Thread: Osprey packs

I've gone through a few packs and have now settled on a McHale. McHale Alpine Style Packs (Warning: the website is hard to navigate).

They're not cheap and the process of getting one can take up to 6 months or more (and involve hundreds of emails back and forth, trialing 'demo' packs, and watching a couple DVD's) but the pack's are hand built by 1 individual, and they're built to your individual specs (your body dimensions + desired features). Dan can make them out of a range of materials, including Dyneema.

In a nutshell, you'll end up with a pack that fits you like a glove and will last several lifetimes. Worth the investment I reckon if you're doing a lot of backpacking off the beaten track. Warranties mean f*ck all in the field, and the price of a quality bit of kit is soon forgotten.

Pack he built me:

Some other examples:










When I had mine built, I asked Dan to not put any velcro or mesh fabric on the pack (I hate that shit - always gets clogged up with hook grass etc, and degrades over time).

Dan doesn't do any advertising. Most of his business is repeat business. That should tell you something about the quality of his work.

Originally Posted by Frodo

I've gone through a few packs and have now settled on a McHale. McHale Alpine Style Packs (Warning: the website is hard to navigate).

They're not cheap and the process of getting one can take up to 6 months or more (and involve hundreds of emails back and forth, trialing 'demo' packs, and watching a couple DVD's) but the pack's are hand built by 1 individual, and they're built to your individual specs (your body dimensions + desired features). Dan can make them out of a range of materials, including Dyneema.

In a nutshell, you'll end up with a pack that fits you like a glove and will last several lifetimes. Worth the investment I reckon if you're doing a lot of backpacking off the beaten track. Warranties mean f*ck all in the field, and the price of a quality bit of kit is soon forgotten.

Pack he built me: Attachment 135921

Some other examples:

Attachment 135922

Attachment 135923

Attachment 135924

Attachment 135925


When I had mine built, I asked Dan to not put any velcro or mesh fabric on the pack (I hate that shit - always gets clogged up with hook grass etc, and degrades over time).

Dan doesn't do any advertising. Most of his business is repeat business. That should tell you something about the quality of his work.

Ballpark cost?

I'll flick you a PM.

Depends on the size, materials, and features.

His most basic stuff will still seem quite expensive compared to something off the shelf, but it's a bit like a tailor made suit vs something from Hallenstines. I really struggled to scrounge together the pennies, but I'm glad I did.

50% off at moment
https://www.bivouac.co.nz/osprey-men...5yVM4Bcz-lEOWw

got both the atmos 65 and the ather 85 the ather 85 replaced my bison. they are super comfortable. super durable.

I'm tossing up between the 70 litre and 85 litre Aether AG. Not sure on size to get. Restricted to weekends so most will say 70 is more than enough, but my gear is budget, hence bulky. Tending towards the 85. Day trips it'll be really empty though. Do you find it annoying when carrying a larger pack only partly full? I see then can be senched down tight.

Originally Posted by ebf

Bought an Aether 85 AG recently.

It has only been on 1 trip before lockdown, but I can tell you right now it is the most comfortable pack I have ever carried.

Chose the Aether 85 for 3 primary reasons - light weight, extra room for carrying out meat, detachable brain to use as a daypack while hunting

Breathing life into thread- how does it compare now @ebf? Happy?
I’m looking at Totonka or your one above? The idea of breaking it down to do a day hunt appeals.


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Osprey website states medium harness Aether 70 is 2.365kg and the 85 is 2.435kg. So only 70gm increase for 15 litre capacity increase!

Originally Posted by Danny

Breathing life into thread- how does it compare now @ebf? Happy?
I’m looking at Totonka or your one above? The idea of breaking it down to do a day hunt appeals.

I'm still super happy with it @Danny

If I had to buy again today will be the same model.

The Osprey packs also have an absolute killer lifetime guarantee - break it for ANY reason, and they will fix or replace it.

just bought it on sale in canada it was $314cdn think i did ok took a bit of tweaking but feels great now super comfortable with a load, see what I think after 5 km and 25kg.

Most comfy pack I’ve ever owned , think mine is a Aether 65 , not the hardest wearing fabric and mine starting to show wear on bottom edges from taking on and off all the time but heck there not that expensive and I will replace it with the same pack when needed.

Lucky, Osprey will replace it for free if it fails. Wicked guarantee. I’ve had a free repair and a free replacement. No questions asked

would there be anyone that has a 70-80 L aether, xenith pack that dosnt like the day pack type lid?
I have a pack that has a more traditional removable 2 pocket lid but without any straps, I would prefer the daypack lid if anyone keen on a swap

I've managed to get an Aether 85 from trademe. How is everyone carrying rifle on them?
Using the straps on it or have you added a scabbard? https://www.stoneycreek.co.nz/gun-scabbard.html

Originally Posted by uk_exile

I've managed to get an Aether 85 from trademe. How is everyone carrying rifle on them?
Using the straps on it or have you added a scabbard? https://www.stoneycreek.co.nz/gun-scabbard.html

I carry mine using the straps on the side. In saying that I don’t like the butt of the rifle hanging below the bottom of the pack, find it a prick when you wanna sit with pack on etc. Prefer it to be longer out the top.