Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Dana External Question

There are several Dana Design External Frame models out there (Longbed, Shortbed, Terraframe). My understanding is that the packbag removes on all but ONE model, in which the suspension/bag/hipbelt is all connected. Does anyone know which model that is?

I've read some old reviews online, and in one I read that the Longbed bag does not remove, but from other descriptions it would seem that the Terraframe is the one with an integrated design.

I've been looking for a deal on one of these, but want to be sure to get a model with the removable bag.

Thanks!

I can't answer for the others but I have the shortbed and the bag can be removed. Hope that helps a little.

I don't know myself, but I'm sure a call to Mystery Ranch on Monday will help.

I've had questions and needed parts for my old Dana and they were very helpful.

Neither the Terraframe nor the Longbed packbags remove unless there is some trick to it I haven't figured out yet. The T-1 packbag does remove. That covers the ones I have first hand experience with.

Good luck in your search. Dana External with Kifaru hipbelt is the single best load monster setup I've found.

I've owned or purchased for family members five dana externals - three longbeds, one T1, and one terraframe. Here's what I've found out:

1. Early packs with the horizontal "jog" in teh bottom of the frame: you'll need some sort of jury rig strapping to attach your load lifters to the top (removeable) crossbar, but barring that, all bags remove. Waistbelt is black with a long stitch down the middle of the outside of it, and is the softest and least desireable of the belts.
2. Later packs with the straight frame - all bags EXCEPT the longbed are removable. There are two waistbelt and shoulder strap combos - the one with the grey outside is the stiffest and best, and came with the full retail packs. The other was black and less stiff, but still serviceable, and came on the blowout $99 packs of vintage 2001 or so.

Evan, please tell us more about the kifaru waistbelt. That sounds interesting.

JRaw - if you want to see later model examples, I have a longbed, T1, and Terraframe in the house right now. PM me.

I too am very interested in seeing/hearing about this modification!!

Ok. I'll have to take some pictures. As the saying goes...

Any update on those pictures?

Was at the Kifaru NW Rondy this past (long) weekend and just getting back into the saddle. Will post soon.

DD with original belt removed and lumbar pad still open. Kifaru hipbelt is placed in location with a plastic panel from an old suitcase set into it for vertical positioning:



Lumbar pad is now closed. Note that the lumbar strap (and shoulder strap attachment point if you haven't modded your K hipbelt like I have) are tucked in behind there somewhere. K load control straps are tied into the fiberglass wands on the DD pack:



Method above works fine, but I get more performance out of placing my own load control strap further forward on the hipbelt. Simple 3 bar is sewn (could be threaded) into the end of a piece of webbing and slotted through the PALS further forward:



Additional notes:

- The fiberglass wands need freedom to travel forward along the hipbelt and rest wherever it is most comfortable. This means you can't really run any pockets or water bottle holsters on your hipbelt when it is on the DD. I've done it, but it isn't optimal.

- Sharp eyes might note that the fiberglass wands are routed through the frame differently than stock. They leave the frame higher up which allows them more horizontal width. Stock works pretty well for me, but for my brother who is a little broader of beam this keeps the wands from pinching into the sides of his hips. It's super easy to take the wands out of the frame and route them however you want.

- I've had to use that plastic spacer method on all non-Kifaru packs I've put the Kifaru hipbelt on. It is really the only one that I know of with that center configuration. Other hipbelts (like the Osprey I ran on the DD for a while) don't need that spacer. They typically have a built in stiff spot, taller center, and maybe even velcro which positions them where they need to be inside of the lumbar pad.

Thanks for the pics and write up.

I was in a gear local gear shop yesterday that had 3 used dana's for sale if anyone is interested. I believe they had a shortbed, T1, and Terraframe. I believe all three were red in color and seemed to be in pretty good shape and reasonably priced. I was really liking the terraframe and if I didn't already have a MR 6500 probably would have brought it home. PM me if anyone is interested and I can get you the shops contact info.