Great versatile pack

By Matt Ranked #1009 - Winter Packs November 7, 2009

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.

View Details: DAKINE Heli Winter Backpack - 660cu in

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