Who Owns a McHale Pack?

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12-20-2019, 14:42
Tipi Walter

Who Owns a McHale Pack?

This will probably turn out to be a short and limited thread---but who belongs to the "exclusive" club of McHale pack ownership?

Dan McHale makes custom backpacks out of Seattle and I started the long process of getting one back in September 2017. He gets your measurements and sends out a Demo pack to use and test before the final pack is made.

The first time I used a Demo was for a trip in January 2018 and ended up pulling 80 days of backpacking with the thing. Then in August 2018 I sent back the Demo and received the finished pack he calls a Critical Mass pack. With this pack I have pulled 204 days of backpacking.

My buddy Hoppin John just received a McHale pack so we're interested in others here on whiteblaze who have used McHale packs.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-...8242%29-XL.jpg
Here's the blue Demo pack showing the back foam panel which can be removed and used as a sit pad.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-...2885%29-XL.jpg
The back foam panel is easily removed with velcro attachments. Pic also shows the four grommets and bolts---two outer are frame attachments and two inner attach the hipbelt---easily removed and replaced if needed.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-...%2864%29-M.jpg
This shows the pack's harness system on the Demo. Note the double hipbelt buckles. And high belt rests comfortably atop the top of the hip bones, the Iliac crest---with a built in lumbar pad which can be adjusted in thickness or completely removed.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-...8365%29-XL.jpg
The usual McHale label on the top lid. The top lid can be removed and used as either a butt pack or a shoulder bag.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-...8445%29-XL.jpg
This pick shows well the harness system with the bypass straps which are highly modified load lifter straps.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-...8262%29-XL.jpg
I was hauling up to 95 lbs with the Demo with no complaints---although the Demo's volume was a little small versus the finished pack. This is on Kirkland Creek which has 11 creek crossings so the boots fit easily under the top lid.
12-20-2019, 14:58
Tipi Walter

After 80 days with the Demo the finished pack was ready so I returned the Demo and the new pack arrived in August 2018 for a test run on the living room floor---

https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-...%282%29-XL.jpg
As seen, the finished pack is much bigger and made from red Cordura 500 and yellow spectra---colors chosen for easy visibility during hunting season. The top yellow lid and back pocket are spectra as is the bottom part of the pack. The back pocket holds a huge amount of stuff including tent poles and a third food bag and water filter and pack cover etc etc. And can be left at home if desired. As a long trip comes to an end the big pack shrinks significantly in size.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-...1000111-XL.jpg
I do a test run at home and get my big tent situated on the bottom etc.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-...8354%29-XL.jpg
During the course of a trip more outside items can be stuffed inside the pack body resulting in a less bulky pack.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-...8181%29-XL.jpg
The bottom straps are long enough if you have to pack up a completely ice encrusted tent and roll it up in your ground cloth to get out of camp---as it won't fit in its usual stuff sack. The whole white wad fits easily on the bottom.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-...8378%29-XL.jpg
As mentioned, the top lid comes off and makes a decent shoulder bag/butt pack when you have to pull dayhikes away from camp or do long distance water runs from camp and back.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-...8319%29-XL.jpg
This shows the pack with both the tent and the side Thermarest inflatable pad inside the pack bag. It goes from a 95 lb pack to a 30 lb pack 21 days later.
12-20-2019, 15:02
trailmercury

did I miss where you listed the weight?
12-20-2019, 15:07
Tipi Walter

https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-...28235%29-M.jpg
My buddy Hoppin John (on right) finally made the plunge and got himself a McHale pack and the following pics are his new arrival.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Gear-TheS...-%20Copy-L.jpg
John's pack has some spectra back panels including a bottom detachable pocket (first bottom zipper) and the sleeping bag compartment is located under a higher zipper which is covered by a spectra flap.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Gear-TheS...849280_n-L.jpg
John's pack is slightly smaller but includes 3 spectra pouches for small items. Same hipbelt with 2 buckles and same foam back frame panel and shoulder harness.
12-20-2019, 15:41
BIG TIGER

3 Attachment(s)

I'Attachment 45948 Attachment 45949 Attachment 45950I've owned one since 8-'02. Still use it for cold winter loads. He is the best pack builder in my opinion. Ron
12-20-2019, 15:53
Tipi Walter

Quote:

Originally Posted by trailmercury

did I miss where you listed the weight?

The weight of the empty pack is around 8 lbs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIG TIGER

I'Attachment 45948 Attachment 45949 Attachment 45950I've owned one since 8-'02. Still use it for cold winter loads. He is the best pack builder in my opinion. Ron

Nice picks. There's a weird phenom that happens with my McHale---the more I wear it the more I want to put it on---even with significant weight---just the opposite of most packs.

And I like your old grid fabric---which I believe he has discontinued (everybody wants spectra nowadays). It also looks like you have a detachable back pocket---holding your tent poles.
12-20-2019, 16:39
CalebJ

They don't fit my normal trip, but it's top notch gear. If I start hauling monster loads on a regular basis I'll be looking at them for sure. For now an ancient Terraplane is meeting that need. Great looking pack you've got there.
12-20-2019, 18:10
Tipi Walter

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalebJ

They don't fit my normal trip, but it's top notch gear. If I start hauling monster loads on a regular basis I'll be looking at them for sure. For now an ancient Terraplane is meeting that need. Great looking pack you've got there.

Thanks for the comment. I used to use a Terraplane back in the day but found it sagging down on my hips with anything at 75 lbs or above. I still use it for lighter trips when mileage is vital.
12-21-2019, 13:13
LazyLightning

good timing with the thread, after getting recommended on this site months ago I finally emailed him yesterday and I'm about to take my measurements and everything and get the process rolling. He said I probably wont need that critical mass pack as I'm looking for 50-60lb max on a resupply and even said I'm looking for something good up to 70-75 on a short distance for extra water in dry conditions. I don't think I'll ever need more then that but I'm psyched to get this thing built, I've read through his site and looked at many of the packs he's made and it all looks top notch.

He also makes custom lightweight packs
12-21-2019, 13:17
Cheyou

What is the price on his packs ?

thom
12-21-2019, 14:48
Tipi Walter

Quote:

Originally Posted by LazyLightning

good timing with the thread, after getting recommended on this site months ago I finally emailed him yesterday and I'm about to take my measurements and everything and get the process rolling. He said I probably wont need that critical mass pack as I'm looking for 50-60lb max on a resupply and even said I'm looking for something good up to 70-75 on a short distance for extra water in dry conditions. I don't think I'll ever need more then that but I'm psyched to get this thing built, I've read through his site and looked at many of the packs he's made and it all looks top notch.

He also makes custom lightweight packs

And so begins The Process---I'm even a little excited for you too. My blue Demo pack would probably be the size you end up with---around 5,000 cubic inches?

Hopefully you can make a couple phone calls to Dan to finalize plans. If you decide to copy out all the emails you and Dan exchange you'll end up with a moderately thick folder.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cheyou

What is the price on his packs ?

thom

You put $500 down for a Demo deposit which is used for the purchase of the final pack. Pack prices range all over the map with the bigger spectra packs costing the most. Shelling out $1,000 for a McHale pack is not uncommon. Full spectra packs come in even higher.

My current advice to all serious backpackers---and it's something I should of done 30 years ago---is to figure out what kind of pack you'll need for a lifetime of hiking---and then get Dan to make it for you. Unfortunately Mr McHale is approaching his twilight years and so his pack making days might be numbered. Or maybe not.

Here's another pic of my Demo pack---

https://photos.smugmug.com/Backpack-...2854%29-XL.jpg
12-22-2019, 17:33
FamilyGuy

I've had a couple and currently a LBP38. It carries very well with the P&G bypass system and that option is worth any expense. It is quite amazing.

My pack weighs no where near Tipi's (it is about 4.5 lbs).

One thing you will find with a Mchale is the quality of workmanship. There really is no comparison in the marketplace.
12-22-2019, 17:40
JNI64

He,he, family guy.
12-22-2019, 18:05
Tipi Walter

Quote:

Originally Posted by FamilyGuy

I've had a couple and currently a LBP38. It carries very well with the P&G bypass system and that option is worth any expense. It is quite amazing.

My pack weighs no where near Tipi's (it is about 4.5 lbs).

One thing you will find with a Mchale is the quality of workmanship. There really is no comparison in the marketplace.

"Worth any expense" is about right---and we're not talking anywhere near Ferrari prices.

A backpack is the most important piece of gear for a backpacker---by far---as it's the one piece of gear which is used most intimately and therefore the hardest piece of gear to find satisfaction with in a lifetime of hiking---this is most especially true when wanting to hump some serious loads.

The neat thing about a McHale is you can call Dan McHale and come up with fabric choices, strap colors, volume needs, hipbelt size, colors and configurations as you talk.

He generally seems to have a couple important rules for his big packs---like using bypass shoulder straps and always requiring a zippered sleeping bag compartment---otherwise the frame bolts cannot be accessed.
12-26-2019, 12:32
Tipi Walter

Some new pics of Hoppin's John's McHale pack---

https://photos.smugmug.com/Gear-TheS...695104_n-L.jpg
Pic shows the drawstring top showing how much gear the pack can hold---if desired.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Gear-TheS...193984_n-L.jpg
And then there's an outside strap which cinches down the top for a smaller pack.

https://photos.smugmug.com/Gear-TheS...276672_n-L.jpg
The big pack with the top lid.
11-25-2020, 22:16
globetruck

I’m not in the market for a McHale but $1000+ for a lifetime pack is a lot cheaper than my 20 year history of $250/year in search of the perfect pack! I’m a gear addict. My name is Justin and I have a problem...

P.S. hats off to Tipi Walter. That dude hauls epic loads on epic journeys and I love seeing his updates here.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
11-26-2020, 10:36
LazyLightning

I got mine in April but haven't got to do much with it yet, some overnights and a few that were a couple days longer. I also use it as the biggest day pack you've ever seen broke down haha. I went with a Critical Mass pack, though I don't plan on hauling loads up to 100lbs like Tipi anytime soon it can handle it. I'm at least 50 when I go out several nights and this thing feels better with 70lbs then my old zpacks with 45, which I did totally over load on my thru hike. Glad I went with the CM, I'll have to get some pics on here. You'll laugh, most UL people could fit their packs in the extra pockets I have on it, but I give UL a new meaning... Ultra Luxury. Pack could handle whatever I want to bring, can't wait to do some real back packing with it. Going for 4 days early tomorrow and the weather looks great! I love those XL hip belt crests.
12-12-2020, 19:50
Dawg

I’ve got two of them, an S Sarc P&G, and a Critical Mass. They are fabulous packs, albeit heavy by today’s standards. However, in my mind the weight of the packs is more than offset by the carrying comfort and robustness they provide. I bought these packs for guided climbs of big mountains where hauling 40-60 pounds is the norm down low, and have always felt the daunting investment was well worth it. Also, I found purchasing the packs from Dan McHale to be an interesting and enjoyable process. Unfortunately I no longer use the packs as a health concern has prevents me from carrying a lot of weight up high.