Dakine Heli Pro DLX 24L Backpack Review
Dakine’s Heli Pro Backpack line is built for sidecountry or backcountry missions, with ample interior space, organized front sections, side pocket, and carrying straps. You can use a Heli Pro backpack on the mountain, or quite probably anywhere you may roam, year round.
Features and Specs
- Vertical/horizontal snowboard carry (diagonal ski carry)
- Snow tool/shovel pocket
- Hydration compatibility
- Fleece-lined goggle/sunglass pocket
- Insulated hydration-compatible sleeve
- Breathable/padded hip belt and back panel
- Zippered vertical side pocket
- Front helmet attachment loops
- Rescue whistle on sternum strap
- 1465 cu.in. [ 24L ]
- 23 x 12 x 6″ [ 58 x 30 x 15cm ]
- 2.5 lbs. [ 1.1kg ]
Review:
I have used a Dakine Mission Backpack for almost five seasons. I still love the Mission, but decided 2016 was the year for a change. Throughout my replacement search, the Dakine Heli Pro DLX 24L Backpack stood out; it had been redesigned from the previous model and appeared to be slightly longer and slimmer than, but with similar volume to, my beloved Mission backpack, and Dakine always does a great job with their color scheme.
Just as you would have expected from Dakine, the backpack is constructed well: the ripstop polyester is durable, and the internal storange has lots of options for on and off the mountain. In the outer storage sleeve you can easily pack your shovel, probe, and other avalanche gear. The main compartment is well-sized for storing base and mid layers, food, water (utilize the compatible hydration sleeve), and other equipment for your day trip into the sidecountry. The fleece-lined goggle/sunglass pocket is what you’d expect from Dakine, and I like where it’s positioned on the pack — right at the top where it is easy to access.
The vertical snowboard carry straps are easy to use. After you’re done ascending and ready to ride, the straps tuck nicely away so they don’t dangle everywhere; this also allows the backpack to keep its clean look. Redesigned for 2015-2016, the horizontal snowboard carry (placing the board horizontally between the pack and your back) is easy to use if you’re looking for a different option. On the horizontal carry, when you’re ready to ride, unhook the straps and slide your board out and re-hook…it’s that easy. I also like to take this pack with me for resort riding; again, it’s great to store layers, food, beanies, and any extra stuff you want to have while you’re on the mountain.
The shape of the backpack really contours to your body, and compared to other less-slim systems, this pack feels like it’s part of you. Even when it’s loaded up, it doesn’t restrict your movement at all, and I’ve enjoyed taking it on sidecountry trips and wearing it out freeriding at my local mountains. It’s also perfect for any day trip on the hill, hiking, or even around town, with just the right amount of storage volume so you don’t pack too much. I think the Heli Pro DLX 24L Backpack is just about perfect for what you need for your day missions. Check out all the snow backpacks, including the Heli Pro line, from Dakine.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Longer design feels like it contours to your back
- Ample storage for day trips
- Layout of storage is greatly improved over the last Heli Pro
- Fleece-lined goggle/sunglass pocket
- Minimalistic design, looks clean
- Easy-to-use carry straps for snowboarding when you need it
- Easy yydration compatibility
Cons
- Wish it was slightly more expandable in the main compartment