Is this new line the best hunting backpack?

New for 2024, Mystery Ranch has completely overhauled their flagship backpack in their hunting lineup, known as the Metcalf!

The Metcalf will be available in three different sizes/capacities going into the new year, a 50 liter, 75 liter, and a 100 liter. Note: These packs are available for pre-sale through the GOHUNT Gear Shop and are set to be shipped towards the end of January.

In addition to the new sizes, the Guidelight MT frame has been upgraded to the new Ultralight MT frame, which drops a significant amount of weight over the previous version.

A close look at the big improvements to the pack and thoughts after using one this fall

Earlier this fall I got my hands on the new Mystery Ranch Metcalf and I put it through its paces. Check out the video below to see my first impressions, my three favorite improvements to the bag, and why it checks the right boxes for a hunting backpack.

For context, the Metcalf 75 is 4,575 cubic inches and weighs 5.27 pounds, while the previous Metcalf was 4,335 cubic inches and weighed 6 pounds. In the table below, you can see the cubic inches and bare pack weight of the three new packs. It’s also worth noting that all three packs will be available in men's and women's models, the women's models having a shoulder harness specifically built for a woman's torso.

In terms of best-use-case scenarios, I would suggest the Metcalf 50 for day hunting and perhaps an overnight scouting trip.

The Metcalf 75 is an excellent choice for weekend backpack hunting and day hunting. It's also the perfect size for day hunting late season when you are packing extra gear to keep you warm. The 75 is a great size for multi-use and can be compressed easily.

The Metcalf 100 is specifically built in a sense for backpack hunters. I believe it’s ideal for 5-7 day backpack hunts, and depending on how efficient you are with packing or if you are willing to use the load shelf for extra gear, you could readily do 8 or more days of backpack hunting out of it.

Design and layout differences

The overall design and layout of the new Metcalf packs are similar to the previous model in that each pack has a full-length side zipper on the left side of the body of the pack, offering easy access. They also have an ultra-wide large opening on the top of the pack with a roll top closure and buckle to simply roll down and compress the contents of the pack. The roll top is a nice feature, which I prefer over the drawstring closure of the previous model.

The new Metcalf packs will also include the internal water bladder sleeve and a top lid that comes with all three sizes. The Mystery Ranch top lid is one of my favorites, with two separate zippered pockets for organizing your gear. There are also side attachment points for the lid straps when you want to use the pack without the lid and easily secure the roll top closure. The design of their top lids also allows it to be used as a rifle rest when a quick shot presents itself. The packs have multiple compression straps for securing a bow, tripod, or rifle to the pack.

I also appreciate the stretchy side pockets on both sides of the pack that work well for a Nalgene water bottle or to hold the butt of a rifle or tripod legs. Mystery Ranch hunting packs are also known for the load shelf that allows the user to detach the bag from the frame and load heavy game bags of meat or other gear between the bag and frame. The new packs continue with the load shelf with an updated design, which I will touch more on below.

Highlights of the backpack I appreciate

I got a chance to use the Metcalf 50 this year on a few hunts, and for me, the biggest changes are:

The new packs have a 26” frame, which is 1” taller than the previous Guidelight MT. The one-inch difference in height may not be significant for a lot of users, but for folks with longer torsos or who are taller in general, it’s a nice update because it allows you to get a better angle and more lift. In addition to the frame height, there are multiple load lifter attachment points on the frame that give you the opportunity to adjust that angle to the user. One issue I have had with previous models is that I didn’t feel like I could get a good angle that offered lift, the changes in the new packs have addressed that issue for me, and it fits and hauls a lot of weight much better. The Guidelight MT frame used a five-piece hip belt with thick dense foam. I thought that the hip belt was comfortable and a strong point of that frame. The new packs have a single-piece hip belt that resembles the Guidelight frame that was used perhaps 4 or 5 years ago. The foam in the hip belt of the new packs feels softer and less dense to me. When I first looked over the pack, I was somewhat skeptical of the new hip belt, because I do like the five-piece belt on last year's packs, but having used it on multiple hunts this fall, it is comfortable, sits well on your hips, and stays put. The foam is comfortable, is lighter weight and I didn’t notice any real drop in performance. It’s on par with last year’s, and it helps cut some weight overall.

Lastly, we at GOHUNT have been asking Mystery Ranch to move the position of the load shelf up some and allow for users to better secure heavy loads higher up on the frame of the pack, and they delivered this year! The load shelf sits a couple of inches up where it attaches to the bag and you now internally can pull the load up a bit higher. In packing meat, this is advantageous as it allows me to put the heavier weight higher up on the frame, which in turn allows more freedom of movement and less fatigue in my hips. The new configuration of the shelf is a good update, and truly felt like it hauled meat more comfortably. Mystery Ranch also has the simplest, easiest, and quickest option to access the load shelf. All the user has to do is undo the side compression strap buckles, undo the buckle that runs behind the frame (easily accessible), and lift the bag up off the frame and your load shelf is exposed. It literally takes seconds compared to other packs on that market that can take a few minutes and are not as simple to figure out for new users. 

The new Ultralight MT frame looks similar to previous models of Mystery Ranch packs in that they still utilize four vertical stays and three horizontal stays connected to those by being sewn in sleeves. The frame is very rigid vertically and horizontally but does offer some twist/flex, which is great as you are hiking and moving with a full pack. 

Finally, Mystery Ranch Packs use a telescoping shoulder harness, which can be moved up or down to allow the user to get a custom, comfortable fit for your torso length. This is an easy process, you pull out the plastic portion of the frame sheet, slide it between the velcro portion of the harness to separate those, and then slide the entire harness up or down. I have always liked that the harness adjustment of Mystery Ranch's pack is uniform for both the left and right shoulder straps, and it’s so easy to adjust. I also appreciate the ergonomically shaped shoulder straps. They seem to hug your upper body well and sit comfortably.

To sum up, the latest Mystery Ranch backpacks have undergone significant improvements, taking into account the feedback they received. These design updates have proven to be highly effective. Not only are the new packs much lighter and more adjustable, but they also excel in terms of weight distribution and overall comfort.

The new two-tone Ponderosa color option also looks really sharp. The new Metcalf packs are also available in Sitka Subalpine camo, coyote, and foliage colorways. Check the new packs out in the GOHUNT Gear Shop now.