Backpack for skiing

[Coopski]

Howdy guys. Just after some opinions. I'm looking for a new backpack for my days on the slopes as I usually just go a camelback. I'm after something I can carry my skis on, can put hydration bladder in and goggles/vest in. Reasonable price (as I own expensive hiking packs and I think hubby will kill me ;-). I like the look of the dakine heli pro. Any other thoughts or if anyone has heli pro- pros & cons. Cheers guys

[pboards&mskis]

Pboards has the heli pro. He can strap the board on when required, although it took a little bit to figure out the strap system. It has a great little pocket the right size for googles up the top. The hydration system works pretty well but the mouth piece is different to the camelback equivalent ( I prefer the camelback one.. but thats just IMO). He's had it for 3 years now and we've had no issues with it. he's used it for BC at Niseko and Katskiing in Colorado and NZ and had no issues.

Hope this helps.

[Rednut]

back country access make decent day packs

[Coopski]

Thanks guys. I was reading about the BCA packs and I like the look of the stash diva. I will have to look into where they are stocked in syd to go have a squizz. Otherwise I like the look of the heli pro so I might go have a look at that too.

[Pini Pow Pow]

I have the Da Kine Heli Pro, it is awesome.... for a pack

[Mizu Kuma]

You can't go wrong with a Da Kine pack, Coops, they make good quality gear at a pretty reasonable price! Burton/Gravis packs are top quality as well but can be a little more $$$.
I had a Da Kine hydration pack for trail bike riding and I can tell you that it was put through it's paces and never let me down once!
I even have a Da Kine bag for work (heavy industry) and that thing has had a harder life than any moto pack ever will, and while it doesn't shine (probably due to grease), nothing has ever busted on it, not even 1 thread out of place!
I use Da Kine leg ropes and tail pads on my surfboards.
I have a Da Kine 'coffin' for my snowboard and ALL of my snow gear, even my Da Kine gloves have a spot in there.

Incase ya didn't know, here's a bit of useless information: In Hawaiian 'Da Kine' translates to 'The Best'.

[John Morgan]

The Da Kine Heli Pro is a very good back pack especially for back country and will do all that you require. Myself and friends who go BC with me all have been using this pack for a few years now.

[karen97]

Another fan of the Heli Pro here

[John Deere]

The Heli Pro is OK for its cost and for resort stuff. I prefer other packs for durability but they will cost more. Osprey Switch has been a favourite for years, and the BCA stuff does look decent and Paul stocks it. I have recently converted to a Black Diamond pack....mine has an Avalung which is not really something a pack requires for most, but BD do make them without the Avalung. My wife has a very good Mountain Hardware pack that is a great resort pack, very flat and purpose built for ski carry.

The brands I mentioned will be more durable than the Dakine (clips and zippers for carrying skis will be a fair bit better), you have to assess how much abuse your going to give it and wether your willing to fork out a bit more cash.

[Coopski]

Thanks guys. I will have a look around...Kathmandu have also just bought a range of ski/board bags and have got an AT bag in the range. Must say it looks more "in resort" than BC but I must say I will use it majority in bounds anyway. I have a Kathmandu store locally so I might go have a good look at it. Whilst one of my hiking packs (75l) is from there and is my preference pack for multi day walks, some of their smaller packs aren't quite as good quality I've found. There sale is about to start in a couple of weeks and it will be $100 off so it might be an option.