New Backpack Time

[BCrams]

I had a chance to check out the Mystery Ranch System when a fellow I know here bought one. I compared it side by side with my Barney pack and I thought it was an interesting pack.

I asked myself which pack would I use for my sheep hunting between the two. While the Mystery is only a couple pounds lighter, I did not like how the 'pack bag' attaches to the 'frame'.

Overall between the two, the Barney still came out as the tougher pack to take for long extended sheep hunts.

That said, if I was hunting 3-6 day hunts for sheep along the Fraser, Ashnola etc, I'd be inclined to try out the Mystery Ranch. But anything beyond and I want the Barney. Its a proven pack and I have had 'zero' problems with mine over several sheep hunts.

[palmer]

Can't seem to find any details on Barney packs...can someone give me a site to look them up

[Gateholio]

I put 70 lbs in the new MR pack last night, hiked up a hill, downa bit up a biit and finally ended up at our rifle range, walked out to 300 yard stand and put up a target, got back to firing line and dropped the pack as a rest.

Took 3 shots at the 300 yard target for a pretty good group, checked elevation then adjusted scope.

Half a dozen shots on the 340 yard gong and I packed up and headed down the hill.

Good drill for hunting, getting a little work out and then shooting. I'll do that a few more times beofre the season, for sure!

70lbs felt like something, but it felt pretty good in the new pack. I'm pretty satisifed so far.

[BlacktailStalker]

This is a good thread.
I'm in the market for a pack for a 2 week sheep hunt this year too, had my eyes on the MR.
I've got a J104 which is fine for a few nights or whatever but with the super spike duffel on, it brings the weight way out "back" and behind you.
Just about any pack is fine for a few days, but 10-14 days is a serious new ball game when comparing packs...
And going in isnt what I'm concerned about it handling.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Can't seem to find any details on Barney packs...can someone give me a site to look them up

"Barney's Sports Chalet" is in the middle of reworking their website to become a better "online" store....to serve us better.


SSS

[Mr. Friendly]

I'm just a hair under 6ft tall. very short legs...like 29" inseam short. any suggestions for a pack designed for a long torso? I don't have an unlimited budget either, so being price conscious is important.

[Rust]

I'm just a hair under 6ft tall. very short legs...like 29" inseam short. any suggestions for a pack designed for a long torso? I don't have an unlimited budget either, so being price conscious is important.

You should take a look at the MR stuff. I am sure would be able to get a good set up that fits you well.... Give em a call they are happy to talk to ya and answer and questions you got.

[whitetailsheds]

The June/ July issue of Eastman's Hunting Journal Magazine reviews several packs, including Eberlestock, Mystery Ranch, Blackhawk, and couple others.