Dana Design Terraplane X

Review Date
February 23, 2008

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Don Brink(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $300.00 at Ozark Adventures

Summary:
I purchased this pack aobut 4 years ago and it has done wonderful. It swallows just about anything I can put in it and carries with no problem.
I bought it because I was tired of wearing other packs every few years.
It is finally showing some wear but I only use it for winter and longer trips when I need the extra room and want a comfortable ride with a heavier load.

Customer Service:
Haven't needed it yet.

Similar Products Used:
Lowe, Gregory, Mountainsmith, Kelty, etc..

Review Date
June 29, 2005

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: ccamp ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $350.00 at Marmot Mtn Works

Summary:
This Dana pack represents the best piece of backpacking equipment I've owned. It is still going strong after 14 years and hundreds of miles of use. Outside of finding all the straps a bit confusing at first I'd be pressed to find anything approaching a complaint. One caveat - I haven't used another pack in all this time so I can't speak to the quality of the newer Danas or to that of the competition.
With that said I have no hesitation in recommending the pack and am confident you will find it a worthwhile investment.

Customer Service:
I've never had to approach Dana directly. Marmot did a great job helping to adjust the pack early on.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
August 16, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Shaun Paul Wilson ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $200.00 at online?

Summary:
It's true, this pack holds everything comfortably. It is almost second nature now how I throw it on and go! I've gone well over 200 miles with it, primarily in the Oregon Cascades. Never even a thought of any problems. I read a review that said turning the top part into a fanny pack on their Granite Gear Nimbus was a bit uncomfortable because there was no padding on the belt, but that's the way they all are. Sadly and painfuly mistaken; Terraplane X uses it's hipbelt for the fanny pack day use deal. I've done it numbers of times and it fit's like a dream. Enough room to take the stove, maps, lunch a towel and then some... Thanks Dana - good job!

Customer Service:
none

Similar Products Used:
Exterior frame packs and a Gregory Shasta and Kelty...?

Review Date
September 10, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: motiga(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Ann Arbor, MI

Price Paid:  $220.00 at Livetoplay

Summary:
Believe the hype. Just had it for 3 weeks in Central America. I started out with about 30 lbs and ended up with 62 lbs on the return trip. Hey gotta get those rugs and other gifts. It held up like a champ to the load and rough bus travel of central america. the back pockets were very useful and with the added beavertail I could carry almost anything. I have lots of packs, but this one is the daddy of them all. Interestingly, I had a terraplane overkill a few years back and ended up returning it because it hurt my lower back. It was a size medium frame and my current one is a large. I am 5'11" with a 20 inch torso so maybe the size does matter. I have not seen a dropoff in quality of Dana's packs since the moved to MX

Customer Service:
Really good. I needed special clips to attach the beavertail. After callling Dana they showed up in less than a week.

Similar Products Used:
Madden Atubo, JANDD Hargaash, Osprey Spectre

Review Date
September 10, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.00 of 5, 2 votes

Reviewed by: wayne_chan(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Luleå, Sweden

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I purchased my Terraplane sometime in the early 90s when they were still being sewn in Bozeman. It is by far the best pack I have ever had. I have walked with it throughout Canada, the eastern US, Sweden, New Zealand, and Tasmania. And having worked in the outdoor retail industry for a long time, I have seen and sold many brands. The Terraplane's construction is solid, I love the double pockets on the back, and it's carrying ability is by far the best I have felt. The hip belt takes a little time to get used to everytime I put the pack on, but the suspension's stability makes up for it. I just wish mine had a zipper for side access. The only other brand I would consider at this moment is Arc'teryx, but I haven't been able to find a reason to change packs.

Customer Service:
Never needed

Similar Products Used:
The North Face, Serratus, Lowe Alpine, Arc'teryx.