Pack help

Fallbrook Forge

Fallbrook Forge

Joined
Jan 1, 2006
Messages
1,649
So I'm in a dilemma. I need a new pack, I'm looking at getting a Mystery Ranch NICE:http://mysteryranch.com/packs/pack.php?ID=54 frame for my large ALICE pack, along with some Tactical Tailor modifications:http://www.tacticaltailor.com/ruckmods.aspx
Or, a Kifaru Zulu:http://kifaru.net/MGzulu.htm

I've already owned multiple Kifaru packs and have loved all of them in thier own way, I miss both of my Zulu packs(Zulu/ZXR) the most

So I'm looking for input/feedback/ideas/pros/cons/ basically anything. Actual experience would be great too

Thanks
Semper Fi
 
Ive been doing a lot of research recently on packs and basically if you want the best made pack in the world buy a Mystery Ranch. I will soon be ordering a Mystery Ranch NICE 6500 and Crew Cab. I was looking for a pack that I can carry all my gear in for a 7-10 day hunt and still pack out meat. I have been reading alot of first hand experience on Mystery Ranch from alot of sheep hunters and guides and basically Mystery Ranch blows everything else out of the water. Mystery Ranch packs aren't for the ultralight crowd (although they are coming out with a light line)...they are made for the guys who want the best made packs that can haul over 100lbs with ease. Alot of guys say that the MR packs make a heavy load seem much lighter. They are a little on the the expensive side but they are made in Montana and have great customer service and warranty. And you are basically buying a frame/pack that will last a lifetime of abuse. Buying the NICE frame also gives you the option of one day buying there CrewCab system to go with it. If you want to read up on MR I would suggest taking a look over at 24Hourcampfire.com backpacking forum and Alaska Outdoor gear forum.

Heres a link with alot of info and pics on the NICE frame. http://www.militarymorons.com/equipment/mystery/mystery3.html
 
I have a Mystery Ranch Big Sky in Multicam and love it. It is made in the USA and is comfortable, overbuilt, and customizable ( 3 yoke and 3 waist belt sizes). The Multicam version of the bag has MOLLE/PAL webbing on the waist belt and sides of the pack. I don't think you can go wrong with Mystery Ranch.
 
norcalblacktail mentioned that these packs make a load actually seem lighter. I've never had the chance to use a MR, but I can tell you that the same amount of weight can feel vastly different in different packs. A well-fitted and supportive pack can really work wonders if it spreads the weight out well. My Arcteryx Bora 80 does just that. It's heavier than a bunch of packs in its size range, but it is really comfortable, especially after many miles. I'm not trying to sell you on Arcteryx, just supporting the fact that a good fitting pack can be a blessing, especially when you've had many days and nights of sore shoulders and back and chafed hips from a lesser pack. Good luck in your search.
 
gruntinhusaybah said:
BBT: did your pack come with all 3 sizes, or can you order it in one of the three sizes?
Click to expand...

You have to pick the yoke and belt when you order, but you can order additional ones later if someone else is going to use your pack. I'm thinking of ordering a NICE Crew Cab or a NICE 6500, and if I do I could order a yoke and waist belt for my Big Sky to fit my wife. Mystery Ranch has the best customer service that I've ever dealt with and will spend a lot of time on the phone answering your questions. Let me know if I can answer any more questions.
 
I have a "Badlands" 4500. This is one heck of a pack. I do wildeness bowhunting and we pack 40 - 60 pounds of gear into the hunting area through the mountains. Then we carry all that gear on a daily basis as we are hunting. If we shoot an Elk or Muledeer, we pack the meat out of the mountains to the packtrain which is usually about 8 miles away. Those packs then weigh an incredible weight. The pack is extremely comfortable.

I have used just about every make of pack out there and each has its advantages. The Badlands have all those advantages COMBINED.

The Badlands is expensive - $350 - but is worth EVERY cent. They also have a lifetime warrenty with a "no questions asked" clause. I am really really happy with mine.
 
Hmmm.... this is gettin greally tough, I love Kifaru's products and thier CS is absolutely top shelf, where I've never dealt with MR but have heard nothing but amazing things about them. I have a large ALICE pack laying around and am really leaning towards the NICE fram with large ALICE. I'm thinking this option because it'll be alot cheaper than a ZXR with about the same cargo capacity

anybody see any holes in my theory?
 
I have the MR Gen2 NICE frame along with the CrewCab and Daypack lid. Best pack I've ever used or come across. I was so impressed with their carry system I've dumped all my other packs and bought a MR 3 day assault to use as a day pack when the NICE is just a bit too much. I'll never buy another pack again (at least until packs come with anti gravity systems).
 
I'm glad I clicked on this thread. I wasn't familiar with Mystery Ranch until now. I have a feeling a NICE frame and Crew Cab + Daypack Lid may be in my future.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
gruntinhusaybah said:
alright, I did it, I just ordered the NICE frame and strap kit to use with my med or large ALICE packs
Click to expand...


Excellent! I can't wait to hear how you like it. What torso length do you usually buy or adjust your pack to? I have a long torso and I'm wondering how it would fit....

I think the Mystery frame/pack system is very interesting. I don't suspect it is anything less than outstanding in performance and quality, considering it is designed/manufacured by Dana Gleason.

I really love the clever design of the Crew Cab pack, but the price is way high for my budget. The beauty of the systems is the option to buy a $15 strap set and use an ALICE pack while I save up for the Crew Cab. :rolleyes:

Good luck with your new frame,
desmobob
 
You are going to be VERY pleased with your Mystery Ranch pack! I own several including the BDSB which is an early Kodiak. I also own several Kifaru packs. I am a huge fan of both companies and am not going to say one is better than the other. My PREFERENCE is for Mystery Ranch all the way because of the fit and finish and the different materials used. The MR packs include several innovations that I really love. Kifaru packs are bombproof, well made, great materials and all that but I see them as military rucks and as such do not have the refinement of an MR pack. I don't think the refinement comes at the sacrifice of durability either. Nobody can touch the MR suspension systems IMO.

The NICE System is very nice. A buddy of mine has it and it is the only pack he uses anymore.

My favorite feature MR uses a waistbelt/frame interface that obviates the need for the triangulated lower straps that Kifaru boasts about (and is the same system almost every other pack maker uses). Those triangulated straps that pull the load into the waistbelt require more adjustment each time you adjust your load. On an MR pack that tension comes from the waistbelt itself. It's a VERY slick system, very comfortable and carries well.

I look forward to reading your impressions of your new pack :thumbup:
 
As has been said you won't regret it at all. Actually, there may be one regret. You didn't order the CrewCab at the same time to save on shipping because you will end up with it.
 
apsilon, I can see that as a possibility, I plan on using this as my primary backpacking bag, and when I'm not backpacking it'll be my BOB to keep in my truck

I'll do a review once I get it

thanks for the help guys!
 
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