Mystery Ranch Dragonslayer Review

I have an obsession with backpacks and have had or tried just about every brand and make. I have always been a HUGE fan of the Mystery Ranch packs. I currently own the 6500, the hauler, the CC and now the new Dragonslayer. They have made this pack in the past but made some changes to it and I just got it today. I have had more day size packs than I care to admit. I am so picky about my day pack that not many of them make it more than 1 hunt before I am selling them. I have to say that I am in love with this Dragonslayer. Empty weight is just a few oz. over 4 lbs. and feels like my 6500 as far as comfort goes. The added crossbars on the inside provide a lot more weight support and keep the pack from slouching. The pockets are great and keep things very organized. Just behind the pockets on the sides you can slide my tripod down the side and still have easy access to it by just unzipping the top instead of the entire thing. I've always had to strap my tripod to the outside of my pack so I like this feature. There are also two long pockets near the vertical zipper that fits my spotting scope perfectly and still can get it from the top zipper. The material is a little bit noisy like all MR packs but I think its a good sacrifice for the durability of the material. I am a bowhunter and I have never had an issue with my other MR packs with noise. With an addition of a Kifaru Gunslinger this will definately be my go to pack.

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Thanks for the review! Have you had a chance to put a substantial amount of weight, say 15-22 pounds, and if so, what did you think. I think at 2.4lbs less than the Longbow, and only 100ci less, it would be a good choice from MR. Thanks!

marley, how long is your tripod. Looks like a nice day pack. I have the 6500 as well but need a good day pack.

Mike

I put all my gear that I normally pack for a day hunt minus my food and snacks which is probably around 15-20 pounds and the pack rides very well. It has the same harness system as the 6500 so that will give you an idea of how it feels. Very comfortable with that weigh. My tripod breaks down to 24 inches I believe and fits very nicely inside the pack. You could probably fit a 27" tripod inside and plenty of straps on the outside to strap to if needed.

Hey Marley, why you runnin the tripod down the side instead of the sleeves in the back?

You could....I just like to have my heavier items as close to my back as possible.