Any love for the MR metcalf

boom

WKR
Joined
Sep 11, 2013
Messages
3,185
I have had a bunch of packs. It is the one i wish I started with. I wouldnt have wasted so much time and money. I have not hunted with it, but I have hauled some big backpack trip loads. It is my most comfortable pack so far. I just got it not to long ago.

It just feels burly. Like it’s overbuilt. There is a tare weight penalty. I’ll accept that if I can’t drag it across the wilderness.
 
Joined
Apr 5, 2015
Messages
5,824
You probably hear less about MR here because of the Kifaru is strong with this forum. Metcalf Is the go to Pack for Randy newberg, a handsome man of impeccable tastes with far more hunting miles than I will ever have.

I just got mine so not a lot of miles on it yet. I have other mr packs and they are great haulers. I am still getting to know the guide light frame but the only difference I can tell between it and the nice frame is the weight and I like pals webbing on the belt. I am sure the Nice is more rigid but I doubt it would make a ton of difference for most applications.

Metcalf is slick. Not much in the way of pockets or organization. It is very light as a bag.
 

Trial153

WKR
Joined
Oct 28, 2014
Messages
8,187
Location
NY
I really like mine, hauls fantastic on the guide like frame. Simple bag design, pretty clrean. i can 7-10 days on it no problem.
 

Steve O

WKR
Classified Approved
Joined
Feb 29, 2012
Messages
2,877
Location
Michigan
I’m the same as Matt. I’d say 90% of the time I use my Metcalf. Hauls all I can handle.
 
Joined
Aug 26, 2014
Messages
3,158
Super bag for hauling decent loads. I sold mine only because I didn't need the capacity and didn't personally prefer hunting with it partially collapsed. That's not a ding against the pack...it's about as near-perfect as they come. I can only imagine how nice the Met bag is combined with the Guide Light frame.
 

power54

FNG
Joined
Jul 23, 2015
Messages
58
Location
Northwest Wyoming
I use my Metcalf (NICE frame) for hunting and backpacking trips, up to a week. I've packed out numerous elk, deer, antelope and a few caribou with the pack. It is bombproof, comfortable and well designed. The only knock is that it's a bit heavy but I have no doubt that it will perform so I don't mind the extra weight.
 

ams

WKR
Joined
Feb 26, 2012
Messages
579
Location
Northern CA
I’m a super duper Seek Outside fan but will be running a Metcalf this year. I really like the whole design from the frame to the bag and now that the belt acts more like a one piece belt it works good for me.
 

pods8 (Rugged Stitching)

WKR
Rokslide Sponsor
Joined
Mar 12, 2014
Messages
3,836
Location
Thornton, CO
The guidelight frame is solid, I used that all last season. After 90lb I get a little slip due to where my waist fits the belt (which I bottom out at that load) but I try to stay under 90 so not a big concern to me. I run my own bags but the metcalf seems pretty solid in the size range, its a tad strappy for my personal preference (and I like at least one long exterior pocket and don't like the side straps covering the zipper). I picked up a stone glacier EVO and I'll build a bag for specifically for bivy hunting but I will definitely continue to run my guidelight frame on other hunts.
 
Joined
Dec 8, 2017
Messages
43
Location
Shenandoah Valley, VA
I’ve got a metcalf on the way. Just couldn’t fit all of my overnight stuff and my Woodbury coat/sanctuary bibs in the pintler. I’m excited to load it up and take it out. I doubt I’ll need the lid so I like the option to leave it behind.
 

CorbLand

WKR
Joined
Mar 16, 2016
Messages
6,556
Love my metcalf. My only complaints are that it’s heavy but that’s the price you pay for it being built like a tank. It also has a lot of buckles and that can be annoying. Carries heavy loads like a dream.


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Joined
Mar 13, 2017
Messages
1,086
Location
Chico, California
I have a couple MR packs. Love them. Never see myself changing it up. I have the metcalf and the Marshall and there are things in the marshal
I wish the metcalf had, bottom zipper primarily. Aside from that they are amazing. Looking forward to getting my pintler next week and throwing it on the frame.


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Joined
Mar 13, 2017
Messages
1,086
Location
Chico, California
Love my metcalf. My only complaints are that it’s heavy but that’s the price you pay for it being built like a tank. It also has a lot of buckles and that can be annoying. Carries heavy loads like a dream.


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Yah the number of buckles can be overwhelming... the marshal is even worse. But yes this is a pack you could drag behind the truck and it would come out ok


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cocky84

WKR
Joined
Dec 28, 2015
Messages
379
Location
Albany Missouri
This is really good to hear. Just got my Marshall last week and cant wait to use it this fall. Would of probably went with the Metcalf but it was sold out in my size in multicam. I heard next year MR will be offering bag only options so can swap out when need be.
 
Joined
Mar 6, 2016
Messages
337
Have been running the mystery ranch nice frame and Metcalf bag for a few years now. This past year i dropped the lid as i don't need the space/ weight/ organization it offers (however it is a very useful lid if needed). I had pods8 make some side pouches and a Nalgene pouch, both of which are bombproof. The straps and buckles are a bit overwhelming and some might not be necessary depending on use. I recently ordered a mule bag and 40L drybag I will be trying out for shorter trips or mule only for day hikes. This pack might be a bit heavier than some packs on the market but they are built like a brick shithouse and will ride great with or without a load.
 
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