DAKINE Heli Pro 20L Winter Pack - 1200cu in - 2009 BCS

Ive owned a heli pro since 00/01. Its hands down the best day/day tour pack Ive ever used. Customer service from Dakine is awesome. They fix their stuff after you beat the bejesus out of it beyond all reason-no questions asked. Highly recommend this pack and brand for those looking for quality.

I use to judge people who wore packs and were obviously staying front side. I thought they were nerdy, but this season I decided to get a pack for myself because I was gonna do a little back country and I must say, I'm a ski pack convert. I don't get dehydrated anymore because I can carry my camelbak around. When I go into the summit house at lunch my feet stay warm because I can carry my slippers and my ski boots stay warm because I can trow some hand warmers from my pack in 'em. I can also carry extra snacks so lunch isn't so expensive, sunscreen, pain relievers, anything, but the kitchen sink. And when the day is over, instead of awkwardly fumbling with your skis, just throw em on the straps on the back and your on your way. Overall a great buy. (Note: I bought last years 20L Heli Pro so some features are different from this years model)

This post isn't what you're thinking. The Dakine Heli-Pro has been the go-to inbounds and light backcountry day-tripper for what seems like forever, and the Heli-Pro I just scored doesn't disappoint. BUT, get the Heli-Pro DLX, NOT this one!! I have no idea why, but the HP DLX (Item #dak1316, if you're scoring at home) is shockingly superior to this pack and only $10 more! Once you examine the DLX, this one just feels cheap, which would be fine if it were, say, $50 instead of $85. Same dimensions as the DLX, but no waterproof stash (er, camera) pocket on the waistbelt and no insulated hydration sleeve running down the shoulder strap. Throw in inferior ski and snowboard carry options and less pockets and I have no idea what Dakine was thinking at this price point. And to top it off, the Team Pollard color scheme on the DLX is over-the-top bitchin'. So to recap. Dakine Heli Pro still rules, but do yourself a favor and spend the extra $10 on the DLX version. You won't regret it.

I use this pack year round because of the hydration feature it's perfect for mountain biking, hiking and skiing! There is enough room for everything and a little extra for whatever. Well built and priced right, I love this pack!

Great pack. Not too much. Great for accents not requiring the kitchen sink. Ski loops holds fatties. Very satisfied with the price.

Awesome pack, this thing is loaded with features. I did my research and this was hands down the best pack for the price, other ski packs for much more $$ don't have the all this pack has to offer. The strap system is comfortable and very adjustable, plenty of room for all the essentials. Mounting skis is easy, Line Prophet Flites fit without a problem however anything fatter would be a slight challenge .

I have taken my Dakine Heli Pro out 3 times now and love it. It is big enough to fit all my gear, minus boots. The camel back is perfect with the hose running within the arm strap to keep it from freezing to the zipper that keeps it locked down and protected. The goggle pocket is a good addition, however I find myself using it more for my cell, ipod, and sunglasses since my goggles are usually on my head. Another benefit is the water bottle pocket that zippers closed when not in use, yet is big enough for a Nalgine bottle. My only complaints are that there are 2 main pockets with no organizational pouches to put a pen, pad, cell, keys or anything small that you dont want bouncing around.

I got this pack for resort riding and for day hiking. It's meets my needs for both. For riding, I can fit an extra layer, my lunch, a reservoir and tools with no problems. For hiking, it'll hold my SLR and an extra lens pretty well when I don't want to bring my Dakine Sequence along.

I"m 6'1" and this pack fits me perfectly on the shoulder and hips. Very comfortable to wear all day.

I bought this pack almost a year ago i think it was last years model
It is one of the best buys I have ever made it keeps what you want warm but some how whenever My Red Bull is in there its always nice and cold worth the money definitly can hold your supplies for the day and has plenty of room for that little bit of extra stuff and I love the ski strap
Got the cash need the pack definitly buy this one

Great pack! Limited internal sleeves is my only complaint (only one for bladder). Everything elase works very well - good zippers, water hose does not freeze, and it rides very well snowboarding - highly recommend (I have bought a second one for my son!).

This pack is awesome. Well built so it can handle a full load, keeps all of my stuff dry and easy to get to. Really comfortable to wear too, carries skis great now its a lot easier to hike back up a run that you just have to hit one more time. Plus you can't beat the look of this pack.

Holds an 18 pack of beer and lunch !!!

LOVE IT

As of 9/27/09, the Dakine website is incorrect in stating that the Heli Pro 20L has an insulated hydro sleeve which was one of the features that was on my must-have list. The Dakine website incorrectly provides information not for the Heli Pro 20L but for the Heli Pro DLX 20L including gallery photos. This is not Backcountry's fault but be aware in case you research manufacturer's information as well. Debating on returning this at my expense to get the DLX version.