Does anybody ever look forward to putting on that 40-50 lb. pack for a 12 mile day, hiking a ridge in the freezing cold? If you own a Dana pack you do. This pack is a JOY to put on. It feels wonderful on the hips (the hip pads come in several different sizes, the cant can be adjusted for maximum comfort so that your hips fit into the 'pockets.' The shoulder straps on my 97 model are wonderful, incidently they have been recently redesigned. My husband has just purchased a new external Dana with the new straps, but hasn't used it yet (very soon, very soon)- The internal space is good, however it does not accomodate my -20 sleeping bag in winter (well, it does, but there's not much room for anything else in there)Even with a compression bag for the sleeping bag, it is a no go. It is, however, just a 5500 cu.inch pack, so one can't expect miracles. The top converts into a fanny pack with a simple pull & a click- I believe this has been redesigned as well, Dana having added an extra zippered compartment to the top section. Mine only has one large compartment, the new ones now (I believe) have two. That at least goes for the new external packs, which I have seen first hand. The outer compartments serve to hold anything one needs fast, or clothing, etc. It has reinforcement fabrics added to its already sturdy fabric construction (you will have to go to a dealer to find specific details on the exact fabric) Right now, I only know it has been on many a hike, over rock, dirt, water, you name it, and it still looks practically brand new. And feels just as good every time I put it on.

Customer Service

They sent us a card thanking us for the purchase. It had the representative's name on it with a hand written, "if you have any questions...etc." message written on it- It was a very personable/pleasant experience. They were very detailed regarding measurements & body style/weight to figure out the right shoulder strap & hipbelt sizes- It was well worth it.

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None

My first Dana pack, bought partly for the great reputation of the company. A new one, not made in Bozeman but I don't think that's the problem. This is an unacceptable pack for me. I used it on an extended foreign trip. It has a fatal flaw. The back pad, a big thick comfy looking thing, has an upper edge that cuts into my back and actually rubbed skin off through several shirts. I repeatedly read the instructions for fitting. I'm sure I fit the pack correctly. I carried a load of 50 to 60 pounds, and i could not keep the pack from slumping. The top of that pad is meant to stay high on your back, and it wouldn't be a problem if it did, but try as I might, I couldn't keep it where it belonged. I think the internal stays are too flexible, so the pack itself bends, bringing the nasty sharp edge down. In that position, the shoulder straps also pull the pad forward, aggravating the situation. I loaded the pack carefully, adjusted everything I could find. Could never make it work. I've owned maybe 20 packs over 35 years of packing. I have a lot of experience, but I can't carry this pack. I should say that in the shop, being fitted the first time around, it felt terrific. Only after walking the first mile did it change shape and become impossible.

After putting this pack through hell i decided it could not take it. the shoulder straps were poorly designed and the hip belt couldn't manage the necessary 60-70lb loads efficiently. One of the plastic horizontal pieces popped through the fabric, which i did find sufficiently waterproof. Being the first pack i bought i was dissapioted with the lack of web pockets or other handy compartments when looking at other peoples packs.

Customer Service

After a year a hard wear (and a thorough cleaning) i returned the pack and got my money back from Eastern Mountain Sports, a great store and return policy. i have since bought the Arc'Teryx Bora 95, which i love, well worth the extra few dollars

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None

The Glacier is the perfect pack for the mid-weight packer. There is enough room (5500 ci) to pack that extra gear that a lightweight packer might not bring. Only having three extra compartments keeps me from strapping gear all over the outside of my pack. The padded hipbelt is the best. It is comfortable and conforms to my hips like a glove. Dana's accessories are great additions to the pack, but I haven't needed any of the accessories yet. The suspension is great and it has a tremendous amount of adjustment for different size individuals. The shoulder straps are designed to fit your shoulders and that is exactly what they do. The price is kinda high so look for the deals! I got mine for $240 and have never regretted it.

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None

I've only used my '98 Glacier on a few trips thus far, but have been extremely pleased with its performance. The pack has certainly lived up to Dana's reputation for comfort, even with 50+ lb loads. The 3 pack sizes, along with multiple shoulder strap and waist belt sizes, truly allow completely personallized fit. I can't address its durability at this point, but am optimistic, as quality construction is apparent throughout. (Although this pack is from the last run of manufacture in Bozeman) As for convenience, with an optional Beavertail Shovit on the back, and a WetRib to hold my water bottle, any downsides to the lack of water bottle pockets, etc. have been overcome. Some reviewers have complained of the hassle of using the main waist belt to convert the lid into a fanny pack, but I have found the pains to be minimal. Especially, as I much prefer the heavily padded comfort to the minimalist straps that some other fanny pack lids have attached. Finally, the listed price is a bit high, but I managed to get the pack on sale for ~$200 and don't regret a cent of it.

Customer Service

My Shovit was missing a strap assembly--when I informed Dana Design, they sent out a replacement within a day. No other interaction thus far.

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Lowe Alpine, REI

I have had my Glacier for over five years and I have gone on about a dozen weeklong or longer treks. The pack fits like a glove , it is well balanced and carries well. I also have the Dana Wet rib attachment to carry my water bottle at my hand.
One of the best features of the pack is the twin tubes on the back. They keep your rain gear handy so you dont have to dig around to get at it. I have carried fifty pounds but these days I keep it down to forty. To put in a few words. I love my Glacier