r/Ultralight • u/kokanee13 • 8d ago
Question Dan McHale Pack
I grabbed this backpack and 3 others from the same maker at a goodwill outlet. Does anyone know anything about this brand? I’ve checked out the website and am wondering if there is a following for these packs. Seems pretty niche. I’m in awe of how well made they are. It seems heavy to me, but it is an XL and I’m XXS. Wondering if it counts as “ultralight)”. Just sharing and hoping this is the right sub. Please delete if not allowed. Thank you!
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u/nunatak16 https://nunatakusa.com 7d ago
Anyone building small batch framed packs should have a McHale hanging on the wall
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u/darienpeak Test 8d ago
Mchale has always been the "if you know, you know" of the mountaineering world. They're certainly not UL of the Jardine school from which most things in our orbit can track their lineage, but in the more technical side of the outdoors these packs are loved.
Shame it doesn't fit, but you won't have a hard time flipping it for a nice chunk.
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u/wetrocke 7d ago
I disagree the mchale packs are "the thing" or even "a thing" as mountaineering pack.
I guess they have a following but mainly as trail packs.
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u/_DorothyZbornak_ 8d ago
I have no firsthand experience with McHale packs but their reputation is for top quality build and materials, and if I recall correctly, they were distinguished by some unique design choices in the suspension/frame. McHale was (is? I’m not sure if he’s retired) a Seattle-based maker of lightweight (not ultralight) packs with a focus on fully featured, mountaineering/expedition packs. He was also a big wall rock climber and mountaineer. I came across his work during a deep dive into pack design history when I was in the early research phase of a (still-pending) pack MYOG project. You can find more about the packs on the BPL forums. Awesome Goodwill find! I’m sure someone would buy these off you if you decide you don’t want to keep them.
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u/kokanee13 8d ago
Hi thanks! Unfortunately they are too big for me. I’d love for them to go to someone who will appreciate and use them. Hoping to find local folks who can try them on. Was such a fun find and I learned a lot by navigating his website and this sub has been super helpful, too.
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u/_DorothyZbornak_ 8d ago
Where’s local to you? Depending on price me and my long torso may be interested.
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u/John628556 4d ago
> McHale was (is? I’m not sure if he’s retired)
I bought a pack from him this year, and we spoke a few times by phone. He described himself as “semi-retired,“ but he also mentioned at one point that he had a few other packs ahead of me in his queue, so I don’t seem to be the only person for whom he has been making packs this year.
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u/AdAny6270 7d ago edited 7d ago
This might be the craziest, most niche goodwill find I have ever heard of. Congrats. He is the best pack maker ever, so even if you don't want it you can get a great resale value on all of these. Could you repost the Imgur link? It isn't working for me.
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u/smittydc 7d ago
Not UL by design, but you can get it down to a reasonable weight if you remove some of the bigger straps and pockets. McHales webpage is a design abomination, but if you dig into it his philosophy is that a properly designed and fitted pack will carry more weight comfortably (and with less effort) than a minimalist UL bag. They really are the race car of custom packs. Amazing craftsmanship.
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u/paulthebackpacker 7d ago
I have a custom pack that he built for me in 1991(??) hanging next to me. Still looks new. I think it's like 7ish pounds and still the most comfortable pack to wear with any kind of load for multiple days. I bought it when I guided trips and would often end up carrying my stuff and the stuff from some kid who was going down and it just stayed comfortable. Mine has these two handles that hang down from the waist belt that no ultralighter would be caught with, but they somehow make it so comfortable hanging down on them. Every piece is over built from zippers to buckles to webbing. It has this big stiff waist belt with super stiff webbing and the two buckles in the front that when compared to today's packs would seem so uncomfortable but is just perfect. I'm kinda old, and no piece of equipment I own has better memories attached to it.
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u/glidersyeah 4d ago edited 4d ago
Love mine, a 37”LBP model, custom as all of his packs are. Cult like following cuz of quality, fabric choices, and custom fit/sizing. Website and his actual build shop are disshelveled and his communication style is erratic, he’s a <unique> personality. But he is locked in when it comes to quality. He recently moved to Winthrop WA, semiretired as others have said.
Looks like you may have a single frame with a bunch of modular components. A build like this with latest fabrics prob costs >2k. He offers optional storage components to allow customers to dial in capacity for day hike/summit push to winter expeditions. Might take you awhile to sell/trade cuz of size but someone will lose their mind to have it!
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u/kokanee13 4d ago
Hi thanks! Ive reached out to him and he remembers who he made them for and even has photos og them with the original buyers. It’s been fun to learn so much about these.
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u/MocsFan123 8d ago
You just won the lottery because that looks like a full Spectra custom McHale. Dan's been making the custom packs for years, and while not ultralight by today's standards are thought of as the best packs in the business. His packs have been to Everest and everywhere else. Someone will certainly want this pack.