The 2024 Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75 is a 5.3 lb, 75 liter hunting pack on a tapered Ultra Light MT frame with a meat shelf. On a five day Colorado elk hunt it carried over 50 lb, including a three person tent, comfortably, with thick hip and back padding. A shoulder strap buckle broke on day one and the frame squeaked while stalking.
Specs and the verdict come first, then the full review.
Table of contents
Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75 Specs
| Metcalf 75 (2024) | |
|---|---|
| Weight | 5.3 lb |
| Volume | 75 L (4,575 cu in) |
| Dimensions | 31 x 13 x 12.25 in |
| Frame | Ultra Light MT, tapered, meat shelf |
| Material | 330D LP Cordura |
| Closure | Roll top plus side zip |
| MSRP when tested | $549 |
Verdict
- Good: carried 50+ lb comfortably, roomy, easy access side zip, good lid pockets, holds a tripod and spotter on the side.
- Know this: a buckle broke under load, the frame squeaked, no hip belt pockets, and the pack fly is extra.
Compare it in our hunting backpack rankings.
For a pack with a rifle scabbard, read our Eberlestock Team Elk V2 review.
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The Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75 has been a staple in the hunting community for years, and for good reason, its durability, comfort, and load-bearing capacity have earned it a solid reputation. For 2024- Mystery Ranch has introduced a few key updates, including a new tapered frame, lighter materials, and a more customizable design. These changes aim to make the Metcalf more versatile.
To put the Metcalf to the test, I took it on a week-long elk hunting trip in Colorado and a separate backpacking trip. For the elk hunt, I packed enough food, camping gear, and hunting equipment for five days, including a three-person tent. Despite all this gear, the Metcalf fit everything comfortably, with room to spare. The 75 liter volume suited the extended hunt, yet the pack also worked great for day hikes when I lightened the load to just water, snacks, and a few survival essentials.
Ultra Light MT Frame: Comfort and Adjustability
One of the standout features of the Metcalf is its Ultra Light MT Frame. Designed to carry heavy loads while remaining breathable and comfortable, the frame system allows for plenty of adjustability. The frame is wider at the top and tapers down at the bottom, which enhances stability and load distribution, particularly when navigating rugged terrain. While I didn’t get to haul out any meat this year, the meat shelf proved to be a versatile feature. It allows quarters or other gear to be loaded onto the system without the hassle of unpacking and reorganizing the entire pack.
The pack itself is lightweight, and even fully loaded with hunting gear, it never felt too cumbersome. The padding on the back and hips is thicker than many other hunting packs, providing excellent support, especially when carrying weight for long hours. The additional lower back padding was a nice touch, and the hip belts cinch down tightly, transferring the weight from your shoulders to your hips, crucial for comfort during long hikes.
While the hip belts don’t come with pockets, they do feature sewn attachment points, allowing you to attach pouches or gear as needed. The shoulder straps are fully adjustable, ensuring that you can find the perfect fit, whether you’re hauling a heavy load or going light on a day hike.
The Main Compartment: A Big Stuff Sack with Versatility
The 75-liter main compartment of the Metcalf is one large, open stuff sack with a side zipper for easier access. It has a few hanging points at the top for organizing smaller items, and the HydraPack bladder insert is a nice feature for those long treks. The top utilizes rolling compression straps which roll up and then buckle together. This does a great job at keeping moisture out and the contents dry. However, it also features a side zipper for quick access to the main compartment.
Multiple compression straps on the outside of the pack help to secure all your items, ensuring nothing shifts around during your hike. These straps also come in handy when packing out meat, especially when hauling heavier or awkward loads like elk quarters. There are plenty of options for securing your gear, and even though there are many straps, they’re organized in a way that’s intuitive and efficient.
The Lid and Side Pockets: Organization
The detachable lid is one of the Metcalf’s most used features. It has two large, zippered pockets that are perfect for storing smaller items. Such as snacks, gloves, or emergency supplies that you need access to quickly. The lid is also a great way to keep your gear dry with its roll-top closure. This is a departure from the usual shroud closure seen on older models.
The side pockets are roomy enough to hold water bottles, spotting scopes, or tripods, and they’re easily accessed when you need them. These pockets are a big advantage when you’re moving quickly and don’t want to waste time digging through the main compartment. They also feature elastic drawstrings, ensuring that your gear stays secure even when you’re moving fast.
Metcalf 75 Performance in the Field
During my trip, the Metcalf was up to the task. With over 50 pounds of gear on my back, including a three-person tent, food, and hunting equipment, the pack performed great on both long backpacking days and shorter day hikes. The adjustable load lifters provided by the new ladder system allowed me to fine-tune the fit. This ensured comfort throughout the day.
However, I did notice a bit of a squeak from the frame during my hikes. This became especially noticeable when I was trying to be stealthy while stalking elk. While it wasn’t a big deal, I did question if elk could hear it once I was close to them. This was more of a personal annoyance than a performance flaw, but something to know for those who think they could move without making a sound.
Durability and Rain Protection
On the first day of my hunt, I encountered an issue when one of the buckles on the shoulder strap broke. The pack was fully loaded, and when I set it down, the weight put too much strain on the buckle, causing it to snap. Mystery Ranch does offer replacement buckles. However, that doesn’t help much when you’re on a hunt in the middle of the mountains. While this was disappointing, I was able to remedy the situation by tying the strap to the frame, and I didn’t experience any further issues.
In terms of weather protection, the Pack Fly, which is sold separately, provides an extra layer of defense against rain. Weighing just 4 oz, it uses a strap between the frame and back pad to secure it over the pack. While the Metcalf’s materials are water-resistant, this rainfly is a nice extra for those caught in downpours.
Metcalf 75 Review Conclusion
The Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75 is a solid all-around hunting pack. Whether you’re packing in for a weeklong hunt or just heading out for a day of scouting, the Metcalf provides the space, comfort, and durability to handle it all. The new tapered frame and customizable features make it even more versatile for hunters who need a reliable and adjustable pack. While the squeaking frame and buckle issue were minor annoyances, they didn’t take away from the overall performance of the pack.
For an MSRP of $549, the Metcalf is priced higher than many other hunting packs, and it suits hunters who want comfort and load carrying ability for extended trips. I plan to keep using it.
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FAQ
How much does the Mystery Ranch Metcalf 75 weigh?
5.3 lb.
How much can the Metcalf 75 carry?
I carried over 50 lb comfortably for five days, including a three person tent.
Is the Metcalf 75 waterproof?
The materials are water resistant; the 4 oz Pack Fly is sold separately for rain.
Mitchell Graf is a dedicated hunter, competitive shooter, and firearms enthusiast. As a former instructor and president of Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team, he has a strong foundation in marksmanship and competition shooting. These days, he spends as much time as possible chasing pigs and coyotes with night vision and thermal optics.
When he’s not in the field or on the range, Mitchell works as a full-time Mechanical Engineer in the Aerospace and Defense industry and manages a part-time farming operation. Whether he’s behind a rifle, designing parts, or working the land, his drive for precision and performance remains the same.
Experience:– Mechanical Engineer – Full-time professional in the Aerospace/Defense industry.– Competitive Shooter & Instructor – Former President and Instructor of Oklahoma State’s Practical Shooting Team.– Night Vision & Thermal Hunter – Passionate about night time predator and hog hunting.– Part-Time Farmer – Working to provide for my family, and raise food for this great nation.
Thanks for sharing this exciting journey!