Utah Outventures OUTDOOR GEAR SHOP - We have teamed up with the foremost outfitters to bring you the highest quality gear at competitive prices. Utah Outventures staff utilizes the gear we sell. bringing it to test every day out in the field, we know you will find what you are looking for, knowing that you bought the right gear from the right place.

SkI: To some a sport, to others a lifestyle. The most cutting edge tools you need to ski up, down, or across the mountain are all here.

CLOTHING: Nothing can ruin a day in the backcountry faster than not having the right clothing. After countless hours of gear testing, we've selected the best in technical wear & casual clothing from industry leaders.

CAMP / HIKE: Sunrise over a high alpine lake. A trek in the mountains. Pitching a tent far from the city...the backcountry beckons. After years of fieldwork, we've compiled the most technical, high-quality camping, backpacking & hiking gear by Kelty, Lowa, MSR, The North Face and more.

TRAVEL: Not everyone who wanders is lost. Explore, experience, engage. Herein lie the tools to keep you packed & organized, safely hydrated, and on the trail…when you want to be. Choose from Eagle Creek, Jansport, The North Face, Katadyn and more.

DAKINE Blade Backpack - 1800cu in

DAKINE Blade Backpack - 1800cu in description

When a quick morning tour just won't scratch your backcountry itch, load up the spacious DAKINE Blade Pack and get into the mountains for a day of freshies. Thanks to 1800cu inches of main cargo space, a shovel pocket, and an insulated sleeve for your hydration bladder (not included), the Blade Pack keeps you going run after run. DAKINE gave this versatile pack both ski and snowboard carry systems, so you can cruise the fluffy snow on your ride of choice. With both top and panel access, you can get your gear even with your ride strapped to this pack.

Bottom Line: Spend more time in the backcountry.

The pack is a perfect size for all day trips. It has probably 10 day trips on my split board under it's belt so far and I have enjoyed the feel and size of the pack. Easily gets small when its empty and tight to your back, but expands nicely for that extra jacket or dry shirt. Improvements: I have used it twice for boot packing and I had my snowboard stored the horizontal way between the flap and pack. After just two trips my board has worn a hole in the pack near where the shoulder strap attaches to the lower portion. The strap is also frayed, very disappointing. I still have an old Heli II pack which surprisingly is re-enforced in those exact areas, no wonder she is still going after 5+ years. some of the other stitching on the pack (mainly the front panel) is loose and you could stick a pencil through some of them, it seems that those stitches should be as tight as all the others on the pack. My gut tells me that by this spring it will need some warranty work on the stitches and the hole from 2 boot packs. Love the pack size and back panel loading area, but craftsmanship is questionable. The heli II from 2001-2002 seems to still be the benchmark bomb proof pack for craftsmanship and long term durability.

Ok, firstly if I could give it 3.5 stars I would (assuming that 3 is average). I got this pack because my buddy carries an older version and it seems like Dakine's construction quality has slipped a bit (which is why it doesn't get 5 stars). To continue, the buckles that wrap around to the back of the pack end up digging into your back a bit when you carry skis (why it doesn't get 4 stars). That being said, I would never go back to my old pack, it is the PERFECT size for light back country use and resort skiing if your going to head out of bounds. The balance of the pack with skis on it is good, and the nalgene pocket on the side is nice. The back panel opens which gives acces to your stiff without having to take your skis off. The goggle pocket on the top is great for hikeing, so you don't fog your goggles. I am sure this bag will rock for what I'm going to use it for but would change a few things if Dakine asked me.