Mystery Ranch Women's Metcalf 75 vs Mystery Ranch Women's Sawtooth 65
Quick take: The Mystery Ranch Women's Metcalf 75 costs $25 less; the Mystery Ranch Women's Metcalf 75 carries more (75 vs 63 liters); the Mystery Ranch Women's Metcalf 75 is lighter (5.3 vs 5.4 lbs).
Which one to buy
On paper, the older frame is the better deal. The Mystery Ranch Women's Metcalf 75 costs $25 less, weighs 0.1 lb less and holds 12 L more than the Mystery Ranch Women's Sawtooth 65. Both have a women's yoke and belt, the Overload shelf for carrying meat between bag and frame, and no published load rating.
The Sawtooth's case is its frame. It rides on Mystery Ranch's newer MYSTERIUM frame with carbon vertical stays, rare in a women's hunting pack, and a segmented hipbelt that follows the hips under load. The Metcalf uses the Ultra Light MT frame with a roll-top plus a side zip and a detachable lid with its own pocket. The Sawtooth's lid doesn't come off, and its 63 L is less than the name suggests.
For multi-day elk or mule deer hunts where volume and a removable lid help, the Metcalf gives more for less. Paying the extra $25 for the Sawtooth makes sense only if the carbon-stay frame and segmented belt fit your hips better, so try both on if you can.
Mystery Ranch Women's Metcalf 75
The better value for women on multi-day hunts: more room, a removable lid and two ways into the bag for less money.
Mystery Ranch Women's Sawtooth 65
For women who want the newer carbon-stay frame and a segmented hipbelt that moves with the hips, and whose hunts fit in 63 L.
| Spec | Mystery Ranch Women's Metcalf 75 | Mystery Ranch Women's Sawtooth 65 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $575 | $600 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Hunting Pack | Hunting Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 75 L | 63 L |
| Weight | 5.3 lbs | 5.4 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | Women's-specific yoke and belt on the Ultra Light MT frame; see manufacturer sizing | Women's-specific yoke and belt on the MYSTERIUM frame; see manufacturer sizing |
| Material | 330D LP CORDURA with YKK zippers | 330 HT CORDURA 5PM and 330D Robic Kodra ripstop with YKK zippers |
| Back Panel | Ultra Light MT frame with a women's yoke and hipbelt | MYSTERIUM carbon-stay frame with a women's yoke and segmented hipbelt |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | No |
| Removable lid | Yes | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Mystery Ranch Guarantee: defects in materials and craftsmanship for the practical lifetime of the product; wear-and-tear and misuse repairs at a reasonable charge | Mystery Ranch Guarantee: defects in materials and craftsmanship for the practical lifetime of the product; wear-and-tear and misuse repairs at a reasonable charge |
Pros & cons
Mystery Ranch Women's Metcalf 75
- ✓A women's yoke and belt at no premium over the men's Metcalf.
- ✓Roll-top plus side zip opens the bag from two directions.
- ✓The detachable lid has its own zip pocket.
- ✓Sizes from 50 L to 100 L share one frame, spanning only $75.
- ✓The lighter 50 L comes in under 5 lb.
- ✓330D LP CORDURA keeps the bag tough without heavy fabric.
- ✗Mystery Ranch publishes no load rating for the frame.
- ✗5.3 lb is heavier than carbon-framed rivals at this volume.
- ✗No raincover in the box.
- ✗Optifade colourways cost $25-50 more than solids.
Mystery Ranch Women's Sawtooth 65
- ✓Carbon-fiber vertical stays in a women's-fit frame, which is rare among hunting packs.
- ✓Priced the same as the men's version.
- ✓The Overload shelf carries meat between bag and frame.
- ✓A segmented hipbelt follows the hips under load.
- ✓The 45 L sibling on the same frame costs $50 less.
- ✗No published load rating or women's torso range.
- ✗63 L despite the 65 name.
- ✗$600 sits at the top of the women's hunting-pack market.
- ✗No raincover or removable lid listed.
- ✗The 45 L version's page shows no specifications at all.
Mystery Ranch Women's Metcalf 75 vs Mystery Ranch Women's Sawtooth 65: common questions
Is the Women's Sawtooth 65 really 65 liters?▾
No, it holds 63 L. The Women's Metcalf 75 holds 75 L, so the Metcalf gives you 12 L more for $25 less, along with a lid that comes off when you want a smaller pack.
What does the Sawtooth's MYSTERIUM frame add over the Metcalf's frame?▾
Carbon-fiber vertical stays and a segmented hipbelt designed to follow the hips under load. The Metcalf rides on the Ultra Light MT frame. Both have women's yokes and the Overload shelf, so the difference comes down to how each belt and frame fit you.
How much weight can these women's Mystery Ranch packs carry?▾
Mystery Ranch gives no load rating for either pack or a torso range for either women's harness. Both carry meat on the Overload shelf between bag and frame, but check the maker's sizing and try them loaded before relying on either for a heavy packout.