Dana Design Swiftcurrent

Review Date
January 11, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: Alan Kwok(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from San Fran

Price Paid:  $0.00 at online

Summary:
I really like my pack. even though Dana doesn't make the pack anymore, I recommend buying a dana (not the day packs they have, because they are awful and overpriced) for longer trips. They last long and they can take a beating! Worked outdoor in the wilderness in Sedona, AZ and it suffered from snow, rain, extreme heat, sun, and all that good. And I came out a bit darker, leaner, and stronger. The pack came out the way it was when I purchased it, except the dirt around. It's a nice pack. I would get a wet rib though just for convenience. The dana packs they sell today are quite colorful and maybe I will invest in another one?

Customer Service:
I just went to a local store to have someone adjusted the stay. I bought him a beer so he does it for me without charging (except for the beer) :) I also called the customer service the other day. Quite friendly.

Similar Products Used:
none

Review Date
January 3, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: RICHARD NICHOLS(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from SPRINGFIELD, MO

Price Paid:  $340.00 at OZARK ADVENTURES

Summary:
I love this pack so much that it hangs from the ceiling above my television so i can always see it. It's beautiful!!! I've had this pack for about three years almost four and have been very satisfied. The quality is incredible and I have had no damage to the pack and it has been tested through many thorn bush laden trail blazing adventures(Obviously did not own a GPS at those times) and although I came out bleeding my Dana was just laughing at me. It is much easier to load than other packs I've used because of the huge panel loading feature. Throw your sleeping bag in the bottom,start stuffing it in with the zippers open, and as your pack slowly fills you just keep raising the zippers until the top. The first time I used this pack, I pulled the pack out at the trailhead and my freind(who actually picked the pack out for my wife to get me for Christmas in 1999, what a surprise to go from a sears catalog $70 6000 CI to this baby) sorry got sidetracked, he said that in all the years we have been packing he had never seen a pack that looked so perfectly packed. Thats because you can see to fill every nook and cranny in the pack as you go instead of dropping it down the shoot of a top loader only, and feeling around 2-3 feet down to guess what can fit where. It does not have any side or front pockets but you don't need them. You have the lid and the beavertail to put the things that you might need to get to in a hurry. I do use the wet rib from Dana for my water bottle, maps, camera, GPS, flashlight ect... but use it with any pack i use including a small camel back. I highly recomend the wet rib for the conveniences. The comfort is great with loads 40-55 poounds which is where I have been for quite a few years. My career has taken off and over the last couple years I have been able to afford some nicer,lighter weight items and realized that for 3/4 of the year I don't need as much space. Buying a new pack is pretty much the last addition to my light weight conversion just because I love this pack so much. I just ordered an osprey aether 60 after much, much research and hopefully this will take my weight down to 22-25 pounds for all but the coldest of trips. The swiftcurrent will always be my pack of choice for winter and for father/son trips where I need more space since my son is only capable of carrying about 15 pounds(he just turned 8 today) so I need to carry a big load. When I get to camp, I simply pull off my chair set the pack on its back on the chair, unzip it like huge duffle bag and Relax!!! Even though Dana quit making this pack of couple years ago, if you have the chance to buy one of these packs used, please do, you won't be dissapointed.

Customer Service:
never needed it and probably won't

Similar Products Used:
dana m-80,dana terraframe,cheapy sears thing

Review Date
April 24, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: James Dunne(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Athens, Ga

Price Paid:  $225.00 at Store Clearance

Summary:
Had my eye on a dana since I started backpacking, but couldn't affoard one. I saw this one on clearance and snatched it up immediately. I've had the pack for two years and absolutely love it. It has accompained me on trips to three continents and the only problem I've had is that my friends allways want to borrow it. It has now been on numerous international outings and come back working like the day I bought it. Although this one was made in MT I hear the mex bags are just as quailty.

Similar Products Used:
Lowe Alpine contour IV.

Review Date
February 12, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Michael White(Unregistered User) ,  Climber , from Currently Wageningen ,The Netherlands

Price Paid:  $189.00 at Campmour

Summary:
I've been using a Dana Swiftcurrent for about three years now and its never let me down, from trips to the grocery store to two months in the backcountry. The long narrow design suits me well, and all this griping about side pockets and lack of seperate compartments...yada yada yada...blah blah blah...you spend more time stuffing crap you don't need in pockets like that and you never recall which pocket you used anyway! More zippers, more opprotunities for repairs and lost gear from forgetfullness.

Matter of fact, I appreciate the simple style. Top loading with one big pocket that runs the full length of the pack ... and that beaver tail, I think anyone who has used a pack with a beaver tail knows what I am talking about... great combo! I also saw where someone felt it didn't accommodate ice axes well, no problem there if you utilze the straps for the beaver tail.

I haven't seen many Swiftcurrents out there and I am forever getting questions and positive comments on the pack and its beautiful simplicity. Even Joe Stock a guide from the American Alpine Instute said that the only thing he would do with the pack is to have the front loading pocket stitched shut to remove the zipper and make the pack even lighter...then it would be the ultimate mountaineering pack...Joe you minamalist you!

Comfort, simplicity, and a rough and tumble construction makes up for the lack of a water bottle pocket don't you think?

Thanks for a great pack Dana!

Customer Service:
Well at this rate, I won't be needing to talk to costumer service for years to come!

Review Date
January 1, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: Cal Calderaro(Unregistered User) ,  Paddler , from Las Vegas, NV

Price Paid:  $339.00 at Desert Rock Sports

Summary:
I've had my Swiftcurrent for two-years, and I say this with all eloquence, "Yippie"! This is a fine product. I'm one of those people with short legs and a tall torso and my dealer was able to make this pack fit me to a Tee. It has survived the carnage of the subterrian realm of insaity of several major airline baggage handlers. I purchased a Dana Travel Pocket, and if you travel, this would be a wise investment. Also use the Wet Rib for water and front pocket. Wish the Swiftcurrent had side pockets though. I was initally apprehensive about buying this product because it is now made in Mexico, a place where nothing works but they fix everyting. My fears were unfouded...superb product!

Customer Service:
Good customer service via telephonic communique.

Similar Products Used:
Kelty