Randy had a good response and gave me alot more insight into the Mystery Ranch, I was going into this year with the plan to buy the Crew Cab in Optifade, then the KUIU pack was revealed Framehttp://kuiu.wordpress.com/2011/03/16/icon-carbon-fiber-frame-new-photos/ 3000 cubic inch bag http://kuiu.wordpress.com/2011/01/27/icon-3000-review/ for those not familiar with it. I've never read anything bad about the Mystery Ranch pack, I dont have any problem ordering one over the phone and knowing I'll get a great product pack, but like all things I've heard complaints to, mostly with that the pack weighs, and a few comments about the lack of load lifters, Randy really eased my mind that the load lifters were a non-issue. It looks like I've got another rain day tomorrow, and I am going to talk to Mystery Ranch then about this too.
But I'm still at the issue of weight, I'm sure the pack will carry well, and I probably wont notice to much extra weight, but that said the KUIU Icon 3000 is nearly 3.5 lbs lighter, and when your counting ounces on the scale and evaluting what to take and what not to take, and paying more for gear just because it weighs a few ounces less, it seems counter productive to go with the heavier pack, on what I plan as 5-7 day hunts usually. There both going to sell for about the same price as well.
That said though, the Mystery Ranch is very versatile, can be used as a day pack or really a pack that'd expand to carry enough gear to last more days than my body could actually carry, or just a pack to haul anything else I can think of.
Then theres the KUIU that is limited in size to 3000 cubic inches, would do 90% of everything I could ask it too, but comes in a lighter package, and while not out there in consumer hands for use yet, they swear the prototypes, which are very similar to finished product in everything but trim and color.
But I'm still at the issue of weight, I'm sure the pack will carry well, and I probably wont notice to much extra weight, but that said the KUIU Icon 3000 is nearly 3.5 lbs lighter, and when your counting ounces on the scale and evaluting what to take and what not to take, and paying more for gear just because it weighs a few ounces less, it seems counter productive to go with the heavier pack, on what I plan as 5-7 day hunts usually. There both going to sell for about the same price as well.
That said though, the Mystery Ranch is very versatile, can be used as a day pack or really a pack that'd expand to carry enough gear to last more days than my body could actually carry, or just a pack to haul anything else I can think of.
Then theres the KUIU that is limited in size to 3000 cubic inches, would do 90% of everything I could ask it too, but comes in a lighter package, and while not out there in consumer hands for use yet, they swear the prototypes, which are very similar to finished product in everything but trim and color.