Kifaru vs Mchale

[kipper09]

Been doing a lot of research. There are obviously several different names that come up in conversation about top quality packs. These very rarely get compared. Just thought I would try to get some input if anybody had any on these two. Obviously Kifaru name and reputation is as good as it gets. Mchale is pretty well thought of as well. I like the modularity of Kifaru. And they are bullet proof. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Backpack Hunter]

For me (years and years ago) it came down to materials, and how fast I wanted something.
The Mchale pack was top notch, and expertly fitted to me, it took 3-4 months if I remember right. As far as I know that pack is still going strong.
All of my Kifaru packs have been top notch, and if something was off I called in and could get it fitted to me. Never have had one fail.
Personally I find the Kifaru suspension works well for me, again never had a pack fail, and now I can get it in a couple of weeks..previously a month or so.
To be fair I have not looked at Mchale in quite a long time so things may have changed.

 

[kipper09]

Thanks backpack hunter. I.guess there isn't a lot of info out there on the McHale packs.. the people who do have them seem to be extremely happy. I just.thought maybe somebody May have some experience with both.. I always see comparisons on packs like mystery ranch, exo, stone glacier, kifaru.. but this one is never talked about.. hopefully someone else will chime in.

 

[LBFowler]

I would say comparing McHale and Kifaru isn't really apples to apples.
Kifaru is certainly in most peoples top 5 list for production packs, but McHale is really (in the truest sense of the word) in a league of his own.

There aren't really many companies that you can compare to McHale because
1) I don't think there is enough of a market for more then one or two companies at his price-point
2) The level of customization he is willing to do is an insane PITA from a production standpoint, and there aren't many people willing to put up with it long term (almost all companies seem to migrate from semi-custom to not-custom as they grow). You certainly have to like building packs more then making money to keep a business like his going.

I have no doubt if you are willing to spend the money and months it takes to get a McHale pack, and you do your part in properly articulating your needs to him, you will get a pack that will work better for exactly what you want to do then any of the top 5 production pack companies.

 

[kipper09]

Thanks for the input LB. I didn't expect to get a lot of responses. I think as you said, it's fully custom and a lengthy process which I'm sure isn't something many people would do. I'm sure a Kifaru will do anything and everything I would ever do. Just thought I'd see if anybody had any input on the two or firsthand experience thanks again

 

[TxTrapper]

I actually worked with Dan for some time on building a pack frame that could be used as a hauler with a load shelf.
It just never materialized.
My opinion, if you live in your pack and you know what you want in one and that pretty much stays the same then I think Getting one built by Dan is a very good option.
He has some really nice features such as the bayonet stays, the loadlifter bypass system and many materials to choose from.
I personally like his waist belts they seem to hang on very nice. Dan can be a little challenging at times but is a very good and knowledgable guy and you will learn a lot about packs and making them when you visit with him.
for the most of us the over counter packs work fine and we actually have a large selection to choose from know with all the companies that are making packs, with just about any option we could think of.
I personally hope the pack market game doesn't turn into what the bow game has and think they have to come out with something new every year to keep the masses happy but find out what works and is desired and just tweek it if needed. Again JMO

 

[ssssnake529]

I have several McHale packs. If you are going to carry really heavy loads, then nothing else compares with them. Their waist belts and suspensions distribute weight better than anything else on the market. He will customize the packs for you as well, providing you with whatever you want. (Right now, he's got one of my packs that I bought from him more than a decade ago, that he is making some changes to.)

The McHale packs are versatile, as they can be configured as giant load haulers, or broken down into more reasonably sized packs for carrying less.

I tend to hunt for 5+ days at a time, far from the truck. The McHale is great for hunting, and incomparable for hauling out meat.
.