After using the Terraframe one time,(in the desert),I was tempted to submit a review but I wanted to use it while backpacking in the mountains to see how it handled and carried going uphill. Having used it fully loaded 3 times now,45-50lbs., one desert,two mountain trips I can happily state that this backpack never hurt me in any way. Construction is very rugged, adjustments do just what they're supposed to do and after a while you can almost forget you've got it on. The quality and workmanship is first rate. I know the market is flooded with good quality packs, but if you're inclined to use an external frame - this is the one.

Customer Service

I've dealt with them via telephone basically for information and advice for sizing and pack capacity and each time they were patient and professional, even calling me when necessary.

Similar Products Used:

Dana Design Long Bed, Jansport Rockies.

this backpack is located on the 'loadmaster' branch of the dana family tree. i cannot even begin to describe how apt that description is! after much research, i purchased this pack when it became clear that i was to become the designated family sherpa. we are talking in the 100 lb range of gear here. so, i went back to externals- figuring their load handling capabilities would be superior to internals (assuming you aren't rock climbing). i can't believe i was so biased against externals. what a wake up call!
dana makes bomb-proof gear, so the durability of this product is not in question. even with the recent move to mexico, workmanship still seams a-1, as you would expect from dana. the nice thing about this external is that it is somewhat of a hybrid- it handles the load like an external, but with the dana harnessing, the load almost seems to wrap around you, like an internal. i think it is a marriage made in heaven. best of both worlds. the load rides where it is supposed to- on your hips! i have never had a backpack trip w/out back/shoulder fatigue until i used this pack. and this is with 25 more lbs than i am used to carrying. the only drawback i can think of is that, as with most externals, there is some squeakinng where the pack meets the frame. but i'll take the pluses: enormous load capacity; weight distribution to hips; cool breeze on back; over this small negative anyday.
$300+ is high, but get it on sale and you won't be sorry! i found mine for $199.
i highly recomment this pack to all of us who, by default, are the designated pack mule. ultra lite trekkers need not apply, as this thing weighs 7 lbs empty.

Customer Service

as with all dana packs, this baby comes made to order, so get it sized! this is very important!

This is the toughest pack ever. It survives mud, rain, dirt rock... I was impressed when I was caught in a rainstorm with no pack cover. Amazingly! my sleeping bag came out dry! While this is a tough pack you will find you can hike 3-4 miles longer becuase of it "Suspension System". These packs have fiberglass stays that keep the weight on your hips and allow you to breath, and walk faster. This pack sounds complicated but it is really quite luxurious. You can pack more weight than you could ever imagine in this pack. yet even with more weight it is still comfortable. Overall this is a really cool pack.

Customer Service

None

Similar Products Used:

Camp Trails

I went looking external from the start because it the Nottheast humidity, I sweat gallons. My packing buddie warned be against an external because the frame cathches on brancehs and the packs tend to be wide as well. We bushwack through the krunmholtz in the Adairondacs where it can take a day to make three miles and you never see your feet. I researched the Shortbed and actually bought one. Two days later, I was in Campnor buying some gear before a trip and there was this Teraframe on deep discount. I bought it for teh trip and liked it so much I sent back the Shortbed. I like it because it is as slender as the Teraplane and the top brace of the frame comes out which avoids getting hung up on trees. I love the way the fiberblass stays pull the weight to the front of your pelvis when they are engaged. I have never had a back ache when using this pack on a douzen multiday trips so far even carrying 50 plus pounds in winter. The two drawbacks? It does ride slightly higher than an internal so the top of the pack does scrape limbs more than with an internal and scurring under blowdowns, you have to crouch that much lower. The fram does squeek a little but this is outweighed by the eas of carrying the extra weight. The durability of the pack is top notch although the mesh wand pocket did tear on a brance. But the way I bushwack, that is to be expected. Look for sales and this pack is can be a match made in heaven if you sweat alot like I do.

Similar Products Used:

None

Just recently returned from a backpacking trip to Stein Valley using for the first time an external frame pack. I was really impressed by the comfort of the pack and how it managed the load (45 lbs.)easily.

This pack is well suited for non-technical trail hikes, not for scrambling up boulder fields and skirting narrow trails. On the downside the pack tends to sway a little bit unless you cinch the waist belt and tighten all velcro tabs connecting the frame to the pack. Noise was a bit of a factor also, the frame squeeks can be muffled somewhat by taping the pins located near the top of the frame.

As with all their packs, the quality and craftsmanship is outstanding. The materials used are first rate, from the beefy zippers, to the floating lid that can be detached from the pack and used as a fanny pack. The adjustable harness is also well thought out.

With the extra room afforded between your back and the pack you actually stay cooler while hiking due to the air flow. This is defintely the pack I will now use to do casual to moderate backpacking trips. Overall a fantastic pack, and highly recommended!

Customer Service

Very friendly and informative. They were able to answer my question regarding proper fitting. Also sent me additional info on adjusting and loading their packs properly.

Similar Products Used:

Arc'Teryx Bora 90, Dana Design Terraplane X, Deuter Air Contact 55-10.

Who says that externals are dead?? This pack wants to do it all. It doesn't realize the "limitations" that externals are known for. It stays with the body in most situations and trails. I guess it would be somewhat cumbersome to climb with, but hey, Ive got other packs for that!

Similar Products Used:

None

Who says that externals are dead?? This pack wants to do it all. It doesn't realize the "limitations" that externals are known for. It stays with the body in most situations and trails. I guess it would be somewhat cumbersome to climb with, but hey, Ive got other packs for that!

Similar Products Used:

None