This is by far the best backpack I have ever owned. It seems to do everything. It takes books for school, protects laptops pretty well for not having that in the design, travels exceedingly well, etc. It is incredibly comfortable to wear, and sits very securely when you need it to. The angled carry scheme is fairly awkward, but nobody says you have to use it. The many straps work well for boards, coolers, whatever. Zippers are industrial, as are all the straps and clips. The 'x-carry' padding at the back acts like a soft frame on a small bag, giving it a regular shape and a decent amount of support. Basically, this thing does whatever you ask of it; great backpack.

Over the last few years I have had a variety of different riding packs ranging from Burton to Bakoda. However, the Dakine Heli-Pro Backpack has by far surpassed all the others. It is extremely comfortable and very adjustable. There are so many straps to tweak the fit of the pack and your gear that you can almost guarantee a perfect fit. I also really like the new X-Carry system - it is the most secure way to carry a
snowboard that I have encountered yet. Also, if you prefer to carry your board vertically there are straps to accommodate that as well, and they stow away when not in use so you don't have tons of excess straps hanging off your pack when you're hiking or riding. I have a back country snowboard trip coming up and i can't wait to use this pack. I highly recommend it.

Ok so I had a Burton AK Bag last season and i beat it all to hell. This Dakine has been amazing this season and hasn't ripped or bubbled like the AK did. In a word, this bag is 'Gnarkill'.

This Dakine pack is perfect for the day tours. This pack has all kinds of versatility to carry skis or a board.

The pack rocks. Just the right size for day use. Good compartment organization. Easy on, easy off ski carrying ability. The external water bottle holder does not insult so put your bottle inside the pack for cold days or consider using the camel back option.

I like the Heli pro because it's really functional. It's got all the straps and pockets I need. I really like the top mini pocket for a camera/granola bar. I don't like how it seems like it has TOO many straps, I'm afraid to carry it on piste, don't want to be getting caught on the lift.

Have spent a month in Jackson Hole with this pack, inbounds and in the backcountry, and the bag has had space for everything I've needed. Great for a day's skiing or riding.

Replaced my old camel back backpack with this and am very happy. The goggle pocket is nice and keeps my shades scratch free. Plenty of room in the main compartment even with my camel back reservoir inside. The hip and shoulder straps are properly cushioned and the right width. Nicely thought out design that looks good too. Great job Dakine!

I bought this pack about a month ago and have used it almost every day since. I make a run up the local hill at lunch either with my skis on my back, or skinning up. The Heli Pro carries the skis comfortably and I love the hydration run through the shoulder strap. I don't have to stop my trek up the hill when I know I have a meeting to get back to.

I have also skied this pack about 6 days lift served and it is perfect for managing layers and carrying some extra food.

At first I thought the "camera pocket" on the hip belt was stupid, but I bought a little Nikon that fits in there and love documenting the trips. It is very easy to get to quickly for a cool shot.

I think the only way to make this pack better would be to have an AvaLung integrated, which hopefully will be common practice in the near future.

Buy this pack.

This is very functional pack. Add Camel Back hydration for water on the go when you are hiking. Make sure u get the insulated hose and insulated pack cause it will freeze in cold weather. Hiked w/ board in vertical position and worked great in narrow areas. There are a lot of straps so you have to make sure they are all either buckled or be creative and conceal them, the straps are not that big of an issue.

this bag is great, it has lots of room, very comfortable, and lots of other Features. I would totally recommend this bag to anyone who is ready to rock this world.

I love this pack - it is exactly what I was looking for. What was I looking for? A lightweight, low profile pack for hauling my skis on those short to not-so-short inbounds hikes (think Kachina Peak, Taos). Great daypack. The small version (which I have) is large enough to hold my video camera, an extra layer, and even my jacket when I get too warm. Love the goggle pocket and the water bottle holder!

I liked everything on this pack, the comfort level, and the fit of the pack. I was not too impressed with how you load a snowboard for horizontal carry. Overall a pretty good pack though.

Now that I have a real job, most of my backcountry trips have been limited to resort accessed gates. This pack has been absolutely perfect for these situations. I can carry lunch, extra layers, it mounts my board perfectly, and holds a CamelBak. No complaints here.