Mystery ranch packs- anyone have experience?

A

ASharpCanadian

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Sep 12, 2011
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I am currently very very close to pulling the trigger on a dragonslayer with 2 side attachments(1 rip zip and 1 long pocket) and an accessory pouch to strap on the bottom (Nice load cell). I like the idea of having a do all modular pack that I can add/remove these attachments as I want. Just the bag for a summer hike and then load her up for a winter weekend or a hunt. folks say they carry weight incredibly well too around 80 lbs?


This is just a shout out for you experienced folks who might have some of this gear to let me know how it worked out for ya before I go for it.
 
Until someone with more comparable information comes along..

I have the Sweat Pea and I would spend the money again without hesitation. For a 3day pack it feels heavy picking it up but once I put it on my back and strap up- it is the most comfortable pack I have ever used. I have not loaded it past maybe 40lbs of junk plus pack- put it on and walk a couple of miles and feel no hotspots or points of muscle strain.

I love the trizip and the construction is bomb proof. I have used Kifaru, TAD, Spec Ops, Blackhawk and Kelty MAP. While I liked them all for individual points, I reach for the Sweat Pea first.

Bill
 
I have a MR Crew Cab and a couple of Load Cells. Couldn't be happier, worst load was nearly a hundred pounds to set up a hunting spot for my 11 year old son. Had to cross about a mile of muddy farm field, not fun. Without that pack it would have taken three trips. I see the Dragonslayer doesn't use the NICE frame, but I'm sure the quality is the same. I would say that while Mystery Ranch is expensive- you get more then what you paid for.
 
I carried one for 2,200 miles in 2002. I don't remember the model, but I carried 40 lbs with no problems at all...a very comfortable, tough pack. I do remember I ditched the lid, which was nothing more than a junk drawer for me, and saved about a pound.

I would definitely use it again if I was looking for a pack to carry a heavy load. I still have it, but it's been sitting unused in my closet for over ten years now.

I believe they are made in Montana.

I have since cut my carry weight more than half and have been using mostly a ULA pack since then. ULA is another very tough pack, but couldn't carry the weight the Mystery Ranch can.
 
thanks folks. hard to find somebody using the dragonslayer. Understandable cause Im wierd- its a very middle of the road use I have planned. Serious hunts etc Id go with a 5000 cu-in not a 2300 pack with 3 added side pockets. But I need something for EDC and scouting so Itll have to do.
 
I have the original Dragonslayer, and it's a great pack, but doesn't have the X frame like the new version(has a full-length frame sheet). No doubt you can load up a bunch of weight and carry it, but the packs. that use the Live Wing waistbelt also have little lumbar padding, and you'll feel what that means well before 80lbs, internal X frame or not. Unless you're packing out meat, it's kind of hard to imagine fitting 80lbs of anything a civilian would carry in there to begin with.
Should be plenty for what you describe, though, and it's going to carry a reasonable load quite well. I've used it for a 3 day backpacking trip with no complaints, and the newer version should carry even more comfortably.
Excellent craftsmanship, fit, and durability. I use lighter packs with ventilated backs the majority of the time, now, but the Dragonslayer is my beater for hauling stuff for toprope climbing and rappels, or that rare occasion I know ahead of time to expect lots of bushwhacking.
It may be hard to beat for a "do it all" pack(that's what I originally bought it for, too) when doing it all includes rough use, but for a dayhiking/weekend pack you can do a better for a lot less money, less weight, and more comfort with a pack made for hiking or backpacking.
 
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I have the sweat pea and mind you it is a tough pack its just not for me. I also have the SATL. This pack is nice but is that weird midd point where it is to small and flimsy for long trips and heavy loads it is too big for a day pack. The sweat pea is nice but not very comfy. Trying to trade for a 3-day assault pack.

For recreational use in my opinion it's hard to beat osprey
 
I've always heard good things about MR packs, they're just a little too heavy for my tastes.
 
I have a circa 2009 MR Dragonslayer w/ the Live Wing belt, and it is a great pack. Pior to my purchase, I was skeptical that the design would carry loads with comfort and stability similar to that of my 1996 Dana Design Bighorn, but my doubts were deleted upon my first use of the Dragonslayer. It's a great pack. The pack layout is relatively streamlined and simple, yet versatile. It's a good size, too, I think - small enough to be used for a day hike, big enough (without add-ons) for a 1-2 night minimalist trip. Materials and workmanship are top-notch, which has been my experience with everything Dana has produced here in the states. Get the correct size, and you'll good to go.
 
I have a XXX trance. I have thousands of miles on it and it is still in great shape. Very light. Best pack I have ever owned and I own quite a few for climbing and backpacking.
 
I have the NICE frame with the Crew Cab and Longbow bags, as well as three load cells, a pair of long pockets, and a daypack lid. It is wonderful stuff! I'm sure you won't regret buying Mystery Ranch packs and products. Yes, they are heavier than some other brands, but I don't think you can beat Dana Gleason's great suspension systems and pack designs.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
I ordered a Nice Wolf Alpha last year. Really liked the pack and wanted it to work, but ended up returning it. The weight was part of the reason, but the bigger issue for me was the lack of shoulder lift. The DragonSlayer is a smaller pack so that may be irrelevant for you though. Have you looked at Kifaru? I find them more comfortable. Might be worth checking checking into as well.
 
I personally own a sweetpea, and it is my favorite overnight pack for hiking, and im hoping to use it climbing this summer. Mystery ranch makes a top notch product and they really are at the peak of the industry. I have a good friend that I do forced marches with on a regular basis who uses a mystery ranch dragonslayer to carry around 60-70 pounds for distances that can go past 14 miles and he seems to really love it.

You should also take a look at the offerings from kifaru and mystery ranch. My Kifarus are my favorite rucks, however I currently have been using eberlestocks for most of my needs. If I was in the market for a hunting pack, I would probably use a eberlestock pack since thier modularity makes them perfect for me, however, if you know what you want, and the dragonsalyer embodies those features, than I wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on it. Great pack, built by a great company.
 
OwenM said:
I have the original Dragonslayer, and it's a great pack, but doesn't have the X frame like the new version(has a full-length frame sheet). No doubt you can load up a bunch of weight and carry it, but the packs. that use the Live Wing waistbelt also have little lumbar padding, and you'll feel what that means well before 80lbs, internal X frame or not. Unless you're packing out meat, it's kind of hard to imagine fitting 80lbs of anything a civilian would carry in there to begin with.
Should be plenty for what you describe, though, and it's going to carry a reasonable load quite well. I've used it for a 3 day backpacking trip with no complaints, and the newer version should carry even more comfortably.
Excellent craftsmanship, fit, and durability. I use lighter packs with ventilated backs the majority of the time, now, but the Dragonslayer is my beater for hauling stuff for toprope climbing and rappels, or that rare occasion I know ahead of time to expect lots of bushwhacking.
It may be hard to beat for a "do it all" pack(that's what I originally bought it for, too) when doing it all includes rough use, but for a dayhiking/weekend pack you can do a better for a lot less money, less weight, and more comfort with a pack made for hiking or backpacking.
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huh if Im reading correctly it isnt the best option for heavier loads? The versatility is why Im going with it- the ability to load it up with weighty guns/game but also able to use it for lighter stuff. I am not gonna buy a condor or whatever just to shave off a pound or two during a dayhike it is so not important for me. Load handling is the most important thing by far. Im young and I hike for exercise, carrying a heavy steel beastlike m14 for hunting..... :). But if you're saying it isnt the best "tiny hauler" out there that gives me pause as I do plan on "overloading" this relatively tiny 2300 cu-in pack with 2 long pockets and a beavertail load hauler even- hoping to take advantage of what sounds like a beefy frame on a small pack.

They recommend around 80 lbs comfortable carry on the new dragonslayers up from 50 on the old ones- wonder if there is something to this lack of lumbar support you speak of.
 
I have the Big Sky (slightly bigger than the one your looking at) and the Trance XXX

Mystery Ranch packs are overbuilt and will outlast pretty much anything else (Kifaru is an exception) many times over.

I've tried a bunch of other packs, and the Mystery Ranch always feels lighter on my back with the same load than anything I've tried from Kelty, Gregory, Osprey, and North Face.

Mystery Ranch packs are a GREAT choice for regular packs and for big load haulers. Look at Kifaru as an alternative - I've never used one, but basically for the best, hard-wear, load carrying packs, it comes down to Mystery Ranch and Kifaru if you don't want to go custom like a McHale. Both Mystery Ranch and Kifaru are made in the US. (I have some other Kifaru products - sleeping bag, woobie, etc - and they're all top notch) Either company will treat you right.
 
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