Dana Racer X/Raid Z

imported
#1

Does anyone have experience with these pseudopacks? Thay sound interesting, but I’ve never actually seen one “in person.” How does the suspension/padding/strap system compare with other Dana packs?

Chipper

#2

Howdy Chipper,
I currently own one of Dana’s Raid Z. These packs are very interesting. I really like the dry bag for the main pack bag. It’s a nice 50L dry bag with an air valve, like one on a Therma-Rest. It allows you to let any air out, which helps compress the size of the bag. It has a nice mesh stuff pocket on the back of two zipper pockets. All of these are very useful and positioned well. The dry bag is sandwiched between the frame system and these pockets. It is then compressed with two compression straps on each side and one on top. I have not owned or used other Dana packs. I have seen a lot of them in use. The Raid Z and Racer X are completely different than other Dana packs. I don’t think you could accurately compare them to other Dana packs. These packs are designed to carry considerably smaller and lighter weight loads. With this in mind, yes, they can be very useful packs. The Raid Z does carry differently from other internal frame(IF) packs. The pack bag is not as tall as other IF packs. Thus, it sits lower on your back and sticks out further. It does have a hydration sleeve between the back padding and the frame system. I have carried @ 32lbs. with it just fine. I will say that because of the lower center of the pack it did pull a little on my shoulders. I feel that this is a great pack, as long as you keep the weight to 30lbs and less. With all that I have written it might sound odd to say this, but I am currently trying to sell it. I want $80 plus shipping for it. I really do like the pack, I just know that I tend to pack a little heavier than the pack can comfortably carry. The pack is in great shape. I got it back in Feb. '03. I have used it on four different weekend trips and a couple of day hikes. If you are interested e-mail me. It might take me a little bit to answer e-mail. I only get to check my e-mail about twice a week. I hope this helps. Have a good day,
Underdog

Underdog