Dakine Celebrates 25 Years Of Heli Series With Relaunch Of Original Heli Pack From 1996

Dakine celebrates 25 years of rider-driven design and trusted backcountry performance with the brand’s launch of an updated Heli Series collection, featuring a recalibrated fit, increased durability and recycled materials. The new collection pays homage to Dakine’s first-to-market backcountry backpack with a new and improved ’96 Heli Pack 16L. First hitting the market in 1996, the iconic ’96 Heli Pack was the first low-volume backpack designed specifically for backcountry snowboarders and skiers. The pack’s design was a direct result of product feedback and input from snowboarding legend Tom Burt. Rider-driven from day one, Dakine continues the tradition with this season’s Heli Series collection.

“Before the original Heli Pack was created in 1996, there were so many people who were going into the Backcountry without the right gear. You saw this major lack of availability with equipment,” says snowboard legend, Tom Burt. “We needed a small compact pack that could carry a shovel, probe, boards, etc. Dakine can listen to an idea and make it happen, and then they are constantly working to improve designs with the help of athletes and people who use the products.”

The ’96 Heli Pack 16L is a streamlined, low volume pack that carries snow tools in the main compartment and provides vertical snowboard carry and diagonal ski carry options, reminiscent of the original design. Updated with 600-denier recycled polyester and bluesign approved material, this pack stores everything you need for a safe day in the backcountry. The sleek, versatile design allows the pack to easily transition to town, as the pack is equipped with a dual-use hydration and laptop sleeve that fits most 15-inch laptops.

“My Signature Series pack this year is the Team Heli Pro 24L. After testing it out, I realized just a couple of minor changes and was able to give my feedback to the designers. They were able to adjust the pack to meet my needs, so now it’s exactly what I’m looking to use in the backcountry. To be part of the progression of these iconic packs is an honor,” says Dakine team rider and professional freeskier, Sammy Carlson.

For Winter 2020, the best-selling Heli Series packs are also available in 24-liter, 20-liter, and 12-liter packs in addition to unique Signature Series pack collaborations with Dakine team riders Sammy Carlson, Kazu Kokubo, Jamie Anderson and Bryan Fox.