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June, 2025

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Which Pack?

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plyswthsqrrls
Posts: 838 - Karma: 2,272
Backcountry gurus, I need your help.

I just moved out West from Ontario and my mind has been blown by these mountains and the terrain available to me (ski/ride Whistler Blackcomb). I would say I mainly snowboard on good snow days, but I am teaching myself to ski, I'd say it's a 60/40 split between the two.

I'm looking to get more into riding backcountry eventually, but I'd like to start small and just get myself a decent pack for day trips until I can afford avy gear and the proper training.

I've been searching for a while and all the reviews on every pack seem great, but I'd rather stick to first hand opinions from you guys if I can.

I was liking the Jones Snowboarding packs from what I've seen and read, does anyone have any experience with them (as they are also ski compatible)? If not, what do you guys use and why? All the reviews on NS seem to be on the Heli Pro from Dakine but to be honest I've never been a huge fan of their packs, can't figure out why.

Anyway, yeah, just looking for some suggestions I guess. Until I can get avy gear, I'll mainly just be carrying snacks / water, extra layers, basic first aid, etc. Just want something that will hold up for a while and will feel good loaded down.

Thanks in advance!
10 years ago
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gapersarefriends
Posts: 2158 - Karma: 4,270
I have a Dakine Mission, and while I don't really use it to carry avy gear, i carry the snacks, water etc. that you mentioned and it holds up great, fits really well and it's great for traveling due to all of the room inside.
10 years ago
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minihef
Posts: 827 - Karma: 931
Osprey packs are the shit for winter sports. I've got a Kode 32 and it has way better features than my Dakine.
10 years ago
4 0
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minihef
Posts: 827 - Karma: 931
Osprey packs are the shit for winter sports. I've got a Kode 32 and it has way better features than my Dakine.
10 years ago
3 0
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Krotchs_Brother
Posts: 1134 - Karma: 3,015
I dream of leaving Ontario for BC. I will live vicariously through you until I do.
10 years ago
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B.Quincy
Posts: 1074 - Karma: 964
I love my dakine heli pro because you can get so much use out of it between skiing and everyday and it is the perfect size, great for bootpacking because of ski straps, so good for slackcountry and resort riding but maybe not as well suited for full on bc.
10 years ago
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,196
minihefOsprey packs are the shit for winter sports. I've got a Kode 32 and it has way better features than my Dakine.


Go Osprey just like this guy and me. I have the kode 42 and borrow my dads kode 32 from time to time as well. I also have a few dakine packs. Dakine is very nice, but when it comes down to it, go Osprey. Especially with their new ABS compatible system. You can buy the pack and if you want the air bag you just add an attachment. Other companies you have to buy the attachment just to wear it or taking out the aorbag stuff is complicated. Anyway JUST GO OSPREY!
10 years ago
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bieberhole69.
Posts: 654 - Karma: 1,387
Osprey kode would be a good choice.
I would also look at the Dakine Heli Pro DLX. It's slim and works for in bounds but I can still fit all my avy gear in there as well. Also, it has the ability to do horizontal snowboard carry and diagonal ski carry, which might be convenient for you
10 years ago
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plyswthsqrrls
Posts: 838 - Karma: 2,272
Looks like I'm definitely going to look into Dakine and Osprey then, thanks for the help everyone! Heli Pro sounds like it might end up being the one
10 years ago
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NH_OPERATOR
Posts: 1070 - Karma: 2,883
I have an Heli-Pro from Dakine, and I am satisfied with it for what I paid (Half price on an Evo sale), but I would have been disappointed with it I think if I had paid much more. I took it up to Tuckerman Ravine, so I had it fully loaded. It holds the skis fine, but I really dont think it is big enough to be considered a day pack. I had issues loading all my gear in it, and ended up needing to offload some onto my friends who had larger packs. Id say the Heli-pro is a good side-country bag if you dont need much water or extra gear.
10 years ago
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plyswthsqrrls
Posts: 838 - Karma: 2,272
ended up getting the 2015 Heli Pro DLX at regular price. Wasn't too crazy expensive and seems to be really good quality. First few times up it probably won't be loaded down but I'm curious to see how much I can pack in it.

Big snowfalls predicted this weekend, stoked to take her up and get some use!
10 years ago
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