User Review: McHale Super SARC

Reviewed October 21, 2004 by Erik Landahl

Rating:
Design: Top loading internal with top hip pack
Size: Approx. 6000 cu. in. max.; Down to approx. 3000 cu. in. min.
Number of Pockets: Three external, one internal
Max. Load Carried: 62 pounds
Height of Owner: 6 feet, 1 inch
Price Paid: $655 U.S.

McHale backpacks are a miracle. I've now carried from 25 to over 60 pounds on a couple dozen very steep, rough, long hikes and scrambles. Lots of altitude gain on each hike. With my McHale pack, going uphill there is no pain, total comfort. And downhill–no pain, total comfort.

I owned a couple of off-the-shelf packs previously, and they hurt no matter how many adjustments I made. Shoulder pain and back pain, upper and lower. The heavier the weight I carried the worse it became. The packs would feel like they were sagging and always bouncing no matter what I adjusted or how well I packed them.

But wearing my McHale backpack I can practically jog downhill. And uphill too. The pack honestly makes it feel as if the weight I'm carrying is maybe 1/3 less than the weight that's actually in the pack.

Dan McHale is a master pack maker. And a great person too. When he gives his word about your custom backpack being perfect for you, he certainly means it. Thank you McHale Backpacks.

My Super SARC gives me the comfort and capability to do everything from a quick scramble up a steep local mountain to a two-week expedition in Bolivia. The awesome bayonet system and detachable top hip pack give an amazing range of cubic inches in one pack. It can go from a small/medium to an expedition size in a couple of minutes. I will recommend McHale backpacks to any hiker, backpacker or climber I meet.

Kind regards,
Erik Landahl

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