Terraplane LTW

I switched to an internal frame pack when I bought my Terraplane in 1998 (before the LTW version, weighs 7.5 lbs). The change was a revolution in my backcountry travel. Suddenly I could carry a 50 lb pack for 8 hours without the aching shoulders, back and hips, and I could do it for multiple days in a row. After getting the fit just right and learning how adjust the plethora of straps, this is the most comfortable pack I have ever tried. It's also been bullet proof. I used it for 4 years and about 500 trail miles without a tear or a popped stitch or a broken buckle.

In the last 18 months or so, I found out that 40 pounds is much more comfortable than 50 lbs--I could go further in a day and feel better. Soon after that, I realized that 30 pounds is several magnitudes better than 40 lbs (Okay, I'm a slow learner--it took me 22 years to figure this out). And if 30 pounds is good, I wonder what 25 lbs is like... The improvement in hiking enjoyment has more than made up for leaving all those extra camping "comfort" items behind. I've since embarked on a campaign to reduce my pack weight to a minimum without too much sacrifice in sleeping comfort and safety. As much as I love the comfort of my Terraplane, 7.5 lbs is waaay too much weight and not likely to see much more use. I'm waiting for Dana to come out with a 5,000 ci pack under 3 lbs. Until then, I'm going to try a Kelty Flight 4500, stripped down to about 2.5 lbs.

I have used my Terraplane for several years now and have carried loads as high as 85 pounds comfortably. The suspension system (all ten or so straps) can be carefully adjusted until virtually the entire load is evenly distributed on your waisbelt. I have also found my pack to be largely waterproof although a pack fly is still sold separately.



The only drawback is the pack's weight. I have found it to be too heavy on treks where weight was at a premium. However, if you want to move a heavy load comfortably from point A to point B, there is no better pack for the job.

Although I don't question the quality of construction on this pack I do question the weight and the gazillion adjustments needed to get it to fit and ride. The price is also way up there. I sold mine after one summer for a big loss since there were a dozen on ebay for under $125. What does that tell you? The capacity is tremendous but I would leave stuff at home rather than hump those big loads for most trips. Too many cute little adjustment straps for me. If you can trim your load get a smaller/lighter pack.

I've had my Terraplane LTW for about 5 years now, and I find it to be an outstanding backpacking bag. Some of the reviews complain about the empty weight of this pack, but when you're carrying 50 lbs or more, this bag is incredibly comfortable. I've carried half my body weight (80lbs) in this pack over miles of very rough bushwacking and despite very tired legs, my shoulders were reasonably confortable and my hips felt fine. With 40-50 pound loads, you can forget that you have this pack on. The back pad is so supple even a poor packer won't notice things stabbing them.



The numerous adjustment straps are wonderful if you know how to use them because they can suck this pack onto your back so that it feels like part of your body. There are never problems with shifting of this bag. Be sure to get it fitted at a certified Dana Designs retailer for perfect fit.



Yes, this pack is one of the more expensive out there, but it will last decades of rough use if properly cared for due to its bomber construction and materials. I've drug this pack through tight rock passages and never worry about where I set it down. Even after 5 years of use, this pack looks nearly brand new. The pack is plenty waterproof for me (even through thunderstorms there is only minor moistening near seams).

I have had my Terraplane Overkill for a long time and absolutely love this pack. It's slightly heavier due to the stronger Cordura but I've never torn it despite taking it with me overseas or other hard use. It's also my summit pack- I used it on Chimborazo among other places. The comfort of this pack trumps the slight weight disadvantage in my opinion.