How many of you all use a day pack vs. a load hauler? I have been looking at a few from Mystery Ranch, do any of you all have any experience with their packs? I have been looking at these two: The Big Horn and The Nice Crewcab. I have been considering the Crewcab because it looks like it would make a good day pack and works very well as a load hauler. What does everybody think? Here is their website:
http://www.mysteryranch.com/site/index.html
They are quality packs but you might want to consider the weight. I think they are pretty hefty. At least the crewcab from my memory.
Check out outdoorlife.com, Mark Seacat goes on some backcountry hunts and he's a Mystery Ranch employee. He uses the crew cab alot.
Not sure about those in particular, but whip here (prarie traditions*) has a lot of great packs, different kinds as well! Joe is a great fella to deal with
I purchased an Eberlestock X2 this year. Haven't used it as a meat hauler yet. But it is a well built pack that does great as a daypack. It does have a hauler shelf that folds down. I figure it will work fine for the first load out. Then I'll grab my frame pack to do the rest.
(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u31/snag23/X2HB20w20qtr20fs.jpg)
(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u31/snag23/X220w20scope20sm.jpg)
It's a tough pack and only weighs 4.5lbs. I can get enough gear in it to do a 3 day bivy hunt in it too.
Since I am a former Marine I stand by military surplus gear.A good alice pack can handle a lot of weight and still feel comfortable and the three outside pockets are great for quick access of the small stuff.You defiantly need the frame for the pack and you can;t beat the price
High plains, those mystery ranch packs have an awesome price tag but man do they have a sweet design. I'd like to see one of those babies in person.
The Crew Cab is the most versatile pack you will find. It can carry any type load of any weight. I would pick the CC over any of the "traditional" pack by Mystery Ranch if you plan on hauling meat as a primary use.
People complain about the price and weight of the MR packs, and it is obvious to me they've never owned one or carried a load. I owned quite a few other pack and hauled some pretty good loads and I wish I would have started out with a MR. To compare a Eberlestock or Badlands to them is like comparing a Suburban to a KIA, and yes, I've owned both.