McHale creates custom packs made exactly to your measurements and with the specific features you want. They may not look as fancy as some other packs out there, but personally I think that’s a good thing. Near as I can tell, there are only two downsides to getting a McHale pack: price and wait (not weight). My pack costs nearly $600 with the Spectra fabric, so if price is a big issue then these packs may not be for you. Keep in mind though that McHale builds there packs to last. While the packs are expensive the quality is top notch and their packs should last a long time. Also, there is generally about an eight week wait to have a McHale pack custom built. Mine actually took several weeks longer than that. So if you need a pack right away, then a McHale is probably not a good match.

Other good packs to consider are:

• ULA P-2 37oz. $150 4025 cu in. Custom built.
• Kiskil Outdoors Mithril II 20oz. $255 3980 cu in Custom built, made with Spectra fabric
• Kelty Cloud 4000 18oz. $550 4000 cu in. Made with Spectra, available in Reg & Lrg

Features that I look for in a pack are:

• Internal frame (ideally removable so the pack can be adjusted for light loads)
• Hip belt
• Water bottle pockets on the sides
• Space to hold a water bladder and drinking tube
• Durable and lightweight (Spectra fabric is expensive but it is extremely durable and very lightweight.)