What’s the one thing we can’t do without for a hiking trip or backcountry expedition?
That’s right, a good-quality backpack!
Dakine backpacks are quite well known, but are they worth the hype? You’ll find that out in this article.
I tested the Dakine Heli Pro 20L backpack for skiing and hiking, and I’m gonna share with you how it went!
I Tested Dakine Heli Pro and Here’s What I Found
One thing I would like to tell you at the very beginning is that this bag is one of the most functional hiking bags you will find in the market.
The bag is made up of polyester which makes it extremely lightweight and side by side it has a nylon lining to give it a touch of waterproofness.
And was it waterproof? Yes, it was.
I went out with this backpack when it was raining cats and dogs and it did not disappoint me.
Everything inside was securely dry making me more impressed by this bag. I own the Oakley Peak RC bag and it has a snow-shedding texture which makes it even better but the Dakine Heli Pro definitely gives it tough competition.
One amazing thing about the bag is the 20L space, which gives you room to store ample things necessary for your trip.
I did not have to carry another bag as this one held all my belongings. There is the Dakine Heli Pro 24L backpack too, and as the name suggests, it has a larger space than the former.
The best thing about this bag is that it is very organized in terms of its storage. It has different pockets and latches for various different uses like carrying your shovel, goggles, hydration sleeves, etc.
I have tested various excellent quality backpacks like Osprey Sopris, Wildhorn Brimhall Ski Boot Bag, USWE Pow Backpack, but the creative storage compartments in this bag surpass the other bags.
There is also a star of the show feature in this backpack. It can accommodate a snowboard in vertical alignment. So, from now on you do not have to carry your snowboard in your arms thus less hassle.
I used these during my ski expedition and believe me they could contain my entire equipment including the goggles, gloves, and helmet. It definitely was very efficient for me.
And if you are a part-time skier, hiker, or snowboarder, do not think that the Dakine Heli Pro won’t be of use when you come down.
The hydration sleeves can be doubled up as laptop storage, the goggles pouch can be used as a pencil case or for keeping your reading glasses, and the small compartments in the front chain can be used to keep munching candies, pens, pencils, etc.
Thus, you can use it for camping purposes when you go out on trips with your friends. And, you can use it as a normal backpack to carry it to your college for lectures and you’ll look just as cool.
It does cost a bit more than a normal backpack does but remember that it is extremely functional at the same time. It provides many features that a normal backpack does not.
But if those features are not what you desire then you can opt for the JanSport Superbreak & Adidas Excel 6.
And if the price seems a bit too much for you, you can check out other bags in a lower price range. Unigear Ski Boot Bag, Turnway Ski Bag, Dakine Heli Pack 12L are good options.
There is also the Osprey Soelden that could be counted on the same level of excellence as the Dakine Heli Pro.
Both the backpacks are equally good and don’t ask me to choose!
Conclusion
Overall I would say Dakine Heli Pro is a great backpack which can be used for multiple purposes, be it camping, skiing, hiking or day to day use.
So you don’t have to buy another one, thus making it a good investment.
