Dakine Heli Pack 12L - Women's (Greyscale, 12L)

I consider myself quite the connoisseur of back packs and own a lot of different sizes and types, but I really wanted one that would be good for skiing that I could wear on the slopes without having to take it off on the lift, and also that I could use with or without a water bladder. I have a camelbak and a bigger geigerrig but neither of them are ideal for skiing, and I don't typically need much water on the slopes and prefer to stop for a break and a drink rather than carry the water weight on my back. That being said, I love that I can put my camelbak bladder in this bag for hiking (which I just did this past weekend and it worked great). I love the style/look of this backpack and the fit is great as well. It's SUPER thin and light weight but is able to carry everything I would need for a day on the slopes or hiking without bulging or feeling too bulky. I also love that I can carry my skis with it if I have a long way to walk with them. My only complaint really is that when you use it with the water bladder, there is no hole to thread the hose though at the top so you have to make one with the zippers. It's not a big deal and works fine that way, but it would be nice if it had a built in access port for that. I also think the design inside could be better with more and better pockets inside and out for various things, but all in all I'm very happy with this purchase. It will always be my go to ski backpack and for light day hikes as well. I was able to carry a small tripod, an extra outer layer, my lunch, a 2L water bladder, gloves and ear muffs, phone, power bank and cables, small camera and other misc. items like wipes, kleenex, chapstick, sunglasses, gum, keys, wallet etc. It can technically fit my 15" HP Spectre X360 laptop in the sleeve, but just barely, and I personally wouldn't use this backpack for that ever. Hopefully this helps someone else!

I bought this backpack to carry essentials during a snowboarding day at a ski resort and it didn't disappoint. I can carry my lunch, GoPro and accessories, mid-layer jacket, goggles, portable charger and other personal electronic devices in the main compartments. There is an open compartment that can hold a helmet or bulky jacket which I found super convenient (especially on my way out the ski resort). The backpack has a thin profile which makes it almost unnoticeable in the the chairlift (I personally forgot I had it on) so it meets my needs and expectations. I own a few other backpacks for different activities (work, hiking, tennis) and I can say this one is a quality backpack. I was originally hesitant about its size being too small, but my concerns quickly disappeared after using it. The only drawback is that I wish the shoulder straps had holders to keep the excess of strap tight instead of hanging loose, other straps in this backpack have holders for this.

Pros: The bag is a minimalist, best suited for the resort setting on a lift chair. Too small for backcountryCons: Yes it does hold a water bladder, but for some reason in 2018 Dakine discontinued a strap sleeve for you to store your water hose. This was a deal breaker. Previous models show a zipper along the left shoulder strap. But not for 2018 and beyond. If your looking to use this with a water reservoir in below freezing temperatures, pass on it.

I got this bag for resort skiing and rondonee too. Just starting rondonee so not really going g to climb Everest. Looks good. My buddy has one and can get on a chairlift without taking bag off.

I like the color and the quality seems decent. There are a couple inner pockets, but not sized for a water bottle, or anything specific that I am aware of. Contrary to another review, there is a flap at the top to fit a water pack tube through and a couple loops on the left shoulder strap that should hold them in place. This is very lightweight and minimalistic. but for the price I would think they would include the hydration pack.Outside of the product review, there was a lot of dog/cat/llama? hair all over the pack as delivered, so quality control should be better and this should have been priced as a return. I'll be returning for that reason, and hope my allergies won't flair up.Update 3/27/19 - Amazon quickly shipped out a replacement. The replacement seemed to be factory sealed this time, but there was a 1.5" scuff next to similarly long thread pulled out.... Strike 2

Beware!! Dakine’s 12L Heli Pack used to have the insulated sleeve that you could feed your hydration bladder’s drinking straw through. They’ve discontinued this feature, but it hasn’t been advertised or disclosed anywhere that this feature was discontinued and online reviews of the pack are all a few years old.Quite disappointing as this was one of the primary functions I was looking for.Other than that, the pack is as advertised.

Slim fitting like a glove almost. Perfect for resort riding or most day trips outback.Pack an extra layer, GoPro & accessories, powerbank, extra goggle lenses, a small snack, maybe a couple drinks & you’re set!

Great EDC backpack specially when you need to move fast, and keeps everything inside secure.+Lightweight+Secured laptop 15"+Decent insulation (Winter)+Excellent build quality+Large external pack for quick access-Insulation during summer-Lack of MOLLE for external add-ons

Great bag. Limited space but I knew that would be the case. Holds skis securely and not much hassle to strap them on. Comfortable to wear, feels well made and I expect it will last a long time.Couple of minor issues that stop it getting 5 stars. Firstly when having skis strapped on they stick out a bit to your left, it’s easy to hit stuff with them whilst walking around. Fine outside but will catch doorways etc. An additional small zipped exterior pocket would be nice. If you have goggles in the top pouch there is only the main large bag pouch. The spade holder on the front has little use to me but I have found that it holds a variety of things fairly well such a a rolled up ski jacket.

I'm chiming in with the fact that indeed the insulated sleeve along the strap is gone. It is still compatible with water bladders, but the tube straps outside the shoulder strap which exposes it to freezing temperatures. Not sure what was the point of that since this bag is primarily made for winter sports...The strapping mechanism for skis also changed from previous models. Will update the review once I give it a try.

A lovely backpack for skiing etc but did not quite suit my needs as an ordinary day bag. Can't fault it as far as the actual backpack is concerned though.

Grandson of 14 loves it! That’s enough for me

Very happy with this bag.It's well made, has lots of little pockets inside. Can fit my massive SunGod goggles plus everything I need for a day skiing (water bottle, extra layer, spare lenses etc). Can easily carry skis and it's sits with a low profile on the back.