I have been using the terraplane for 2 years now, it is by far the best pack I have ever carried and I rarely ever carry less than 70 lbs. and for some reason this pack makes it feel a good 20 lbs lighter and the added bonus that I can stand upright and enjoy the views. Dana Design packs may be more expensive but worth every penny. My only regret is I wish I had bought the Astraplane on winter trips it seems I sometimes run out of space and my pack is 6050 cu/in.

Customer Service

Nothing but excellent, even the dealers are happy to deal with this line.

Similar Products Used:

BSA, Hillary, Texsport, Jansport, Red Fox, Mountainsmith, and several Lowe models

This Dana pack is the ultimate backpacking tool. It is a symbol of quality and achievment in the backpacking world. I used it this summer for 30 days (with resupplies) and it gave me no trouble. The quality is excellent and the comfort is the best too. I would recommend a Dana pack hands down if you have the money. They aren't cheap. The Terraplane comes in the several different models. The Terraplane X and the Terraplane Overkill in addition to the original Terraplane. The X (for 10th anniversary edition) is a great pack with a few extra features. The Overkill is made entirely of Cordura 1000 which makes it bombproof but a little heavier. It is about 5600cu. which is plenty for a week trip. However if you need more room the Dana Astralplane is the same pack with a huge capacity.

Customer Service

Dana Designs gives a lifetime warranty on all its packs. They do free repairs etc. They are located in Bozeman, Mt.

Similar Products Used:

TNF, Gregory, Mountainsmith

This backpack is the most comfortable pack I have ever used. The moldable internal frames help make the pack fit to your body style. I have used this pack for my the last couple backcountry trips and after hauling 50 lbs on your back for 7-10 miles a day a comfortable pack makes a big difference. it is worth every penny.

Similar Products Used:

rented external frame packs from Lowe, Kelty and Gregory.

Great pack. I've used this backpacking in Alaska, New Zealand, and on weekend trips in the SF Bay Area. The suspension is the best I've ever used. The pack is very comfortable and very durable. I took the time to have the pack properly fitted with the right size hip and shoulder straps. I got mine for around $200 at a Marmot sale, so the price was good too.

Similar Products Used:

Jansport D-something.

I have the Terraplane pack which is slightly different than the Terraplane X, but anyway... This is an awesome pack. If you can afford it, get it. I tried several Gregory packs while shopping for one, but none were as comfortable as the Terraplane.

Similar Products Used:

Gregory, Lowe Alpine

I just recently purpchased the Dana Design ArcFlex Terraplane for $349 (and I recommend not paying much more--always look around real good for a deal before paying list price). I tried on the Osprey Silhouette and Arc'Teryx Bora 80 before trying on the Dana, and the Dana fit me much, much better than these two packs. It's all about the design--the ArcFlex frame is ingeniously crafted and the outer design is simple yet efficient. It carries the heaviest loads the most comfortly I've tried. I strongly urge eveyone to give this pack a test-carry and see for yourself. Bujt if it doesn't fit, look elseware--there is a pack for you. I must admit that Dana's recent acquisition by K2 is a bummer, but you gotta acknowledge quality when you see it. Yeah, it's pricy, but if it fits, it'll be worth every penny...

Customer Service

I have yet to need to use customer service.

Similar Products Used:

Test-carried: -Osprey Silouette -Arc'Teryx Bora 80

I was able to purchase the Terraplane X from a friend of mine who no longer needed it. It is a very sweet pack. Nice fit, and even nicer design. Never gets caught in branches in even the thickest of undergrowth. I also like the size. I'm able to fit everything I need into it with room to spare. Overall a great pack.

Customer Service

This pack is really more than what I need, but I like it nonetheless. I don't know if I would have pair the asking purchase price for it though. It seems a little steep. Perhaps if it were priced around $375 or so, it would be a better value.

Similar Products Used:

None

Well, for any pack the proof is in how it carries. The Terraplane certainly passes this test with flying colors. I had been using an older Karrimor with a less sophisticated suspension. I got it for student traveling and budget was a concern. It worked well enough for hopping trains and ferries, but the lesson that I learned is that you can't pay enough for comfort. The motivation for my buying this pack was that I was going backpacking with my girlfriend and knew I was going to be carrying a lot of the weight (~60-70 lbs.) Some of the other packs that I tried were: Lowe Alpine Contour IV: The whole bag hit really hard in my lower back. Didn't sit well at all with 30 lbs or so. Lowe Crossbow: Didn't feel right North Face Renegade: 40 lb load felt really heavy on my shoulders North Face Alpha series: felt the load up and down my back Arcyteryx Bora: Felt OK, but didn't seem to support the load well Gregory: Felt firm, but pretty good Osprey: Felt really good In the end, it came down to the Osprey and the Dana. The Dana won out on the basis of having more comfortable shoulder straps. I think with packs, people should take reviews with a grain of salt. I know many people do like the Lowe packs and I think that the right pack for someone depends their size, shape and preferences.

Similar Products Used:

Lowe, North Face, Arcteryx, Osprey, Gregory

This is it! The Terraplane X is the Mack-daddy of big packs. It carries any possible load extremely well and does it in comfort. I have been hauling up and down peaks with mine for five years now, and it still outperforms everything else I have tried, or my friends packs. With all the abuse I give it, it still looks new. It's a little heavier than other packs in the same category, but I'll take that over pains and aches, Dana got it right with this one. If you can't afford Dana packs (they are pricey), then try Lowe - not as comfortable or durable, but they are a good pack for the money.

Customer Service

Dana's support has been first rate. When I first bought my Terraplane, the hip-belt was too big for me (I'm tall & skinny). Dana swapped it out with a brand new one, even though I had sweated a few peaks with it. Now it carries just right.

I have been carrying my Terraplane for close to five years now, and I have been generally please with its performance. It is by far the most comfortable pack I have ever worn, especially with heavy loads. However, this is a pack for backpacking, not mountaineering. Its stability on more varied terrain is questionable- its awfully tippy. Other than that, I can sya its durable, practical and an ideal pack for backpacking.