This is a great pack! I've always been able to fit everything in it, and I usually am on 2-7 day ski mountaineering trips. Very comfortable, make sure you read the manual carefully about how to fit it to yourself, as it is extremely informative. The two pockets on the outside are crucial for storing those accessory type items and water bottles that you want to get at quickly.

This version of the pack has Dana's newer water resistant fabric, and it works! I was out on a training hike and it started raining on me. It was another 45 minutes until I got home, and my discman in the top lid didnt even get wet. Snow doesnt phase it of course.

The compression straps on the side work great for strapping your skis to the pack if you have to walk (doh!). The internal load stabilization/compression strap really works too. The number of adjustments on this pack is pretty amazing - it is a complex yet beautifully designed system that really works. Highly recommended!

Similar Products Used:

Dana Designs Terraplane, REI Traverse, Old kelty external frame

Outstanding Pack. Pack is constructed with 1st rate materials. Seams are flawless and hardware is heavy duty. Hiked for 5 days in Copper Canyon, Mexico with no problems. Pack is light spacious and comfortable. In an attempt ot be no-nonsense, there are very few internal pockets and only two external pockets.

Customer Service

Pack should be fitted by qualified person. Product is expensive and probably only presents a value for distance hikers who will appreciate the comfort.

Great pack! It is the only backpack I've used, besides a day pack, in 5 years. Great fit, second to none. Well thought out design. Love the external pockets. Wish it had wand/water bottle pockets though. Hips get sore after 2 to 3 days with 45 pounds, but still beats other packs. I suggest the optional wet rib, for a pocket up front and water as well. Quality is fantastic! Very durable.

Customer Service

None.

Similar Products Used:

TNF

I bought this pack 4 years ago and have put in several hundreds miles of backpacking. It is, by far, the most comfortable pack I've used. Very tough material, great craftmanship and made in Bozeman, MT. It has two large outside pockets, the back frame can be adjusted to fit your torso one's torso. The hip belt is very, very comfortable though the shoulder straps could use a bit more padding. You can carry 60 pounds easily with this pack. This pack will last for years!

Similar Products Used:

Mountainsmith, Gregory, Lowe

Bought this pack for my wife and she loves it. It was easy to custom fit and adjust. She has back problems and this was the best fitting pack she tried out of about 10. It is well built just like the other Dana products we own.

Similar Products Used:

None

I bought my pack a year ago and I love it! I wasn't so sure about the whole backpacking thing but this pack is so comfortable that I can easily carry a 50 pound pack. The hip belt is well padded and there are plenty of places to strap on extra gear. The customized fit I recieved when I bought the pack really help to minimize the hot spots that accompanies a heavy load. Great pack!

Similar Products Used:

None

This is a great pack. I've had mine a few years. The fanny pack top isn't very useable and a mesh pocket on the outside would be nice, but it really is comfortable and durable.

Similar Products Used:

None

Great pack period. I used it for a two week long trek at Philmont Scout Reservation in New Mexico and it was fantastic. It is the fourth pack I've had in a few years. I havent been able to find one I really liked until I came to this one. It is a little expensive, but it is definately worth it.

Similar Products Used:

Lowe Alpine Sirocco ND70 + 15, EMS 5000ST, Kelty Junior Tioga.

Very solid pack. On the plus side, the Lid/fanny pack is great for side trips after primary destination is reached. Downside...Dana moved production to mexico...and no bladder compartment. I bought mine as a 99 (bozeman) closeout for the meager price of $204. Suprisingly nodody else bought it because they didnt want to adjust the velcro straps/belt to fit. Cant wait to try it with a real load in it but very well made.

Customer Service

Well. I would like to see options like larger straps/belts on their website, im sure i could get one if i called though...so hey i dunno.

Similar Products Used:

Kelty Redcloud, Peak 1 external somethin or other

If you are looking for the absolute best pack in this size range, this is it. I have had mine for 4 yrs, on many bp trips throughout the northeast, and it still looks brand new, rain storms in the daqs, snow in the catskills, still brand new. if you like lots of zippers and webbing pockets and other frills, this is not the pack. if you want the most solid, best fitting, stuff it until your knees hurt (which is before your shoulders and hips will)this is the tent. I like my gear made strong and simple and this is it. your back will love it so tell your wallet to shut up and buy it!
i dont know what they are like now since the K2 buyout and sewing south of the border, but definately still worth a look. try to find an older version if the new ones are as good.

Similar Products Used:

ems, externals, eureka