Dakine Heli-Pro

[Nate Dogg]

I'm considering purchasing a pack, mainly for lift served use. I want something that is hydration compatible, and is capable of carrying the essentials (a few extra pieces of gear). I do want the ability to strap my skis on for the rare hike, and I'm curious if, as a pack that will spend 90% of its time in-bounds, will the Heli-Pro Large (1200ci) be too large? I anticipate using the pack for many other non-skiing uses, and I'd prefer to buy the the small Heli-Pro, I can't seem to find it anywhere in colors besides pink tho The BD Slide looks good too, and I've read good reviews (especially abouts ability to compact making lift rides easy). It is more expensive than I've found the Heli-Pro however (+$20). Anyhow, opinions?

[extreeski]

i have the small heli pro and love it. Its just big enough to carry my water, snacks, skins, shovel, probe and other little things. I've used it countless times bootpacking. but its a pretty specialized pack and I use a different one for summertime day hikes.

[SquawMan]

I own a Dakine Vertex (1300 cu in) and use it all the time inbounds at Squaw and around Tahoe

it works fine on lifts because it's a flat pack

all Dakine's are sleek and fit close to the back, so there really isn't any need to go smaller, imho



p.s. I outfitted it with a CamelBak 70 ltr hydration system (normal, not insulated) and replaced the non-insulated tube with this Kelley insutalted tube, which I find works better than the CamelBak insulated tube

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

[Nate Dogg]

p.s. I outfitted it with a CamelBak 70 ltr hydration system (normal, not insulated) and replaced the non-insulated tube with this Kelley insutalted tube, which I find works better than the CamelBak insulated tube

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...berId=12500226

Hmm, interesting to know I'll have to check that out, thanks the for the tip. Does changing the tube require any type of modifications, or is it more of a simply plug & play switch?

[Vets]

I have a Heli-Pro pack. I bought it based on maggot recommendations I found here. I'm very happy with it. There are times that I wish it would hold more (it is a large.) If you are using it in bounds at a resort and aren't carrying much you can always just tighten the straps to make the volume smaller. It is easier to have too much space than not enough.

[duboix]

I've got a Heli-Pro large. The only thing that I'd like to improve is to have the ability to strap skis to it in A-Frame way. Also I've broken the fast buckle lock on side-strap for shovel handle (i guess while tomohawking with my head down the slope shovel handle stuck in snow and plastick fast buckle died). Thanks God there are two sets of these side straps on this pack - on the each side of it.

[laseranimal]

BD slide pack is SOOOOOOOOOOOO much better then the Dakine Heli Pro. For some reason even though its 100 ci's smaller then the Pro it fits more stuff and it still sits fairly comfortable on the lift. The other nice thing is that its way more organized so you're not chucking everything out of the pack looking for your car keys that fell to the bottom of the pack. I use the top pocket for stuff like keys, the middle pocket for skins/goggles/anything else I don't wanna dig for and then throw whatever else I'm carrying into the main pouch. I've also heard that Dakine's shovel handle carry system is a pain with a D handle(mines a T so it didn't bother me) Otherwise the Slide carries a little lower then the Pro, both are great packs I just prefer the slide. I'd love to grab one of the new Frenzy's but its bigger size is too big and smaller is too small

[Nate Dogg]

Thanks for the advice all, sounds like both are a worthwhile investment, now just time to decide what I will pay for the Slide over the Heli-Pro...hmmm.

[nealric]

I have the heli non pro.

I find it the perfect inbounds pack- and actually not bad at all for backcountry days.
It will fit:
Luch
Probe
shovel
water
skins

all quite comfortably.

[Below Zero]

The only thing that I'd like to improve is to have the ability to strap skis to it in A-Frame way.

I just read in the new backcountry.com catalog that this year's heli-pro has three different ways to carry your skis and snowboard. So, I assume you carry them the A-frame way also.

[72Twenty]

I used to carry my skis A-frame and hated it (on my old Lowe Alpine Contour Mountain 40). I'd always take a ski tail in the back of my calf if I was kick stepping. Now I carry them diagonal on my Life-Link and love it. I guess having the option is nice, though.

[SquawMan]

Hmm, interesting to know I'll have to check that out, thanks the for the tip. Does changing the tube require any type of modifications, or is it more of a simply plug & play switch?

the bite valve on Kelty the is sooo much better than on the winterized CamelBak

you do have to use a sharp knife or razor to take the tube off the base of the CambelBak (have to be veeery careful not to nick the bag!) right at the point where it enters the bottom of the bag

there's a plastic anti-bacterial coating inside the tube on the CamelBak that makes pulling the tube off from the base impossible. You have to slice it up one side carefully and then it comes off

if you decide to make this modification, save this posting

[Blurred]

the ability to strap skis to it in A-Frame way.

Yeah, I'm also waiting on the ressurection of neon and rear-entries.....

[Blurred]

I'm considering purchasing a pack, mainly for lift served use. I want something that is hydration compatible, and is capable of carrying the essentials (a few extra pieces of gear). I do want the ability to strap my skis on for the rare hike, and I'm curious if, as a pack that will spend 90% of its time in-bounds, will the Heli-Pro Large (1200ci) be too large? I anticipate using the pack for many other non-skiing uses, and I'd prefer to buy the the small Heli-Pro, I can't seem to find it anywhere in colors besides pink tho The BD Slide looks good too, and I've read good reviews (especially abouts ability to compact making lift rides easy). It is more expensive than I've found the Heli-Pro however (+$20). Anyhow, opinions?

Nate, buy this sucker. The price is fucking awesome and this pack RULES. I just bought one about 2 weeks ago, and I love it. Ask for Liz(altachic) when purchasing it. -Brett
http://www.dogfunk.com/dogfunk/DAK00...ml?id=9ArqTDFZ

[snowfire]

Brett, what's your opinion on the size of that pack? The pack I have now isn't doing it for me and I'm trying to find a new one. The poacher looks sweet but since I'm small (5'2), don't know if it would fit or if it would be too big.

[Blurred]

Brett, what's your opinion on the size of that pack? The pack I have now isn't doing it for me and I'm trying to find a new one. The poacher looks sweet but since I'm small (5'2), don't know if it would fit or if it would be too big.

Liz, you'll love the pack. It's 2000 cu. inches, and it's just about perfect. I've found the heli-pro to be too small for more than just a bottle of water. The poacher is fully adjustable, and would fit you fine. Totally awesome pack for the price!!!

[TBone]

the heli-pro is sick. I just got it at the beginning of the season, and it's been perfect for going around inbounds with a camera, etc. tons of bells and whistles, i highly recommend.

[KANUTTEN]

I think maybe that pack is getting too much standing ovation here. After all, it is only a pack! I own one of those (25 L), and can compare it with Osprey switch 40+5 and Haglöfs large (?). A couple of comments;

- the heli pro works well, as it should. Nice fit, close to the back.
- it is both ski and board compatible. I find the extra "flap" a bit too much; I would prefer a simpler design (for skis only).
- for very wide boards (100 mm +) the diagonal carry strap is too narrow
- it is definitely too small for full day backcountry trips. It holds necessities (probe, skins, water, shovel), but if you want to fit an ekstra layer in there you are in trouble.

If I were to own only one pack I would go for something a bit larger. Also, I would go for something ski or board specific.

[Vets]

I think maybe that pack is getting too much standing ovation here. After all, it is only a pack! I own one of those (25 L), and can compare it with Osprey switch 40+5 and Haglöfs large (?). A couple of comments;

- the heli pro works well, as it should. Nice fit, close to the back.
- it is both ski and board compatible. I find the extra "flap" a bit too much; I would prefer a simpler design (for skis only).
- for very wide boards (100 mm +) the diagonal carry strap is too narrow
- it is definitely too small for full day backcountry trips. It holds necessities (probe, skins, water, shovel), but if you want to fit an ekstra layer in there you are in trouble.

If I were to own only one pack I would go for something a bit larger. Also, I would go for something ski or board specific.

I have to disagree on the diagonal carry straps being too narrow. I fit my Fischer Big Stix 106s without a problem. I do agree on it being too small to hold more than the necessities. I have asked buddies if they have room in their packs for my lunch after my pack was filled rather quickly.

[KANUTTEN]

I have to disagree on the diagonal carry straps being too narrow. I fit my Fischer Big Stix 106s without a problem.

I admit to having made assumptions without trying this in practice. Sorry

However, I have quite a bit of experience fitting 90 mm skis with Fritschi freerides in the diagonal strap. The problem is that you have those plastic "blocks" (?) at the back of the bindings, and it is diffucult for me to get those into the strap. What I in practice have to do is to do one ski after the other, and then clamp them together after they are both in place. I am pretty sure that this would be very difficult with 100+ skis.

[PlayHarder]

I've also heard that Dakine's shovel handle carry system is a pain with a D handle(mines a T so it didn't bother me)

I've got a D handle and it works fine.
While I do find it a touch small for full day trips, I can still fit: Skins - Shovel - Probe - Lunch/Snacks - Water (Full hydration pouch + nalgene) - 1st Aid kit - Multitool - my puffy jacket & snow study kit. After this though, I'm done - zero extra room.
I think the heli pro would be a good choice for 90% lift-served, although I'm wishing I'd gone with something a little better laid out since I rarely wear mine inbounds. It does seem that the pack is not as big as it's size indicates, like Laseranimal said. My old MEC pack was smaller in ci's, but held more stuff.
Edit: Also haven't had any real issues with packing my 90mm waisted skis with freerides, though the top compression straps are a bit short and take some effort when the pack is fully loaded.

[brit]

I was going to buy a DK Heli-pack but found this cheaper, and it's just as good IMO. The board attachement I found is fine for my skis if I cinch it up tight so no probs there, bombproof, and the perfect size for inbounds skiing and a bit of hiking too.

http://www.burton.com/Burton/gear/pr...umber=B5812303

YMMV with price though.

R

[connersw]

I'm a big fan of the Dakine Vertex. Basically the same pack as the Heli Pro without the snowboard straps and flap. You can usually find it for ~$10 cheaper too. Holds my skis, skins, shovel/probe, camelback, first aid kit, GPS, head lamp, harness, and belay jacket.

[SquawMan]

I'm a big fan of the Dakine Vertex. Basically the same pack as the Heli Pro without the snowboard straps and flap. You can usually find it for ~$10 cheaper too. Holds my skis, skins, shovel/probe, camelback, first aid kit, GPS, head lamp, harness, and belay jacket.

I'll second that, I have a black Vextex and it's great

bought it on sale at Backcountry for $63 but they recently had them for $53, so bookmark the page and check back one/wk

[Nate Dogg]

The sale on the Heli-Pro at backcountry.com was through Feb 28th I believe, although I would think you would certainly find some sales coming up possible there and certainly at other sites, so that they can get rid of this winters stock. It was on sale for $56 I believe.