Uncomfortable

By TheDude Ranked #634 - Winter Packs November 12, 2009

I was super excited to get this pack based on all the positive reviews here. Many nice features including the retractrable wire diagonal ski carry (with reinforced fabric where ski edges would dig into pack), fleece goggle pocket, avy gear zippered pocket, full-zip back-access panel, hydration-compatible, etc, etc. Plus, despite what the description says, you CAN carry skis A-frame as there are two compression straps on either side of the pack.

So why am I bummed? Simply, the pack is uncomfortable for me. The shoulder straps dig in with even a modest load in the pack. The back panel is also uncomfortable, perhaps because they tried to create a horizonal snowboard carry with it. One other nit-picky point: why no helmet carry? You're left with trying to jam your bulky helmet into the pack or have it dangling and bouncing around as you skin or climb. Gets annoying very quickly. Mammut, Osprey, and others have incorporated simple but helpful exterior helmet mesh into their packs. It'd be nice for Dakine to do the same.

All in all, lots of nice features, but an uncomfortable (for me) carry. I strongly recommend you try it on in a store with some weight in it before you commit. I'm sending mine back.

View Details: DAKINE Pro 2 Backpack - 1600cu in

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