What to do with McCale pack

[Raven1911]

What to do with McHale pack

I have an older critical mass II Dan McHale pack I bought in the 90s that's about an 8000 ci pack but can compress down. It's virtually brand new. I havent hunted until the last 5 years so my need for a back country hunting pack has been recent. I bought a Badlands 2200 pack but don't really like it much. I want to get into more backpack hunting and have this McHale pack but not sure what to do with it. I would like more individual storage options for it, but there aren't any, so I am torn between selling all and buying new or keeping and trying to work with what I have. I mainly elk, deer and javelina hunt here in AZ. I am considering selling the badlands 2200 and the McHale and buying a Kifaru or a mystery ranch pack. I would like a pack that can be a do all type pack where I can compress it and day hunt out of it but also pack in for 3+ days of hunting. Wondering your thoughts as to what I should do with the badlands and McHale packs? Should I try and use the McHale pack and modify it? It is not waterproof, but I do have a rain cover for it. I do hunt in the snow at times so would need the water proofing. Any thoughts are appreciated!!

 

[duchntr]

Id use the mchale pack and sell the the worthless badlands pack. It seems your new to backpack hunting? if so, use what you got and go hunting. New gear is great but experience is worth more imo, you will learn more about your equipment actually using it in the field then reading forums about gear. So id atleast pack a few critters out before drinking the koolaid and taking the plunge into a new pack, its not always better on the other side. As for waterproofing your pack get a couple dry bags and put your stuff in them, remember you don't need 20 different dry bags they add unnecessary weight, get 2 35l bags and put all your stuff in them. Also yes kifaru, MR and Seek is where id be looking if you decide to to buy new.

 

[kickemall]

I hunted with the same Mchale for years. Compressed it down and used it for a daypack and everything else. Most packs aren't waterproof so thats an issue you'll have to deal with almost any of them. I would do exactly what duchntr said and sell the Badlands and use the McHale. You'll be hard pressed to find a pack that will handle heavy loads better. Unless of course you just want a new pack then have fun!

 

[Bmcox86]

Sell the badlands and use the mchale


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[Raven1911]

Thanks for the replies so far! Yes I am new to backpack hunting and really want to get more into it. I was into backpacking in the 90s and used the McHale a number of times but that is the only wear it has. I have hunted elk the last 5 years, mainly hiking from the car with a day pack. I am not sure how to pack meat out on the McHale pack without making a bloody mess of the nylon or how to strap the meat to the pack? Some type of DIY meat shelf would be awesome but haven't looked at that yet. My McHale pack is bright blue and gray which are not the best colors for hunting but I know animals are color blind and if I am stalking in I would take the backpack off anyway. I wonder if I could buy a couple storage pockets from kifaru and attach them to the McHale or not?

 

[Steve O]

Put the boned out meat in a trash compactor bag inside the McHale.

 

[duchntr]

Heres a how-to on loading meat in your pack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpFi3S3ynYQ&list=PL0A06F0CEF3633599&index=10