Dana Design Bridger

Review Date
April 22, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Jim T(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Coeur D Alene ID. U.S.A.

Price Paid:  $249.00 at Mountian Gear

Summary:
Killer backpack,extremly comfortable with most sane loads. While not being a lightweight nut, I don't see much reason for carrying much more than 40 pounds and this pack handles that with ease.It's one of those packs where everything's just right, not too big,not too small.Very easy to adjust for the best fit.The extra large can fit almost two weeks worth of supplies + gear. So I think it's a good investment for someone wanting a solid no frills pack that'll last a lifetime.

Customer Service:
never needed

Similar Products Used:
army ruck, camptrails, bombpack(good for weekends), terraplane(good for extended trips or a super comfortable weekend.

Review Date
February 28, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: dptaylor(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Logan, UT

Price Paid:  $130.00 at Local outdoors store

Summary:
I bought this to use on overnight outings. The hipbelt and shoulder straps are comfortable and easy to adjust. The outer pockets are nice and provide for organization of frequently used small items. A removable divider between in the main packbag would have been a nice addition to this pack. The suspension seems pretty light duty, so I wouldn't try to pack more than 30-35 pounds in it. But with light loads, it is very comfortable.

Similar Products Used:
Kelty backpack

Review Date
April 19, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
3.33 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by: Ryan Daugherty(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Denver, CO

Price Paid:  $0.00

Summary:
I've had this pack for about three years and must say it's still as consistantly solid as the day I bought it. I haven't had any shoulder pain from it (once I figured out how to adjust it) and it has definitely been comfortable. I thought it might be too small, but I've done four day backpacking trips fairly easily with it. I keep telling myself that one day I'll need a bigger pack but so far I haven't needed anything more. I chose it instead of a Gregory Reality because it just seemed less complicated. Less to adjust, less to screw up, less to brake. The only thing I regret it not having is a sleeping bag access zipper, which Dana recently put on their latest Bridger model. Some may gawk at the price tag, but paying $250 for the Bridger was a great long-term investment. My shoulders certainly have loved it.

Review Date
August 24, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Jeff(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Pittsburgh

Price Paid:  $155.00 at Mountain Dreams

Summary:
Great, great pack. Overloaded it a little, still no soreness or stiffness at the end of the day. The vertical back panels are fantastic. With 30lbs in, you don't even feel like you are wearing a pack.

Don't know about durability yet (have had it for less than a year) but appears very well constructed.

No complaints about the pack at all.

Customer Service:
No contact.

Similar Products Used:
EMS 3000
EMS Long Trail

Review Date
August 21, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Jason(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from New Jersey

Price Paid:  $240.00 at Campmor

Summary:
It may seem a bit small but is an excellent pack for an extended trip. I just finished hiking from Georgia to Jersey this summer and have been very pleased with it. Customer support was outstanding when I outgrew my hipbelt (Thanks Barb!). Although there are no side pouches for a nalgene I found it even better just to throw a hydration pack inside the pack itself. Very comfortable although there were days I had a sore back. My weight at the beginning of the trip was 44 lbs and I guess I got the weight down to 27-29lbs by time I reached Delaware Water Gap. Didn't see too many Dana packs out there with Gregory being the most popular. But those packs seemed to have a cheaper feel to them as far as the ones I tried on. May switch to that Racer X for my NJ to ME hike next year.

Similar Products Used:
None so I can't guarantee a fair review.