Dana Design Far Flung

I bought the Far Flung back in 2001, the first year that Dana put these out. While they have changed the look of this pack, it seems little changed in terms of structure and function. I have had a number of other packs roughly this size, including a Mountainsmith, Gregory, Osprey, and Kelty -- this has been by far my favorite, the most functional pack for my needs that I have come across.

I purchased this pack to use for field work (ecology), and while this has remained its primary funciton in my life, I use it for travel, for day hikes (when I want to bring along a slew of field guides or a picnic), and for one-night backpacking trips (though no separate sleeping bag compartment).

I am very petite, and was fortunate to find an excellent pack-fitter at my local outdoor store, who made the XS/S pack fit incredibly well, despite that my torso is shorter than what the pack is supposed to be able to adapt to -- this is a versatile, and very adjustable, pack. I have carried pretty heavy loads in this pack and felt quite comfortable.

Besides the wonderful fit, things that make me love this pack include the panel access (one of my primary reasons for selecting this pack), and the travel pocket in the back, which turns out to be perfect for holding a hydration bladder. The included duffle is a great boon when travelling, as it keeps all of the straps safe and also provides extra space in case you're bringing back more stuff than you started out with.

While it is handy that the front pouch can be a separate backpack, I usually wish that I could trade that little backpack for a few fewer ounces and a beavertail shovit (which would make the pack a little more like its parent Bomb Pack). In case you too get this hankering, I'll warn you that at least on the 2001 model, the shovit does not attach in the same way as this pack, so you can't purchase it separately and swap them out (I tried).

One other thing about this pack is that the design just seems very basic and elegant. Many packs are much too strappy for my taste, and take too long to get cinched down right, or uncinched so that the contents can be accessed. Getting the Far Flung on and off, and getting it opened and closed, is a pretty easy, quick process. This was essential to me in my decision to keep this pack, as I need to get into and out of it frequently in a day's work.

This pack is a comfortable old friend that I can always count on. I have had no problems with any damage to the pack despite pretty rough use. I highly recommend it.

Traveled all over the world with this pack. Finally wore it out.