Multipurpose Pack, eberlestock J107M or mystry ranch CC

[pyroducksx3]

I am looking picking up a new pack that will be pulling serious multipurpose duties. For the most part I will using either pack in daypack for but want the ability to expand the pack to haul out boned out deer. I do some scouting for high buck hunting (1-3 day) and then will be doing a four day 3 night high buck hunt. Things I like about the eberlestock is the built in scabbord, expandable when needed, price. I have been able to try one out with 55 lbs in it and it felt ok. The other thing I like is the ability to take out the superspike duffel and zip it on to the pack and use the big pocket to put meat in so that I can come out with meat and equipment in one trip. The mystry ranch I have heard carry weigh much better but am unable to get hands on one. I think with the load cells and daypack lid may be able to take out all equipment and bonned out meat in one trip but am unsure. The other thing is I have to have a scabbord for the rifle,I think I could pick up an eberlestock side scabbord and attach it to the mystry ranch with no trouble though (?). By the time both are equip tfully either with spike duffel or the other with scabbord/load cell, etc they will weigh about the same. Im hoping for feedback on both thank you. Other equipment is Looking at getting a tarptent rainshadow 2 #1 choice or the tarptent scarp 2, jetboil cooking system, not sure on bag yet something 15-20 degree temp rating.

 

[Tim in Washington]

You should take a look at Kifaru,both the packs and shelters
Tim

 

[pyroducksx3]

You should take a look at Kifaru,both the packs and shelters
Tim

after talking to someone with some expierence it looks like with my torso length I would be dissapointed with both the eberle and mystery and am now looking at the kifaro timberline 2 or 3 and adding a scabbord

 

[Tim in Washington]

before you buy a scabbard check out the rifle bearer from kifaru.I've used both and i think the rifle bearer carries in a better place and is allot more accessible
Tim
by the way,i've got a KU 5200 and recommend it,5200 cu inches less than 3 lbs. pretty hard to beat

 

[pyroducksx3]

Tim have you used the icon 6000 by chance. Im still leaning towards the Ku but just being through before spending that much $$

 

[Tim in Washington]

I have not use any of the timberline packs, but I think they have the same suspension .What part of Wa. are you in?If you are near by you could try mine on
Tim
I'm in Poulsbo

 

[pyroducksx3]

Bremerton, I'd call that pretty dang close who would of though small world

 

[ATH]

after talking to someone with some expierence it looks like with my torso length I would be dissapointed with both the eberle and mystery and am now looking at the kifaro timberline 2 or 3 and adding a scabbord

The J107 is pretty adjustable, not sure what end of the torso spectrum you are on.

The J107 is not the lightest pack made, but I like it as it is well designed and works well both as a daypack and for hauling out a load. I've hunted with it as a daypack, packed in a 3-day camp, and come out with 90-100lb after a successful hunt. Very nice.

 

[sp6x6]

You might look at Nimrod packs. They are modular, and make firefighting packs. They where the first to have a rifle carry system or bow. I have a Pinnacle, actually 3. And I have the fanny, hydro, meat duffle that stores inpack and buckles on, and also the frame that fits, harness, so to speak. I keep frame in jeep, and always have one,that attaches to fanny part.I use a safari sling, my rifle will do me no good on pack when facing off a grizz.

 

[mcseal2]

I hear great things about mystery ranch, can't give any input on them as I've never tried one. Same with Kifaru and KUIU.

What I do know is that I really like my Eberlestock J34. The layout and expansion fits my use very well. I've had over 70lbs in mine and been fairly comfortable. For me much more than that isn't comfortable with any pack, I just do it anyway. The eberlestock's advantage to me is that is works really well as a daypack and can function to do everything else. I use it mostly as a daypack. If I really wanted it primarily to pack a load and still function as a daypack I might look at something else. The biggest downside I see to an eberlestock is that they expand out instead of up so if you have meat in the main compartment and then add camp to a duffle your center of gravity is further back. The biggest upside for me is that I can use it as a nice comfortable daypack, then still get a hindquarter and the backstraps of an elk out with me efficiently after I shoot it. That makes one less trip later. I find the scabbard pretty quick and convenient also. The first year I had mine I jumped a coyote from a patch of brush and killed him 47yds from the patch if I remember right. It's been a couple years and I wouldn't swear to that distance without checking my old post. I know when I spotted him I had the gun drawn and on him without thinking, that is what counts for me.

 

[rtabor]

Just had to chime in. I've been looking for a reason to talk about the Mystery Ranch Crew Cab pack. Took mine on a 5 day hunt in Colorado. It was great for packing in and out, and also converts real small for using as a daypack. Found mine on Craigslist, so it didn't cost too much. Main benefits are its flexibility depending on what you need it for, and it really carries the heavy weight well. I just wish I could tell you how it performed packing out an elk....

 

[mfox497]

I am currently in Afghanistan leading a sniper team. Out of all 3 teams there are 4 Eberlestocks and 6 mystery ranches. There are the Eberlestock Dragonfly and Sky Crane and Myster Ranch 6500 and Long Bows. I have the 6500 and Longbow. All the guys with the Eberlestocks regret not going to extra money for the Mystery Ranch. They are both good but after 80 to 90 pounds the Mystery Ranch takes it by a long shot. The Mystery Ranch seems to be more adjustable and modular. I would go for the Mystery Ranch personally but if you dont plan on carrying more than 75 pounds the Eberlestock would be fine in my opinion. Take it for what you will.

 

[pyroducksx3]

I went with a kifaru timberline 2 and love it. Compresses pretty small for daypack use after you empy your gear at camp. Have had over 70 lbs in it and it feels much better than the eberlestock with much less weight in it even.