I have the sawtooth 45 and love it! It's perfect for me. I live on the Oregon coast, hunt locally and come home every night. My former pack was a huge external frame pack. it was too big and super loud. The sawtooth carries the gear I need and fits on the back much better.
Love Metcaf... as a woman they make a proper frame and straps guide light frame- in M- (S & L women framed are also available) got the Mule bag only option ... to swap out for day pack and approach hiking- invest in life products. Very happy with this- hunting, shed hunt and mountaineering - I added a molly system to add Kifaru add ons when I just need the frame & minimal gear- matching optifade
Hi Randy, I have a few questions that may sound a little random but I hope you can help me with them: 1. Does the sawtooth 45 fit a laptop? (I know this isn't hunting but I'm looking for allround) 2. Do you have any experience with the MULE bag only that you can strap to the frame? 3. Would the sawtooth or MULE back fit between the Metcalf pack To kinda give an idea about why I want to know this is the following: I want to travel the world and need to haul some load. Sometime I want to the large pack for multiday hikes and possibly hunting, and then leave the small one somewhere safe. At other times, I might want to leave the large pack behind and run with the smaller one (city trips etc.) Looking forward to your answer. PS: Do you ship to europe? Cheers!
I was with you, but caught a great deal at scheels this week. All MR packs down 25% brought the beartooth down to $420. Then got $70 gift card for opening a CC with them (already paid off). Bought a brand new MR beartooth in fancy camo for $350. Pretty reasonable for that kinda pack, IMO.
I have a mystery ranch pack for wildland and the thing is comfy as hell and tough as nails! I can only imagine their hunting line has the same attributes.
Nice review! I used to use Gregory and Osprey packs, until I found MR. MR absolutely blows them away from a comfortable stand point, extremely impressed. I picked up a Popup28 last summer to use on early season elk and it was awesome! I actually ended up using it for eastern treestand hunting as well since a Lone Wolf climbing stand will fit perfectly into the load shelf on the pack. No more ultralight uncomfortable hiking packs for me, the added 1-2 lbs of weight is worth it for the added comfort of MR.
Metcalf is the best I've ever used, heard about it from a elk hunter who says he's getting old and I have 18 yrs on him and I'm not old. Thanks for Metcalf tip a few yrs ago Randy. Packed in 80lbs in New Mexico last year with no problems.😁
Love my Metcalf, thanks for the recommendation! Also, I see that snowblower over your right shoulder. Better get rid of that before winter or you’ll have to be handy!!
I own the cabinet, and I think I'll be switching to the Pintler. I find how the cabinet opens up to be really annoying. If you have the pack pretty full, you have to unbuckle the straps on the sides to be able to access the side compartments and when you unbuckle them, the sides fall away from the middle. So, I just found it to be a little frustrating. With that said, the guide light frame is super comfortable.
Thanks for the reviews. Super helpful but now I have more options so I’m more torn! Will you be switching from the Metcalf as your primary pack, to one of these? Thanks again.
I am lucky that I have most models, so I can move between models based on my need. I see the Metcalf continuing as my all-around everyday elk hunting pack.
@Randy Newberg, Hunter Been following you for over 4 years now. I've been prioritizing my budget to go towards up-grading various aspects of my gear each year of my public land elk hunting addiction you've inspired in this Texas boy. My old Coleman Peak1 has served me well and allowed me to focus on boots and cloths so far but the time has come for a dedicated hunting pack. I'm sold on Mystery Ranch. Where I'm lost is in which one to invest in? Most of us will only be lucky enough to have one "elk pack". So what makes the Metcalf your go to? Why not the Marshall or the Beartooth...or any of the great packs you have at your diposal? What is the thought process? Most of us are playing catch-up on shoe-string budgets, so when we pull the trigger there needs to be a high probability of getting it "right". Reference background info: rifle hunter, OTC tags in CO so far primarily, self guilded public lands, 10 to 14 days in the mountains scout then hunt, brother is hunting partner, and spot and stalk hiking.
I choose the Metcalf for my hunting style and type of hunts; mostly elk, mostly base camp with some 2-4 day hunts, self-guided, carry a lot of product gear needing easy access and adaptability, compress relatively flat for day hunts. If I mostly did other types of hunts, say all 5-7 day backpack hunts, I would probably go to the Beartooth. If I did 7-10 day hunts I would probably go with the Marshall.
Will be buying 2...need a medium and a large pack. My daypack is a Kuiu 1800 that I like plenty enough, no need to replace. But? I need an overnight pack and a spike camp/GTFO bag.
no, but to build the points they have attached to each item you do. Say you get the Metcalf which is Randy's favorite all arounder, you would get 59 points into your account which is actually $59 that you can use for other things in their gear shop. If you are not an Insider you wouldn't get that $59 in store credit for buying that pack as an example.
How do you decide how big of pack do you need? I'm just getting into backpack hunting, and the big concern I have is spending a lot of money on a good pack, only to find it doesn't meet my needs. I like the Metcalf, but I'm concerned I won't be able to get more than a few days out of it if I'm out by myself.
dsmeeeman it all depends on how many days/nights you’re going and “luxury” you’re wanting to pack. For example, I can get three days two nights in my metcalf with tent, sleeping bag, food and then a filter for water. Honestly could probably get more if I wanted to. If you wanted to you could probably get close to five days using the load shelf and everything else to haul your gear. Now my buddy packs for luxury and packs in a glassing chair and some other things that I don’t find necessary so he had to go with a higher cubic inch pack. If you call mystery ranch or the gohunt guys they will line you out on what you need. I don’t know what state you live in but I know here in Montana and store that sells them will help you out and suggest which ones they think will work best for your needs. I hope this helps a little bit. I absolutely LOVE my MR Metcalf. I’ve been through a lot of high end packs and even though this one weighs more empty it is totally worth it in the long run!
@@anthonyconnole3480 I live in the Midwest, and in all honestly, this will probably be used more as a day pack/weekend whitetail hunting pack than a Western hunting pack. That being said, if it’s in the $500-$600 range, it would sure be nice if it sufficed for both. I’m leaning toward the Metcalf with the reasoning: If I’m hunting in a group, we can load share a tent, stove, water purification, etc and the 4333 of the Metcalf would probably work. If I am out by myself, I can use the load shelf to pack gear because if I get something, I’m not going to get it all out in one trip most likely anyway. I have limited experience in this area, so please shoot holes in my logic.
dsmeeeman nope that seems perfect! I do that same method. If we are going in a group we split it up and I can take all the stuff you said and if I’m by myself I leave my tent and stuff until the end and pack meat then go back to get camp. I use the metcalf on day hunts like Randy said in his video it compresses down really nicely and it is also great for a multi day pack as well. I think you would be pleased with it. I use mine for day hiking and horn hunting as well! All around great pack and very comfortable
dsmeeeman i also take the lid off when I’m using it as a day pack and it saves some weight. When I do over night trips I normally take the lid off and leave it at camp as well. It is a very nice feature. The metcalf is my go to work horse just like Randy said!
Of course they came out with a new frame and packs a year after I bought mine... I'm not even going to look at the details. Not looking.....not looking...not looking!
Thanks for a quick overview of all those sweet Mystery Ranch packs, I would love to have one and that promo code Randy is nice, but with my budget I may have to get on the classifieds on the Hunttalk.com forums and see if I can scoop up a used one. Maybe by next fall God willing I will be in a spot financially to get one as I am hoping to at least go on one western big game hunt a year.
@@mcuch4253 oh I have, Amazon, etc.. they don't have much in the way of Mystery Ranch or Stone Glacier packs, and the ones they do are not much off MRSP. Thanks though for the heads up.
hey randy great video, can we get a mystery ranch promo code updated? :) I am currently considering buying one of the bags, I tried your code at check out it doesn’t work, would you kindly to give us another promo code for mystery ranch?
Randy your the best. I used your name to buy the 2020 Marshall it was seriously no joke and saved me $70.00. Thank you go hunt and randy !!
I have the sawtooth 45 and love it! It's perfect for me. I live on the Oregon coast, hunt locally and come home every night. My former pack was a huge external frame pack. it was too big and super loud. The sawtooth carries the gear I need and fits on the back much better.
Love Metcaf... as a woman they make a proper frame and straps guide light frame- in M- (S & L women framed are also available) got the Mule bag only option ... to swap out for day pack and approach hiking- invest in life products. Very happy with this- hunting, shed hunt and mountaineering - I added a molly system to add Kifaru add ons when I just need the frame & minimal gear- matching optifade
Good review, just scooped up the Sawtooth 45. It does everything I need for minimalist overnight camps, and hauling loads
Hi Randy, I have a few questions that may sound a little random but I hope you can help me with them:
1. Does the sawtooth 45 fit a laptop? (I know this isn't hunting but I'm looking for allround)
2. Do you have any experience with the MULE bag only that you can strap to the frame?
3. Would the sawtooth or MULE back fit between the Metcalf pack
To kinda give an idea about why I want to know this is the following: I want to travel the world and need to haul some load. Sometime I want to the large pack for multiday hikes and possibly hunting, and then leave the small one somewhere safe.
At other times, I might want to leave the large pack behind and run with the smaller one (city trips etc.)
Looking forward to your answer.
PS: Do you ship to europe?
Cheers!
Got the Beartooth 80 months ago on your recommendation to use MR. Great pack and they owe you a royalty.
great gear...just cant afford it at the moment. maybe in 5 years lol!! how about a budget backpack??
Ethan Gurganus there is no such ting as a budget pack when your going deep you don’t want a a crappy pack
Walmart
Amazon
Why would you skimp on your equipment?
I was with you, but caught a great deal at scheels this week. All MR packs down 25% brought the beartooth down to $420. Then got $70 gift card for opening a CC with them (already paid off). Bought a brand new MR beartooth in fancy camo for $350. Pretty reasonable for that kinda pack, IMO.
I have a mystery ranch pack for wildland and the thing is comfy as hell and tough as nails! I can only imagine their hunting line has the same attributes.
We hunters benefit from the Mystery Ranch R&D within the military and wildland fire segments.
Nice review! I used to use Gregory and Osprey packs, until I found MR. MR absolutely blows them away from a comfortable stand point, extremely impressed. I picked up a Popup28 last summer to use on early season elk and it was awesome! I actually ended up using it for eastern treestand hunting as well since a Lone Wolf climbing stand will fit perfectly into the load shelf on the pack. No more ultralight uncomfortable hiking packs for me, the added 1-2 lbs of weight is worth it for the added comfort of MR.
"Load carriage" is a great concept when there is a load to be carried. MR is hard to beat when it comes to that.
Metcalf is the best I've ever used, heard about it from a elk hunter who says he's getting old and I have 18 yrs on him and I'm not old. Thanks for Metcalf tip a few yrs ago Randy. Packed in 80lbs in New Mexico last year with no problems.😁
Hope you are packing elk out in it this year.
Love my Metcalf, thanks for the recommendation! Also, I see that snowblower over your right shoulder. Better get rid of that before winter or you’ll have to be handy!!
It's my wife's. When I'm gone, no blizzard stands in her way.
@@Fresh_Tracks lol
Randy.....Any new reviews coming with the New Mystery Ranch 50, 75 and 100 packs?
Kind of cool how they’re all named after a different wilderness
Randy, I would greatly appreciate your expert opinion on the best budget load hauling backpacks. Thanks , God bless love the content
Which pack is the best?
The new Selway is on the guidelight MT frame as well.
I'm a happy Cabinet owner; might have to check that Sawtooth out though.
No cabinet or mule coverage? They are load hauling also.
Randy have you tried the Cabinet backpack? And if so what do you think of it as a day pack?
I own the cabinet, and I think I'll be switching to the Pintler. I find how the cabinet opens up to be really annoying. If you have the pack pretty full, you have to unbuckle the straps on the sides to be able to access the side compartments and when you unbuckle them, the sides fall away from the middle. So, I just found it to be a little frustrating. With that said, the guide light frame is super comfortable.
All you did is show inventory, not how to choose one 🤦🏻♂️😂
Thanks for the reviews. Super helpful but now I have more options so I’m more torn! Will you be switching from the Metcalf as your primary pack, to one of these? Thanks again.
I am lucky that I have most models, so I can move between models based on my need. I see the Metcalf continuing as my all-around everyday elk hunting pack.
Thanks. That helps
Great job Randy 👍
They seem very heavy for the ci. My7000 Kuiu ultra is under 5lbs and carries 80lbs + easy
Beartooth vs metcalf.... seems you like the metcalf better ... why
Mystery Ranch has been out of stock for the Metcalfs for some time. Anyone know when they’ll be back in stock?
Looks like they're in stock at goHUNT: shop.gohunt.com/collections/gear/products/mystery-ranch-metcalf-backpack?variant=39109318346
Is the Pop Up frame only compatible with the Pop Up packs?
thank you!
They sound really loud!!
@Randy Newberg, Hunter
Been following you for over 4 years now. I've been prioritizing my budget to go towards up-grading various aspects of my gear each year of my public land elk hunting addiction you've inspired in this Texas boy.
My old Coleman Peak1 has served me well and allowed me to focus on boots and cloths so far but the time has come for a dedicated hunting pack. I'm sold on Mystery Ranch. Where I'm lost is in which one to invest in?
Most of us will only be lucky enough to have one "elk pack". So what makes the Metcalf your go to? Why not the Marshall or the Beartooth...or any of the great packs you have at your diposal? What is the thought process? Most of us are playing catch-up on shoe-string budgets, so when we pull the trigger there needs to be a high probability of getting it "right".
Reference background info: rifle hunter, OTC tags in CO so far primarily, self guilded public lands, 10 to 14 days in the mountains scout then hunt, brother is hunting partner, and spot and stalk hiking.
I choose the Metcalf for my hunting style and type of hunts; mostly elk, mostly base camp with some 2-4 day hunts, self-guided, carry a lot of product gear needing easy access and adaptability, compress relatively flat for day hunts. If I mostly did other types of hunts, say all 5-7 day backpack hunts, I would probably go to the Beartooth. If I did 7-10 day hunts I would probably go with the Marshall.
@@Fresh_Tracks
Thank you sir. That is a great breakdown on how to look at the packs and exactly the information I needed.
Yes that breaks it down nicely. I own a Pintler for a day pack and love it. I am gearing up for a 7 day hunt and just ordered the Beartooth.
Would you run a glacier or terraplane and just run the meat inside the pack?
Yup, if that is what I had.
$475 for a daypack...
Are these made in the USA?
I have a very nice Kuiu pack an other pack won’t hurt
Why doesn’t Randy use Sitka packs? He uses Sitka otherwise. Isn’t that his gear sponsor?
Good bags except camofledge bage
Will be buying 2...need a medium and a large pack. My daypack is a Kuiu 1800 that I like plenty enough, no need to replace.
But? I need an overnight pack and a spike camp/GTFO bag.
Do you have to be a member of go hunt to buy stuff form them
no, but to build the points they have attached to each item you do. Say you get the Metcalf which is Randy's favorite all arounder, you would get 59 points into your account which is actually $59 that you can use for other things in their gear shop. If you are not an Insider you wouldn't get that $59 in store credit for buying that pack as an example.
How do you decide how big of pack do you need? I'm just getting into backpack hunting, and the big concern I have is spending a lot of money on a good pack, only to find it doesn't meet my needs. I like the Metcalf, but I'm concerned I won't be able to get more than a few days out of it if I'm out by myself.
HuntTalk.com folks can help you sort it out
dsmeeeman it all depends on how many days/nights you’re going and “luxury” you’re wanting to pack. For example, I can get three days two nights in my metcalf with tent, sleeping bag, food and then a filter for water. Honestly could probably get more if I wanted to. If you wanted to you could probably get close to five days using the load shelf and everything else to haul your gear. Now my buddy packs for luxury and packs in a glassing chair and some other things that I don’t find necessary so he had to go with a higher cubic inch pack. If you call mystery ranch or the gohunt guys they will line you out on what you need. I don’t know what state you live in but I know here in Montana and store that sells them will help you out and suggest which ones they think will work best for your needs. I hope this helps a little bit. I absolutely LOVE my MR Metcalf. I’ve been through a lot of high end packs and even though this one weighs more empty it is totally worth it in the long run!
@@anthonyconnole3480 I live in the Midwest, and in all honestly, this will probably be used more as a day pack/weekend whitetail hunting pack than a Western hunting pack. That being said, if it’s in the $500-$600 range, it would sure be nice if it sufficed for both. I’m leaning toward the Metcalf with the reasoning: If I’m hunting in a group, we can load share a tent, stove, water purification, etc and the 4333 of the Metcalf would probably work. If I am out by myself, I can use the load shelf to pack gear because if I get something, I’m not going to get it all out in one trip most likely anyway. I have limited experience in this area, so please shoot holes in my logic.
dsmeeeman nope that seems perfect! I do that same method. If we are going in a group we split it up and I can take all the stuff you said and if I’m by myself I leave my tent and stuff until the end and pack meat then go back to get camp. I use the metcalf on day hunts like Randy said in his video it compresses down really nicely and it is also great for a multi day pack as well. I think you would be pleased with it. I use mine for day hiking and horn hunting as well! All around great pack and very comfortable
dsmeeeman i also take the lid off when I’m using it as a day pack and it saves some weight. When I do over night trips I normally take the lid off and leave it at camp as well. It is a very nice feature. The metcalf is my go to work horse just like Randy said!
Of course they came out with a new frame and packs a year after I bought mine... I'm not even going to look at the details. Not looking.....not looking...not looking!
Same....
how long is the promotion good for?
I don't think there is a date on which it expires.
Thanks for a quick overview of all those sweet Mystery Ranch packs, I would love to have one and that promo code Randy is nice, but with my budget I may have to get on the classifieds on the Hunttalk.com forums and see if I can scoop up a used one. Maybe by next fall God willing I will be in a spot financially to get one as I am hoping to at least go on one western big game hunt a year.
Forrest Earnest check on EBay too -
@@mcuch4253 oh I have, Amazon, etc.. they don't have much in the way of Mystery Ranch or Stone Glacier packs, and the ones they do are not much off MRSP. Thanks though for the heads up.
I lucked out and got exactly what I need less 150... good luck and happy hunting. Haha
@@mcuch4253 Oh that is awesome. I hope I can be so lucky, got to keep checking. Thanks and good luck to you as well.
On line gear r sold very costly then local market shop.
Cute... but? Can it keep a Dilly Bar cold?
Just eat it right away.
How many grouse can you fit in the Metcalf? 😉😅😂🤣
hey randy great video, can we get a mystery ranch promo code updated? :) I am currently considering buying one of the bags, I tried your code at check out it doesn’t work, would you kindly to give us another promo code for mystery ranch?
“RANDY” works for MR packs at goHUNT.com
There were so many bags thst I've learned nothing. It just goes from one to another.
ur promo code dosent work
They currently are on sale. Promo code doesn't work with sale items.
@@Fresh_Tracks thank you
You forgot the Mule
Wow 10% off, they shouldn’t have. Lol