- Joined
- Oct 3, 2003
- Messages
- 7,047
I have been really happy with my Mystery Ranch NICE Frame platform packs. I have the Crew Cab that I use to haul in tree stands, 50lb blocks of salt or bags of mineral, and haul out a whole doe last year. I really like the tri-zip platform that Mystery Ranch utilizes so I picked up a longbow bag for the frame. I didnt really like that bag due to the overall size is 2400ci and I think that size bag works better off of the NICE Frame so I have been using my sweet pea pack that is 2000ci if I need something around that size. The sweet pea is roughly 1/2 the weight as the NICE Frame/Longbow combination (Roughly).
Mystery Ranch introduced a new bag this year for their NICE Frame system called the Metcalf. It is super simple, has 3 lifters added to give you more load lift. It has a traditional top loading opening as well as one complete size sip that gives you complete access that I love about their tri-zip design. The Metcalf has 10 total sets of compression straps to really cinch down everything and gives you many options to strap things to the pack/frame so it can somewhat duplicate the Crew Cab capabilities.
The main reason I wanted to give this bag a try is it is 3lbs lighter than the Crew Cab set up and I have been noticing unless I really have a lot of gear I tend to dig through compartments looking for things more than I wanted. SO .the intention is to try some stuff sacks with similar purpose items so I grab the sack that type item is in and go from there. This pack has a total of 3600ci with out the daypack lid. The daypack lid makes the pack potential reach 4500ci.
Here are some pictures after the initial mounting of the bag to the frame.
Crew Cab still in the frame on the right. Metcalf bag on the left.
Metcalf bag mounted in the frame. 10 compression straps total cover the bag. 2 top, 2 bottom 2 each side and 2 on the front.
Top with the 2 compression straps crossed. You can see the hydration tube upending in the center back.
Top opened up showing the 2 levels of cinch chords.
Too Opening
One side has a full length zip opening. Love this feature!!! Full access to all contents. You can see the water bladder pouch holding folded plastic in this picture.
Lay pack on one side and dig in like a duffle bag with the release of 2 side compression straps. You can also see the small inside pocket on the front panel. Thin material to not add weight.
Not a small pocket but not overly large to over use it.
Bag extra compressed to be nearly non existent!!
Add the daypack lid for an additional 900ci of space or additional top support when full.
I am looking forward to giving this pack a go from simple few hours day packs to even possible hauling out a deer by placing the deer between the bag and the frame with all 10 compression straps!!!
Mystery Ranch introduced a new bag this year for their NICE Frame system called the Metcalf. It is super simple, has 3 lifters added to give you more load lift. It has a traditional top loading opening as well as one complete size sip that gives you complete access that I love about their tri-zip design. The Metcalf has 10 total sets of compression straps to really cinch down everything and gives you many options to strap things to the pack/frame so it can somewhat duplicate the Crew Cab capabilities.
The main reason I wanted to give this bag a try is it is 3lbs lighter than the Crew Cab set up and I have been noticing unless I really have a lot of gear I tend to dig through compartments looking for things more than I wanted. SO .the intention is to try some stuff sacks with similar purpose items so I grab the sack that type item is in and go from there. This pack has a total of 3600ci with out the daypack lid. The daypack lid makes the pack potential reach 4500ci.
Here are some pictures after the initial mounting of the bag to the frame.
Crew Cab still in the frame on the right. Metcalf bag on the left.
Metcalf bag mounted in the frame. 10 compression straps total cover the bag. 2 top, 2 bottom 2 each side and 2 on the front.
Top with the 2 compression straps crossed. You can see the hydration tube upending in the center back.
Top opened up showing the 2 levels of cinch chords.
Too Opening
One side has a full length zip opening. Love this feature!!! Full access to all contents. You can see the water bladder pouch holding folded plastic in this picture.
Lay pack on one side and dig in like a duffle bag with the release of 2 side compression straps. You can also see the small inside pocket on the front panel. Thin material to not add weight.
Not a small pocket but not overly large to over use it.
Bag extra compressed to be nearly non existent!!
Add the daypack lid for an additional 900ci of space or additional top support when full.
I am looking forward to giving this pack a go from simple few hours day packs to even possible hauling out a deer by placing the deer between the bag and the frame with all 10 compression straps!!!