Stone Glacier or Mystery Ranch???

[Tutanka]

Everything is a comprise when it comes to packs.  I personally like the Mystery Ranch.  But, yes it is a heavy pack; however, for me it is one of the few packs that fits my personal frame.  The other thing that I really like about Mystery Ranch is that  you have have multiple bag options if you have a NICE frame.  

Their are so many great packs that a lot of packs don't even get mentioned.  Janssen Hard Core Hunt pack is one heck of a pack, but gets talked about very little.  Best thing to do is pick a couple that you like and have them shipped to you to try on.  Take the one that fits the best.

[Tutanka]

One other thing to add, how much weight do you intend to carry.  I can do 100 lbs. fairly comfortably in my MR.  I tried to do a mile with 200 lbs in it this summer, just about killed myself on this.  Did the pack hold up yes, did I hold up somewhat.  Bottom line is how often would I realistically ever have 200 lbs in the pack, probably never.

[Steve O]

Originally posted by Eagle48:
Unless you have a short torso, it'll be tough to have functional load lifters with any MR out there.  I would choose Kifaru over MR, but I'm intrigued by the stone glacier packs.  There's a big review being done between the Stone Glacier and Kifaru as we speak that should be available in March.  It'll be on rokslide's forum, I would wait until it shows up before I made a decision on a pack.

The 6500 bag has frame extensions built into the bag and corrects that downfall of the NICE frame.  It is not really a pack you are going to day hunt with.  But, you can take the 6500 bag off and just use the lid and a load sling on the frame to day hunt, which is a nice light setup...no pun intended    

[Iowabowhunter]

As much as I would like to buy a couple to try out, being basically a newlywed college kid funds sure are very tight. Looking like almost $2000 for everything-good pack, boots, bino's, kuiu clothing, processing utensils, game bags, water filtration, food etc etc. That isn't including tags and fuel  

[Onions]

Yes, the cost of gear can add up quickly. When I was in your shoes' (early 20's with little to no money), I did elk hunts and a sheep hunt, in clothes purchased at Tractor Supply. You don't NEED high end gear to be successful. However, some of this high end gear, can make the hunt  more comfortable.
My advice spend the $$$ on boots (you only get one pair of feet, you need to take care of them). Then for the rest of your gear watch for online deals,either from "hunting" warehouses or backpacking warehouses, buy used from @bay, or here on TG in the classifieds.
Used clothing from Patagonia, Northface, Marmot etc are all over on @bay, just buy in olives or brownish colors.
Enjoy the process of figuring it all out. It's taken me almost 20yrs to get "all" my gear narrowed down, and in that 20yrs, I have hunted 9 different states.....javalina to bighorn sheep.
Lots of ways to save on gear, just get creative!!

chris <><

[Iowabowhunter]

*$2000 being my budget if I really buckle down n not spend money on fruitless things

[Steve O]

Hey, what happened to that 2nd job?

   

[Iowabowhunter]

I won't get to keep all the funds from that, just a percentage so we can move to MT! Mayb a 3rd job is in order

[Kevin Dill]

I can't or won't own one of everything in this world. I'm pretty sure I'll never own a Stone Glacier pack, simply due to no need and no desire. I'm sure they are excellent packs.

I've carried Kifaru and they are solid. Mine was abhorrent when it came time to pack several loads of moose meat and a moose head. Nothing wrong with the pack, but I found way better options for that type of packing. I no longer own anything (pack) by Kifaru.

Last fall I carried a Mystery Ranch Dragonslayer as my primary all-day hunting pack. It is one of the finest packs I've ever owned, and I simply love the comfort level it affords. I would replace it immediately if lost, and wouldn't consider a different pack.

[Iowabowhunter]

Mr. Dill have you had a chance to pack out meat with your MR?

[Kevin Dill]

I don't use that MR pack for heavy meat loads. After a lot of expensive experimentation, I've landed on the side of rigid aluminum pack frames for hauling big meat loads. Not necessary for the occasional meat load. The semi-flexible frames found in MR, Kif, KUIU, E-stock and others allows the load to move laterally more than I like. No matter what I did in terms of fitting, the flex frame (my term) packs would dig into my shoulders with hundred pound meat loads. The rigid aluminum frame has enough vertical support to keep the shoulder straps from digging in, so long as the hip belt is doing what it should.

Some will differ with me on this of course. There is not one pack that is both: an ideal day-hunting pack and a heavy meat hauler. You give up some of one to get more of the other.

[LV2HUNT]

I spent weeks diligently researching packs for a recent trip. I spent hours pouring over features and measurements provided online and narrowed my choice to a single very high end pack.

I went in to my local REI and the folks loaded up the pack and there was zero chance I would be able to use it! I then pulled down a lower cost Dueter and got it adjusted and it fit like a glove with sand bags and all. I walked around the store for an hour or so and even tried on a pair of boots while wearing it.

Obviously, you are looking at other packs but the point is that nothing else matters till you put it on your back and load it up. Some packs just fit certain body shapes better than others and you cannot determine that from measurements or features alone.

[Iowabowhunter]

That makes sense, I just want to have a few packs narrowed down that have the festures I would like, then narrow it down by fit

[shdwhwk]

The new MR Dragonslayer (X framed) is a great day/overnight pack, very well thought out, comfortable & durable. Used mine a lot this last fall, though unfortunately didn't get to pack any meat with it. Confident it'll handle a boned out deer or 70lb elk load....hopefully next year.

[Kevin Dill]

FWIW: The MR Longbow pack is a decent compromise pack for the hunter who wants an actual frame/harness with attached bag. It's slightly bigger than the Dragonslayer and weighs a pound more (approx) but will carry a larger meat load. These 2 packs are both built with a very slim profile and they 'hide' nicely behind the body.