Backpack for 6’5″ man?

[Amy Stone]

Hi all… my BIL is a big guy, 6’5″. His torso is 25″. I have not found a pack that goes to that length. He especially interested in external frame packs because that’s what he knows, but I may be able to talk him intoan internal if that’s what will fit. Does anyone know of any packs this large? He’s not concerned about weight.

Thanks,
Sandpiper

[Richard Nelridge]

Though they are very expensive, I believe that McHale Packs at http://www.mchalepacks.com can prepare a custom internal frame pack for these dimensions in choice of size, materials, volume, features, and design.

They prepared my custom designed Panel Loading pack, though I am only 5′ 6″ tall. They have also prepared packs for many of the BPL staff including Ryan Jordan and many others of the BPL community.

[Amy Stone]

Hope this works… this is try number who knows!

Thans for the advice Richard!! I will see what he says!

[Amy Stone]

Apparently I have to use the bottom “post reply” link, not the side ones…

[Richard Nelridge]

Hi Amy,

Have your guy and you look over the packs on the McHale site (rather extensive selection) to see what design and features he would like. Be aware that there is some wait time and that McHale is only making about 200 packs a year at this point. Then order the video tape on his equipment (only $3.95 as I recall). As I recall these are the steps to follow:

1) Call and speak with Dan McHale regarding any questions.

2) Get the measurements as per the McHale site and send them to McHale with an order request along with the deposit include request of which pack and volume, and design, colors, material, features, etc.

3) Wait to be contacted that the demo pack is ready for shipment and pay the demo charge.

4) Test the demo pack and return when determined size and fit is comfortable and OK.

5) Give the go ahead to proceed with the pack request.

6) Pay the remainder of the pack charges when Dan sends you the request for the remaining charges via e-mail.

7) Wait for completion of the pack.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Rich

[Amy Stone]

I’ll send hime your list! :-)

Thanks so much!
Amy

[David Spellman]

While you’re at this, wander over to the LuxuryLite site (www.luxurylite.com) and leave a message for Bruce Warren about his torso length. Since he likes external frame packs (and since this is a 2-lb external frame pack), he might find that Bruce has exactly what he’s looking for…

[Amy Stone]

Really?? I’m intrigued… I’ll head over there now…

Thanks for the tip!

[Richard Nelridge]

Hi Amy,

If you have interest in the luxurylite external frame pack read the review of the pack here on BPL at:

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/luxurylite_modular_frame_backpack_review.html

Rich

[Amy Stone]

Thanks for the heads up, Rich! Hopefully it’s something my BIL will like…

[jacob thompson]

If your into the external frames you should check out Bill’s prototypes in the MYOG forum. I’m pretty sure with a bit of effort you could make something like the Luxury lite but much cheaper and probably much lighter. Plus you get the option of tweaking it. I think the cell design is really intelligent but I would find it very difficult to cough up that kind of money for a pack that is quite easily made at home. For that kind of height I think it is very helpful to have a telescoping frame, which would be doable at home for much cheaper.

just my 2c

[Richard Nelridge]

Hi Amy,

I had considered the LuxuryLite Modular Frame pack when making my choice of backpacks, but opted for my McHale pack due to design, construction, capabilities, and features. Without question McHale offers many more possible designs, materials, and colors. The McHale packs are known for comfortable fit and the ability to carry substantial amounts of weight comfortably when necessary.

The cylindrical pack compartments of the LuxuryLite are an unusual design with both positives and negatives about the design.

But, let Bil decide which design he likes, frame type, and features that he wants.

Rich

[Amy Stone]

Rich – what types of things did you consider when opting for the McHale? I prefer internal frames myself, but BIL has only ever used external, years ago. I’d like to give him as much info as possible. Feel free to email directly if you like.
sandpiperhiker at yahoo dot com

[Dwayne Thompson]

I second the motion for the McHale Pack. I have 2 a mid 90’s Alpineer and a UL Zero Sarc. Not only is it a bomber pack,it can be made “reasonbly lite”, and it carries like an external frame of old. Check the McHale Packs website for more info and some insight into Dan’s opinion of the ultralight world in his letter.

[Dwayne Thompson]

Also it sounds like BIL has not been backpacking in a while. If not a McHale pack gives him the option to carry more weight until he is able to hone his ultralite skills. And the pack will last for a long time, especially for someone who only takes a few trips a year.

[Richard Nelridge]

Hi Amy,

I agree with Dwayne regarding the McHale packs.

Amongst other things that I and many other McHale pack owners look to are the inclusion of and if needed for additional ice axe/tool loops; water bottle holders or holders for accessory items to the left and right at the bottom of the pack; the possible addition of daisy chains if needed; external pockets which are available (many of which can be used as fanny packs if need be); compression straps; the ability to strap extra equipment be they tents, tarps clothing, sleeping pads on top and on the bottom of the pack; the possible addition of straps for skis, snowshoes, or trekking poles; the use of heavy duty #10 or # 7 locking zippers; use of heavy #92-16 lb sewing thread; choice of extremely rugged almost “bomb proof” designs; carries much like an external frame system in an internal frame design; etc.

Additionally with McHale packs you have a choice of light to very light materials and color fabrics for making up the pack; choice of top loading or panel loading packs; choice of Guide or Bypass type of shoulder strap system; choice of Critical Mass, non Critical Mass, or Guide frame system; choice of Critical Mass or non Critical Mass waist harness system; choice of bayonet system for non Critical Mass packs; etc.

Check the McHale website for available pack designs, materials, colors; accessories, etc at http://www.mchalepacks.com

Rich

[Richard Nelridge]

Hi Amy,

Also as was pointed out by Dwayne, check the McHale website for Dan’s newsletter. In this Dan talks about his views regarding packs and ultralight backpacking pointing out that a pack is not the place to skimp on weight and the use of a good padded harness system and waistbelt; here he points out that a 2 1/2 to 3 lb pack (though it adds about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of weight to the frameless packs many use and to your base weight) will carry better and more comfortably for 20 – 25 or so pounds of equipment and food. Obviously on BPL with people cutting weight to the bone, this may not be the view of many; but check Dan’s newsletter at: http://www.mchalepacks.com/letter/index.htm

[Richard Nelridge]

Hi Amy,

Just wondering what you and BIL have decided to do for a backpack.

Rich

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