idahobob
Trail Wise!
many are cold, but few are frozen
Posts: 198 
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Post by idahobob on Apr 1, 2016 15:11:01 GMT -8
For those who have a McHale pack, does McHale have a good lightweight one? The price on them is crazy, are they worth it?
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tigger
Trail Wise!
Posts: 2,547
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Post by tigger on Apr 1, 2016 19:35:38 GMT -8
Short story - Yes. Worth every penny.
Long story - They are all relatively lightweight but also overbuilt (or built right). There is flexibility in material, types, and features which all affect the weight.
It's been a few years since I've weighed my Super Sarc with extended collar and bayonet frame but it was 4.5 pounds if I recall - Extremely reasonable considering it can swallow 80 lbs of gear comfortably or compress down to a weekend hauler with minimal effort.
Mine wasn't cheap but beyond reasonably priced for what I've got out of it. I am planning on purchasing a McHale popcan pack as my next backpack most likely (more of a dedicated weekend hauler). I will definitely be purchasing a McHale pack any which way. It outlasted my other packs by a mile and still has plenty of years to go from what I can tell, although I do need to patch the recent holes I found.
The custom fit makes all the difference in regard to value and exactly the features I want in the places I want them make it worth more than I paid.
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Post by High Sierra Fan on Apr 1, 2016 21:06:20 GMT -8
Largely depends on at least two things: can you find other packs that fit you and your gear and how much do you use a backpack over the course of a year on out?
A few weekends a year and the occasional summer week and you have a pack that fits you? No way. At least based on the objective: there's always the more elusive aesthetic....
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zeke
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Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,886
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Post by zeke on Apr 2, 2016 9:05:14 GMT -8
I bought a McHale, used it for 7 years and sold it for about half price. I bought an older model because it suited me and what I wanted it to do. He has great workmanship. I'd recommend his packs to anyone who could afford them. It is quite the up front investment, but regained over the years of not needing to replace it as often as other packs. The fit is worth it.
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panatomicx
Trail Wise!
Less noise and more green
Posts: 496
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Post by panatomicx on Apr 9, 2016 16:45:02 GMT -8
I have an LBP 36, and it's been a great pack for me. In addition to the advantages of durability and fit, the pack can be configured in different ways. Here's winter overnight mode:  Winter daypack:  Summer, with the bear can:  |
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BigLoad
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Pancakes!
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Post by BigLoad on Apr 9, 2016 19:06:19 GMT -8
panatomicx What's the most weight you've loaded it with? The winter overnight configuration looks like a haul. I'm still putting my S-SARC demo pack through its paces.
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panatomicx
Trail Wise!
Less noise and more green
Posts: 496
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Post by panatomicx on Apr 10, 2016 4:23:38 GMT -8
That"s about 45lbs. Here's a pic which shows my butt, but also the removeable back utility pouch, large hip belt pockets, and water bottle holders:  [/url] |
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Post by stevet on Apr 10, 2016 7:30:34 GMT -8
A lightweight McHale Pack will likely weigh in around 4-4.5lbs with bells and whistle (bayonets, top pocket, etc.) and ~3.5lbs stripped down (this is what my Popcan weighs). I agree with Tigger, worth every penny.
Besides being tough as nails no pack I've had compares with the ability of the McHale to load weight onto my sacrum alleviating shoulder ache and the nagging chafing that used to occur on my hip bones.
I ordered my pack bag a large enough diameter fit a bearikade weekender on its side (with the bayonets can easily handle two bearcans for longer unsupported treks). I've carried as much as 60lbs, but <30 is much more typical.
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zeke
Trail Wise!
Peekaboo slot 2023
Posts: 9,886
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Post by zeke on Apr 10, 2016 7:51:17 GMT -8
I had about 60 in a Critical Mass in the Canyon once.
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Image Credit / Coolkat
