MR Crew Cab or Eberlestock Blue Widow?
- Thread starter Grantbvfd
- Start date
8750
Active Member
miller1... I do that, but it always falls to the bottom and then the tube is too short or gets pinched. I need to sew in a stuff sack or somthing to hold it in place. my other packs (non hunting) have bladder sleeves in the middle of the pack right next to the back. I so wish eberlestock would use this idea of putting the water bladder as close to the back as possible, since water is usually the heaviest item in a pack other than meat. instead on the blue widow the bladder sleeves are on the sides of the pack. When 3 liters of water are on one side of the pack it makes the load off balance and very annoying. Oh well I will fix this situation with a speedy sticher before summer roles around. So many parts of the pack are very well thought out, yet this oversight in design with respect to hydration makes me wonder just how much product testing was done before the packs went on the market. I still love it and the price difference between the blue widow and the mystery ranch is just not justifiable. I dont care if the pack shoots off fireworks when your arrow connects with a trophy, no backpack is worth $600++. especially when you cant even try it on first. MR Crew Cab will never be worth it to me, unless of course they want to give me a sponsorship and free gear. In my opinion hunting pack manufacturers are way behind the times in technology when it comes to the fundamentals like suspension and load distribution. maybe MR has it together, but at twice the price of any other pack on the market, hunting and non-hunting, I just dont get it. Or should I say wont get it.
Montana
Veteran member
I think I am there with you 8750... It's getting a bit out of control. In the climbing industry, you can get some high quality packs for half the price.
8750
Active Member
8750
Active Member
Another 2 cents on the super spike duffle system. Looks good on paper and I bought into it even though my gut said no. Now I know it is just plain stupid. It only took less than a minute with my pack loaded that way to realize what a terrible idea it is. I ditched it and repacked right away. What were they thinking? I dont think anyone tried it in the field before it went into production. Dont waste the money for that. Dumb, Dumb, and double dumb idea.
I have a Blue Widow. Not real comfy on longer hauls. I am 6'2" about 200lbs. It was to short for the load lifter straps to work as lifter straps and transfer weight to waist. I picked up a MR Longbow thinking it was going to be the ticket. It wasn't
The bag was nicely laid out and it is a quality pack. Once again the lifter straps worked more as stabilizing straps. Sold it and got a Kifaru EMR frame and cargo panel. It fits like a dream and the lifter straps work I am not saying anything bad about the other 2 packs I mentioned but they didn't' fit me..
The bag was nicely laid out and it is a quality pack. Once again the lifter straps worked more as stabilizing straps. Sold it and got a Kifaru EMR frame and cargo panel. It fits like a dream and the lifter straps work I am not saying anything bad about the other 2 packs I mentioned but they didn't' fit me..8750
Active Member
Skullwerx,
I had the same problem as I am 6'1 180lbs. I had to use the upper slots that are not intended for the shoulder straps to get a good fit. maxed out like this the pack just barely fits me. Ive hiked up to 6-7 miles in one shot fully loaded and I cant really complain too much about the comfort. My big Gregory is more comfortable with heavy loads and long distances, but I guess a little sacrifice is in order for a pack that doubles as a day pack and a long hauler.
I had the same problem as I am 6'1 180lbs. I had to use the upper slots that are not intended for the shoulder straps to get a good fit. maxed out like this the pack just barely fits me. Ive hiked up to 6-7 miles in one shot fully loaded and I cant really complain too much about the comfort. My big Gregory is more comfortable with heavy loads and long distances, but I guess a little sacrifice is in order for a pack that doubles as a day pack and a long hauler.
8750
Active Member
Bitteroot,
I just checked out the Kuiu. That seems like the ticket. still too much money IMO at $250for the bag and $299 for the frame. Maybe an option for me when I strike it rich someday
I just checked out the Kuiu. That seems like the ticket. still too much money IMO at $250for the bag and $299 for the frame. Maybe an option for me when I strike it rich someday
ceby7
Active Member
What in particular don't you like about the spike duffle system? Does is put the load too far from your back, it looks like it could? Just curious, I don't own an Eberlestock, but I have been looking at them.
Bitterroot Bulls
Veteran member
They are expensive, for sure.Bitteroot,
I just checked out the Kuiu. That seems like the ticket. still too much money IMO at $250for the bag and $299 for the frame. Maybe an option for me when I strike it rich someday
Keep an eye on the Kuiu outlet. They will occasionally have combo deals on frame and pack for under 300 total.
The expense might be worth it about 6 miles into a high country pack-out.
8750
Active Member
Bitterroot, thanks for the outlet tip!
Ceby7, The load too far away from the back is the problem.
Ceby7, The load too far away from the back is the problem.
Montana
Veteran member
I think someone mentioned Black Creeks Canadian pack... It's 40% off right now at a local sporting goods store.... Wayyyyy too small for me, I have a 22 inch torso and it wasn't even close. I wasn't very impressed with the weight either.
DreaminofMT6X6s
New Member
- Jan 19, 2012
- 6
- 0
Skullwerx - what was it about the MR Longbow that turned you off?
I've tried the Eberlestock and Sitka (worst pack EVER!!) and the Eberlestock Dragonfly was a comfortable pack but was so unstable. I felt like it flopped around all the time with everything tightened down...just not that refined. It could carry a load though. I'm hoping the MR will take care of that refinement and still handle weight well. I agree on the prices though. There are so many options for $400 and under, MR hits a new high in the pack industry. Dana Gleason, I think, says it's due to his hardworking staff, but I honestly have no idea why they are so crazy pricey.
I've tried the Eberlestock and Sitka (worst pack EVER!!) and the Eberlestock Dragonfly was a comfortable pack but was so unstable. I felt like it flopped around all the time with everything tightened down...just not that refined. It could carry a load though. I'm hoping the MR will take care of that refinement and still handle weight well. I agree on the prices though. There are so many options for $400 and under, MR hits a new high in the pack industry. Dana Gleason, I think, says it's due to his hardworking staff, but I honestly have no idea why they are so crazy pricey.
mconway951
New Member
- Jan 25, 2012
- 36
- 0
I got the blue widow and that thing is amazing and you can customize to your hearts content with the super spike, the bow butt bucket, tactical rifle scabord, small and large pouches it really is great used it on my antelope and mule deer trip to idaho hauled out both my bucks on my back in one load and three quaters of a nother for my friend and was super comfortable the entire time i am buying a second just for friends to have when they come hunting with me.
mconway951
New Member
- Jan 25, 2012
- 36
- 0
Just wondering what you dont like about this i own one and love it i keep all my lightweight stuff in it like extra clothes and my mountain house meals and keep the heavier sruff up tight to my back and cinch the hole works down with the straps and it rides great for me. Personally i love it and so do the guys i hunr with.
T43
Active Member
I like the set up as well. I put the heavy stuff in the cargo pouch and the light stuff zips on behind in the duffel. It's a great place for a down sleeping bag, pack pillow, sleeping pad etc. All relatively light but take up precious room.
As for the hydration bladder in the rifle scabbard that was mentioned earlier. My bladder has a hook on the top, I use about a 3" piece of cord tied from the top handle to a tiny s clip and just clip the bladder up so it stays where I want it.
As for the hydration bladder in the rifle scabbard that was mentioned earlier. My bladder has a hook on the top, I use about a 3" piece of cord tied from the top handle to a tiny s clip and just clip the bladder up so it stays where I want it.
Probably a good pack but I don't see it replacing my MR CC. Just love this pack the way I can drop camp and fold everything up and still hunt out of it. Just don't see me ever replacing it. I do go through other packs as well but that is a mainstay for me.
Keep us posted if you make the switch.
I ended up buying a MR NICE 6500. It is the most rugged pack I could find that is versatile from 3 days to 10 days. Very comfortable. I know there are people deadset on ultralight but I'm deadset on durability. Hands down the best pack for hunters that "USE AND ABUSE" their stuff.
brandenbowhunter
Member
I had any Eberlestock...got a Mystery Ranch CC and gave my Eberlestock away...I love my CC...if it were stolen today I would have to buy a new one tomorrow.