Dakine Heli Pro backpacks

A backpack built for the mountains

Dakine designs its packs around a simple idea: spending more time outside, whether skiing, snowboarding or exploring the great outdoors. The Heli Pro fits perfectly with that philosophy. Its format remains compact enough to ride freely, yet functional enough to carry your kit, an extra layer, hydration, a snack and the essential safety equipment when you head beyond the marked pistes.

A pack designed for skiing, ski touring and snowboarding

On the piste or off-piste, the Heli Pro offers the features riders expect:

• Hydration-bladder compatible, sold separately, so you can drink without removing the pack
• Fleece-lined pocket to protect ski goggles or sunglasses
• Dedicated safety compartment for a snow shovel and probe
• A-frame or diagonal ski carry, depending on the terrain and your preference
• Snowboard carry system
• Sternum strap with integrated emergency whistle
• Shoulder straps, waist belt and chest strap for a secure, stable fit

Practical capacity without becoming bulky

The Dakine Heli Pro stands out thanks to its balance between compactness and storage capacity. It sits close to the back, does not restrict movement and helps maintain good freedom of motion on the descent. Its compartments let you separate safety equipment, delicate accessories, clothing and small everyday items.

On some models, a pocket can also accommodate the DK Impact Spine Protector, sold separately. That is a real advantage for snowboarders and skiers who want to increase their protection without moving to a larger pack.

Just as comfortable in town as in the mountains

The Heli Pro does not get packed away with the skis at the end of the season. Its hydration-compatible compartment can also be used to carry a laptop, keeping it protected from knocks. Its organiser pocket holds documents, change, keys, a charger or small electronic accessories. For school, work, daily commuting or a light weekend away, it remains genuinely useful all year round.

Its understated design makes the transition from mountain to town effortless. That is exactly what makes the Heli Pro so strong: it is not just a ski or snowboard pack, but a technical model that remains practical outside the winter season.

Which Dakine Heli Pro should you choose? 20L or 24L

• Dakine Heli Pro 20L: the most versatile size for everyday use, day trips and riders who want to keep things light.
• Dakine Heli Pro 24L: better suited if you carry more clothing, food or accessories, or if you want a little extra room for long days out.
• Men’s or Women’s version: some versions offer a carry system adapted to body shape, as well as dedicated colourways.

In short, choose the 20L if you want a compact, efficient pack. Move up to the 24L if you tend to carry more gear or want greater packing comfort for longer outings.

Heli Pro or Heli Pack: which one should you choose?

Both models share Dakine’s DNA, but they are not aimed at exactly the same use:

• Dakine Heli Pack (12 L): the most compact and lightweight option, ideal for a day out with the essentials and safety kit.
• Dakine Heli Pro (20 or 24 L): more volume and better organisation, for those carrying extra gear (clothing, snacks, laptop) without giving up compactness.

In simple terms: the Heli Pack for travelling light, the Heli Pro for an extra step up in capacity and versatility.

Frequently asked questions about the Dakine Heli Pro pack

Is the Dakine Heli Pro compatible with a hydration bladder?

Yes, it accepts Camelbak-style hydration systems, sold separately.

Can you attach skis and a snowboard to it?

Yes, the Heli Pro allows you to carry skis in an A-frame or diagonally. For a snowboard, it can be carried vertically, diagonally or horizontally depending on the version.

Is the Dakine Heli Pro suitable for off-piste use?

Yes, it has a dedicated compartment for avalanche safety equipment, particularly for a shovel and probe. This obviously does not replace an avalanche transceiver, training or good mountain safety practice.

What is the difference between the Heli Pro and the Heli Pack?

The Heli Pack (12 L) is more compact for lightweight outings; the Heli Pro (20 or 24 L) offers greater volume and better organisation.

Can the Dakine Heli Pro be used every day?

Yes, that is one of its key strengths. Its hydration-compatible compartment can be used for a laptop, and its pockets allow you to store documents, accessories, a charger or small electronic devices.

Want to compare the whole range? Head to our Dakine backpacks section.