I got the CC and have used it now for the past 3 years. I have absolutely loved the pack and would recommend it to anyone. I have friends who own the Eberlestock J-107 packs and Badlands packs and after hunting with me on our pack hunts all admit their packs are inferior to the mystery ranch. I cannot speak to the 6500 pack. All I can say is the CC offers the benefit of a 6000 cu pack, including the flip top lid, as well the diversity of a day pack at only 1900 cu once its fully collapsed. For me this was the perfect fit for how and where I hunt. I have a large 6000 cu pack to get all my gear into to where I hunt and then once there, I can collapse the pack down to a 1900 cu day pack so I am no longer carrying the bulk and the weight of a 6000 cu pack. Also, I have hauled 2 deer and an elk off the mountain with this this pack. It works! I would not consider another pack or brand for a guy who backpacks in miles away for days at a time. Well worth the $$. Good luck.
Fever