User Review: Mystery Ranch G-6000
Rating: 
Design: top loading internal
Size: 6400 cubic inches
Number of Pockets: 4
Max. Load Carried: 80 pounds
Height of Owner: 5'11"
Price Paid: $540
The first thing I noticed with this pack is its huge main bag volume when compared to the Dana Designs Terraplane. Another thing is its beefier internal frame system, the Terraplane almost seems like a light daypack when compared to the G6000. One other big difference is the pack material as the 6000 has a very substantial Cordura feel while the Terraplane (LTW)is lighter and thinner.
The 6000 also seems to have a different waterproof coating than the standard urethane of the Terraplane, a crinkly kind of material especially on the sides of the big pack, but both packs share similarities: dual Nalgene bottle holders, the same placement of the sleeping bag compartment (though the 6000's opening is novel and different), the usual lash straps on the bottom(where I put my tent), the twin back pockets(with the 6000 being much bigger and having a slightly different zipper angle), the same lid tiedown buckles (with a subtle difference: the Terraplane's straps end higher up on the bottom of the pack while the 6000's go all the way down to the bottom. This is important as the pack gets smaller during a trip allowing the lid to be cinched down tight even when near empty).
Other than the framing, the two packs are radically different. The 6's lid is very easy to remove and so when I get to camp I just unbuckle the bivalve unit (2 separate compartments) and throw it into the tent since the lid contains all the stuff I need for the night, my ditty bags, journal, paper towels, hair brush, radio, camera, etc. Plus the lid has two shoulder straps tucked away for quick transformation to a day pack (without the nuisance of adding a hipbelt like on the Terraplane).
The design of the bivalve lid allows a fully loaded pack to be closed fully with the lid properly hanging over and buckling down. Another feature is the pack body zipper that runs vertically between the two back pockets. I haven't used this yet and I don't think I'll need it and I miss the Terraplane's daisy chain but there will probably come a day when I'll need to get into the guts of the pack quickly and so the logical placement of this heavyweight zipper.
The adjustable harness system is totally different than the Terraplane and allows one big pack to be sold to someone no matter their torso size (with a man's pack and a woman's pack available). The shoulder yoke is velcroed in and is easily adjusted using a clever plastic support brace. It sounds complicated but it really isn't. Once the yoke is positioned correctly around and about the shoulders and neck, the pack rides very well and with a huge amount of support as compared to the Terraplane.
With the Terraplane carrying 75 pounds it maxes out the capacity and load bearing heft of the pack, but stick such a weight in the 6000 and you'll notice a big difference between the packs. The G6000 arranges such a heavy load and commands it, lifting and maintaining it without complaint and without the sagging so common with the Terraplane. 75 to 80 pounds does feel like 45 to 50, it's not some gimmicky business rant but a real life attribute of this pack.
I'll leave a description of why this happens to the pack experts out there, suffice it to say this pack can handle as much as you can carry without complaint, therefore for those looking for a hauler for long term 2-3 week trips this is the pack for you.
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