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MR PopUp or Eberlestock MainFrame? Or budget option?

HuumanCreed

HuumanCreed

Well-Known Member
SH Member
Joined
Aug 21, 2020
Messages
2,683
Location
Westminster Maryland
After dragging a doe for a mile up and down hills. Im done, my back still feeling it. So saving up for a frame pack and learning the gutless method. Im leaning toward a popup 28 that sometimes goes on sale at Camofire. But l kind of like the Mainframe and it versatility. But the Alps Outdoorz Commander Lite is only around $120. Any thoughts?
 
Im a big proponent of the Pop Up. It does what you want it to do almost perfectly and you can sometimes get it on sale or used for less than the mainframe.

My dad decided this year he wanted a frame pack and even though I tried to convince him to buy a pop up he went the budget route and orders two different Cabelas frame packs, similar to the Alps, to see which one he would like better. After getting them and comparing them side by size to my pop up he sent them both back and ordered a pop up.
 
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I have no experience with the other two but am a very big fan of my popup. I got the 38 which is really too big for whitetail, but I use it for other stuff too, it was great as a carry on that I could later expand for my recent Alaska trip etc.

If you want to test a pop up (38) out I'm in college park area, let me know
 
I really like the pop up 28. I have split time this season between that and my much more expensive Kifaru StrykerXL and it’s every bit up to the task. Some things about the 28 I actually like better.
 
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WTS MR Popup 18- SOLD

Just got 2 weeks ago from @Crcusmonky great pack! I can get more pics when I get to camp later. It made 2 hunts with me since I bought it , like new ( no rips, tears, stains or visible marks anywhere) this pack & pattern are no longer made. Catch & release I’ll sweeten the deal & sell for $295 tyd.
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Venture Divide 2000 | Ash

This backpack offers easy access to a hunting rifle or a tripod. Quickly deploy and stow optics while protecting them on the move between glassing locations. Shop hunting packs now.
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Divide 1500 | Ash

As a mid-sized hunting day pack, the Divide 1500 offers essential organization and hydration capability for day hunts and scouting trips. Its expandable Divide pocket is lined with abrasion and water-resistant fabric, making it ideal for stowing extra clothes or gear. It features a zippered...
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I am a fan of a more minimalist approach and if I need to go bigger I can always Do that. If I were you I’d look at this and similar especially since we are talking about boned out white tails.
 
Add up weight of your soft saddle, platform, ropes, and frame pack.

Add up weight of hybrid, four squirrel or hawk or bullman steps, ropes, and “bag” of your choice for your gear.

Reconsider based on that calculation if the weight of the hybrid is that big of a deal still.

If so,

I personally don’t like eberlestock gear. It feels clunky. That’s a personal preference. I loved my popup. Of those two I’d def go popup.

I’ve swapped to exo for my frame pack when im not using the hybrid. That’s rare, and I’ve also outfitted my hybrid with an exo shoulder harness and hip belt. And one on my pac seat.

I use the JX3 versa pack system with all 3 setups and standalone. It earns its name. Though it’s expensive and you could piece together various soft small pouches and packs for around the same price or cheaper.
 
thedutchtouch said:
I have no experience with the other two but am a very big fan of my popup. I got the 38 which is really too big for whitetail, but I use it for other stuff too, it was great as a carry on that I could later expand for my recent Alaska trip etc.

If you want to test a pop up (38) out I'm in college park area, let me know
Click to expand...

Is the back of the pack rigid and has it own structure? Or does it hug the meat once you tightened it?
 
If you wanted to give the back of the pack some structure you could likely slide a piece of thin plastic inside the hydration pouch, but I've never felt a need for that. I'll be in Rockville for work Friday I think that's closer to you, can throw it in the truck and meet in the afternoon if you want.
 
thedutchtouch said:
If you wanted to give the back of the pack some structure you could likely slide a piece of thin plastic inside the hydration pouch, but I've never felt a need for that. I'll be in Rockville for work Friday I think that's closer to you, can throw it in the truck and meet in the afternoon if you want.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the offer! Kids got most of my free time right now but appreciate it man.

So is the popup frame unique from MR guide lite frame? Say from other hallers like pintler and metcalf. Is the frame the star or the pack itself good too. I would consider other MR hallers and it seem the metcalf is great. Even if l dont need all that space.
 
HuumanCreed said:
Thanks for the offer! Kids got most of my free time right now but appreciate it man.

So is the popup frame unique from MR guide lite frame? Say from other hallers like pintler and metcalf. Is the frame the star or the pack itself good too. I would consider other MR hallers and it seem the metcalf is great. Even if l dont need all that space.
Click to expand...

The frame.

Any bag will do.

Same with the frame, depending on your needs.

The frame works well for us because it’s narrow, light, and handle about all a whitetail hunter can throw at it. Some folks don’t like the belt particularly. There are other options you might like more. But the bag is just a bag.
 
HuumanCreed said:
Thanks for the offer! Kids got most of my free time right now but appreciate it man.

So is the popup frame unique from MR guide lite frame? Say from other hallers like pintler and metcalf. Is the frame the star or the pack itself good too. I would consider other MR hallers and it seem the metcalf is great. Even if l dont need all that space.
Click to expand...
Sounds good, I know the feeling and may not get back in the woods for a good while due to mine, but the offer stands if things change.

Frame is different, otherwise nothing to add to what @kyler1945 already replied
 
I picked up the Treehouse pack, and its pretty nice however I hate the hard shell aspect of the compartment. Like it has cardboard or stiffener inside the shell to keep the "square" shape to the bag.
 
RMcDonald7 said:
I picked up the Treehouse pack, and its pretty nice however I hate the hard shell aspect of the compartment. Like it has cardboard or stiffener inside the shell to keep the "square" shape to the bag.
Click to expand...
That was the main reason I avoided it, almost bought a used one from someone on here, I forget who it was
 
HuumanCreed said:
Thanks for the offer! Kids got most of my free time right now but appreciate it man.

So is the popup frame unique from MR guide lite frame? Say from other hallers like pintler and metcalf. Is the frame the star or the pack itself good too. I would consider other MR hallers and it seem the metcalf is great. Even if l dont need all that space.
Click to expand...

As other have said the frames unique. It's what allows it to essentially be a day pack until you need a frame pack. Then it carries a whitetail with ease.
 
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