I have the Alpine in the disc. overkill option. This also includes 2 big #10 side-zip openings, making the pack more user freindly. I have other packs from Gregory and Arc Teryx, but this is by far my favorite pack. The main think I don`t like is its heavy, being around 7.3 pounds. I`ve used the pack for 14 days on the AT and it felt as good the last day, as it did the first. I also do alot of off-trail, and because of the narrow profile, it really excel`s at this. I never put gear on the outside of my packs, so when its "put you head down and go" the pack just goes right on through. Good pack, Jeff

Excellent 5000 cubic inch pack! This pack is all you could ever ask for if you want something that offers versatility in this size. If you are a minimalist and don't haul mule-pack loads, this bag will suit a variety of purposes while giving you great mid-size pack mobility. I have owned this bag since 1991 and it has been beaten, kicked, thrashed and mistreated without protest.
The only problem occured last summer when my girlfriend, who is notorious for damaging equipment, cracked on of the plastic buckles on my 10 year old pack. Outside of that, the bag has served me well without any problems and has been more than worth the investment.
Everything just seems to function well, as it was designed to do.

I have had my Apline pack since '91 and I have had no problems with it. It's super comfortable and carry's a good amount of stuff. It has been beat on and abused and there are any seams coming apart. You get what you pay for.

Great pack, but you pay for it. I've had a Dana Alpine for about 6 years now, and it has been absolutely bomb-proof. They can easily carry close to 100 lbs without much distortion (have used it for hauling rocks before for trail maintenance). The stiching is very well done, all seams are taped, and the fabric is all hot cut, stopping any chance that it will fray. THe suspension is fantastic and very adjustable. The alpine is a narrow pack, designed for technical mountaineering and backpacking and as such allows for a large range of motion. However, it also suffers disadvantages from being narrow in that it is slightly more difficult to pack than wider, tear drop shape packs. There are plenty of compression straps, the scree cuff is long, the top makes a suprizingly decent fanny pack with the hip belt, and the bottom can either fold up, out of the way, or be used to carry a sleeping bag or boots etc. The ""shovit pocket"" is very useful, and you'll learn to love it quickly. It easily holds a shovel and a rope - pretty much anything will fit in it. Big price, but big functionality also. pretty much blows away anything made by most other manufacturers, except a select few who are in the same league (Arc-Teryx, Mchale [very expensive custom packs]). Worth checking out if it fits you.

The best backpack I have ever owned. Very, very durable & comfortable with plenty of space. I have owned other packs but this one is really worth the price you pay for. The price hasn't changed much since I got it & I don't think you can find them on sale either. I owned a Gregory before & it wasn't anywhere close to this baby.

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Its, one of the best backpack I have ever had, I been using it for around 3 to 4 years and never had a problem with it. Dana has been my company almost through all Europe and south america. Without ever giving me a problem, when you are planning a trip, trusting your backpack is essential, and Dana is the one to trust!!!!

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Janspot

I love my Dana. I have had it for almost five years now and I've never had to think about it. It is bomb-proof, comfortable, and looks cool. I've done everything from going back country skiing with it in Colorado to flying across the country with it stored in the overhead and it's never been a problem. I love the Dana philosophy. I just wish I had gotten a larger pack

Customer Service

No problems that would require any customer service.

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Lite, exceptional quality, very stable, very comfortable

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Lowe Contour IV- excellent 1st pack. Not as stable or comfortable as Dana, but cheaper and durable. Took me through Siberia and back

I've owned my Alpine since 1990 when I was trackin' Griz in Yellowstone. This pack has never let me down. Not a single problem. The detachable top pocket converts to a fanny pack. Dana originated the ""shovit"" pocket, which holds shovels, rope, and other gear nicely. Narrow profile. Etc. etc.

Customer Service

I had Dana himself size this pack up for me, and I couldn't be more impressed by the service!

Similar Products Used:

Lowe Contour IV, Mountainsmith ""crap"".