This is a shout out (with emphasis added)To Monica, all of the customer service dept, the seamstresses, pack makers and to Joe Valesco at Zpacks.
My sincerest thanks goes to them with un-expressible gratitude for the repair of my Arc Blast 60 pack. This pack is one of the earlier models of the Arc Blast line purchased directly from Zpacks in early 2014. The pack frame is a far cry from the frame today as Zpacks has continuously improved its pack line over time. In spite of the improvements in the Arc line my Arc 60 is the perfect pack for my type of backpacking here in California especially in the Sierra. It weighed only 17 oz out of the box new over six years ago. The 60 is the perfect size for week long trips carrying lightweight gear that has gradually replaced my former traditional heavier trail gear over the years.
It was a set-back about 18 months ago when this pack developed a hole in one of the webbing pockets that acts as a seat for the vertical side bars of the frame. I tried several work arounds to put the side bar back into the pocket but it would inevitably work its way back through the hole. This pack has been the best pack I have owned and the perfect piece of equipment for my hiking profile. I did not want to start over with a new pack if I could get this one fixed.
Following a few emails with photos of the problem, Monica and the staff agreed to take it back to patch the hole considering the trouble I have had getting it done. Â I never expected the entire frame to be replaced with the upgraded frame, hip belt and shoulder straps in addition to moving the V strap onto the top horizontal bar of the frame so it better secures the bear can. I just wanted to get the hole patched so I could continue to use the pack. I can go on and on about the details but and just cannot express how happy I am about the repaired pack Zpacks has returned to me. It is, in fact, a disservice to now call this pack a repaired pack. It is a brand new pack with the pack sack being the only part of the pack remaining after all of the upgrades. I am just tickled over this new pack with the glee that swept over me this week as I pull this new piece of gear from the box. There is frustration now over my not being able to adequately express to them the appreciation and gratitude I have for what Zpacks has done for me.
It is no wonder how Zpacks has grown from a small, meager little operation to one of the most reputable and popular line of light weight backpacking gear for serious backpackers. Zpacks makes top quality gear for the lightweight backpacker who wants to go farther, faster and with more comfort.
John Kays
