Dana Design Longbed

Summary

Durable, comfortable, and well designed.

I'm 6'5" and have had this one for quite a while. I've used it on numerous backpacking trips and have loaned it a number of times. The waistbelt system is fantastic. My first trip I was waaaaay overloaded (my own stupidity) but it handled it very well.

The biggest challenge is that it has so much room I tend to overpack.

I've been a BPer for a long time and grew up with external frames. Some of my favorites have been Camp Trail's Orion and Kelty's Super Tioga. Each could have been better, but they were about as good as it got for externals at the time. When it recently became necessary to kiss my Kelty goodbye, I thought I would try an internal. I had used borrowed/rented internals before - just never owned one.

Price was not really a problem if I figure to get 5 - 7 years service from a pack so I looked at the upper end first. I tried most of the larger Gregorys and Dana , along with a couple Ospreys and Arc'teryx. They all felt like they were wearing ME, instead of the other way around. I could not bring myself to like one. Scratch internals.

The Dana Longbed was the first external I tried - I loved it! The suspension is so plush/rigid that I couldn't believe it! I tried several others - Keltys, Gregory Evolution, Camp Trails Wilderness. Came back to the Longbed. Next day went back to the store (was that my salesman I saw scurry for the rear of the store?) with some of MY gear (no sandbags, please) and tromped about for an hour or so. I was sold.

I feel that the Dana Longbed is the best pack on the market for me. Try it.

Fred Cerutti

Bought new for $179 via the Internet. Most everyone wanted $299. Have only used it sparingly, however, it appears to be a great pack. Frame and suspension are wonderful. Adjustments are a snap. Will hold more than I can comfortably carry. Love all the pockets! Expect long and useful life from this one.