Need Advice from McHale Owners

PostedMar 29, 2022 at 12:29 am

Had a long call with Dan last night, sent in my measurements, and am now in the demo stage of my first McHale. He did a great job of answering all my initial questions.

I’ve gone through Nick Gatel’s excellent long-term review and most of the threads pertaining to McHale Packs and would like any advice from owners.

What would you advise someone getting their first McHale? Anything you wish you had done differently with regards to size, fabric, accessories, or anything else?

By way of background, I am trying to create a versatile modular pack that serves me through day hikes (as a stripped down ~2 lb pack), and on winter hikes and the occasional ten day without resupply (as an accessorized and fully extended ~3 lb pack).

After talking to Dan, using gear that is already relatively compact and ultralight, I am narrowing down on an LBP with a 34 circumference in full DCF and removable Utility Pocket, P&G frame extensions, 2 large removable water bottle pockets, top pocket hip-pack (brain), full Spectra bottom and lower sides.

Ken Larson BPL Member

PostedMar 29, 2022 at 7:03 am

Atif…..I had Dan make the pack for my aging body and to keep it as light and comfortable to serve my backpacking purposes. My current LBP 37, Dyed Grey Dyneema, roll top, one BASIC side pocket, Presto Shoulder Pad Pouch & NO P&G System has served me well. I felt the water pockets, top pocket hip-pack (brain), no side straps or cording as Dan may suggest and I did not need …and sure enough after using it now for over 14 yrs I was correct. Back when Zpacks was making items, JoeV made me a Zippered Utility Rear Pocket for when I carry my packraft and in other times when I need extra space in the Winter months. I find this pack carries excellent and have used it on many trips of over 12 day periods with weights of 34 lbs., though my average fully pack weighs run 22 – 23 lbs. (My days of alpine pack weights of 40 – 50 lbs are a thing of the past.) Hope this info helps you AND put the Demo Pack to good test for fit and comfort!!

Atif Khan BPL Member

PostedMar 29, 2022 at 7:26 am

Nice looking pack Ken. Very clean. Did you get the Spectra bottom? And how has the Dyneema held up these 14 years with abrasion, cuts, etc.?

You mention 37 circumference. With your length, what did the liter volume work out to? Just trying to get a sense of capacity? I am trying to go as small as possible to keep center of gravity near me while still being able to extend the roll top for winter, hence my 34 circumference. Would be curious to know your volumetric size given your 12 day/34 lb. experience.

Ken Larson BPL Member

PostedMar 29, 2022 at 10:39 am

Atif…..Bottom was 4 oz dyed 100% Dyneema and have had NO issues …thought it has not seen very rocky environments that you would need a more bullet proof bottom.

McHALE BACKPACK ALPINE LBP-37 (3052cuin/50L @ 40.32oz /2.52lbs)
McHALE DAY PACK ADD ON – (704cuin/12L @ 9.28oz)

“Would be curious to know your volumetric size given your 12 day/34 lb. experience.”

TIGHT to the top for the first day or two.

Atif Khan BPL Member

PostedMar 29, 2022 at 9:52 pm

Useful information. When you say tight to the top is that with the roll top closed or open with items flush at the top?

Ken Larson BPL Member

PostedMar 30, 2022 at 6:31 am

“When you say tight to the top is that with the roll top closed or open with items flush at the top?”

>>>My pack does NOT have a “roll type” design that Dan is using today on most of the packs he makes. Mine is a “cord / lock closure” and when the pack if full and the cord is tightened, you have one good roll of the fabric at most for closure. The “lid fabric” is 8 inches in length from the top of the “Bayonet top”