Dana Design ArcFlex Astralplane

I've owned this pack for three years and done some heavy winter camping. If you backpack much you know that winter camping requires lots of space for bulky clothing. The Arcflex Astralplane is the best backpack I've ever used. It combines a gigantic capacity with unparalleled comfort. I can also attest to the fact that these packs can take a beating. I especially like the detachable fanny pack and all of those great compression straps. These straps can also be used to lash on extra equipment. The excellent hip belt makes long hikes on uneven terrain seem like you're carrying half as much weight as you really are. This is a great pack! I would recommend it to anyone interested in serious backpacking.

If you can find one of these, buy it! I've been a backpacker for over 40 years, and have owned a a Dana Astralplane for over 12 years.  

I typically start my multi-week trips with about 60 pounds and the suspension system makes the load feel like 50 or less with other packs. Over the past 12 years it has seen abuse from falls and other stupidity and hardly shows the wear.

Many other packs have similar features, but none of them have the quality and dependability of construction of the Dana packs, which is taken for granted until a pack fails 75 miles from the trailhead. The same holds true for my other 2 packing companions who also use Dana packs.

The best pack I have ever owned and by far the most comfortable and durable. I took my Dana on a 28-day trip in the Wind River Range and it still looks brand new. The pack is a bit pricy but it's well worth it and with five sizes and no adjustable torso it fits like a custom fit pack. If you buy a pack go Dana.