I have not used every pack available on this planet, but having backpacked and climbed for over 30 years I have used many of them. Dan McHale's packs (and the SARC in particular)are, far and away, the best packs I have ever used. My climbing partners endure endless hours of me ranting on about what great packs these are - I'll stick to only the main points here. Toughness: The SARC is an extremely hard wearing pack. McHale uses a stronger thread than most companies, plus all main pack seams are additionally backed up with spectra thread. Packs are made from ballistics cloth, but can ordered with spectra cloth. Design: This is where the SARC really shines. When many (most?) pack manufacturers are going to increasing complexity, the basic SARC design is deceptively simple. Two very beefy removable stays positively transfer weight to the waistbelt. The SARC's wimpy-looking (by today's standards) waist belt is amazingly effective. It is the most comfortable waist belt out there. My wife owns a McHale Zero SARC, very similar to my SARC, and she also loves the waist belt. The basic pack comes with 2 strap-on pockets that support the ends of skiis or small items. You can also get other optional pockets of various sizes that quickly strap on to the pack in clever ways. Most optional items have dual uses, e.g., strap on side pockets clip together in such a way that they function as additional compression straps. My optional snow shovel pocket also holds snow shoes tight against the back of the pack. I have used my SARC on alpine climbs in carry-over situations. It is very comfortable and most of the wieght (40+ lb.) can be transferred to the waist, taking strain off the shoulders. The SARC also comes with 6 compression straps, removable top flap pocket that coverts to a waist pack, 2 rear daisy chains and shoulder strap daisy chains, extension skirt, and a monster zipper in the main body of the pack. Any of these things can be deleted for credit. Everything on our 3 McHales just seems to work really smoothly. Service: When you call McHale Packs, you talk to Dan McHale, not a receptionist. I own 3 of his packs (2 SARCs and an Inex) and he has always been very thorough in getting exactly what I and my wife wanted. When Margareta wanted a slightly smaller waist belt, he sent us another one within a few days.

Customer Service

Excellent. Personal service by the owner. McHale seems to make a lifetime committment to you.

Similar Products Used:

Gregory, REI packs, Black Diamond, TNF, Wild Things, Cold Cold World. Plus trying out many partners packs.

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I guess I fell prey to the sales hype of those who sold me my previous packs and assumed that the level of discomfort I felt while carrying them was normal. Convinced that there had to be a "better way", I searched until I found Dan Mchales custom packs. After using his SARC the first time, I knew I had not just found the "better way", but quite possibly the "only way". I began by stuffing the weight that I was accustomed to carry into the SARC and it felt at least 10-15 pounds lighter than in the other packs. I have no clue as to why it carries so well. Adjustment is so simple that no instruction manual is even given with the pack. The shoulder straps are simple to adjust while walking and the hip-belt does not slip at all. Part of his secret must be in the hip-belt with the double buckle and webbing arrangement which just works. He lists the capacity at 3,500-4000 ci but it seems to be about 1000ci larger than that, based on a comparison of my other packs and what their stated capacity was. Either Dan McHale understates his pack''s capacity or other manufacturers overstate theirs. Regardless, the capacity is more than sufficient to start out carrying 45 pounds on a 9-day trek along the CDT in Southern Colorado. It felt like I was carrying only 30 pounds! It costs a lot but well worth it. I doubt I will ever buy another pack!

Customer Service

After looking at the superb workmanship of this pack I''ll probably never need it, but given the attention given me during the purchase of it, I know it will be there if I do.

Similar Products Used:

Mountainsmith Backbowl & Dana Design Terraplane X, 10th generation

This is my first of two packs purchased from McHale. The Sarc is exactly what Dan McHale, both on the phone and through his video promised! The Sarc is a big day pack, capable of handling equipment for a big single day climb all the way to a long weekend. I also take this pack on "routine" day hikes and x-c skiing trips. I purchased the optional large pockets and additional snow shovel pocket and the total volume with these should easily bring me to 5000 cu inches. What I really like about the pack is the design and construction. It is first class, built with the finest components and stitching. Dan was there, on the phone, to assist in the ordering and followup. When the belt came in a little on the small side, he quickly made for me a new one and sent it out the next week. The pack fits me like a glove and is definitely the most confortable pack that I have ever worn, in my thirty years of climbing. The price is a little higher when considering an off-the-rack pack from other manufacturers but I'll probably be using this pack for the next twenty plus years (hopefully). If you're looking for a pack that will withstand the rigors of climbing, mountaineering or backpacking with the goal of comfort and quality on your back, then this pack is definitely recommended. It'll easily hold up to forty pounds on the Sarc suspension, probably more if necessary. I purchased this for the day-two day climb and forty pounds and under is what I was looking for this pack to handle.

Customer Service

The best customer service that I have experienced in the backpacking industry! Dan is there on the phone when I have needed him. If I needed to leave a message, he returns my call within a day or so.

Similar Products Used:

Lowe Alpine Systems, Sacs Millet (LaFuma).

I had my critical mass bayonet alpine II for about 6 months. I have the 500 sidepockets so I was determined to save sixe and order the zero sarc. However having talked at length with Dan McHale (the owner) He convinced me that the sarc would be more fitting for my needs.... The side pockets work on both packs.Yet would only be required on extended overnites and will still not be overkill for a single day pack.I'm impressed.

Customer Service

No probs.

Similar Products Used:

McHale Critical Mass Alpine II