BC day pack: Dakine Heli Pro 20L vs Pro2

[asianguy63]

Hey guys just wondering if anyone has any preference about which of these two Dakine packs i should pick up. i've been leaning towards the pro2 but i'm wondering if it would be too bulky for day outings. heli pro might be better size-wise but i hear the diagonal carry system isnt as good as the pro 2. not doing any serious BC. any other recommendations for packs?

[VC]

My helipro gets stuffed to the max on day trips, but I usually am over prepared.

[C.O. Jones]

I'd go Pro 2. It sits pretty flat when it's not packed, so the size for lift-served shouldn't be a problem, and you can fit more stuff in it when necessary. It's a sweet pack.

[asianguy63]

ok thanks for the advice guys.
still undecided tho. not sure if its worth having a pro2 if it isnt loaded up with avy gear. seems a little gaperish to have that much extra space for lift-served terrain. i wish someone had a pic of the pro2 or the heli pro worn.

[mtskier]

the pro 2 has a much bigger and stronger loop for carrying skis. i don't have pix, but the heli pro is fine when its not stuffed. they both have side compression straps to cinch down so you don't look like a gaper.

[Doremite]

Why married to Dakine? Pack themselves pretty durable but I've had consistent issues with their buckles cracking in cold cold temps.

Heli-pro does fill quick. Boarder line is size even for a day pack. If you go Dakine, like the Pro2 advice.

[axelkeitz]

I cant speak to the Pro2 but i love my heli pro.

like said before it does get a little full when your hiking/ full of food, avy gear, and clothing.

and when its full it makes it hard to strap your skis on.

[khyber.pass]

Heli Pro is decent but really only a minor daypack... I find the fabric quality is bomber mind you & the design is second-to-none. It's a well-thought out pack. The diagonal carry is alright, the top strap does cinch. Sucks though that you can't a-frame the pack. If you like it get a 20L. The Pro2 looks good, but then so does the DaKine Guide. I'd look at a BD Avalung series for a pack that size. I know I want one .. the avi stash pockets are brilliant, and you get a mouth-to-mouth kit for tongue practice.

[asianguy63]

Why married to Dakine? Pack themselves pretty durable but I've had consistent issues with their buckles cracking in cold cold temps.

hrmm i've heard that dakine quality is bomber. i checked the bca stash and wasnt thrilled. only other comparable bag would probably be the smaller BDs. any other suggestions. i found a place to get new pro2s for around $70 so i think i'm gonna pull the trigger shortly here.

[Shu Shu]

Bump,

Also wondering if anyone knows if the diagonal ski carry on the Heli Pro 2 works with fatter skis. I am worried about getting the loops over the fat part of my JJs, 133 just above the tail and 136 just below the tip

[bostonski]

Bump,

Also wondering if anyone knows if the diagonal ski carry on the Heli Pro 2 works with fatter skis. I am worried about getting the loops over the fat part of my JJs, 133 just above the tail and 136 just below the tip

That could be an issue. You may want to call Dakine before you buy anything. I think I remember the loop being tight fitting over my bridges. The problem is the bottom loop isn't adjustable like the top loop is.

[toast2266]

The bottom loop fits over my Districts easy (they're 122 w/ a mini twin tip). The top loop is an adjustable strap w/ a buckle, and can easily be replaced with something longer if it doesn't work, so (as bostonski said), it'd only be the bottom strap that's an issue.

[Tye 1on]

just opened the La Meije last night for the first time. Was amazed my pretty big metal shovel fit sweet into the pocket. Diagonal carry straps are both very adjustable.

Great pack.
Not made anymore, but great pack.