New MR Metcalf has 3 New Bag Sizes

[tatertots]

Got the email from GOHUNT this morning on the pre-sale of the redesigned MR Metcalf. Has 3 different bag sizes (50/75/100), a new color, redesigned/lighter frame and the load shelf sits higher. Already pulled the trigger on the 75 in that new color.

New 2024 Mystery Ranch Metcalf hunting backpacks just released! // GOHUNT. The Hunting Company

A look at several improvements and thoughts after hunting with this backpack this fall

www.gohunt.com

Edit: the current version is 30% off as well

Mystery Ranch Metcalf | Proven Versatility & Rugged Performance

The Metcalf Pack on the Guide Light MT Frame offers improved access, dual side pockets, and unmatched versatility. Perfect for hunters seeking durable, adaptable storage for every hunt.

shop.gohunt.com

I bought the marked down Metcalf 71-liter at Scheels, then remembered I have an ExpertVoice account, and got 42% off of the new Ponderosa 75-liter Metcalf, so returning the other one to Scheels. Also bought the spotting scope sling. Can also buy an 18-liter pack in new color schemes that either attach to the bag, or directly to the frame.

 

[tatertots]

I bought the marked down Metcalf 71-liter at Scheels, then remembered I have an ExpertVoice account, and got 42% off of the new Ponderosa 75-liter Metcalf, so returning the other one to Scheels. Also bought the spotting scope sling. Can also buy an 18-liter pack in new color schemes that either attach to the bag, or directly to the frame.

Forgot to mention, it replaced an older 100-liter Cabela's Instinct Prestige framepack.

 

[perma]

Forgot to mention, it replaced an older 100-liter Cabela's Instinct Prestige framepack.

Hoping you’ll write us a review for us. I think MR checked a lot of boxes with this bag. Welcome to HT.

 

[lifesupport4u]

Sounds like I need to upgrade.

 

[Heapster]

Hello everyone. I am looking for a day pack that can haul out a load when needed. I hear everyone say they can use the Metcalf for a day pack as well. I am looking for a lighter day pack than my Just one pack I have been using. There are so many options out there. I was thinking about going with the Metcalf 75 but wonder if I would be better off with the 100 in the event I wanted to stay a couple days. I would like your guys thoughts as they also have the Pop Ups, Pintler & Sawtooth that are supposedly set up for a day pack. Thanks.

 

[Trial153]

Personally for a day hunts I would use a Pintler…. I really loved how the pop ups would sit lower for day hunting however I found I didn’t care for them for load hauling. They works yes just didn’t haul as well as the guild lite frame. I have used the hell out of my pintler, bears, deer, moose, elk and caribou. I have a seam on a shoulder strap coming apart that I covered with Tenacious tape. Otherwise it’s good shape

 

[Heapster]

Thanks for the response and info as it will help me narrow down my choices. Have you ever thought about or tried others besides your pintler?

 

[perma]

Exo is a good bad that slims down to a day pack. With the new MR I think they’re neck and neck. You’re probably splitting hairs at that point so either would be fine.

 

[Trial153]

Thanks for the response and info as it will help me narrow down my choices. Have you ever thought about or tried others besides your pintler?

I owned a dragon slayer, Metcalf, pop up 18, and 28 …. As well as well a few other brands, SG, EXO, SO and Kifaru

 

[WBouldin]

Exo is a good bad that slims down to a day pack. With the new MR I think they’re neck and neck. You’re probably splitting hairs at that point so either would be fine.

Having tried both - they are not neck and neck. MR still way behind IMO

 

[perma]

Having tried both - they are not neck and neck. MR still way behind IMO

Even the new one?

 

[WBouldin]

Even the new one?

Yes

 

[WBouldin]

That said, the Pintler is a great bag on the MR frame, when you go to a bigger bag, that’s where I have run into issues. My exo K4 5000 can load a 3-4 day hunt or can cinch down to a dayback. The pockets and organization are way more thought out and the frame moves with your body like a skeleton would. Been very impressed

 

[Timberlinehunter]

Is the improved belt design that big of a difference from the previous generation? I just picked up a Metcalf bag when they were closing out the previous generation, and I am very happy with it. Not sure I can justify, jumping to the new generation.

 

[mikefromcanada]

Interested in these as well. Cannot wait to see some real world reviews.

 

[Rack Daniels]

Can anyone link me to what I need to know for switching my bag from a cabinet to say, a Metcalf or a Beartooth?

I’m pretty sure it’s on the guide lite frame. It’s my first MR pack and so far I love the comfort and organization of the straps and pockets. I love that it has the built in loadshelf and I love how little space all the same stuff from my old pack actually took up in there! I’d like to take a look into some of the more conventionally shaped bags rather than the fold in side pockets, and a little more room in the main compartment. They are almost all interchangeable right?? Thanks in advance guys

 

[WVmike]

Can anyone link me to what I need to know for switching my bag from a cabinet to say, a Metcalf or a Beartooth?

I’m pretty sure it’s on the guide lite frame. It’s my first MR pack and so far I love the comfort and organization of the straps and pockets. I love that it has the built in loadshelf and I love how little space all the same stuff from my old pack actually took up in there! I’d like to take a look into some of the more conventionally shaped bags rather than the fold in side pockets, and a little more room in the main compartment. They are almost all interchangeable right?? Thanks in advance guys

The new updated pack for this year is a new guide lite frame that isn't compatible with the "old" guide lite and guide lite mt bag. Mystery Ranch still sells the conversion kits to go between the guide lite and and the old mt frame. The new frames are the called the ultra light mt. I have the metcalf with the original mt frame that I purchased in 2018-2019 before they came out with the guide lite mt frame. I was excited to try and buy the conversion kit for the new metcalf for this year but the frames are different and as far as I know there is no conversion kit. I'd have to buy a whole other pack which I was looking at the metcalf 50 just to have something a little smaller than the regular size metcalf.

From the MR website:

• The METCALF bag from 2020 to 2023 is not compatible with the ULTRA LIGHT MT frame, as the ULTRA LIGHT MT frame uses ¾ inch buckles for the OVERLOAD shelf instead of 1-inch buckles.
• The ULTRA LIGHT METCALF bag is compatible with the GUIDE LIGHT MT frame with a simple modification. To make the ULTRA LIGHT METCALF bag compatible with the GUIDE LIGHT MT frame, remove the HD Gate Keeper Lock from the bottom web compression on the ULTRA LIGHT MT frame and attach it to the bottom compression web on the GUIDE LIGHT MT frame. You can also use the quick attach buckle that comes with our QUICK ATTACH ACCESSORY STRAPS and place two snap attach buckles to the bottom loop of the daisy chain. This will allow for the buckles on the bottom compression strap from the GUIDE LIGHT MT frame to attach to the bottom of the pack.

 

[Rack Daniels]

The new updated pack for this year is a new guide lite frame that isn't compatible with the "old" guide lite and guide lite mt bag. Mystery Ranch still sells the conversion kits to go between the guide lite and and the old mt frame. The new frames are the called the ultra light mt. I have the metcalf with the original mt frame that I purchased in 2018-2019 before they came out with the guide lite mt frame. I was excited to try and buy the conversion kit for the new metcalf for this year but the frames are different and as far as I know there is no conversion kit. I'd have to buy a whole other pack which I was looking at the metcalf 50 just to have something a little smaller than the regular size metcalf.

From the MR website:

• The METCALF bag from 2020 to 2023 is not compatible with the ULTRA LIGHT MT frame, as the ULTRA LIGHT MT frame uses ¾ inch buckles for the OVERLOAD shelf instead of 1-inch buckles.
• The ULTRA LIGHT METCALF bag is compatible with the GUIDE LIGHT MT frame with a simple modification. To make the ULTRA LIGHT METCALF bag compatible with the GUIDE LIGHT MT frame, remove the HD Gate Keeper Lock from the bottom web compression on the ULTRA LIGHT MT frame and attach it to the bottom compression web on the GUIDE LIGHT MT frame. You can also use the quick attach buckle that comes with our QUICK ATTACH ACCESSORY STRAPS and place two snap attach buckles to the bottom loop of the daisy chain. This will allow for the buckles on the bottom compression strap from the GUIDE LIGHT MT frame to attach to the bottom of the pack.

Sounds like I need to take it into the MR HQ here in town…

 

[WesternCO68]

Anyone with more experience with the updated Metcalf?