Dana Design Terraplane Review

"I bought my Terraplane in '93 and paid almost $400. Best investment ever. I've carried anywhere from 30lb to 70lb loads with this thing. The suspension handles anything you can put in it. I've taken the top off and cinched up the sleeping bag compartment and used it as a daypack.Best large backpack ever made"

"I use to use my Gregory Wind River and recently bought a Dana for a hike in the Rockies. I used it on a local trail for a weekend and it was simply awesome. This pack is as light as a feather on your back and I love the flex it gives when leaning over. Thanks Dana!"

"I've had a terraplane X for 6 years and it has surpassed all of my expectations. I use it for Summer & Winter snow camping in the Sierra's and have had it loaded to 70 pounds carrying my kiids stuff. The only thing I would add would be a light shovel pocket for clothing layers. If you're looking for a new pack, don't be cheap. It really does not matter over the life of the pack, and it will only make you miserable due to discomfort or breakdown!"

"I have a severe shoulder injury which has caused atrophy of many of the muscles in my right shoulder. I thought my backpacking days were over until my local outdoor shop recommended a Dana pack. With the wide range of hip belt, harness and pack bag sizes, I was able to custom fit a pack which distributes most of the weight to my hips. I weigh 115 pounds and carried 50 for 5 days around the Maroon Bells in Colorado. Dana's are expensive, but well worth the price."

"Wow!! This is the best way to describe it. I know it is expensive,
but it is worth it. This is the most comfortable pack I have ever
used. The suspension displaces the weight all down the back and
hips so your hips don't get very tired. Inside it is huge, and the
outside pockets make it even bigger. Once again there is a water
bottle positioning problem, but that is a little concern. If you can,
get this, but only if you are going to use it. Please don't disgrace
this pack by using it as a day pack."

"Last summer I hiked 40 miles on the Colorado Trail with my Dana
Design Terraplane pack. I was reading one of the other reviews
about the Terraplane and it stated problems reguarding water
bottle positioning. The best way to get water during a hike, with a
Dana Terraplane is to buy an additional Dana pocket (not the rib
pocket) and strap it to the side of the pack. Then purchase a
camel back and put it in there. The water tube from the camelback
can then be placed on the shoulder strap and you are ready to go.
Problem solved. By the way, my Dana pack was much more
versatile than my friends Osprey Motherload."

"This is hands down the best pack out there, with the only exception being the larger version, which I have not tried. I work for an outdoors store and will tell you that after testing many packs, including the North Face Dolomites, the Ospreys and all the rest, this pack wins.
You will not, period, not find a more comfortable pack anywhere. That is all."

"I just purchased a new terraplane and I am dying to use it,but I can't tell you anything substantial yet about its perforance.
What I can tell you is how to solve
the water-bottle problem. Get an outdoor research water bottle holder-the kind with the long velcro strap. The velcro strap will slide between the hip belt strap and the end of the foam padding.
The bottle will be held securely
and well within reach."

"i have had three dana'a. they were all good. they get better when i changed to the 22 degree hipbelt of the newest design. i love the pockets, and if they would only carry enough weight for a real trip i wouldn't have gone out and bought a mchale (which will carry enough to make my knees puke) but after about 50 to 55 pounds the thing just comes crashing down, and if i am wearing slippery goretex it's even worse. still, all in all a great product, but not past 50 pounds. dana has treated me quite well in regards to advice and customer service thru the years. i used to death one of his wet ribs and bought another, and i look foward to test riding the k2 terraframe, with a real load. for all the bitching my dana's did get me thru the cdt."

"A great pack. I've had my Dana for over 8 years now and have put a ton of miles on it and it's still in great shape. The pulls and straps are still tight and the zippers are like new. It's versatile and you can cram a lot of gear into it. I've gotten past the water bottle problem by strapping a velcro holder to the front belt. I've had over 60 lbs in it and it rode snug and tight.
Dana is pricey but when I consider I'll be using this pack for another 20 years, I figure I got a bargain."

"I've owned a Terraplane for a year and taken it on backpacking trips into the Sierra, the Ventana Wilderness and other places. The pack is big, sturdy and comfortable. It is bomb proof. It straps close to my body and doesn't shift. I've read about a water problem. I don't have that. I can reach water bottles in the pouches on the lower sides while carrying the pack. The Terraplane is one of the best investments I've made.

Peace."

"I used the Terraplane LTW while I was in Alaska for 40 days over the summer hiking in Denali, Wrangell-St. Elias, and the Talkeetna Mountains. The pack was heavily loaded weighing in at about 65-70lbs at the beggining of the sections. No sore spots, hot spots or blisters on my hips and the pack was very stable."

"Believe all you've read below - this pack served me well for 15 years and was still in good enough shape to donate it to the Forest Service. I agree with all the "pluses" listed below but list two flaws that I hasten to say do not detract from a five star rating. First, the pack is heavy (though Dana has shed a pound or two with the Terraplane LTW). Second, the hipbelt will slip slightly with a heavy load, requiring you to cinch up the straps now and again. That might be corrected by re-fitting the frame. But this is a workhorse pack, well worth its premium price."

"I have been beating the crap out of my dana for 15 years and this thing is bombproof!! Although it might not have as many bells and whistles as some others comfort and durability is more important for someone that puts in alot of miles. I have been all over the country with mine and it has seen 28 of the fourteeners in CO alone, some more than once. Pack is still in great shape and I believe will last a lifetime. Two thumbs up for DANA!!"

"15 years is a long time to consistently punish a pack. My Dana Terraplane (circa '92) has been abused and still acts like it was new. I found a camelback with it's own cover and position it within the cavern when packing my gear, water problem solved. Yes the waist belt may loosen occasionally, but I am retightening always anyway with any pack. A trusty mule!
I'd be curious to see what Marmot has done with the design."