For the mystery ranch owners...?

[allan]

About to pull the trigger on a mr nice 6500, what king of accessories would you add if any?

[Jim Prawn]

get some of the straps for it, they have their own buckles that snap on to the loops on the pack for strapping extra gear outside the pack. Hoping to use my straps next week cause my pack's too full of sheep meat!
JP

[270WSMGB]

At least 1 rip-zip pocket if not 2, 1 sling pocket, 2 - 36" autolock accessory straps, the camelback resevoir, 1 flip top box, 2 - removable belt pockets

[Tenacious Billy]

For the extra 3 ounces, I'd seriously consider going with the 7500......

[Gateholio]

Be;lt pocket hip belt, rip zip pockets, load hauler.

Have to look at the extra straps Prawn mentioned! :)

[Superdeuce]

Allan, If you are buying new from MR, be aware when I bought some gear from them last year, they had changed their shipping policy and would ONLY ship UPS... Whenever possible, only deal with USPS when shipping from the US or you will be gouged "brokerage handling fees" whereas USPS is just a standard $10 regardless of item value.

There are some MR on the resale market as guys are jumping to Kifaru, Stone Glacier and Kuiu... Otherwise, someone told me there was a place back east in Canada that was dealing MR and at same prices as direct from MR.. I will try and get the company name but maybe someone else knows it?

I would echo the comment for the 7500 too if available, and I don't think you would need any extra pockets for either other than waist belt pockets.

[allan]

At least 1 rip-zip pocket if not 2, 1 sling pocket, 2 - 36" autolock accessory straps, the camelback resevoir, 1 flip top box, 2 - removable belt pockets
Do you actually need all the extra pockets? I don't know what I'd put in all of them. Do you have a pic of your pack with all these accessories on them already?

[270WSMGB]

I don't have a picture at the moment, but I'll try and get one posted. The pockets on the large bags make it very convenient. The sling pocket holds sunglasses. The rip zips help to separate your gear a little better and have things handy (flashlight, etc..). The waist pockets have matches, lighter, etc...The flip top holds any thing additional. There are pictures of these on the bags on Mystery Ranch website. Not a necessity but works for me.

[ElectricDyck]

I don't find a need for any additional pockets, I attached my gps, extra ammo, compass, camera and range finder in there factory cases to the waste belt, in fact I don't see a need for the 6500s pack lid, plus it shaves a pound......they have some accessory straps I would get but last time I tried they seem to be unavailable.....the best weight carrying pack I've had on my back...

[todbartell]

rip zip pockets x 2, watter bottle pocket and flip top box and a load sling

oh, and a crew cab bag :mrgreen:

[ElectricDyck]

The one addition I made to mine..

http://www.eberlestock.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=E1&Product_Code=A2LS

I'll take it off if weight is a major concern as it weighs a pound but it allows for quick access to your rifle and you can still climb with hiking poles...

[todbartell]

6500 w/ rip zips on side
https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/228699_10150177851887992_6831651_n.jpg

flip top box on waistbelt
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/228334_10150177851937992_5860319_n.jpg

load sling
https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/253905_10150202765097992_1220965_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/s720x720/430508_10151103565302992_1775721363_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/557567_10151103565897992_2121702115_n.jpg

[todbartell]

Crew Cab
https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/480993_10150978442677992_1163681955_n.jpg

7500 & crew cab
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/s720x720/524416_10150978432717992_1883658015_n.jpg

[todbartell]

I'll take it off if weight is a major concern as it weighs a pound but it allows for quick access to your rifle and you can still climb with hiking poles...

another good option is the Kifaru Gun Bearer

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/310105_10150328551267992_1199281495_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/s720x720/319981_10150328551562992_734727156_n.jpg

[sheephunterab]

After running external frames for years and now running an internal frame for the past four years, I honestly don't get the attraction of external frames anymore unless you are routinely packing dense 100+ plus loads every day.

[todbartell]

I suppose that's a job for your guide ;)

[goinghunting]

After running external frames for years and now running an internal frame for the past four years, I honestly don't get the attraction of external frames anymore unless you are routinely packing dense 100+ plus loads every day.
What kind of internal frame pack are you using? What don't you like about the frames on these mr packs?

[sheephunterab]

I suppose that's a job for your guide ;)

I've packed loads to 140 pounds in my internal frame with no issues. If you go right on the MR website it explains what uses their internal and external frame packs are best suited to. The internal frame is best suited to multi-day trips with moderate loads and for packing the occasional heavy load. This would basically describe a backpack hunt for sheep or goats to me. On the other hand, the external frame is best suited to continuous packing of very heavy dense loads like meat. I'd like to think I'm a good hunter but I'm only packing a 100 pounds or more of meat once or twice a year whereas I'm carrying 60-75 pounds of gear for the remainder of the time. I spoke at length with one of the MR techs before buying my latest pack and he was the one that suggested the internal frame for my style of hunting.....basically many days with a moderate 60-75 pound pack and the occasional day with 100 pounds or more. I'm glad I talked to him because otherwise I would have followed the crowd and gone external frame as well. I actually borrowed an external frame MR for a two week hunt and IMHO the internal frame is much more comfortable on the extended trips with the moderate loads.

[sheephunterab]

What kind of internal frame pack are you using? What don't you like about the frames on these mr packs?

I'm using a Mystery Ranch Kodiak. I just find the external frames much more rigid and unforgiving, especially in challenging terrain. It would be worth your while talking to the guys at MR and describing your intended use. That's what I did and they were super helpful. I was very hesitant to go with the Kodiak as everyone I knew was using the Nice but I'm glad I did.

[Gateholio]

I'm just the opposite. I don't really like internal frames for anything bigger than maybe a large daypack. I find te MR NICE frame to be the most comfortable pack that I've ever had, and I've been a bit of a pack whore over the years, always looking for the perfect pack, never finding it until I got a MR.

On day hunts I take my NICE frame, hook on the load hauler and the top pack, install a pouch or 2 and use the belt pockets and I've got a comfortable day pack that holds everything I need, and can also pack a whole deer down steep terrain. Before you put the deer in, it's a very compact package, unlike an internal that would be big enough to pack a whole deer out.

If you have never used the NICE system, it's hard to describe/understand.

[sheephunterab]

I'm just the opposite. I don't really like internal frames for anything bigger than maybe a large daypack. I find te MR NICE frame to be the most comfortable pack that I've ever had, and I've been a bit of a pack whore over the years, always looking for the perfect pack, never finding it until I got a MR.

On day hunts I take my NICE frame, hook on the load hauler and the top pack, install a pouch or 2 and use the belt pockets and I've got a comfortable day pack that holds everything I need, and can also pack a whole deer down steep terrain. Before you put the deer in, it's a very compact package, unlike an internal that would be big enough to pack a whole deer out.

If you have never used the NICE system, it's hard to describe/understand.

Have you tried an MR internal frame? I was of the same mindset as you until I got my Kodiak. You can actually strap every thing up pretty tight when running empty or half full so it really isn't that bulky but it's an ample 7,000ci when expanded. I'd have honestly never tried one without talking to the guy at MR but can honestly say I'm now a convert. I'm still not convinced the MR is the perfect pack...there are several things I don't like about it but it's the best I've used............so far. Still on the hunt...speaking of pack whores....lol

[Gateholio]

No, I haven't but when I was looking for a pack I wanted a large pack for multi day hunts in the mountains, and the 6500 is what MR had then. When I put it on it changed my life. :) MR makes excellent products so I am not surprised the Kodial is an excellent pack.

I would try out a Kodiak given the opportunity, but I wanted to point out that for me, the NICE frame system is far better and comfortable than any internal frame pack I've used, including many mountaineer packs that cater to the backpack/hike/climb crowd.

[sheephunterab]

I will say the Kodiak is in a league of its own in the internal frame department.

[Gateholio]

Not surprised, coming from MR

[BromBones]

I will say the Kodiak is in a league of its own in the internal frame department.

Any distorting of the frame when it's loaded up to ~120 lbs?

I've had that with some internals - they get mushy and unstable when they're overloaded. Not too comfortable.

[sheephunterab]

Any distorting of the frame when it's loaded up to ~120 lbs?

I've had that with some internals - they get mushy and unstable when they're overloaded. Not too comfortable.

None that I've noticed. Biggest weighed load I've carried is 140 pounds. It was only a 5km trip but I never noticed any instability.....other than in my knees...lol

[Superdeuce]

About to pull the trigger on a mr nice 6500, what king of accessories would you add if any?

Check out the buy/sell... 7500 for sale if you have not pulled the trigger yet.

[allan]

Check out the buy/sell... 7500 for sale if you have not pulled the trigger yet.

too late! anyways I'm a large yoke size and for the cost of a yoke upgrade I can just about by new.... not sure if I need such a big pack. My trips for the next couple of years will be limited to 6-7 day hunts due to work.

[allan]

Allan, If you are buying new from MR, be aware when I bought some gear from them last year, they had changed their shipping policy and would ONLY ship UPS... Whenever possible, only deal with USPS when shipping from the US or you will be gouged "brokerage handling fees" whereas USPS is just a standard $10 regardless of item value.

There are some MR on the resale market as guys are jumping to Kifaru, Stone Glacier and Kuiu... Otherwise, someone told me there was a place back east in Canada that was dealing MR and at same prices as direct from MR.. I will try and get the company name but maybe someone else knows it?

I would echo the comment for the 7500 too if available, and I don't think you would need any extra pockets for either other than waist belt pockets.
Thanks for the heads up, I normally ship to an address in Sumas and pickup in the states. Faster delivery times, usually cheaper rates.

[whitetailsheds]

Haven't added anything to my Kodiak. Everything I need fits in what the pack itself is capable of without additions. Carry the rifle on the side of the pack. Good to go.

[sheephunterab]

Haven't added anything to my Kodiak. Everything I need fits in what the pack itself is capable of without additions. Carry the rifle on the side of the pack. Good to go.

I wish you could get the waistbelt pouches for it like you can for the Nice...they are very handy.

[Wrongside]

I wish you could get the waistbelt pouches for it like you can for the Nice...they are very handy.
You can. They were introduced recently. I'd already have a couple pairs on the way, if MR hadn't screwed up their shipping policy...

[allan]

Anybody have any pictures of a bow strapped to their MR nice 6500? I have not carried a rifle for several years now. I let my partner with the gun take care of the long shots.

[Wrongside]

Anybody have any pictures of a bow strapped to their MR nice 6500? I have not carried a rifle for several years now. I let my partner with the gun take care of the long shots.
Mystery Ranch has a very good video on their site, detailing that very thing, Allan. Cheers!

[Weatherby Fan]

I wish you could get the waistbelt pouches for it like you can for the Nice...they are very handy.

Yes as Wrongside mentioned you can get waistbelt pouches,they are add ons now and you can buy them from MR for $15-18 each depending on color.

[Ovis17]

rip zip pockets x 2, watter bottle pocket and flip top box and a load sling

oh, and a crew cab bag :mrgreen: What Bartell said..... Plus the pocketed waist.

[sheephunterab]

You can. They were introduced recently. I'd already have a couple pairs on the way, if MR hadn't screwed up their shipping policy...

Oh that's good to hear...will have to check it out. Looks like the MR will be headed back for a little warranty work after this most recent trip so maybe have them added then.