DAKINE Heli Pro 20L Winter Pack - 1200cu in

This pack is my go to pack for inbounds and slackcountry skiing. Super comfortable and great fit. Fits some snacks, a nalgene or a bladder, an insulator jacket, video camera, probe, and shovel as well. Super durable as well. Only complaint is that if you have some super fat skis, more than 125 or so in the tail, you won't be able to use the diagonal carry system. Other than that this pack is sweet.

I bought my first Dakine pack back in 2000(I think) and the product was pretty unique then. These days there are lots of options for snow-dedicated packs, so Dakine have to step it up....and largely they do. I have had my Heli Pro for 4 years and the design these days it a little different. I have to say, from what I have seen, the new pack is better than mine. They can be a little over complicated to use - the amount of straps drives me crazy, most folk will only ever use them in-bounds anyway. Worse than the amount of straps is the fact that most of them are not easily tucked away, making them easily caught on almost anything(read:chairlifts). The Heli Pro I have has several waterproof areas, a space for a camelback hydration bladder, the ability to carry skis/board. It is all very well made and seems to be lasting very well - mine certainly looks as good as new. I would say that the Heli Pro is a bargain but just watch out for those straps !

I've been using this bag for 2 years. Don't wear it everyday, but it is super useful for accessing inbounds backcountry (i.e. hiking relatively short distances with your skis) and also short day trips (Tuckerman's Ravine). I use the integrated hydration system pretty often as well, but days that I am at smaller resorts I typically use a Camelbak Zoid instead to minimize bulk. This thing has taken a beating though and has held up incredibly well. I've taken it on 4/5 trips out West (I'm an EC skier) and have skied 50+ days with it in the past 2 years and all the functional components of the bag work as they did on day 1 (although it could probably use a wash!).

I have an older version of the heli pro, its from 2 years ago. I love the pack, the only complaint I have is it doesn't like to carry fat skis. I ride Gotamas, and when they are strapped on diagonally they take a lot of room away from the pack. And by a lot I mean a lot, like almost have to empty the pack. So if you ride fatties you have to strap 'em side by side where you would put a snowboard, which is fine, but kinda annoying.

Excellent pack. Very comfortable/adjustable. I am much smaller than recommended, but was able to fit the pack perfectly. So comfortable I forgot I was wearing it. Fit all the gear (shovel, probe, extra clothes, hydration bladder, lunch, and snacks). Does not have an inner pocket to separate lunch from other items, so I used the goggle pocket for that. Waist strap pocket great for cell phone and things you need to reach frequently. Constructed well.

deceptively comfortable pack. At first look i didnt think this pack would be comfortable with those thin straps, I was wrong. fully loaded the pack carriers very well. I ride and carry salomon guns and I have found no issues with carrying these skis.

The name alone represents their product. This pack is perfect for my day trips into the backcountry and has room inside for my probe, shovel, helmet, and lunch... It has gotten me through a lot and sometimes I forget its there while I'm skiing.

this back pack is real good!!! love the ski carry cuz it really helps. if you want people to stare at you get the backpack! i can put so much stuff!!! i fit 2 pairs of socks, pants, underarmors, and even my helmet!! only bad thing is if you got some big skis (you won't be able to fit them on the carry system.) but great backpack and sweet style!

First off, I bought this for short side-country tours and for a day pack for inbounds skiing. Its perfect. It'll carry all of my avy gear, plus a few extra layers, and then my full-size dSLR in the top of the pack. For resort skiing, it might be a little overkill with all the features, but its light and well-made- and perfect for my dSLR and a few granola bars. So far it seems to be well made and durable (I've only carried skis and gear a few times), and it carries my 110mm waisted skis just fine in the diagonal straps.

Great purchase.

I love this pack. It's very form fitting and so movement never gets restricted. Plus, the new one can fit any fat skis i've ever tried to put on it. If only it had one extra pocket on the outside...

I finally decided to upgrade from my 2000 version of this same pack, and am so glad I did it. This bag does it all! My camelbak fits into it perfectly and the insulated tube strap is super convenient. I love how all of the straps pack into the bag out of the way. And, most importantly, this bag does what it is supposed to do, holds a ton of stuff without being bulky. Without a doubt, one of my most valuable pieces of equipment.

This bag is great. It has enough room for tools for backcountry, has enough room for a few other things like sandwiches and extra layers if you feel you might need them. The ski straps are great to strap ski's to. Also the Hydration pocket is a great extra. It's great.
I also has a lot of room for other things too.

This bag is awesome...my sister and friend both had one and they persuaded me to get it, and i love it. The bag is very comfortable to wear and it doesnt hang off your back far, there aren't a lot of straps that hang to far to get caught somewhere. I would recommend this bag to any one that skis and owns their own pair...and even if they dont i would still buy it.