Dakine brings several new game-changing packs and luggage items for 2016–so listen up you pack rats, you are going to like what you are about to hear. To start, they did a complete revamp of the ever-popular Heli series. Now you have a much more succinct, easy-to-understand line that are all under the Heli name, but are different sizes and are intended for different disciplines.
Click here to order new 2016 Dakine gear from our shop, Powder7.com.
At the top of the size run–and the most premium bag–is the Heli Pro II 28L. One great new innovation this pack allows for is diagonal ski carry to either side along with an A-frame option. Something an every day resort skier would not care to much about, but ideal for the touring enthusiast. This would be the best pack for a long day trip in the back country or even an overnight hut trip.
Next up is the slightly lower-volume Heli Pro DLX 24L, featuring its own impressive versatility. The DLX 24L is more friendly to the snowboarding crowd and offers a vertical or horizontal board carry along with the standard diagonal ski carry. This pack probably maxes out at long day trips, and you would probably want to size up for anything overnight. Both of these premium bags have a breathable back panel, insulated hydro sleeve, avalanche specific equipment pocket, and rescue whistle; making these packs ideal for the backcountry.
Now for the packs aimed at the everyday skier/rider! The Heli Pro 20L has typically been our best seller and works great in a number of different applications. It’s a perfect option for a quick lap or two in the backcountry, as it features diagonal ski carry or vertical snowboard carry but there isn’t quite enough room for longer than a few hour tour (wish I could have sang “3 hour tour” to the tune of Gilligan’s Island). We actually have seen this being used quite often as a simple school pack. It comes in some really sweet colors where there is something for everyone!
Last of the Heli line is the Heli Pack 11L. In our opinion, this pack is perfect for resort riders who don’t want a lot of bulk on their backs while riding the lifts all day. This pack also has an external compartment meant for avalanche equipment, so it could technically work for a very quick tour. I have the old model (Heli Pack 11L) and it honestly will just hold skins, avy equipment, and maybe a water bottle, with no room for layers or electronics.
Next up are the packs I am most excited about for 2016, the new Transfer series. While boot packs like the Boot Locker 69L and Boot Pack 50L are super-functional and definitely handy for hauling boots and extra gear, they do not really allow you to use the pack as a true backpack. They really are just transportation devices. That problem is fully solved with the new Transfer DLX Boot Pack 35L and Transfer Boot PK 25 L.
As you can see in the photo below, the boot-carrying system zips out of the sides of these Transfer packs so that after you make the trek to the lifts, you simply pop the boots off and zip the straps up. Then you are free to get on the lift with your pack full of water, lunch, snacks, maybe even and adult beverage or two–whatever you want! So the new Transfer series comes in the DLX 35L version and the 25L version. The DLX 35L simply has a few more bells and whistles (boot top covers and external helmet carry) than the 25L, but I would actually prefer the 25L for an everyday riding size.
While we are a ski-focused shop, we are also well-known for our great selection of rolling luggage, especially the Dakine line. Many will recognize the trusted name of the acclaimed Split Roller series which has been tremendously popular for the past several years. As in the past, the Split Roller will come in 65L and 100L options.
The big addition to the luggage line this year is the DLX Roller series coming in an 80L size and 46L size, and with men’s and women’s specific colors. The guys get Black and Navy Canvas colors, while the ladies get a sharp Lunar Grey. The black also boasts a PU coating on the outer shell, upping the durability (and, of course, the style points).
That’s just some of the new Dakine gear we’re excited about for 2016–and it’ll all be available this August. So start making your hiking, skiing, and traveling plans now. Bags like these demand an adventure!
Update: New 2016 Dakine is in store and ready to ship! Click this link to see it all.
