Mystery Ranch pack

[wislnwings]

To those of you who have the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab, what accessories do you recommend getting with it?  I'm looking at this pack for elk hunting and also hauling treestands around and packing deer and hogs out of the swamp.  Also, overall, what is your opinion of this pack?

[Steve O]

I like the zippered pockets on the waist belt.  They have a strap kit that would be nice, but I can't think of anything else a guy would need with it.  It is a very versitile pack and it will haul anything.

[Zbearclaw]

Unless you are going to do a full on backpack hunt for 10 days I'd get just the pack with the upgraded waist belt as mentioned.  Dang thing is made for hauling.

I got the lid too but haven't needed it yet.  Also some mixed size dry bags can Replace the load cells.

Awesome pack that seems to be bombproof.  I love mine...

[JJB2]

I have the 6500 and the load sling.  Love the sling for hauling my climbing stand around the deer woods and the pack performed well on my 7 day backpack elk trip to CO last fall.

[highpoint forge]

Too expensive but bad ass.....

[Day Dreamer]

I just picked up a used lid for my crew cab. You might need it if you went elk hunting.

[Mack_S]

The only accessory that I would recomend would be the upgraded waist belt.  It's great for holding a camera, snacks, compass, etc.

Just remember that if you do purchase the Crew Cab, you'll already have the NICE frame so you can just buy another bag to swap to.  Not only does it give you added versitility, you already have the frame sized to fit you.

I originally got the 6500 with the upgraded waist belt.  Great pack, comfortable to wear for long hikes deep into the wilderness.  A bit too big for weekend trips so I've since gotten the Crew Cab.  As I already had the NICE frame all I had to do was purchase the bag only.  I've used the Crew Cab for weekend trips and I also use it as a day pack.  Again, an excellent pack.  Having both bags, I can set it up to fit the hunt: 6500 with or without Top, Crew Cab with or without Top.  And the Top also dooubles as a day pack.  Although I haven't used it for that yet...

[Montanawidower]

Yep...  What those guys said.  Waist band only.  Maybe a lid, but I never use one.  The fold out side panels are usually all I need for stuff when packing gear or meat.  I sometimes load with dry bags and Outdoor Research pack cells, but mostly just use as is.  THAT PACK is the best thing since sliced bread and I've owned quite a few.  

Jeff

[Hess]

Great pack, I've had mine for 3 seasons now and find I don't use the lid too much, but I do use the extra cells.  This pack is part of me, I love it.

[JockC]

I more or less like the lid for day use alone (though it's not real comfortable).  I did buy a couple of pockets for the waist belt and some light dry bags from Cabelas and somewhere more ultralight, but that's it.  The truth is, a number of people here simplify the Crew Cab by cutting off the side pockets to save the weight.  Mark Seacat, who works for MR, did that to his and advises it.  Some cut them off and add zippers to give them the option for reattachment.  Great rig, especially if you will be hauling meat, but it's heavy.

[frassettor]

I love my MR!!!! To me the Wolfpack offered the best of both worlds. It breaks down to several 'small' packs., or 1 huge one if you need it
 

[wislnwings]

Thanks for the feedback guys.

[Steve O]

No way would I cut off my side pockets!  Just tonight I loaded my Double Bull and Huntmore chair in the main compartment so I would not have to do it at 4am.  Those side pockets and the rear hold everything else I need for a comfy day in the blind.

[ScottinPA]

Read that also about cutting off the side pockets and replacing with zippers.  Looked like a good idea.
I went the cheaper route with a Kelty Cache Hauler for now.  Hope to upgrade to the MR CC in the next year or so.

[highpoint forge]

Steve that's gonna be fun schlepping that setup...........been there done that! I guess with a MR it won't be too bad.