backpack for Elk

[videoman]

I have a mystery ranch pack it is the best pack that I have ever used.

[ghgetter]

I almost bought a badlands 4500 this year but when I was doing the research on them they are just to heavy for the size. If I was in the market for a smaller pack I really like that 2800 and this was the first time I noticed the Hypervent but it looks like a sweet day pack.

Brandon, have you screwed around w/ a Crew Cab? I just sent some pics to Brian. If you want you can get them from him...dont let the weight thing scare you.

[actionshooter]

I also pack year around, after this weekend I'll have close to 70 miles this month with a full pack on.
 If a pack fits right, carrys well and the suspension system is built right, pack weight is the last thing to worry about. You won't notice it.

 

I have a mystery ranch pack it is the best pack that I have ever used.

     Hands Down!.

[whacker1]

Branden - the other pack systems to look at is Nimrod - they are lighter and made right in Cashmere, WA.
I chose the Eberlestock, because I like the suspension a little better on the big pack, but might end up buying a smaller pack from nimrod.

[Branden]

Brandon, have you screwed around w/ a Crew Cab? I just sent some pics to Brian. If you want you can get them from him...dont let the weight thing scare you.

I also pack year around, after this weekend I'll have close to 70 miles this month with a full pack on.
 If a pack fits right, carrys well and the suspension system is built right, pack weight is the last thing to worry about. You won't notice it.

All of the times that I have packed if I am hiking in a long ways, or have a heavy load coming out its not my shoulders that hurt its my feet. So I figure the least amount of weight on my back the easier it'll be on my feet. I have done a ton of research on packs, and the guys that use packs the most and in the roughest terrain seem to like other packs better then the MR. Now, if they came out with a pack that had the same cu in. and was as comfortable as mine for less weight then I would think about buying one. But they are heavy, don't pack a heavy load as well, and cost more for a less capable pack.

[whacker1]

i bought the heavier pack via Eberlestock, because I think I would rather be more comfortable packing a heavier load.  I have a bad back, and the added weight is more welcome than the shifting of loads as I walk and the discomfort of some of the lighter packs.  I bought a pack frome a couple of years ago, can't remember the brand, but way more comfortable than the other brands and didn't weigh, but maybe a few ounces more.  I will look up the brand tonight.

[gutsnthegrass]

I use the Bullpac with a pack sinched to the frame.  Has worked out great for me in the past and I can usually load half a deer tied up to the frame. 

[Huntbear]

My problem with most packs is that I am very long waisted, plus, my "beer belly" along with a bad back.  Nothing fits, or is very uncomfortable to wear all day long.  Plus, I find my low back killing me by the end of the day.  My packs usually weigh about 15 lbs. loaded, so it is not that heavy.

[Skyvalhunter]

Usually a person get a sore back from packs if the heaviest part is either too high in the pack or too low. Ideally you want most of the weight to be in the center of the pack and close to your torso. A good pack is adjusted so the weight is distributed evenly between your shoulders and hips but that doesnt always happen with heavy packs.

[Rob]

I have a "just one" pack from Eberlestock.  I like it, but as commented on before, it is very heavy for a pack.  lots of cool features, but heavy.

I have been using one of the cabelas external frame packs - the alaskan II I think.  Not really snazzy, but less than 5 pounds empty. 

I picked up the Eberlestock last winter and would like to get it out, I like the integrated rifle storage.  But when push comes to shove I'm not sure I'll be using it for a longer hunt just because I don't want to have to pack in 4 pounds of extra pack weight. 

[actionshooter]

Brandon, have you screwed around w/ a Crew Cab? I just sent some pics to Brian. If you want you can get them from him...dont let the weight thing scare you.

I also pack year around, after this weekend I'll have close to 70 miles this month with a full pack on.
 If a pack fits right, carrys well and the suspension system is built right, pack weight is the last thing to worry about. You won't notice it.

 I have done a ton of research on packs, and the guys that use packs the most and in the roughest terrain seem to like other packs better then the MR. Now, if they came out with a pack that had the same cu in. and was as comfortable as mine for less weight then I would think about buying one. But they are heavy, don't pack a heavy load as well, and cost more for a less capable pack.

 Packs are like boots, the fit is everything and personal prefference is the most important thing. Everyone has a different opinion. With that being said , your way off base with mystery ranch. I don't know where your doing your research but MR has a huge following with sheep hunters, guides and backpack hunters. Saying they don't pack a heavy load well tells me either you have them confused with another brand or you just heard someone say that and you haven't actually tried one.
 The two drawbacks are they are heavier and they are expensive, both of those are minimal for the performance gained.
 Just a FYI, I have actually used the Eberlestock, Badlands 4500, Arcteryx,REI,Gregory, Dana Design and countless others the last 20 years of backpacking. ,
 Here a couple of links for people to look at if there is anyone who wanted real feedback on MR.
 http://www.backcountryhunting.net/forum/index.php?topic=578.0

 http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/dosearch/topic/0/Searchpage/1