Mystery Ranch’s Updated NICE Metcalf, by Matt Cashell

If you’re a hard-core backpack hunter, you’ve heard of Mystery Ranch.  If you haven’t, it’s time.  Based out of Bozeman, Montana, Mystery Ranch is one of the leading backpack designers & manufacturers around.  When I heard they were going to be offering an updated version of their NICE Metcalf based on hunter feedback, I gave them a call.  

Friendly as usual, Mystery Ranch offered up one of the NICE Metcalfs for a Rokslide review.  I happened to know Rokslide’s own Matt Cashell had drawn a good Montana bull tag and would be a great match for the project.  If you’re new to Rokslide, Matt is a very knowledgeable all-things-hunting-kinda guy with a knack for writing.  Take it away Matt.

“Last week I had the pleasure of visiting the Mystery Ranch facility in Bozeman, Montana. As it often does during late spring in the Gallatin Valley, the sun was shining bright, providing a spotlight for the impressive Mystery Ranch facility tucked under the Bridger Mountain Range.

I found the front door and stepped in, finding an interesting showroom. It was neat to see some older Dana Design packs hanging there that preceded

the current Mystery Ranch we’ve all come to know.

The real draw was the shiny new packs on the wall, though, all waiting to be fondled. 

The staff was pleasant and quick to offer assistance.  Robby had given me Andrew Jakovac’s name, Mystery Ranch’s Hunting Line Manager.  I asked if he was around.  It wasn’t long, and a bearded, smiling and soft-spoken Andrew was shaking my hand.  Andrew hails from Eastern Idaho and recently moved into a position at Mystery Ranch to advance and promote the hunting line of packs.  After going over the NICE frame and Lift Kit accessory, Andrew gave me a tour of the facility.

First off, we ran by the incoming shipments bay, where box upon box of raw materials were waiting to be cut, stretched, sewn, bonded, and charmed into the latest Mystery Ranch design:

We skirted through a little ways onto the production floor where the staff was welding those raw materials together:

We went by the repair desk.  Yep, the only repair desk.  There wasn’t anybody sitting there either.  Andrew just smiled and said they don’t do many repairs.  Durability is a top design goal.

We did get into the design area, but I had to put the camera away for that part.  Everywhere we went there was some smiling face to greet us, including a brief introduction with founder Dana Gleason, who welcomed me with the same laid-back friendliness as the rest of the staff.

Andrew and I exchanged some elk hunting stories, having chased them around the same forests a time or two.  He then fitted me with the new updated 2014 NICE Metcalf.  He also mentioned he was really excited for some other new hunting-specific designs and updates that are on their way, stressing that hunter feedback was the driving force behind the new products.  

If you’re interested in learning more about the updated NICE Metcalf, subscribe to the Rok Blog (upper right under Fitness/Other at “Subscribe to blog”.)  Then you’ll receive updates as I test the system in preparation for my Montana bull elk hunt starting with the summer scout and ending with the hunt.

Next time you’re in Bozeman, stop by and say “hi” to Andrew and the staff at Mystery Ranch.  The facility is easy to find at 1750 Evergreen Drive in Bozeman.  Punch it into your phone or GPS; it is just a couple of turns off the 7th St. Exit on I-90.”