Dana Design ShortBed

Review Date
September 1, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: mda2000 ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $279.00 at Gear Up

Summary:
This is a great pack. The fiberglass rods actually do help. The hipbelt is extremely padded, but not too padded. The frame has the suspension of an internal with all the benefits of an external. The pack is a bit heavy, but I have hauled around 50 lbs, and once I got it adjusted I was just fine. The adjustment is a little complex, but you can get it completely customized for your frame and fit. The shoulder straps rub my neck a little bit, but other than that, this is a great pack. I don't see why they stopped making it.

Review Date
December 23, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Christopher Grainger(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Chattanooga, TN

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Gear Swap Sale

Summary:
By now you have heard countless stories of people singing the shortbed's praises. Trust me, there is a reason! Awesome pack. I do a lot of weekenders in the Smoky Mountains in TN where it rains CONSTANTLY, and thus my pack stays wet. On a recent trip we spent the night in an AT shelter in the park and there were 3 others in the shelter with a Dana! The only problem that I have had is fiting it. Still trying out the millions of adjustments. So far I have been able to adjust everything that I need. great pack, just watch out overpacking is a serious danger with this one!

Review Date
January 6, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Doug Sandula(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Saginaw, MI USA

Price Paid:  $120.00 at Mountain Gear Web Si

Summary:
I believe Dana has stopped making this pack in lieu of just selling their longbed. The suspension system blows the Kelty away making 45 pounds very comfortable. Be careful not to tighten the waist belt to much because it's just not necessary with the weight transfer rods. The pack bag is taking a little getting used to in that it has no "frame" as the Kelty's do. However, like the frame and suspension system, the material and craftsmanship are 1st rate. I would strongly suggest this pack to anyone not sold on the internal frames. I couldn't imagine wanting to sweat to an internal frame pack like I see the guys who wear them do. Of course, my style of backpacking does not involve rock hopping.

Similar Products Used:
Kelty Tioga. Alpenlite (20 years ago.)

Review Date
June 22, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: chris fountain(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from greenwich ct

Price Paid:  $239.00 at EMS

Summary:
After 25 years with a Kelty, I purchased a Dana last summer - probably out ofboredom, as the Kelty was still going strong. This is a very nice pack, and I'm glad I upgraded. Used it for 75 days last summer in New Mexico, with fairly heavy loads (lots of water, usually). Everything worked, nothing broke and, every time I wriggled around, looking to adjust the load a bit, there was a strap! Well thought out design, excellent quality (the switch in manufacturing down to Mexico doesn't seem to have affected quality, judging frommy pack). Highly recommended.

Similar Products Used:
Kelty Tioga. Very durable, didn't like the weight distribution via hip belt, but my pack's 25 years old, and they've probably improved this by now.

Review Date
March 5, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: JOW(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from St. Louis, MO

Price Paid:  $139.00 at www.northernmountain.com

Summary:
I couldn't be happier with this pack. I've used it on weekend and weeklong trips. I recently took it on a 5-day trip, and had plenty of room for my gear. In fact, I had to force myself not to bring too much, just because it would fit. Dana backpacks are the most comfortable externals there are, period. If you prefer externals, but have been teased by the tales of better comfort from the internals, you'll be happy you got this pack. It's a perfect balance of the best of both, especially if you're mostly a trail hiker. By the way, the Shortbed was NOT DESIGNED for rock-hoppers or ultralight hikers.

Customer Service:
Haven't had to call on them.

Similar Products Used:
Kelty, Hillary, Jansport, Peak1