new mystery ranch metcalf

Has anyone used this new pack? how is it for meat hauling? as im interested in how it hauls meat against the frame. with no load shelf how well does ciching down the bottom and using the bottom of the pack for a shelf work. or is there a better way? I prefer packing meat between the frame and bag, i like quartering my deer meat. trying to decide between SG solo or the MR Metcalf so any help will br appreciated.

I just got my metcalf last week so I haven't had a chance to really load it up heavy. Initial impressions are veyr favorable though, and the zipper down the side is really sweet. Its a little bigger, and a little heavier than the SG but it should suit my needs very well. A buddy has the Solo and really likes it, I don't think you can go wrong with either, their designs are very similiar especially for packing meat.

I am interested in this also. If you get a chance to even "mock-up" a load and take some pictures that would be awesome.

I talked to Mark Seacat at the expo in SLC. I asked him specifically if the Metcalf was worth selling my Crewcab and Longbow. He said hands down its a better bag! He tested it all last year and hauled out a ton of animals. He liked it for meat better than the Crewcab. I'm gonna be selling my CC and Longbow soon to get the Metcalf!


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LAST EDITED ON Mar-17-13 AT 07:21PM (MST)[p]I just spent an afternoon fondling all of the above. : )

I was thinking of leaving Bozeman with a Metcalf but I ended up going home with a NICE frame with the belt pockets, a longbow, a water bottle holder and a boxed lid thing for my rangefinder. I like the stoutness of the MR as I'm not too much of an ounce counter. I pack too much "stuff" anyway. I went with the longbow because what I really use 99% of the time is a daypack.

All I really want is a system that organizes my gear (which the longbow does way better than the metcalf) with the ability to get the head, cape, and quarter of a deer back to the truck. I always go back with a pack frame for the rest of the animal anyway. I rarely spend more than one night away from the truck and if I ever go on that 5-7 day adventure then I'll get the 6500 for sure. I think the metcalf is too big and open (with lack of internal organization) for a day pack and too small for the big Alaskan adventure. I have two little kids and a 3-5 day hunt is just not going to happen for years so the longbow was my ticket. To each thier own but I think the NICE frame with anybag on it is the best way to start. Glad my Kelty and Ebberlestock days are behind me. Anyone who says an eberle carries meat well has no clue what they are talking about.

"That's a special feeling, Lloyd"

>All I really want is a
>system that organizes my gear
>(which the longbow does way
>better than the metcalf) with
>the ability to get the
>head, cape, and quarter of
>a deer back to the
>truck. I always go
>back with a pack frame
>for the rest of the
>animal anyway.

Don't underestimate the Longbow, I have hauled out an entire boned out mule deer a couple times. Tight fit, but it will work. That being said, I will be picking up the Metcalf the next time I am in Bozeman.