Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Mystery Ranch Metcalf

After a lot of deliberation I ordered and received a set of lift extenders and a new Metcalf for my Nice frame. Took a bit of dicking around to set up and a couple of calls to mystery Ranch but it is together.
Impressions: well made sleek pack but a unbelievable amount of straps and buckles. There much be at least 20' of extra strapping IMOP. There are also lots of buckles etc left over on the nice frame that I have no idea what they are for. It is lighter than the crew cab it replaced and would be lighter yet if they just shortened some of the straps. Going to load it up and walk around the house a bit before I do some scouting this w/e.

It is almost like they took a simple pack and made it complicated.

we'll see whether I keep it or send it back.

Lefty

Pack went back today. Did keep the frame extenders which work pretty good with the crew cab.

Lefty C

Been thinking about one of these. Could you elaborate on what you didn't like about the bag?

C

There is no question that the pack is beautifully made and rugged as hell.
I didn't like the way the top lid fit over the load extenders. Like a towel hanging on a fence post.
The amount of straps and buckles just seemed like overkill and setting it up for the load shelf seemed cumbersome to me. I could just see myself up on a ridge hands half frozen and getting dark dicking around with all those straps and buckles. Lastly when I put about 60lbs in it didn't feel comfortable.
Actually my crew cab felt better.

I did buy a Kifaru bikini frame with a timberline bag. Used it one time so far and it felt great. Bought it at Kifaru and they fitted and it is about as close to perfect as any pack I have owned. Will be scouting for most of next week and will get some pictures posted.

Lefty C

I get that. I have the longbow and the straps are pretty long and cumbersome. I've thought about cutting them down a little but can't bring myself to do it just yet. Thanks for the info.