User Review: Marmot Terraplane

Marmot Terraplane
Above: The current Terraplane, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed January 12, 2008 by Paul Roys

Rating:
Design: top loading internal
Size: 5300
Number of Pockets: 2
Max. Load Carried: It's still in the box
Height of Owner: 6'0"
Price Paid: $550

I recently returned my old Dana Designs Terraplane X to Marmot (who purchased Dana Designs a few years ago), and they were more than happy to honor the lifetime warranty and send me a new Marmot Terraplane.

Upon receipt of the new pack I was instantly disappointed with the overall quality of the product and inferior design changes; the torso length is no longer adjustable, side access zippers have been removed, two separate large vertical outer pockets have been replaced with two overlaid pouches, and the overall integrity of the pack appears unsound due to stitch quality, strap design, and lesser quality pack fabric.

Although the new Marmot line consists of more affordable products, it is obvious that Marmot is able to sell this pack for $350 because they've removed $200 in quality.