Product
Dakine Heli Pro Pack
Promise
Created for charging any line, anytime, all day-long.
Performance
A classic snug and streamlined day pack from Dakine – a favourite brand among action sports amateurs and pros since 1979.
Dakine have rammed this sleek pack full of the essentials for both skier and snowboarder alike. It’s the ideal extra for all your extras when a long day on the slopes lies ahead.
At 20 Litres, it’s just enough for an extra layer or two, snacks and water and all the gadgets and accessories you could want to bring, from fold-away shovels to hand-held radios.
If you decide to hike a ridge in search of the perfect line the Heli Pro comes into its own. Simply carry your skis diagonally using the zip away adjustable (and lockable) clip straps top and bottom, or vertically attach your snowboard by reclaiming the compartment compression straps.
The inner backs elasticated pocket will hold any sized bladder and tidily feeds the pipe out the top and down the shoulder (also useful for small laptops when you’re not amongst the action).
The padded but non-rigid back adds a bit of extra protection in a fall while accessory specific pockets keep your gadgets safe and out the way. A fleece lined goggle pocket positioned externally at the top is a great feature with a spacious organiser pocket on the front.
The bag opens right out for easy folding away of jackets and fleeces and when all cinched up it remains slim enough to keep on when riding the lift for your next run. The size is just 53 x 28 x 14cm with a weight of 700grams.
The Heli Pro also features an easily adjusted chest strap and padded waist belt, so you will barely notice it’s there whether your carving or cartwheeling down the mountain.
Verdict
This is the pack to own among much of the boarding fraternity, especially for those little extras when heading off piste into backcountry or for the budget conscious getting more ride time by packing a lunch. The ice axe/snow shovel holder is a nice touch, though mounted on the side a fall could prove it a real rib bruiser. A great little day tripper for getting the most out of your ski pass.
