Long time lurker first time posting be gentle. Was wondering which one of these packs would you reccomend for packing meat and 2-4 day backpack hunts, Thanks

Welcome, I think that you will find that this section of the Campfire has both the most experienced actual backpackers AND the most consistently courteous posters on any forum I have seen. Most of us are old enough to realize that none among us knows it all and sharing opinions and tips about gear and techniques is both enjoyable camaraderie and a real learning experience.

I have never seen a GG Flatbed, so, I can't comment on it; the general impression here of those who have/are trying them seems to be very positive. I have no need for another pack, so, I won't buy one, even at a bargain price as I am not into buying packs, testing them once or twice and then selling them; I tend to keep stuff until it is worn out.

I will say that I have and use a NICE-6500 bag-Load hauler combo, a Mystery Ranch BDSB and a Mystery Ranch Deluxe, all with two Fliptop pockets on the hipbelts and two Longpockets on the sides. These are the BEST packs I have ever owned, used or seen and I will not buy anything else in future.....not that I will EVER wear out one of these!

If, I had to do it all with one pack, I would get a MR NICE Frame, Load Hauler, 6500 bag and Crewcab and there is nothing one could not do with this combo. It is expensive and a tad heavy, but, I can put 100 lbs. on it and walk away in comfort, none of my other non-MR packs feel as good under load or are as well made. HTH.

Not that Kutenay doesn't know his gear...

...but a couple of prominent outdoorsmen on this board, have recently picked up those flatbeds. My guess is that the jury is still out; hunting season is still on.

I'd wait a bit and see what they end up commenting.

One of the guys I'm thinking of is hell-for-fussy, so if he gives it a thumbs up, it's got to be good! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

There is one major point concerning these two packs and the original query which, IMO, tends to favour the Mystery Ranch NICE combo. That is simply that the GG Flatbed is ONLY a packboard and not a full pack system, thus, it is less versatile with respect to 2-4 day camps than the NICE.

One can, as I have posted here several times in the past, use a system of stuff sacks and a packboard; I have done this and still have camo fleece covers that fit various stuff sacks to carry my camp plus any game, these are used when I carry my Bullpac.

However, this adaptation does not begin to campare with the MR NICE system, it is an absolutely brilliant design and built like no other pack I have ever seen. I am as "fussy" as anyone you will meet concerning my gear.

The REAL problem is cost and the complete MR system is considerably more money than a GG-FB with stuff sacks; this is something that only the user can decide as to what expenditure is acceptable to him/her. But, for short term camps plus packing out game, I can't imagine anything superior or even equal to the MR NICE system.

I think that Dana Gleason simply builds packs that, under heavy loads, perform and last much better than anything else. I have my first pack from him, in good shape, that is 28 years old, that's performance.

Thanks for the quick response guys. Kutenay I been reading your stuff for years and your knowledge is remarkable, I will be looking at the NICE option very closely but will still be hoping for some Flatbed comments. Thanks again guys. Kutenayyou need too write a book on backpack hunting I know I would buy it.

There are at least two guys here, JimF and EdT, who have far more experience with different gear than I do and BOTH of them have been VERY positive about the GG-FB, so, that is a positive recommendation to me.

I also think that there is a LOT of knowledge here, every bit as sound as mine and this is why I participate. I know lots of guys here in BC with just as much bush experience as I have and some with more, it is largely a matter of just having been born in an area like BC where wilderness opportunities exist and so I am nothing special.

I am not really into outdoor writing and am more interested in this medium of exchange than in writing for publication as most "outdoor" books strike me as BS, writ large. There are exceptions, such as Gary Shelton on bears, "Winter Wise" by Monte Alford and so forth, but, the drivel scrawled by some is just pathetic....

I certainly would grab one of the GG-FBs if REI still has them on sale, you cannot go wrong on a deal like that! Good luck with your choice.

GG Flatbed = best $100 I've spent in a very long time ...

Totally agree with hmt. Used my GG flatbed sheep hunting a couple of weeks ago and it worked excellent. Stuffed all my gear in a large duffel bag and hiked in to base camp. When out day hunting I compressed/strapped down the GG, and it worked great.

The other two fellas I was with also used a GG flatbed and were equally impressed. Suffice it to say these two gentleman are very experienced backpack hunters, and for them to be so impressed with the set up speaks bounds for it's abilities.

Levi

Levi, it's killing me to sit in this office with new snow on the ground... single digit's tomorrow in the am, but dentist's appointment around noon... drat!

Must be something in the air Brad. Know of a place that just begs to be hunted the day after a storm. Problem is my main guy is off until Wednesday so I'll be opening up the shop bright and early instead of out hunting tomorrow!

Levi

Thanks for the input guys would like to see pictures of these packs in action.

Put in in the NICE column! I'm a 46 yo flabbly, sedentary doctor, but I humped a caribou half over about 5 miles of tundra in comfort (relative) not matched by any other pack, and I've had a few.
Don

GG Flatbed in action... boned-out elk meat, 87 lbs total weight:



That amount of weigh SUCKS no matter the pack, but the GG handled it as well or better than any other pack. I'm satisfied.

Congradulations Brad! I take it that you did just fine this season. And the Jetboil??? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> Is the pistol just for bears when you are packing out the meat, or do you keep that with you full time?

Chawn, posted the results on the elk forum. Pistol only goes in when packing out meat... ornery bears and all that!

Jetboil was a blessing... love it.

ould someone please tell me where they have found the GG Flatbeds on sale .I for the life of me can't find any, and hmt did you really find one for a $100.00 bucks? I'm very interested.---Allen---

Allen

REI had them on sale a while back plus some additional % off deal ... came out to be about $85 shipped to my door ...

Plus, I needed the optional XL pack straps and XL belt to fit me properly, so another $14 for shipping round trip of the NEW size large components to/from GG in exchange for the XL pieces.

As long as the condition is NEW, GG will swap out no charge + shipping any pack components to meet your fitting needs. That is what I call customer service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Total cost about $100 even and incredible customer service from Granite Gear. I also own their Vapor Trail and Virga packs so I had no reservations of buying the flatbed regardless of price ...

... the deal was just a great bonus. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

While I didn't get any blood on mine, I did get in enough miles with enough weight to be very impressed. I started a thread a while back about the first shakedown cruise and I have gotten out once with it since then. I am very satified.

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 jumped after it basically sight unseen because of Brad's reccomendation. At the REI closeout price it was like stealing, but honestly this pack is worth quite a bit. If mine was stolen tomorrow, I'd buy another and I'd pay quite a bit more than I happened to the first time around.

Gosh!! it's nice to write a paragraph or two about something besides skis......... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

JimF

Yeah, lets see one about your latest rifle project.

I've got too many goofballs in the air right now to be thinkin' much about the next project. (it'll be a .243) I'm lucky to be able to lurk here and drop a quick line once in awhile.

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.

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

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

I sure don't want to see this die. Anymore pic's of either out there?

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

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="" />

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.

Here's me with a caribou load.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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?