Lightest backpack w/frame that is also set up for molle?

[Daniel Koster]

on the phone with McHale right now....

 

[Daniel Koster]

Ok...done now. Great guy. Awesome packs. I think we may have a winner. :thumbup:




Still open to suggestions, of course.

 

[joeshredd]

Had one of McHale's packs when he was still building them in the neighborhood of Fremont in Seattle, WA... You could take the pack off of the frame which left a frame (a soft frame, not a tubular style ala Kelty,) and the sleeping bag compartment... which was big enough for a sleeping bag, ground pad and one man tent.. And it carried very well!
Didn't have MOLLE straps, but I am sure he can include them... :thumbup:

 

[Kohai999]

Ok...done now. Great guy. Awesome packs. I think we may have a winner. :thumbup:




Still open to suggestions, of course.

Please post a pic of what you wind up with....your requirements will be different than mine, but if he is easy to work with, that would be a great starting point!

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[Daniel Koster]

I think I'm going to be looking at a Popcan bag like this:


http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/detail/summit_pack.htm

I may end up adding a Crest hip belt bag

http://www.mchalepacks.com/ultralight/Detail Hi Rez Pages/Crest in use.htm

And a utility bag on the back like this:
(on the right side of the pic - smaller bag)

 

[Tohatchi NM]

I'm curious - what made you give the nod to McHale? Are you still planning on using your Molle gear? Using the standard straps or PALS patches? Or just using the McHale pockets?

 

[Daniel Koster]

McHale said he would be able to make up some MOLLE arrays for me to go on the pack.

Here's the things I like about McHale so far:

• I can demo a bag first to make sure I like it
• The bag I'm looking at tapers from smaller at the waist to larger at the top (my prefered way of packing)
• The pack system is modular - I can add "pockets" to it or take them off...also, the bayonet system allows me to extend the height, or take it back down.
• Relatively lightweight ~ 5 lbs
• McHale will gladly customize it - add MOLLE, daisy-chains, extra pockets, etc.

So, while this will probably result in the most expensive bag of all the options above...it will also be the most customized. I'm a sucker for custom-anything.



If you know of other reputable pack-makers that will customize, by all means....drop some names!

 

[Daniel Koster]

A demo bag is on its way. :thumbup:


Pics and review to follow!

(will post on my forum, probably)