Beautifully made, durable pack. Carries insane loads with ease. I haven't tried any Arc'Teryx packs - that is what I would consider if this one ever wore out (not likely)

Similar Products Used:

None

I share my predecessor Mike's excitement for this pack. I carried a Dana Swiftcurrent for a long time and loved it (see my review), but it just didn't have the capacity for a 2 week long trip to Newfoundland and Labrador. So, at the last moment, I went looking for something really HUGE!Luckily, my local outfitter had a '97 Astralplane (the last year Dana produced in Montana by hand) and I grabbed it for a steal! Its TOTALLY BOMBPROOF! Its built like a brick you-know-what house with extremely high quality materials and construction throughout (though I must say that my Mexican Dana Swiftcurrent didn't seem noticeably different). But the ride's the thing. Dana packs just sort of mate with you. You don't really wear em or put them on. They just sort of join with you and away you go! I had insanely huge loads in Newfoundland, and the pack never seemed to be a weight I had to bear. It was just part of me walking. Great design of the ArcFlex suspension. BTW, the ArcFlex belt is MUCH MORE comfortable thean the ArcLight belt, the the ArcLight belt is pretty swell in its own right. My only complaints: I don't like the sleeping bag compartment divider which appears to be flimsy and has holes too big cut out of the corners, allowing stuff to migrate south. and the wand pockets could be a little bit bigger, though they will hold a Nalgene wide-mouth. Orange is pretty nice but mine is Red and it suits me fine for what I paid. 'Sides, I'm a little skeptical about the D2 fabric, especially with regard to dirt getting ground into it. If'n you're big like me with big bags, big tents, big clothes this is THE ONE AND ONLY bag for you, for weekends through Himalyan assaults. If'n you're not, but want to take the VCR and the kitchen sink, the Astralplane will be your life-long bud!

Similar Products Used:

Dana ArcLight Swiftcurrent, Camptrails something or other frame

Ok, it costs about $470, and it weighs over 7lbs, but it's worth it. I bought this pack last spring, and I love it. I used it on overnight treks, and a week long trip in the Smokies, I intend to use it the rest of my life, on everything from overnights, to a thru hike of the AT or PCT or CDT, haven't decided which yet. But this pack is awesome, it has plenty of room, which is great, since I always end up with more than my share of group gear. It also carries extremely well, and I never felt sore. This is the bomb. You can't beat it. The pockets on the back make for easy access to essentials, and the main compartment can be accessed from the top, and both sides. It has a detachable hiplid, which I haven't used, but it could come in handy. Organization is great, and it really is unbeatable. However if you don't like orange, I would try to find a pre-1999 model. I have a red 98, they also come in black. It is expensive, but I got mine on sale, and it is worth it. I have a Dana daypack, and I have to say that Dana's are by far my favorite. To sum it up. I am going to use this pack for the rest of my life, and the only reason I would replace it, would be if it was destroyed in some freak accidene, but in that case, I would go out and buy another one. I love this pack! Trust me it's worth it. You can't beat Dana Design!

Similar Products Used:

None

A big heavy thing, but when you need it you need it. On Denali my wife and I had almost three hundered pounds between us. Filled it up and tied on a sled and hauled away in comfort. On the first day we single carried, which meant an 80 pound pack with about the same in a sled. We survived to do the same thing the next day.

Bomber pack! Best pack I have ever owned - this will carry as much weight as you're willing to. The custom fitting makes any load seem lighter. Very versitile in that you can cinch up the bottom for a smaller pack or strap larger items on the exterior bottom. If I ever wear this out I will no doubt buy another Dana!

The Astraplane is a great pack. It is big enough to hold huge amounts of gear on long expeditions, and can compact and be used on overnighters. It has great versatility. The suspensions system on the Danas works well and my back or shoulders never get to tired even when carrying up to 90 pounds.If you can spend the money it is definitely worth it!

I purchased my Astralplane a number of years ago for a long expedition to Africa (11 months). I have since used it on many other expeditions in various types of terain and weather conditions. I have been extremely happy with this pack. It is pricey, but if a pack is to be used time and time again, it has definitely paid for itself! I am tall but have a small frame and the Astralplane fits wonderfully. Finding the right pack can be quite tedious and one must try them all...I would definitely recommend the Astralplane or any of the other Dana packs...you will be quite pleased too. Its durability, endurance and comfort hide its ability to carry extremely heavy loads. I plan on using it for my trip on the JMT this summer and can't wait!! It is designed to hold heavy loads so I would recommed knowing what your needs are.....its design and comfort are exceptional!

Similar Products Used:

Various Gregory packs.

I bought my Astralplane about three years ago and I now I look forward to packing even with heavy loads. I've never hiked with a more comfortable pack though I do miss one or two more easy-access pockets on the outside. Before setting out on a recent trip into the backcountry in the newly acquired section of Arches in Southern Utah, I was concerned about my previously strained and sore muscles in my lower back. After hiking for 6 hours my back felt better than when I started. This pack fits like a glove and though it's pricey, it's worth it.

Customer Service

I haven't called customer service yet. No need. This pack is very well constructed.

Similar Products Used:

None

This is the last big pack I will ever buy. I have the Overkill and believe it to be the finest pack made. Seventy-five pounds never felt so good! I actually feel better with this pack on than without it. This is probably more pack than I am likely to use (could have gotten the Terraplane), but I've never heard anyone complain about having too much room in their pack, either. The outside pockets, toplid, and sleeping bag compartment are all very roomy. This pack has a grand total of two negatives that I can find. They need to do something about that sleeping bag compartment divider (it's about as much good as a football bat!), because it doesn't keep smaller items in the main bag. The other is the price, but before you run from it, decide if you're shopping for a pack or a price tag. Do you want a Yugo or a Mercedes? Well, guess which one costs more? Just buy it. Once you put in a few miles, that price tag will be a distant, insignificant memory (along with that divider thing). The bottom line is that the Dana Design Arcflex series are the most comfortable, durable packs you are ever likely to find. Sorry to run on about the cost, but that's probably what deters a lot of people from having a much more enjoyable outdoor experience-"Just buy it".

Customer Service

Well, don't just buy it. Be sure to have it properly fitted, too. The interchangeable belts, straps, pads, and pack size selection allow you to have a custom fit that feels like it was designed specifically for you.

Similar Products Used:

military ALICE and the newer Gore-tex packs, Peak 1 and Kelty external frames, and TNF internal. TNF has great quality, but doesn't offer near the comfort of the Dana.