch are nice packs for sure but I will say I grab my exo 4800 first just the comfort and the way the accessibility to the pockets and accessories is a little nicer to me

[Huntin4Ever]

Thanks for all the replies, sounds like I cant go wrong with either of them. Packs are just like boot, some fit just right!!

[vandeman17]

I run the metcalf and like it. It will do anything you need

[Big6bull]

I run the metcalf and my partner runs the marshal. I’m tight on space for multiple day trips but pack a bit heavy. Overall I’m very happy with them. The marshal is a beast and has tons of room. If you are in between sizes they recommended to go with the smaller size.

[baker5150]

Mystery ranch are nice packs for sure but I will say I grab my exo 4800 first just the comfort and the way the accessibility to the pockets and accessories is a little nicer to me

EXO needs to get their warranty dept figured out. 

A guy shouldn't have to wait 2 years and counting for a warranty dry bag replacement.

[NiteHawk]

I bought the Metcalf a few years back. I also picked a Pintler bag (bag only) that is interchangeable with the Metcalf. When backpacking, I use the Metcalf and it packs up nicely if you take care in how you pack your pack. If I'm going on day hunts I will use the Pintler. I wasn't really sure about the Pintler before I bought it. Turns out I'm a huge fan of the pintler for day hunts/car camping hunts. It packs down tightly and quietly.

Last year I  packed a whole boned out mule deer and it's skull using the Metcalf. I used my Pintler "day" bag to pack out a bear and a blacktail buck.

The bear and the Mule Deer were not fun or comfortable. No pack will eliminate the pain of climbing 1500 feet with a 150lb pack. I think what you're getting with a Mystery Ranch is their ability to load a full deer sized animal in one trip and not have to go back for a second trip. Awesome packs, I would say send it on either.

I have been using my Metcalf this turkey season because I can shove two inflatable turkey decoys in there. It works great for a turkey hunting pack.

My one complaint - Once you pack it up the 25-30lbs, it squeaks pretty loudly. I have to look into how I can quiet it down.

[fishngamereaper]

Love my MR. Although I run the Selway, a tad smaller, I can fit enough for 4-5 days in it.

[vandeman17]

I bought the Metcalf a few years back. I also picked a Pintler bag (bag only) that is interchangeable with the Metcalf. When backpacking, I use the Metcalf and it packs up nicely if you take care in how you pack your pack. If I'm going on day hunts I will use the Pintler. I wasn't really sure about the Pintler before I bought it. Turns out I'm a huge fan of the pintler for day hunts/car camping hunts. It packs down tightly and quietly.

Last year I  packed a whole boned out mule deer and it's skull using the Metcalf. I used my Pintler "day" bag to pack out a bear and a blacktail buck.

The bear and the Mule Deer were not fun or comfortable. No pack will eliminate the pain of climbing 1500 feet with a 150lb pack. I think what you're getting with a Mystery Ranch is their ability to load a full deer sized animal in one trip and not have to go back for a second trip. Awesome packs, I would say send it on either.

I have been using my Metcalf this turkey season because I can shove two inflatable turkey decoys in there. It works great for a turkey hunting pack.

My one complaint - Once you pack it up the 25-30lbs, it squeaks pretty loudly. I have to look into how I can quiet it down.

For the squeak, you can take the packs and everything off the frame and put tape on the points that their is tension for the bag.

[kselkhunter]

Mystery Ranch are high quality packs and have been around a long time (Dana Designs before he sold that off to K2 and started Mystery Ranch).  My Crew Cab is still going strong all these years later.  The Metcalf and Sawtooth are great packs; I'd lean towards the Metcalf if it were me.