User Review: Dana Design Astralplane Overkill

GOOD

I had a bad experience with a rented backpack in Glacier National Park and did some research. After reading the reviews I decided on a Dana Designs Astralplane Overkill. I called the factory in Billings, Montana, and even talked to the owner. He emphasized the importance of getting a custom fit. If a Dana pack is fit right, you won't even know its there! Well the nearest dealer was 189 miles away at Active Endeavors in Iowa City, Iowa. So I went and got fitted. Gosh darn it if they weren't on sale! I paid just $265 (1996).

The graphite stays, the harness and waist belt, the zippers and the fabric (which appears to be made from the spall liner of an M2A3 Bradley Armoured Fighting Vehicle) are rugged.

A normal load for me is a TNF Goliath sleeping bag (lg), TNF Mountain 24 tent with Walrus Rain Fly, Cascade Design LE sleeping bag pad, MRE's, Lo Alpine Flash jacket/pants rain gear and various other items... all stored inside the back. I don't like anything hanging outside.

Two years ago this back resisted the gnawing of some type of Ring Tailed Bandicout subcreature. This year during the climb to the Boulder Field in Rocky Mountain National Park, 60 mph gusts blasted away above the tree line. No problems.

I love this pack. Gobs of room and takes all kinds of brutal abuse. I have just one problem... I don't get out and use it enough.

BAD

Nothing.