In some ways, I was hoping that the McHale was not any better than my Osprey Aether 60. It would have saved me money on another pack. But the demo proved otherwise. There are many times in the process when you can back out of the process in purchasing a McHale pack with very little money invested. It is not an all or nothing proposition. So if one decides to buy it, then you have already gone through a few steps.

For about $200 more than the Bora 80, you can get a pack on sale from McHale that is custom fitted with P&G bayonets, bypass harness, full Spectra bottom, kangaroo pocket and can even have some other options. The McHale has stopped me from having to look at or purchase other packs. In addition, when Dan comes out with improvements, many times they can be incorporated into your pack by sending back to him for the upgrade.

Just something to consider in the search for the right pack.