Dakine Heli Pro DLX 2016

The Dakine Heli Pack is pretty much the archetypal skier backpack. I've had a couple in the past and they do the job but lack of vertical ski carry is a major hinderance bootpacking. This was my first Heli Pro DLX and I have to say, it's a great do it all backpack.

It isn't the lightest bag I've ever used, so it probably wouldn't be my first choice for a backcountry long tour bag. But the vertical and horizontal ski carry option makes it nice and versatile from hikes to just lugging your skis around on public transport.

It's 24L volume is big enough that I can fit all my gear for a ski day (minus boots) in or on it and I've used it a lot to take stuff to the indoor slopes while it's hot out in the UK. It works well as a travel backpack too, you can get few days worth of clothes and a laptop etc in there.

I'd say I marginally prefer my much more expensive North Face Steep Series backpack for on hill use. It's lighter and has two full size pockets as opposed to one, but I wouldn't say the improvement was worth the price for 95% of skiers. Basically there is a reason Dakine are the go to bag for most: They do it all and the price is right.

• Design
  Clean
  Busy
• Weight
  Light
  Heavy
• Durability
  Fragile
  Durable
• Style
  Uncool
  Cool
• Fit
  Slim
  Bulky
• Volume
  Tiny
  Huge
• Features
  Minimal
  Tons
• Usage
  Resort
  Backcountry
• Compartments
  One
  Many