User Review: Dana Design Terraplane

Reviewed April 23, 1997 by ekkim@...

Rating: rated 4 of 5 stars
Design: Internal
Size: 5000+
Number of Pockets: 1+2
Max. Load Carried: 60
Height of Owner: 5'10"
Price Paid: $430

I've had this pack for little more than a year and am happy to say that I've had no problems whatsoever with the quality of workmanship. I've used it in rain, snow, and desert conditions without a complaint. As my first pack, I based my purchase largely on the company's impecable reputation for quality and fit, a mistake in shopping judgement at best. But luckily, I didn't go wrong in my selection. I'm not one to baby my gear and tend to thrash my pack in chapparal and rocks. I am indeed fortunate to own a pack as bombproof as it is.

One problem that I did have with the fit reared its head on the very first day I carried the Terraplane. The shaped stays on the internal frame left a gap between the pack and my lower back, resulting in aches and a sharp pain by day's end. A removal of the center aluminum stay (the two others on the side are carbon fiber and are not reshapable) and a quick bending to accentuate the lower curvature handled the problem.

The Terraplane has carried varying loads of 40 to 60+ pounds with equal aplomb. Support and adjustment are mind boggling. The selection of compartments may seem minimal at first, but they are well thought out and I have found that there is little need for any more.

One feature that I sorely miss however, is the side zippers found on the 10th Anniversary Edition and the Overkill models. After having borrowed a friend's Astralplane Overkill with this feature, I am determined to add it to my Terraplane by taking it to a seamstress knowledgable in backpacking gear. Otherwise, I am confident in my purchase and hope to enjoy it many more for years of use.

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