Post by: Tikka Bird Dog on June 21, 2023, 08:08:49 AM
Post by: vandeman17 on June 21, 2023, 08:15:00 AM
Post by: huntnnw on June 21, 2023, 08:27:35 AM
Post by: Tikka Bird Dog on June 21, 2023, 08:39:33 AM
Post by: Buckjunkie on June 21, 2023, 08:46:46 AM
My nephew has always used Dana Design packs that he picks up on EBay…he must have 10-12. Dana Designs brand was discontinued in 2006 and their models were picked up by Marmot and Mystery Ranch. Dana made packs for mountaineering. They are tough.
My new Glacier 70 has everything I ever wanted in a pack and Sportsman’s had them on sale for $263 in April of 2022.
Hard to go wrong with a Mystery Ranch!
Post by: pd on June 21, 2023, 09:35:26 AM
I am an alpine climber, minimalist wherever possible. For an extended trip (5 or 6 days), I aim to fill all my climbing gear (including ropes, helmet, harness, crampons, pickel, etc.) in a 60-liter rucksack. I used this same philosophy when I purchased the Selway (60-liter) bag a few years ago.
Boy, was that a mistake. There was no way that I could make an extended elk hunting trip (5 or 6 days) work in the MR Selway (whether archery or muzzleloader). One issue is the weather--it is much colder during elk season than summertime climbing, requiring heavier sleeping system and more clothing.
I upgraded last season to the Beartooth (80-liters), and I will probably use this bag going forward for extended trips.
The frame on the Mystery Ranch system fits me very well, and I am very satisfied with it. Everybody's body frame is different, so that might not work for you. YMMV.
Post by: elkchaser54 on June 21, 2023, 10:38:34 AM
Post by: Longfield1 on June 21, 2023, 11:12:04 AM
Post by: Wingin it on June 21, 2023, 11:40:11 AM
I don’t have a lot to compare to however aside from some cheap daypacks that definitely sucked in comparison. I don’t think a guy could go wrong with the MR lineup but I also know there are comparable and maybe even better available.
Post by: gee_unit360 on June 21, 2023, 12:15:34 PM
Post by: fowl smacker on June 21, 2023, 01:21:45 PM
Post by: Tikka Bird Dog on June 21, 2023, 04:02:52 PM
Post by: Big6bull on June 21, 2023, 06:16:05 PM
Post by: Wingin it on June 22, 2023, 07:57:52 PM
Post by: 444Marlin on June 24, 2023, 11:09:40 PM
I like the Glacier and the Metcalf. I also use the pop up 28 for day hunts.
In my opinion, there's not much gear difference between a weekend overnight hunt and a 4-5 day hunt. The only difference is the amount of food I bring, and that could be significant for 5 days vs. 2 nights. The gear is the same (-ish).
The sawtooth is a bit on the smaller side, and might not have the volume for food for mulitple day trips. I'd start with the Metcalf or the Beartooth if multiple days are in your plan.
The "Back Strap" accessory is nice for having just meat packing trips. If you're successful, maybe you make one trip out with gear + meat. And then on subsequent trips, you just have the frame+water to haul the rest of the meat and horns.
Post by: okie john on June 26, 2023, 07:14:25 AM
Definitely visit a store and get your hands on them before you buy. I was about to buy one on the Guide Lite MT frame, but when I tried it on, I found out that the frame sticks up pretty high behind my head. If I lean very far forward, which I have to do all the time in the places where I hunt, then I can’t lift my head very high. That can make it hard to shoot, ride a mountain bike, or even see where I'm going. The Pop Up frame is quite a bit shorter and doesn't do that.
MR also frames come in different sizes. The ones on Camofire are often women's sizes or small sizes and won't fit well if you're over about 5' 6" tall.
Finally, like any manufacturer, MR constantly evolves their designs. The packs shown on the MR site are the latest and greatest but lots of retailers sell older models at a substantial discount.
Okie John
Post by: Tikka Bird Dog on June 27, 2023, 07:12:56 AM