Dana Design Glacier

Without a doubt, this is a very exceptional pack. I had a Mountainsmith Backbowl before and had neck problems because of the limited head space allowed. I almost quite backpacking all together, but I decided to try another...The Glacier.

I was very impressed with the level of comfort and it was a world of difference compared to the Backbowl. Its construction is top-notch and is bombproof! I would recommend it to anyone.

There is only one issue I have heard about—one of the suspension rods will rip out. I have examined my pack and have determined that this can be easily resolved by not throwing the pack down on the ground on the bottom side. It would be best to throw it on its front pannel to save the suspension. I have done this for two years and never had a problem.

I am currently looking at buying a Bomb Pack, so if you have one for sale that is a med/lg please e-mail me! Thanks and happy trails.

Comfort, relatively lightweight, decent capacity, dependability.

Purchased in late 1990s. 

After hundreds of miles and three Himalayan expeds, it is in much better shape than myself. Never let me down with material fraying, busted zips, broken buckles, etc. 

As far as only 5000 cubic inches, what kind of masochist WANTS to lug 70+ pounds of "must-have" gear around anyway? 

The only weakness I can speak of is the thin, single metal stay of 2024 T3 aluminum. Solved this by substituting a thicker one (by 1/8"), bent to the same curve, made of 7075 T6, also aluminum, without any significant weight penalty, (only a .2oz weight difference). This modification made a noticable weight transfer difference for the better.

Will NEVER part with it. It has been enshrined (along with the MSR PocketRocket, my Therm-a-Rest, MSR Trekker Tent, titanium cookware, and Marmot Aguille sleeping bag), into THE HOLY FOOTLOCKER of BACK COUNTY GEAR. 'Nuff said.

Background

Have tried a lot of different brands of gear over the years of hiking/climbing in the Pacific NW.

I recently upgraded to the Glacier and have been very pleased. I looked extensively before buying, trying to optimize comfort, weight, and capacity and think the load carrying capacity is excellent for the weight. I carried about 50 pounds over pretty flat terrain for four days in Yellowstone and was comfortable the whole time.

This past weekend I did a steep canyon with some scrambling and numerous stream crossings and the pack behaved well.

The top converts to a comfortable fanny pack using the hip belt. It takes a couple minutes to sort out all the belts and straps, but once you get used to it, it's fairly quick. It's one of the more expensive packs I looked at, but the finish detail is excellent and the design works well. And it's nice to finish a pack trip and not have sore shoulders and hips.

I have had this pack for six months. I really enjoy it. It is very comfortable and I like the load suspension system. The only problem is the sleeping bag compartment is tad small for my cheep ass sleeping bag but if I had a good sleeping bag it would be no problem.

I wish it had an outside water bottle holder, but you can order one separately if you wish. Overall this pack is the best pack I have ever had. A lot better than my Gregory that I had only for a short period of time and got rid of it because it was the most uncomfortable pack next to my external Kelty.

If you can afford this pack, then buy it. I have not a single complaint about it. It rides very smoothly on the hips. A 60lb load will feel like 40...no joke. It's plenty big for week long trips, but it can be compressed and taken in (you can just about take away the entire sleeping bag compartment). When you get the pack you can select different size bag, shoulder straps, and hip belt. Plenty of sweet accessories too...like extra pockets, shovel pockets, water bottle pocket on the hip belt. Just get this pack.

I used a Dana Bounder for two weeks and 85 miles several years ago, and being extremely impressed, decided to buy the closest thing I could get to it - that was the Glacier. For the money, I don't believe that you can buy a better pack. I have had it for two years and have had no rips, snags or any real wear on it all; it's comfortable, affordable, and packs everything I need for up to a week or so.

I've had this pack for about a year now and have used it from overnight trips to trips reaching close to two weeks. It's performed awesomely on each and every excursion. I love the fact that the top pocket/pouch/lid detaches and can use the waist belt for summits and short hikes. My only wish is that it had a beavertail for use during the winter, but as I understand it, dana sells an accessory beavertail.

Owned this pack for a few years, never let me down.

Very comfortable on heavy load (~60lbs). The hip belt was amazing that nearly stick to my hip but still comfortable, excellent in transfer load to my sacrum, yet the slim profile makes me walk fast.

One minor complaint is Glacier does not have a hydration compartment.

Overall it is a good pack that I recommend to all of you without reservation.

Great pack! I love all the pockets and lashing points. I also have a Lowe Alpine Warp 70 which is a bit more comfortable than the Glacier in the lumbar area. Overall, this is a great pack with lots of capacity and is tough as nails.