I have loved my Heli Pack for 5-6 years now. It has been a great pack. I always wear it snowboarding and most of the time forget it is even there. I usually take it on hiking day trips as well. It packs pretty much everything I need for a day. The external straps are great for strapping on your shell or fleece while hiking and leaving the internal space for food, reservoir, socks, etc. All the external straps really add functionality and capacity without requiring a bigger bag. I use it for riding my motorcycle. It does most everything I need. It fits snug and comfortably and doesn't move around on your back, which is probably why I use it so much.

The vertical snowboard carry is quite good (just don't lose the third strap that detaches), I have done some backcountry in CO with it, it worked great. Unlike the larger Dakine bags, the vertical carry straps are actually long enough to strap the board to it when the bag is full (granted it is a much smaller bag, so that probably makes a difference). Or course, the straps may have shrunk on newer versions, mine is quite old now.

The only things I would change about it are to have the vertical snowboard carry straps anchor on the back side of the zipper, not the outer side. Really tightening those straps pulls on the zipper. That being said, I have never had any problems with it, no blown zippers or anything, so maybe it isn't really an issue.

This is the best resort pack ever. I had the Heli-pro before and i felt like it was too big and wasn't really form fitting. The Heli fits like a glove, very low profile but enough space to fit everything for a day the hill. I definitely need something else for back country, but for everything else this pack is great. The one thing im not sure about is the cable ski leash. When you put some fat skis in there it kind of clinches down the backpack. Its not really a big deal though.

This pack is the best! It can carry the essentials for a day on the slopes as well as that extra garment if the weather closes in without being overly weighty and bulky. Epic!

Low profile, and plenty of straps/buckles to attach anything you need too.