One thing I have found about Mystery Ranch is that there always seems to be people passionate about them.....ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE:). The people who have them defend them to the death and the people that dislike them bash them every chance they get.
I get many PM's about info on MR packs, because of this, I will go into as much detail as I can and answer as many questions as I can. Hopefully this will clear a few things up and help people get a better understanding of what MR packs are capable of.
I will post several pics of the LongBow and go into further detail at the end of the pics.
NOTE: I am going to keep the reviews to around 100 posts......Helps for downloading reasons:)
With that being said, it's not a traditional "load hauler". After you get above 50-60 pounds, the pack will start to loose it's comfort level. Again, it is more then capable of 100 + pound loads...It just won't feel as good as a traditional load hauler.
One of the things that I had mentioned in the earlier pack reviews was the load lifters. With a 19" or less torso, the lifters will be above shoulder level....After that, they will be more of a load stabilizer and just pull the pack in closer to you back.
To help people get an idea of what the longbow would compare to, I will list a few packs that would be in the same class.
Badlands 2200/Blacks-Creek Canadian/Badlands 2800/Sitka Flash32. There are many others, but this will help give you an idea. Keep in mind that the Lonbow (in my testing) was able to hold more weight then any of the packs that I just listed.
This pack will make a great day pack/scouting pack/1-3 night bivy pack. It would be in the top of it's class for the first load out.
This pack has no limits in the amount of things that can be strapped to it. It's diversity is second to none IMO. You can buy extra over the top straps to help with attaching horns, you can detach the main body of the pack from the Nice frame and stick a elk quarter in between the pack. This weekend I attached the Daypack lid from my Nice 6500 and had plenty of room for my overnight scouting trip and could have stayed at least 3 more nights.
I think it should be noted that the Longbow attaches to what is called the "nice frame". This means that once you have the Nice frame, you can buy any of the MR Nice packs and attach it to the nice frame. I also own a Nice 6500, I can swap the Nice frame from the 6500 to the longbow in under 2 minutes.
If you are looking for a pack that can handle ANY amount of weight and will last a liftime........I would stick the Nice Longbow at the top of the list.
I have no doubt that you could fit your kid inside. I have seen a video where a guy (Mark Seacat) was packing his dog around in the Longbow.
PM me if you have anymore questions
I actually started with the MR Crew Cab. However, by the time I added the Day Pack lid and a couple of accessory pockets to make it more functional, the pack and frame were well over 9 lbs! As a bivy hunter who counts every ounce I found that weight to be less than acceptable. When the Longbow was introduced I purchased it and have never looked back. In fact, I sold my CC the following week. At 6-1/2 lbs, including the NICE Frame, Longbow bag, and zippered waist belt pockets, the Longbow fits my needs perfectly.
The pack itself will hold 3-4 days worth of bivy gear and food. For longer trips I add a lightweight accessory bag to one side and gain another 800-1000 ci that will get me out to 7 days in the field. If I am lucky enough to tag out, I detach the bag from the frame and place the boned out meat in between with some additional strapping. The rack/head gets attached to the top with another set of straps and I'm good to go. BTW, the set of straps over the top of the rack/head can be attached to the shoulder harness and used as load lifters.
I did that with the over the top straps, but the pack needed to be stuffed full for it to work for me.
I will post a pic of what you are talking about so people can see how it works. If you have a pic...Please post it.
That really is the key, there needs to be something on the top of the pack to get an appropriate strap angle.
When I get back to the house I will post a few more pics.
How does this stand up to the Sacrifice?
My next pack is going to be an MR DragonSlayer. Should be a good little pack for day-trips and quick mountain hunts.
I don't know that you could compare the Sacrifice and Longbow....but I will try:) The Sacrifice is a extreme ultra lightweight pack with limited payload and the Longbow is a average weight pack with a giant payload.
load hauling/durability/crafstmanship/quality and options would go to the Longbow.
The biggest thing that the Sacrifice has over the Longbow is it's total weight of the pack and the total cubic inches of the pack.
The Sacrifice is 4 lbs and 3,400 cubic inches
The Longbow is 6 lbs 8 oz's (with Nice frame) and 2,400 cubic inches. I would say the the Longbow is little bigger then what it is rated for.....I thought it was closer to 2,600, but I'm not the best at math:)
The fact that you can detach the longbow from the nice frame will open up a ton of options.....Packing out a whole antelope for example:) I saw a pic of a guy doing that with the longbow.
I would say the oz counters with a frame pack in the truck may choose the Sacrifice. The guys that don't mind packing the 2.8 lbs of packweight and have the ability to pack out anything will choose the Longbow every time.
I am going to do my review on the 6500 soon, but I will touch on a few things about the pack.
It can handle ANY amount of weight that a human can cary with a decent amount of comfort. The load lifters on the 6500 have 2 attachment points. The upper attachment points would give a guy with a 19-22 inch torso a 25-45 degree angle. The pack also compresses down to nothing and has as many options as a pack could possibly have.
NOTE: The Nice 6500 will be my go to multi day pack and my load hauling pack as well. That should give you guys an idea of how much I liked the 6500.
If I were doing a 7-10 day trip i may go with the 6500.
It would fit you, but you will need a large yoke and after 50 ish pounds it will start to loose it's comfort level. With you having a 22 inch torso ( I think) you will have trouble getting any pack to fit perfectly. You prolly know that already, but you won't find many packs of that size that will work. If you have used the Badlands 2200, that is about your only other option.
I will send you a PM as well.
It's genetics:)
The Longbow would work perfectly for that. in the last pic I posted, it is set up for 4 nights of gear and I stuffed a bunch of chit in the OR dry bag to try and simulate what you are talking about.
I don't think MR has the bag you are talking about for sale yet. I have a Kifaru game bag and that is what I will use for my boned out meat, it's a perfect fit fot the Longbow.
I strapped a couple of my 45# plates between the Nice frame and Lonbow bag (the bag had all my gear in it) and it stayed really tight to my back. It was not the most comfortable thing in the world, but with that much weight......Nothing in the 2,500 in pack range ever is:)
This is a tough little bag. I have read about every review i can find on it and they have all been fairly positive. I think if you add the waist belt with the pockets you can add another few cubic inches to it also.
What did it weigh on our scale?
I know you are going to have a heart attack, but MR did not lie about their weight. On my scale it was 1 oz under their estimated weight.
Nice Frame and Longbow 6lbs 7 oz's_____on my scale
My NICE frame, Longbow, and (2) zippered waist pockets weight in at 6 lbs 9 oz on my scale.
MR makes most of their stuff out of 500 denier Cordura. Not the quietest stuff know to man, but wears very well.
I looked at the OR bag....It says #5 on the tag.
You have plenty of attachment points and compression straps to make that happen, but the Longbow bag itself can be rolled with relative ease. The longbow is a duffel bag (sort of)until it is attached to the Nice frame. So you could stick the longbow pack just about anywhere on the 6500 with out to many problems.
-Quality and durability are top notch.
-Versatility is top notch. I got a lone wolf alpha with 5 climbing sticks between the frame and pack, then hung a heater body suit off the back. Had about 60 very awkward lbs in it, and it stood up to it but was not very comfortable.
-Comfort breaks down for me after 40-45 lbs--I'm 6'3". The culprit was the load lifters. They need to make a taller edition of the frame.
-I'm sending the pack back to MR for a refund. They offer a 60 day money back guarantee if the pack is in new/unused condition.
I have a Kifaru Pointman, and the frame in the K pack fits me a LOT better than the MR Nice frame. I just can't justify keeping them both, and although the versatility and organization of the MR ROCKS, the comfort of the Kifaru has to win out.
That pack will definitely be on my back every day in AZ this coming September. Either my Crewcab or 6500 bag will be waiting in the truck to haul out the meat the Longbow does not get on the first trip. I love the interchangeable bags with the NICE frame.
The other option would be to install aluminum stays (like the 6500 has)inside the Longbow bag.
I think that people need to understand that the Lifters on the Longbow are at the same angle (depending on torso length)as most other packs on the market of that size.
All the Sitka packs
Badlands 2800/Hypervent/superday/and others
All the Eberlestock packs
All the Blacks-Creek packs
So keep that in mind when choosing a day pack/ scouting pack or 1-5 night bivy pack. You will not get anything better or more comfortable (with heavy weight) in most of your other pack options.
Hardcorehunter, MR might sell fewer packs, as they are not of commodity quality like the others you mention.
Kifaru makes some neat stuff. I use some of it. I replace about 2 gunbearer uppers every year, as they break. You'd think they could get it right with some improvements, but it's nice that they continue to send me replacements for free. Smith might be a great guy and good gear designer, with a great company, but my friend who hunted mtn goats with him in the same camp in canada once said he sure was a sissy for a "backpacking hunter" icon.
Thanks for your time to review all the packs to date great threads! I own the MR Longbow (for 3-4 day trips)and have been waiting for your review.
I heard that MR maybe changing the nice frame (making them taller)to allow the load lifters to function better with heavy loads. Any truth to that?
In the photo with the bow strapped to the pack. It looks like your tent is strapped to your rightside and something else to the left side. Have you tried placing the tent and the other item between the frame and pack. Say putting the tent,sleeping pad, camp shoes, things that weigh the most in a loose fitting dry sack (so you can place them in position) then place the pack on and cinch down. Better yet fold the tent and pad so they fit nice in a game bag or dry sack then place between the frame and pack?
What do you think of the lid cover for a day pack?
Looking forward to your review of the MR 6500 and the aluminum stays you mentioned.
Thanks Rob
Yes, the size of the Longbow makes the load lifters somewhat of a moot point. I was hoping i got the point across earlier, but that is what I was trying to say:)
Thanks for your time to review all the packs to date great threads! I own the MR Longbow (for 3-4 day trips)and have been waiting for your review.
I heard that MR maybe changing the nice frame (making them taller)to allow the load lifters to function better with heavy loads. Any truth to that?
In the photo with the bow strapped to the pack. It looks like your tent is strapped to your rightside and something else to the left side. Have you tried placing the tent and the other item between the frame and pack. Say putting the tent,sleeping pad, camp shoes, things that weigh the most in a loose fitting dry sack (so you can place them in position) then place the pack on and cinch down. Better yet fold the tent and pad so they fit nice in a game bag or dry sack then place between the frame and pack?
What do you think of the lid cover for a day pack?
Looking forward to your review of the MR 6500 and the aluminum stays you mentioned.
Thanks Rob
Rob
I have done what you are talking about, but I try and leave the space between the pack and Nice fram open. That way when i kill something I will not have to worry about where to stick all of my gear.
I liked the day lid option on the Longbow, but the "up and over" straps will do the same thing, but I can jamb a few extra things in the day lid.
Seacat can answer any of your MR specific questions (new products), just send him a PM.
I had the Bighorn and thought it was one of the best packs (of that size) that I had ever used. Keep in mind that the Bighorn is good to about 60-70 pounds before the suspension is shot, but for everyday hunting and first load out type of stuff, I don't think you will find anything better.
The durability would go to the Longbow.
Both the Longbow and the Blue Widow will compress down really well and the are both going to be "rigid" to a certain degree.
I like the fact that the Longbow loads vertically, as compared to the Blue Widow which expands horizontally.
To make it 5 days with the Longbow, you would need some lightweight gear......If you are the guy that carries everything but the kitchen sink:) the Longbow would loose out to the Blue Widow.
I specifically asked MR if they were coming out with a taller version of the NICE frame when I ordered my Longbow. The answer I got was that it is on the drawing board, but several other projects are ahead of it. It would be at least a year before a prototype could be tested.
I really hope they follow through on this...even though I'm sending mine back for a refund I would buy a taller version in a heartbeat. Very high quality well thought out packs. If I didn't have my Kifaru Pointman I would be keeping this version.
I would agree with you about the five day thing....some what anyway:), but most of the guys I know that use the Longbow are using it for 1-5 day hunts. I know that most people would need a larger bag for this type of trip, but I have no issue with getting 3 nights/4 days of gear in the Longbow.
I would add that comparing the Longbow and the Blue Widow is not the best comparison since the BW is twice it's size.
"The rack/head gets attached to the top with another set of straps and I'm good to go. BTW, the set of straps over the top of the rack/head can be attached to the shoulder harness and used as load lifters."
Aron,
"I did that with the over the top straps, but the pack needed to be stuffed full for it to work for me."
Aron,
How are you attaching the over the top straps or the lid to the shoulder straps. Can you post a picture? Are you using another clip/buckle?
Rob
"The rack/head gets attached to the top with another set of straps and I'm good to go. BTW, the set of straps over the top of the rack/head can be attached to the shoulder harness and used as load lifters."
Aron,
"I did that with the over the top straps, but the pack needed to be stuffed full for it to work for me."
Aron,
How are you attaching the over the top straps or the lid to the shoulder straps. Can you post a picture? Are you using another clip/buckle?
Rob
If you need some tips on how to pack your pack correclty, I can attach a few links with good pictures and videos that will help you out a bunch. Let me know if you need some help.
If the nice frame fit me I'd use it but with the loadsling and sea to summit drybags rather than the cc or longbow etc. the loadsling looks like a great choice weighs and costs less etc.
Another good thread Aron and I'm glad the pack is working for you. I read through your original pack review thread from March and didn't get the impression it would become your go to rig.
For me....MR is still too much money for a once a year hunt. But for someone who lives out of their pack at least every other weekend of the year and more in the western mountains....its a great choice.
Personally...I love the concept of an external frame pack with multiple attachment options for multiple packs and bags. Versatility is a great attribute of any product. I wonder why they have not taken the technology of the OX frame (the quick detach/attach system) and made a NICE II that can expand both vertically and horizontally to fit any torso and body type as well as pack system. Now that would be the ****.
The 6500 has 2 attachment points for the load lifter straps. I will post some pics later this evening and that will show people in better detail what I am talking about.
As far as the Nice Frame and Longbow...I did my best to go over my thoughts and how it compares to other packs of it's size. The lifters on the Longbow are not any diff then before, but it is as comfortable as other packs of it's size and I know it will hold together.
When I got my first Longbow (last year), I was under the impression that it was a load hauler (when I ordered it), but when I started to test out the pack, I found out the the comfort level would max out at 50-60 pounds. That is about the same weight as my other packs comfort level, but they are not holding up to the abuse that the Longbow can.
to sum things up.....The Longbow is still not a "load hauler", but is able to handle a ton of weight and will work for what it is intended for.
The Longbow is well suited to multi-day bivy hunts. I can go up to a week with it by adding an 800 to 1000 ci accessory bag to one side. You definitely have to know your gear and be very need specific to be able to get everything in, but it can be done. The only thing I need the accessory bag for is to carry food for days 3 thru 7; everything else goes in the Longbow including my spotting scope and tripod, which could be placed on the outside as well.
As you can see, this pack is a true load hauler. The load lifters are at a steep angle (I have a 20 inch torso) and it has a multitude of compression straps. The yoke is fully adjustable as well as the waist belt.
In the pics I have about 75 lbs of gear/food/optics and clothing, enough to last me 12 days of hunting.
With the Nice frame and 6500 combo, the load lifter angle would work for several different torso lengths and you have 3 options in waist belts and yokes (shoulder straps).
I have had close to 300#'s in this pack (in the gym) and it held up well. I would feel good about loading up any amount of weight in this pack and it making it back to the truck with Zero issues.
The thing about the Nice 6500 is that it will work for just about anyone's body size and torso length. The Longbow and Crew Cab are obviously a personal preference and can be debated on about fit, but the 6500 would work for anyone. IMO
This would be a tough pack to top for multi day trips and a true load hauling pack.
When your pack isn't being used... make sure to either unclip or loosen the load stabilizer straps... you'll get more life out of your shoulder pads that way!
I've enjoyed reading your reviews of our products and those of other pack companies... very well done and informative!
Mark Seacat/Mystery Ranch Backpacks
The tripod is a Slick Sprint Mini...Works great for my Swaro 65, but any bigger of a scope and it won't work very well:)
It takes me a little under 2 minutes to swap the Nice frame from the Longbow to the 6500.
The 6500 has a water bladder pouch.
You don't need to have the day lid attached to the pack, if you wanted to save weight, you could use the pack without the lid attached.
The 6500 was 9lbs 4 ozs with the lid attached, without the lid, it was a 8 lbs 6 oz's
You could use the up and over straps on the 6500, but I don't think they would be needed.
Longbow - great day pack/multi day gear hauler up to 50-60lbs. After that it will haul a sherman tank if you ask it to but you won't like it. Same with most packs in this class like the 2200, 2800, and similar erblestock and kifaru packs. Yeah...they will ALL handle the heavy load but they are not designed to do so comfortably above a certain weight...generally 45-60 lbs. Quality of materials are top notch on all these packs but the MR materials are a cut above in terms of breakability under the kind of stress our craZy bro has demonstrated so clearly on here. ie. you can slam the buckles of a longbow in the car door and the door bounces off......try that with other buckles of other packs....you won't be plesed in my experience. Military grade cordura cloth vs. other stuff..... Its all good stuff but there is a difference in durability...which means alot to me as I can tear up an anvil in a sandbox......really.....literally
6500 - with its multiple load adjuster attachment points it is more versatile and a true load hauler pack. When A-ron tells me he can not break it....I take him at his word. Much more comfortable with a heavy arse load and a totally different class than all the other packs reviewed including the 4500. No comparison between an internal frame pack designed for up to 60 lb loads before extreme discomfort sets in and an external frame pack where 125 lbs is not totally uncomfortable and it can take up to 300lbs plus. Different packs for different purposes. I have carried a heavily loaded 4500 before....it will hold all you want and can handle but it don't feel good above 50-60 lbs.
I am curious to see how my Kelty Cache Hauler stacks up this fall. It should be more comfortable under a heavy load than the 4500 by sheer design but its not the quality and durability of construciton of the MR 6500.....I just can't justify the expense for once a year hunts. I think for my purposes it will be sufficient. I just wish it had the ability of the 6500 to accept a load of meat as well as my pack of gear so I don't have to leave the gear in the pack behind.
btw...two MR 6500's with nice frames on Ebay right now at $400 each. That is $225 off retail at least. I'm tempted but won't buy this year. Maybe next or in 2012. I like quality gear even if I can't justify it.
Seacat......do the right thing....offer your customers a (free) conversion on the packs you currently market to include a 2nd (higher) attachment point for the load adjusters. IF you can do it on the 6500 and other packs no reason you can't do it on the longbow and similar packs with singular attachment points. It will not make them true load haulers but it will drastically increase user comfort under bigger loads. Hell if BL can offer an unconditional lifetime warranty (you pay cost of shipping only) this is just a small thing you can do to increase customer loyalty and value to compete. And get on the Nice II frame that is fully adjustable both width and length.....its a winner......trust me. (grin)
BL....to keep up you need more bullet proof materials.....Zebco cheaped you out.......the switch to nylon buckles from cheap arse plastic was a step in the right direction......follow it through on the entire pack on all materials. Make it bombproof. That is the market calling. Make it ulitmately versatile. Expand upon the Ox frame techonology and make more offerings of true load hauling monstrosities like the MR 6500. The existing lines have their place and value no doubt. I miss my 2200 and lust for a 2800 for a day pack...I'll make due with my ultraday this year. You have a great base....build on it in the right directions.
I have no experience or opinions on the other quality stuff out there by Eberlestock (sp?) and Kifaru.....I know folks on here like their stuff and that is enuf for me. I'm sure they can benefit from the same suggestions. oh yea.......how about making the damn things waterproof? That's a no brainer. If sitka can make downpour gear that is 100% waterproof and light outta thins arse light material that I can run through a blackberry bramble in and come out intact....why can't the pack manufacturer's come out with packs made from something similar so I can delete a pack cover from the wieght I carry and crap I gotta remember to take with me?
J
I should add: whatever pack you settle on, if you are panning on carrying substantial weight with it, always...ALWAYS...carry an extra hip belt buckle in your pack.
Bgmhunter
It is because of the attachment points of the load lifters on the 6500. On the Longbow, the lifters are at shoulder height (for most people).....On the 6500, they have 2 attchment points, one at shoulder height and one a few inches above. If you use the higher attachment points (when carrying heavy loads) you can pull on the lifters and they will lift some of the weight of the pack off of your shoulders.
You will find that most 2,000-3,000 cubic inch packs will have the load lifters around shoulderheight (not a heavy load hauling pack)....You will find that most 4500-7500 cubic inch packs will have a 25-45 degree angle. That angle is what will help take some of the load off off the shoulder.
Keep in mind that just because the pack is not a traditional laod hauler, they still may be able to hold well over what a nortmal person can handle.
Feel free to PM or Email me with [email protected]
The Ox would work great for a Meat hauler and can be broken down and left under the seat of the truck.
It's will be a choice of what is going to best suit you needs.
I would look at getting the ripzip pockets as well (for the Longbow). It will add some extra cubic inches.
I think they're the Cats A$$, he may think they're crap, we'll see how it goes.
Also Elk Reaper and other guys that use the 6500; What do you do when you get back into camp? What are you going to do your hunts out of once you have carried your camp and gear back into the woods? You surely aren't going to go out hunting all day with a 6500 and NICE frame on your back are you? Do you carry a Long bow with you too, or a similar pack like a Badlands 2200, so you can have a more comfortable sized pack to use once camp is setup? Thanks.
If you look at the last picture on my 6500 review, you will notice that the 6500 will compress down to the size of a normal pack....You also have the option of using the "day pack lid" on the 6500 for your day hunts.
I will post several more pictures tonight of the 6500 and Longbow with day hunt gear (compressed down), I think that will give everyone a good idea of how small you can compress the 6500 down to.
How much weight are you carrying?!... For the Longbow and Crew Cab designs, the straps aren't "Load Lifters".... they're load stabilizers with the intended purpose of pulling the load closer to your back...
The reason the Crew Cab/Longbow have been so popular... it's a muchDIFFERENT design than anything anyone else has ever done... IMO, it's much better designs for their intended purpose...
ER spoke of the Longbow losing it's comfort level at 60 pounds... I definitely disagree... My 120 pound fiancee carried 65 pounds of boned out elk meat 5 miles from the Montana wilderness this past fall... she didn't complain once!
As far as hunting with a 6500... yes, you carry all of your stuff in, drop the daypack lid, suck up the sleeping bag compartment, compress all of the compression straps.... and you have a small versatile pack capable of hauling more weight than you'll ever be able to carry... please see the attached photo of what a 6500 in daypack mode looks like.
Thanks for the questions!
Mark
I'd prefer a more versatile (and slightly lighter) one stop shop setup like the 6500. Frankly I'd prefer an light internal frame day pack (the lids just don't see large enough to me to carry my raingear, game bags, food, water, etc that I like to have on me on my hunts during the day away from camp) that would be part of but zip out of and larger load carrying pack that attaches to an external frame. The Oregon Pack idea is very interesting I just don't care for their suspension system.....needs a solid external frame option for load carrying comfort. The BL Ox system is another idea and technology that is very interesting but is not all the way there for me yet. Don't like the pack.
The 6500 is great but not sure I want to compress it down to daypack size and be humping around hunting wearing that nice frame.
There is no perfect pack yet for me....so you make the best system out of what you like to fit your needs. The long and short of it is that the internal frame hunting packs are (for the most part) not heavy (70lbs +) load hauling packs unless you enjoy discomfort and the external frame heavy load hauling packs that add a degree of comfort under loads are not great day hunting packs. Pick your poison or find a way to integrate the two and make due. There will always be tradeoffs.
Noise....point well taken Mike. My kelty cache hauler is NOT silent. It creaks and squeaks as I hump along. But it doesn't greatly concern me. #1 I'm not "hunting" so much when I'm humping into camp along the trail so no need for ultimate stealth. #2 there are lots of creaks and squeaks in the woods anyway with trees rubbing, etc. #3 I don't mind looking and sounding like a tree huggin' camping tourist when I'm packing my crap into the woods. When I'm ready to hunt I swap out my Ultraday (which is light and quiet and just the right size for my day needs) and get it on without the sqeaks and creaks....other than my joints. HUNTING packs should always have a priority on durability coupled with quiet.....just like your bow setup.
It's definitely all about fit and intended use, I have several friends that pack out 100# loads with the Longbow and have no issues at all with comfort.
I hope everyone understands that these are my opinions and everyone should get first hand knowledge of a pack before passing judgment on one.
opinions are like....well....you know.....and everyone's got an Aron....LOLOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!! grin....oopps....I mean an opinion.
Not having carried any load in a MR pack....I'll reserve my personal opinion on that and take those of Mark and Aron as to comfort at different weight levels for what they are worth. Its all information and its all helpful in helping each of us MAKE UP OUR OWN MIND. I just can't thank the folks who participate in these discussions enuf for giving honest information to help me guide my decisions.
BTW aron...at over 100 posts now I guess you'll have to start PART V
Like I had said before, the Longbow was able to hold 250#'s....I don't know of any other packs of that size that can handle that type of weight.
I've brought bull elk out on my back, in some cases requiring 2000ft elevation gain in less than a mile. It's always NICE to have a pack that won't rupture.
Did you get my PM?
Between us we had 2 Crew Cabs and 1 Longbow.
(Andrew Crow using a Crew Cab to carry hindquarter/head, 110 pounds)
Mark
(Reggie Parson's with gear and a hind quarter... probably a 94 pound load)
Mark
Thanks for the great review and info.
Two elk front shoulders... while I was taking all of the photos. This was a nice little rest stop... you can see Andrew in the background using a rock to sit on... because of the weights of the packs, it was easier to just find a way to rest rather than deal with taking the packs on and off at each break.
Pack weight... 120+ Crew Cab.
Maybe you wont, and thats fine....but others do it on a regular basis with giant loads in very steep and nasty stuff. Its just a fact of hunting in some of the country that we hunt in.
Its no nice having a 6500 that you can pack in an entire camp, and then hunt out of for a week or more. It packs down very small so you can carry it as a daypack, but when you kill something you can load it right up with meat and antler and take off.
Great packs....
I've just found that leaving the bone in, saves me time, and I really like the structure provided by the bone... I know it's heavier, but I feel like I save meat, and I'm really not worried about the weight savings associated.
It's situational however. When I'm with one/more of my "male" heavy load hauling hunting partners, bone in saves us time and is super easy. When I was with Katie this year on my late season Montana cow elk hunt, there was no way she was carrying multiple quarters and we wanted to move the entire elk in one trip... She carried 65 pounds of meat in her longbow (we could have fit up to 80 in there), and I carried 130 pounds in the Crew Cab.
Mark
The NICE Frame comes in one size... but you can customize the yoke to your specific body...
You'll be a Medium Yoke...
What is your waist size?
Mark
I am 5'10" and a little heavier then you. I also have a 22.5 inch torso. I got measured by REI. You might want to go get yours measured to make sure you get the right sizing.
Seacat's Link
Here's a link to the sizing associated with Mystery Ranch Packs....
Mark
Seacat's Link
Best.
Mark
Seacat's Link
The "Alpha" bag is great... it's much like the 6500, with the exception being the sleeping bag compartment and side zips.
The Alpha has 1 central zip on the back of the bag and has one large main compartment. (compared to the 6500 w/ 2 areas... main/sleeping bag)
PM me for my phone number and I'll walk you through in more detail.
Best.
Mark
I have gotten several PM’s asking about the difference in opinions (between Mark Seacat and I) on Mystery Ranch packs and their specific or intended use. I will do my best to try and explain the reasons why I choose a certain pack and what use I think it will be best suited for….FOR ME
First off would be the Longbow….I stated in a few posts that the comfort level goes down on the Longbow after 60 lbs, this certainly does not mean I would not pack out 150#’s of meat and antlers with it, it just means if I could, I would prefer to use the 6500. I would also add that the Longbow would be more comfortable and handle more weight then any other pack in its class IMO (if it fits you). This does not make the pack a terrible load hauler for everyone…..It just makes it a 2,200 cubic in pack that can handle over 200#’s. This IMO takes the Longbow into a “special” category. I know several hunters that will pack out an entire de boned Mulley, with cape and horns and have 0 issues with the Longbow. As most of you know, I was able to get 250#’s into the Longbow and had no issue with anything breaking……..To sum this all up, when I am talking about “load hauler”, I’m talking about packing 150#’s or more, most would choose not to do this and that should be considered if or when you are purchasing a new pack. I for one will be using the Longbow for 3-day scouting trips, as well as 3-day hunting trips into the high country. The Longbow would also be a top choice for hunters as a daypack. With the Longbows ability to separate from the Nice frame and add a de boned animal or elk quarter between the two, as well as the “horns/antlers” to the top of the pack (with the up and over straps) Makes it a hard pack to beat for this type of use.
The Crew Cab has topped the list in PM’s and E-mails. I would guess the reason for this would be the fact that I prefer the 6500 over the Crew Cab for a “load hauler” and the Longbow for day hunts. I am guessing that this has a lot to do with the difference in the way “Seacat” and I hunt. (chime in if your reading this Mark:)) .... My preferred method of hunting is going into the Wilderness for as many days as I can (10-14) and when I get something down, I will make as little of trips as possible (This is not for everyone and will probably catch up with me later in life). FOR ME, the Crew Cab is not something (at this point) that I would need in my hunting arsenal. There is no doubt (Marks pics prove this) that the CC makes a hell of a hauler, but with me being several miles into the wilderness, for several days at a time and needing the 6500 to get me their, the CC not really a option. For someone that is hunting from a “base camp” or is staying less then 5 days, the CC would be a great pack.
When I am taking guys out this year on Mtn Goat hunts (late October), most would choose the CC, but for me and the fact that the 6500 compresses down so much, I will choose the 6500 every time. This is due to the fact that I will be making one trip, with meat/goat/gear and not coming back. This could be done with the CC, but FOR ME, the 6500 would be my pack of choice. These types of hunts will sometimes require you to “bivy” out at 11,000-12,000 feet for a few days, this could also be done with the CC, but again, I would use the 6500.
In second place on the question list:) is the duration you could stay with the Longbow. For most hunters this will be an overnight pack, but I could go for 5 days (with rip zip pockets) and have no issues. If you know your gear and you are somewhat experienced in the wilderness, you should have no issue with making this a 3 day bivy pack……..If you have questions on what gear, or how I pack the Longbow, feel free to PM me.
Another option (if the Longbow is a little small for you) is the Mystery Ranch ALPHA. I do not have this pack, but will probably order one this month. To me, this would be a awesome 5-7 day bivy pack and could easily be used as a day pack as well. @ 4,200 cubic inches and several compression straps, the sky is the limit with a pack this size…..I will keep everyone posted when I get a chance to give this pack a test drive.
Thanks to everyone that have sent the positive PM’s and E-mails….I’m happy that this is helping some of you with you pack/gear choices.
What "Harcorehunter" said is true. You don't NEED top dollar gear to come out West and kill a big game animal....It would be a lie if I said you did, but if you have ever packed out a animal for any amount of miles or if you have ever spent 4 rainy nights with a leaking tent....well....you won't be dissapointed in your purchases.
That being said, I could take a Rickshaw to work, BUT I would much prefer driving my truck....No need to make things harder on yourself then they already are:)
Hardcorehunter's Link
Herdbull ........
How quiet is the outter material of the Longbow? Would you recomend it as a hunting day pack? Mike
From: THE ELK REAPER .......
I'm going to be using it for a day pack...So I would say yes, it will work great as a day pack. It is louder then some of the other pack companies materials, but not something that I am concerned about.
But on March 4th 2010 in the 2010 Pack Reviews you state this about the Long bow and Crew cab
I did not like the MR crew cab or longbow but thought the Bighorn was one of the best packs I ever used.
So now you do like the Long Bow and are in fact so happy with it you will be using it as your main daypack? Now I see no mention of the Big Horn and you are now endorsing the MR 6500?? Now you understand why I don't get comprehend your reviews.
I would not choose the CC or Longbow for a load hauling pack.
I have not changed my review of the Longbow, but my intended use of the pack has changed.
If my last explanations about the MR packs were to complicated....Sorry, I promise I will try and be more thorough next time.
I would also add that the MR packs are the only packs that have been holding together over time and that has helped a bunch with my decision.
You could always choose a pack on your own....especially if you don't like my reviews.
I actually typed a several paragraph post about the questions that you are asking .....If you can't figure it out from that, I don't know what I can do for you.
I think it's time for you to figure things out on your own. I can't help you.
I already have gone through all of this in my last few posts, if you can't understand what I'm saying from those posts.....I can't help you.
End of subject.....
THE ELKREAPER has done nothing but review packs and maintain a genuine positive attitude throughout. You need to click down 1/4 of a page and notice the DEBATE FREE designation. That should answer it.
Take this and all other reviews for what they are: a description and occasionally a discussion of what the gear can and can't do. Where it succeeds and where it fails. Then make up your own mind from that information.
So what if Aron changed his mind about a piece of gear. That's what being open to the best possible setup will do sometimes. MOVE ON!
The packs that are NICE Frame compatible that MR makes are probably as good as you can get to strap to the NICE Frame. So why strap something else to it. If it is strictly financial, I can understand that, but I don't see any other reason.
you have done us all a great service with your gear threads. I used to like my bone collector as a daypack but now I see that it is too small. thanks for the recommendation on the 2200 for my hieght. It is one comfertable pack. I can see how after some extended use of a pack that your opinion on it can change. if some people can't figure that out that is their problem. keep the gear threads going because the abuse you put this gear through (not to mention the abuse you put on yourself) to give an honest OPINION with the intent of helping all of these guys, many of which you've never met is a real tell all about your character. THANKS AGAIN!
when you coming back to oregon? call me when ya do.
This was the shortest way back to the truck and the only other option was a extra 3 mile trek. This was a shale/boulder slide (about a 1,000yards long) that we had to sit on our butts and slide for a good ways at a time, the sliding was not always on purpose:) and the bottom of my pack was taking some real abuse.
I will tell you without a doubt, when I'm using packs/gear in situations like this, and they fail me for some reason, I WILL NOT USE THEM AGAIN.
I hope this explains some of the reasoning behind me using Mystery Ranch packs.
I wanted to thank everyone that has kept this positive and informative, and also thank everyone for the kind/positive PM's.
My son's 2010 Jake on my ultraday. Worked great......I hate hauling turks outta the woods any other way.
For myself, I am able to fit 5 days worth of gear into my LB, and hunt comfortably off of it. When i say that, It is not all of my gear IN the longbow. but similar to what they have done here, Is I am able to put extra capacity between the LB and the NICE frame to accomodate as much as I need.
Also, That being said, Last year I hauled out 3 elk using the LongBow. In my opinion, the load was as comfortable or More comfortable than it was on my Crew Cab. I just felt that the weight was HIGHER in my longbow than in my Crewcab. (could have been user error in loading the crew cab though). This pack completely exceeded MY expectations.
For each individual it is a different preference. Some would rather hunt with a much lighter weight lighter duty pack, and take almost nothing out in the first load, Me, I want to have a pack that is small, comfortable, and quiet that moves with me while I am hunting, and still have the ability to pull a hundred pound load out on the first trip. I have and still debate with friends and fellow hunting addicts on this topic regularly. What the LB gave me was a comfortable, modest sized daypack, great for dayhunting and small bivys, yet the ability to modify it to longer trips, or carrying out 100 Lbs of meat after I am successful. And this thing can carry as much weight as I can.. so whether I had a pack frame, or anything, It would have felt the same for me! ;)
Keep up the great work, And the pics.. Gives me great ideas on how to modify my program!
Thanks again,, Hope this helps.
FISH
I appreciate the post and understand waht you are saying and agree with you totaly.
I think what I have been trying to get across to people, is that I CAN carry 100lbs + on the 1st load out with the Longbow, but will be coming back in with the 6500. it is a awesome "combo" for me.
All I need to do is swap out the Nice frame to the 6500 and I can take whatever I want on the next load(with the 6500).
I have had the same conversation with friends of mine (on the 1st trip out). I have been using/experimenting with the Longbow quite a bit and if I pack the pack correctly and use the "rip zip" pockets, and 5 days of gear and a entire mule deer on first trip would be no issue. When I tried this set up with my Gregory Z-65, I ripped off the shoulder strap, I know that the Z-65 is not intended to carry this much weight, but the Longbow will handle that much weight and more.
Using the Longbow with this setup (gear for 5ish days) and a elk quarter with backstraps between the frame and pack, would make my second trip out (with the 6500) my last trip out.
When things like this happen (the Z-65 and others breaking), it makes my choices much easier:)
Good luck this season and I will do my CC review soon.
FISH
I also can throw on the "day pack lid" and stick my t-pod and spotter under that and add some food or gear inside the lid.
Just curious, how much 550 cord do you have on the molly webbing?
Also, on one of the bulls that I was packing, All completely BONED meat in meat bags, I found it easier to make an X with the bottom supports to the frame, and tighten them down so when I was sliding the meat in, it was like putting it in a big Taco.
Just seemed easier to me, and seemed to hold the weight higher.. thoughts on that?
BTW, My lil girl is 6, and LOVES this stuff too!
FISH
Yep, you can order the "over the top straps", they have them on MR's website, and I have not X'd the bottom straps, but I will give her a go and see if it feels better.
I should have taken a picture of the buckle (sorry), but it has a small notch out of the middle section of the buckle and you can attach it to any part of the webbing that would need.
I will take a few pics later today and show (in more detail) the way they attach and other uses.
What would you say is the max weight the Z65 would handle before it started to give you problems?
They have them on sale right now at MEC and it is one of the most comfortable packs i have tried on...jut not sure if it will hold up to the occasional heavy load. I use Gregory Packs for racing and they have performed very well thus far.
Sharpstick
I thought the pack was great to about 45-55lbs, but when I got to 80lbs-90lbs (elk quarter) is when I started having problems.
I agree with you on the comfort, the Z-65 is prolly the best packpacking pack ever made (top 3 anyway), but it's just not made for heavy loads.
I almost shed a tear when I broke mine:)
As you requested... ER asked me to give some more details about how much weight I put in the pack, and anything else I like about it.
The three elk that we carried out,, Each time my pack was right at about 100 LBS.. Each hike was 3-5 miles.. So not MAJOR humps, but long enough where 100 lbs gets HEAVY. It takes a while to get the meat bags positioned on the NICE frame, and then get all of your straps tightened, But once it is on, It isnt moving at all!! and the other great thing is that you still have access to EVERYTHING in your pack. (IE.. not putting meat on top or Over the stuff in your pack or fanny pack)
The one thing that I do wish was a little different was the Bladder situation for this pack.. They way I have mine rigged is similar to ER. Where it sits inthe back of the pack, and is tied to the same loop that he has his taped to, But I always wonder if a Decoy steak, or a zipper from a coat or something else puctures that bladder, You are kinds stuck with 60 Oz of H20/ Gatorade mix INSIDE of your pack.. But that is a minor beef.
For all intents and purposes,, I LOVE the pack, and the noise issue doesnt really bother me. it is on my back, and my body is bigger than the pack, so for the most part, it isn't brushing against stuff.
I also love how customizable the straps and buckles make this pack. To strap things on the outside, to attach the bow, to take things on and off make it REALLY easy.
Hope this helps!!
FISH.
Looking forward to the pictures and how the over the top straps attach to the shoulder straps. Great thread thanks for all your time!
Rob
Chit man:) Sorry, I forgot about you! I will post some pics this weekend.
Can you link me to the "over the top straps" on MR's website? I couldn't find them.
Thanks
Jim
I called MR and talked to Drake, he said that they will take orders over the phone for them, but the straps are not on the website. Sorry about that....MY BAD:)
First of all thank you for the great reviews. Second of all Curse you for all the great reviews.
I have gone from going to buy a MR CC before the reviews started to a 2800 in the first three threads back to a MR long bow or 6500.
With the pictures you provided on how to pack the MR's, it has given me ides on how to use it for my regular deer hunting here in Wisconsin.
Again thanks for the great reivews.
I need around 3800 ci for an 8-10 day stay in the backcountry and like the pack, but couldn't use it if it can't be brought up to that capacity.
2,400----------Longbow
600 Total--------2 Rip Zips (300 each)
900-------Day Lid
You could also get some of the larger attachable pockets from Mystery Ranch.
Another Option is the Nice Wolf Alpha pack. It is 4,200 CI and could be a better option.
The pack did great and held the weight much better then I expected... My legs and back not so much lol. I was really please with it as a day pack as well. I really like this pack more then my 2800 and I loved my 2800!
Here is a picture of one of the bucks I saw on the way up the mountain.
I checked but haven't seen where you reviewed any Kifaru packs. Do you have any experience with them?
The best guys to ask about Kifaru packs
Matt
Ermine (he is a poster child for Kifaru)
Most sites you have your die-hard MR and the other half Kifaru. Like boots, trucks, etc. everyone is different and you can not go wrong with either MR or Kifaru!
Ermine and I traded my LH for his Siwash, so I have used almost all their hunting line. The Siwash is the one I use the most, but for heavy hauling the LH will serve you better, but just do not like packs above my head for hunting.
Back to the Elk Reaper show.
For reference I am 6'2".
My hunting partner has a Crew Cab and we will be doing some hikes in the next few weeks to shake them out.
When I tag out my plan is to take a first load out in the packbag after transferring my clothes/food/gear to a smaller bag(Kifaru calls them Pods) that attaches to the rear of the main pack bag. At the truck I will then take the packbag off and head back for more with the frame set up as a hauler with the top lid and a cargo chair.
Should mention that I will be bivying out for 5 days or so.
https://kifaru.net/longhunter_hauler.html
Jordan, if you can break it, Kifaru will fix it! I can not carry enough weight, but if you really want to see pics of my ugly mug wearing my Kifaru, MR, etc packs, i'll gladly post them, but DWP pretty well summed it up. The G2 are even beefier and better. Read most Kifaru cult why I like it and the suspension is why most do. The bag is just that. MR of Kifaru you will be well served and they will fix it or replace it! My buddy sent a old, torn up Spike and they made it good again, no charge.
Larry
Since there was recent questions on the Blue Widow, I went and bought one Saturday to try, it's going back tonight. For $300, I say save a bit more and get one of the mentioned above. My opinion is like A$% H, blah, blah, blah.
"What makes the suspension system one of the best?"
Kifaru uses a different approach on their suspensions. Rather than using narrower, thicker padding in their hip belt, they use a wider, thinner belt that drapes more over the hips. They use a stiff plastic frame sheet and pretty beef stays which, combined with the load lifters, really allow you to shift the weight to the hips. That was one of two things that set the Kifaru apart from the NICE frame when employed with the crew cab (and presumably the longbow). The downside to the NICE frame is that it has load *stabilizers* which pull the load closer to your back and does not shift the weight up off your shoulders as effectively as the Kifaru. With the Kifaru Longhunter, I can carry 70# and get virtually all the weight off my shoulders and onto the hips. The NICE frame is more hunting-friendly, as it does not stick up above your head nearly as much - much nicer to carry all day and hunt with. It comes down to which you prefer.
"Where are the load lifters attaching to the pack in relation to the tops of your shoulders?"
It depends on the pack, and the stay length relative to your height (not to mention, the Longhunters are adjustable), but they work really well. You just need to make sure that you get a pack with long enough stays relative to your back length. A tall friend recently bought a smaller Kifaru pack, and it simply did not fit because the stays were too short and the lifters were below his shoulder height.
"How much weight can they handle before tearing seams, breaking buckles, etc?"
The Kifaru's are beefy, but the hunting packs use a lighter weight cordura than their military packs (which probably accounts for the Kifaru weight avdantage vs. MR), but they are very durable. There are accounts on their web site of guys packing 180# with the LH. One thing I do like about the Kifaru hunting packs versus MR is they are lighter weight for volume. I am not a big guy, and frankly will probably never carry more than 100# or so. The Kifaru handles that well, and I don't feel like I am carrying around an extra 2# that relates to durability I will never really need. The bigger Kifaru packs carry the weight better, but the smaller packs will carry boned out deer and elk quarters without durability issues. Comfort is another issue.
I am convinced their hardware (buckles, etc.) is as good as they come. One great thing about the LH in particular is that the top pouch, which converts to a day pack, uses the same buckle as the main hip belt. So, if you break the hip belt buckle (like a friend did last year on a hunt, yeah...you), you have a ready replacement.
I should have strung him out a day or two before I offered him my spare...
Regardless of what pack you buy, get a spare hip belt buckle. And make it a habit to clip the belt closed when done and loading it into your car or dropping it at spike camp. Less chance of slamming it in a door or stepping on it and breaking it.
"How are they constructed as far as pockets and what fits? Single or split main compartments?"
This may be one of the downsides to the Kifaru, they have very few pockets in stock configuration. My LH has the top pouch and the main compartment (w/ bladder sleeve) - that's it. The MR's are much better in this regard. Kifaru sells a variety of add-on pockets (as does MR) however. What I have taken to doing is using pouches like stuff sacks (Kifaru sells some slick little zippered pouches) to organize inside the main compartment. It works well, but is not ideal.
"Can they accomodate a spotting scope and tripod as well as a bow or gun?"
The packs have side compression straps that easily hold tripods/trekking poles but do not have any dedicated pocket for a spotter (they sell add-on side pockets which would fit the bill however, and both companies have some cool add-on pockets). The bladder sleeve could be used for a scope I suppose.
Kifaru's gun bearer is a *really* slick set-up for carrying a rifle (lots of guys use it who don't even own a Kifaru pack). Some guys use it for bows, but I haven't. I have used the cargo chair in combination with a piece of thin rope to carry a bow and it works fine (see pic above - although it looks cheap on a nice pack). I came up with a pretty cool system to carry a bow on the new pack (pics later, time permitting).
IMO Kifaru offers a better weight:space ratio and a more comfortable (and in some cases, more usable) suspension - at least as far as I am concerned. I would say Mystery Ranch takes the cake in terms of really heavy load hauling (120#+?), slightly more durable materials (hence the weight disadvantage, although Kifaru's military line is probably comparable), modularity, availability (Kifaru shipping time is typically 6 weeks), and perhaps value.
Both are great manufacturer - great products, great customer service, made in the USA, etc., and you can't go wrong with either.
If you really cannot decide between the two...just remember this simple rule...tie goes to the Bowsite sponsor (Mystery Ranch).
Thanks, I really appreciate it.
The basics are a Kifaru grab-it on the bottom, and a contraption I made of webbing at the top. The grab-it provides protection for the lower cam, and the top *should* really locate the bow to keep it from rocking left to right. I will probably use some closed cell foam from a z-rest inside the grab-it for a little extra protection. It should also make the bow really easy to take off the pack should the opportunity present itself.
The top strap should be usable with most any pack, and starts with a slotted quick attach female SR buckle (https://kifaru.net/kits.html). This is attached to a loop for a compression strap on each side of the pack.
I also use a Primos bow sling when packing to protect the cabling.
When you pack a bow, remember that if you have arrows in your quiver to have them between your bow and the pack if you will be walking through brush (the opposite of what I did in the pic above) so low hanging limbs don't pop them out of the gripper and onto the ground. You can also duct tape around the arrows on the gripper to keep them in for more rugged packs (along the length of the gripper, and then small strips between arrows if needed - just remember to untape when you start hunting). A friend of mine reputedly had 2 arrows left in his quiver by the time he got above the brush line on a mountain goat hunt, so I took that lesson to heart.
Thanks Matt
http://www.niteize.com/collections/backbone-cases
I got the size 10 for my GPS. Next I'll have to get one for my soon to be new camera.
BP
Can you please post some pictures of the over the top straps or lid you use on the MR Longbow. And how it effects the load lifting.
Thanks Rob
Sorry it has taken so long:) I ran home from the office and snapped a couple photos, they are not the best, but I will post a few more when I have more time.
Hope this helps a little.
Rob
Rob
Rob
The folks I know that go on 15-25 day backpacking trips without resupply swear by them for comfort while carrying very heavy loads, and they also say that durability is great. Each pack is built for the person that orders it as well for a fully custom fit. Cost is up there, but seeing how much MR and Kifaru packs cost, it wouldn't be too different.
My intended uses for this pack are day hunts here in the mountains of NC.
Construction was as expected from Badlands. The weight unfortunately was as expected a bit heavier than advertised coming in at 3lbs 1oz. I easily trimmed that weight off in the excess strap lengths (I'm pretty skinny). The pack fit well, and balanced/rode well with all types of loads inside of the pack. The few things that I lashed to the outside of the pack rode well too, but they consisted of a ground blind, a chair, a sleeping bag, a spotting scope, and a tripod. Not all at the same time either.
I appreciated the simplicity of the layout as I dont carry a hundred different things to fill pockets with, but there were still enough to segregate things. The pack itself is pretty streamlined and does not catch on a lot of underbrush.
This pack is by no means a load hauling pack as its suspension according to Badlands maxes out at 40lbs. I have had up to 50lbs in it, and the pack performed ok, but comfort did drop quite a bit after 40lbs, and was about perfect around 30. The load lifters are right around or a little lower than shoulder height, and did nothing other than pull the pack tight. The hypervent system was very nice as expected.
All in all I think the pack will perform well for day hunts, and hauling out our small NC deer if/when the need arises. For this purpose I much prefer it to the Ultraday, Superday, Whitetail, X1 and X2 packs.
I have a Blue Widow and have started to carry 50lbs. in it for training. I plan on more Western stlye hunts this year. My question is - I am short, 5'6" and 32 inch waist, is the Blue Widow a decent selection for someone who is short. I do not have much experience with load hauler packs and I don't know what I don't know. The pack feels decent, but it does seem like there is more load on the shoulders than I would think. I did adjust it acording to the Eberlestock instructions. Based on your experience with this pack, is the load lifter situation and the way this pack carries weight better or worse for a short person. Any comments from you or any short folks on the board would be appreciated.
HFlier
I am fairly inexperienced as well, and like you, don't really know what I don't know. It seems I can never keep the load distributed between shoulders and hips for a very long stretch of time without adjustment. Maybe I just have not gotten the correct fit yet. I do know that I pretty much have no waist belt left when I try to cinch it down tight.
I am sure that there are better hauling packs out there. However, for the price, I'm not sure you/we will find anything that is as versatile.
As far as being short: If I am visualizing my pack correctly, I don't think that it would be an issue. I think, if anything, it will give you a better angle on the lifters?? Good luck, maybe we'll see some more responses.
I believe the stays are 22", and even at my height they were higher than my shoulders- which is what you want when carrying heavier loads. They wouldn't stick up above shoulder height for taller guys. So to answer your question, as a load hauler it should function better for shorter guys than taller ones. If it still feels like most of the weight is on your shoulders, sinch down on the waistbelt more (it should sit slightly above your hip bones) and tighten up the load lifter straps.
For a true load hauler you would probably want a pack with even taller stays, even at your height. But as BowMad23 suggested, that really isn't the intended design of the pack. It is supposed to be more of a versatile hunting pack that hauls loads reasonably well.
