Found a new Pack Company that I didnt know about

[SHTF]

http://www.mchalepacks.com/index.htm

First Ive seen of these guys. Anyone use their packs? They are more expensive then the Kifaru packs or stone Glacier. They are geared more towards the backpacking world not hunting. But I found their designs interesting. I see some similarities to Kifaru and MR with them with some of the Modularity in their pack designs. Interesting!

Here is a page with all their backpack designs

http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/detail/LBP 35.htm

 

[idig4au]

I've read a few good positive reviews on the Alaska Hunting forum. I think he will build it up custom to your exact needs if I remember correctly. That said, I just went with a Kifaru Bikini with 7K HC bag and assorted pockets. It seemed upon the advice of people here, this was the way to go for me. I hope it comes before my next hunt in Mexico in January!

 

[hammer0419]

Very highly regarded packs in the outdoor adventure community. Super custom, extremely well made, top of the line material. Have been around for some time. For hunting I will only use Kifaru.

 

[hammer0419]

Haha. Just fixed it. One thing that drives me nuts on this smart phone.

There are other packs I much prefer over Kifaru but their suspension is second to none. That's why I have a Longbow-Bikini combo.

 

[Kalidor]

McHale is just only like the Rolls Royce of packs....

You definitely hit jackpot on this one. Super custom and personal fit.

He will send you a demo pack and get you to load it up, trek with it, tell him how it feels, take a few photos with it on before he builds your final pack with those inputs.

 

[SHTF]

Pretty crazy stuff. I love the looks of them for sure.

 

[Kalidor]

Me too. Just wished I had the moolah to spend on them.

 

[dotman]

I have always wondered what the resale is like on these since they are so custom, but then again I have yet to see a used one for sale.

 

[luke moffat]

A coworker of mine, similar to my build has one. Tried it on, loaded it, but beyond that can't comment much so not worth much for how it carries for me. A buddy of mine has one and took it with us to Kodiak on a mountain goat hunt. Says it works great for him. They seem to make some great packs indeed.

Wanted one for years now, but can't chisel open my wallet that wide, especially when I gotta buy two of everything.

 

[SHTF]

Luke,

I will work on getting you one. going to see if I can get them to become sponsors in that case a free pack would be in order for you to review =-)

 

[luke moffat]

Luke,

I will work on getting you one. going to see if I can get them to become sponsors in that case a free pack would be in order for you to review =-)

HAHA....thanks man!

 

[Stid2677]

I bet I can find something to kill for Luke to stuff in it too.... Cause I'm a team player.

 

[colonel00]

Well, I am on board for watching a video of said kill and requisite pack review. Just offering to do my part too

 

[SHTF]

haha. This sounds like a circle Jerk and Luke gets to be the pivot man =-P

 

[Stid2677]

Luke gets a free pack and dinner, sounds good to me.

 

[HellsCanyon]

haha. This sounds like a circle Jerk and Luke gets to be the pivot man =-P

Well I was going to volunteer to be a fellow tester until this post.... :-/

Mike

 

[fair-chase]

All I can say is best of luck getting McHale's to become a sponsor of a hunting related site. I just don't see it fitting in with their other sponsorship's, the likes of Greenpeace, The Sea Shepherd Society, Orca Relief, etc... But good luck with that, It would be great if they came aboard.

I do agree with Kalidor that the McHale Packs have long been established as the epitome of alpine packs. I've wanted one for quite some time, but couldn't see the hunting application of the "internal" frame design. Would love to see some reviews of how these packs handle hunting conditions. Particularly meat care and packing.


P.S. If you guys need someone to pick one up for you, you know for safe keeping, I'm not too far from the factory.

 

[SHTF]

hey we are a backpack hunting website and as most of us do it scouting trips don't always warrant taking out the hunting packs

 

[kickemall]

The owner, Dan Mchale, isn't a hunter but isn't against hunters. I've seen on other sites (and I thought this one) where some hunters are using their packs. I've talked to Mchale on the phone and he will make it any way you want. I specifically asked him about putting in a loop for a hanging meat bag in one that I have from the mid 90s and he said no sweat and was actually intrigued by the idea of using it as a meat hauler. I haven't been on the web site for awhile but the one I have has the bayonet system which is way cool because you can pull the stay extensions for smaller loads or to compress it for a daypack, yet still have functional load lifters, then put them back in for a huge load hauler. The pack is comfortable to me but I haven't used Kifaru, Stone Glacier or any others except a Cabela's alaskan and Dana Designs. Its way more comfortable than the Cabelas with any load and better than the Dana for over 80 lbs. I've been wanting to try a different pack but can't part with the cash when this one works fine. My biggest knock on it at this point is its fairly heavy.

 

[fair-chase]

Thanks for the info Kickemall. Any breathability issues when hanging meat on the inside?