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Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 30,306 Likes: 4
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 30,306 Likes: 4 |
Aside from it's VERY good suspension, the benefit to me is the modularity it allows in packing your load. I used a dry bag for my main compartment and when I hit a likely camp area, the dry bag and sleeping bag stuffer zipped up a tree in no time. Then I was able to continue with a small fanny pack that is my "possibles" pouch tucked under the load flap. I think that a really light 2500 CI pack like a golite or some such might be very useful main bag that could easily do some double duty for you. I think that's a perfectly stated recipe for using the Flatbed... it really is a very flexible piece of gear and seems perfectly suited to backpack hunting.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 91
Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 91 |
Thanks guys for all of the responses, think I'm leaning towards the Flatbed but the NICE also looks very intriging. Would loving to see some photo's that have you wearing the different backs, thanks again.
Old Logger
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 179
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 179 |
As much as I like the MR Nice system there are a few things that I don't like about it. I've been using the crew cab/nice frame combo since July and have carried it over 200 miles w/ various loads. I took it Mtn Goat hunting and I was able to carry all my gear + the Mtn Goat head & hide at the same time. The system does work and is very comfortable w/ heavy loads. The only things that have been negative in my mind are that the crew cab pack is made w/ a very noisy fabric. (hardcore bow hunters would not like this )Also when the weather got real cold the fabric became extremely noisy and stiff. Also...when you have a load cinched down tight there isn't one pocket that is easy to get into w/ out loosening a strap or two. My back tends to sweat more with this frame system than a badlands 2200/2800 pack. I've used the pack for scouting, bowhunting, and rifle hunting. I'll continue to use the pack system but I'm still looking for the "perfect "daypack/backpack/meat hauler combo system. If any MR owners are listening.....please design the frame so that more air can circulate on your back, and use a quieter more supple fabric. You almost have the perfect pack built...Just one mans opinion...take it for what it's worth.
Hiwallman
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 434
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 434 |
I sure don't want to see this die. Anymore pic's of either out there?
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,759
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,759 |
As much as I like the MR Nice system there are a few things that I don't like about it. I've been using the crew cab/nice frame combo since July and have carried it over 200 miles w/ various loads. I took it Mtn Goat hunting and I was able to carry all my gear + the Mtn Goat head & hide at the same time. The system does work and is very comfortable w/ heavy loads. The only things that have been negative in my mind are that the crew cab pack is made w/ a very noisy fabric. (hardcore bow hunters would not like this )Also when the weather got real cold the fabric became extremely noisy and stiff. Also...when you have a load cinched down tight there isn't one pocket that is easy to get into w/ out loosening a strap or two. My back tends to sweat more with this frame system than a badlands 2200/2800 pack. I've used the pack for scouting, bowhunting, and rifle hunting. I'll continue to use the pack system but I'm still looking for the "perfect "daypack/backpack/meat hauler combo system. If any MR owners are listening.....please design the frame so that more air can circulate on your back, and use a quieter more supple fabric. You almost have the perfect pack built...Just one mans opinion...take it for what it's worth.
Hiwallman Brad and Kute are going to hang you for this! How dare you say! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> MtnHtr
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,739
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,739 |
Actually, in all seriousness, that post is EXACTLY the sort that I respect most as I admire honesty and experience-based opinions. Besides, Vikings such as Brad and I seldom hang people, we just hack them to bits with our axes! The MR-NICE Combo IS a bit too heavy, noisy and also expensive for SOME kinds of hunting, no question. However, it is the BEST pack for the greatest number of uses that I have used and can be customized to be quieter, etc. I prefer the solid back panels on MR and Kifaru packs to the ventilated types used by Gregory, Badlands and whomever; this is after owning and using all of the above. But, this is an individual thing, not a reflection on the quality of the pack. I think that the NICE combo and the Kifaru Siwash make the perfect duo of hunting packs, but, again, others might find a different setup superior for their needs. So, no lynch mobs today!!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,473
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,473 |
For hauling out whitetail, I priced the Nice frame and gear hauler combo at $265, which is less than the granite gear at full price. I wonder how the gear hauler alone would perform.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,573 Likes: 1
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,573 Likes: 1 |
Here's me with a caribou load. ![[Linked Image]](http://docdb.smugmug.com/photos/106384870-M.jpg) I quickly realized this is NOT the way to carry a caribou rack on the MR NICE frame, as those points on the rack are a great way to get a poke in the eye! Like I said before, though, this was very comfortable. Don
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,759
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,759 |
Kute, I like to rib folks now and then, and its all in good jest! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> (just ask 1AKHunter) As for posting one's experience with certain equipment, that can be a double edged sword IMO. Take my experience with a RimRock stock, several folks on here have seen the pics, several gunsmiths and another stockmaker have personally told me the Rimrock either has a serious design flaw or my stock was manufactured incorrectly. Now if I were to post details and pics of my experience of this subject, I would be tarred and feathered and considered an a-hole (not that folks have already come to that conclusion). So out of respect for Jim Borden, I won't go into details or pics here on the forum. Sometimes holding back the truth is a wise decision, even though others might have benefited. MtnHtr
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,573 Likes: 1
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,573 Likes: 1 |
MtHunter,
I had the tarred and feathered experience last year (twice actually) when I didn't choose the course you recommended. So the question is should we go the "Guns and Ammo" route and only say how wonderful EVERYTHING is, and just keep mum when things are not right?
Don
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,759
Campfire Outfitter
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Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,759 |
Doc,
If I tarred and feathered your arse twice last year I apologize though it escapes my memory at the moment.
Don't know if everyone should follow the Guns and Ammo route, sure would be boring though?
If you would like, I can fill you in via PM on the RR debacle. Just say the word.
Thanks,
MtnHtr
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,278
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,278 |
Hiwall,
I have had my crewcab since sept. I have used it for two scouting trips in Colo. and one bothched snowed in hunting trip. It has yet to get bloodied.
On the scouting trips I carried, sleeping bag tent, spotting scope, hand gun, and a lot of water. About 35 lbs and the pack was very comfortable and I didn't notice my back getting hot. the belt has formed to my waist and doesn't move or shift. It also had the inglorious job of carrying firewood...dont know the weight but we stuffed in as much as the pack would hold..it was and felt heavy but the suspension was comfortable.
Been using it back east here in our deer seasons. Packed in a bulky tree stand just fine. Also using it to carry extra clothes etc. Used this way the pack pulls in tight with minimum bulk. I havent noticed any excess noise and if anything it is more quite than the Kifaru pack I have, even with the fleece pannels on it.
I am thinking about getting a top lid to tie the whole thing together when I use it as a 3 or more day pack. Also looking for some type of (light) dry bag to hold sleeping bag clothes etc.
Overall I would rate it as the best pack I have owned, and with the top lid and the right dry bag it will be even better.
Lefty
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,573 Likes: 1
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,573 Likes: 1 |
MH, I didn't mean that you had administered the T&F, just that I had received one (or two) when I mentioned a malfunctioning product on this forum. To my knowledge if you've done anything it must have been gentle, as I don't remember it. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Don
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,573 Likes: 1
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,573 Likes: 1 |
Lefty,
Just got back from a successful hunt with the NICE frame and the 6500 bag in the N.Georgia Mts. I carried a Kifaru 6 man tipi with liner and medium stove, as well as clothes, food and water for an overnighter. It was a fairly heavy load, and the gear managed it well. I feel like a real dummy, because I didn't follow oft repeated advice on this forum. I left the pack in camp on the top of a ridge, took a short walk to a ground stand. I spotted a deer and took a long, brushy shot to the bottom on the far side, and wasn't sure I had hit anthing. At this point I should have gone back for the pack, but was excited, and wanted to get on the blood trail. Well, that dang blood trail went up one side and down another, and when I finally got to the small buck I was along way from camp. I boned the thing out and took off a long-john top, tied the sleeves and neck up and used it as a game bag, carrying it like Santa carries his sack. I'm home safe and sound, but worn out, un-necessarily. I hope my wife is unaware that there is a blood saturated long john top in the washer......yikes.
Don
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Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,278
Campfire Tracker
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Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,278 |
Doc, Well you got your buck thats the main thing......I hadn't thought about long johns to solve my quest for a dry bag <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> When I shot my Maryland buck last w/e I put all my stuff in the pack including the rifle and pulled the buck out the old way with a rope...no drama there..but the pack held every thing and made dealing with the deer a lot easier. Lefty
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 179
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 179 |
I talked to the folks at Mystery Ranch last week about the fabric used in their crew cab packs --- My impression was that they are looking into a quieter / more supple cold weather fabric, and hopefully more waterproof. MR has done a great job w/ this pack/frame system and has never really targeted the hunting industry. MR is taking a great product and trying to make it perform better for the hunting crowd. I'll be first in line to buy another crew cab pack if any improvements are done to make the fabric quieter. You have got to love these company's who listen to their customers comments!
I just got a top lid for the crew cab / nice frame. With careful packing you can easily get all gear strapped to this pack and carry w/ comfort for 5 days.
Hiwallman
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Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 179
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 179 |
Mtn Hunter,
I just read the posts carefully...Quit trying to stir the pot. I don't want Kute and Brad coming after me. I hear Brad is good with that cane!.......LOL
Hiwallman
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Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,473
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,473 |
I know it's not the permanent fix you are looking for, but would a fleece pack cover help at all prior to them rolling out a new fabric?
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