Helikon Tex Claymore Bag Review (Desert Night Camo)
Helikon Tex Claymore Bag Review
I have had my eyes on the Helikon-Tex Claymore Bag since it was released and I was able to secure one to review a couple of months ago. Honestly, I knew I was going to like this bag, but I didn’t anticipate that it would become one of my new favorite shoulder bag options, as it has. For some reason, you just have to get this bag in your hands to recognize how genius the pocket layout is.
Here are some quick specs to get us started in the discussion about this Claymore Bag from Helikon-Tex.
- 4.5 Liters Capacity (not counting if you lash things to the exterior)
- 500D Cordura
- Modeled after the 1960s US Military M18A1 Claymore Bags
- 14 Pockets/Dividers for ample organization
- Perfect for day trips in the outdoors or everyday carry
- Price: $59+ on Amazon
Helikon-Tex Claymore Bag on Amazon
Bag: Helikon-Tex Claymore Bag • Jacket: Helikon-Tex Wolfhound Hoodie • Container: Pathfinder M34 Scout Canteen
What do I love about the Helikon-Tex Claymore Bag?
I love the entire layout of this bag. But, if I had to choose my favorite thing about the Helikon-Tex Claymore Bag it would be the 2 front pockets, which lie underneath the main flap. These pockets are perfect for storing my water bottle and quick essentials that I need in a hurry. The 2 large pockets have shock cord rain guards, button snaps, and velcro closure…So, you can be sure that you won’t lose anything. In addition to being very sizable pockets on their own, each side has 2 internal dividers for added organization.
Here are the main items that I keep in these 2 pockets…
- Pathfinder M34 Scout Canteen Set (stainless flask-style bottle and nesting cup)
- Überleben Kräftig 8-Inch Ferro Rod (coupon “awaken” for 10% off)
- Bigfoot Bushcraft Firestarters (coupon “anthonyawaken” for 10% off)
- Titan Survivorcord and/or Atwood Micro Cord (use coupon “anthonyawaken” for 10% off at AtwoodRope.com)
- Suunto MCB Compass
- …And let’s not forget the Slim Jim’s!
Bushcraft Haversack Loadout
I am always rearranging my gear and testing different things. So, above, you can see another loadout that I’ve been running recently. Here’s a quick breakdown of this kit…
- Black Diamond Headlamp:
This is a newcomer to my kit, but I’m digging it. The price is right at $35ish, it has a dimmable red mode, it is lightweight, runs on easy-to-find AAA batteries, and provides great light output. - Titanium Canteen Set:
It always amazes me how lightweight this canteen set is. This is the ticket to an “ultralight” haversack kit. - Official C-A-T 7 Tourniquet (Orange):
Do not settle for the cheap imitation Tourniquets…The only thing they are good at doing is breaking. Get the real deal that I’ve linked to above. - Titan Survivorcord:
This is the best “paracord” that you’ll ever buy. It is stronger than typical 550 cord and it has 3 extra internal strands (25lb fishing line, waterproof firestarter, utility wire). It’s the Chuck Norris of cordage.
Coupon: “anthonyawaken” for 10% off at TitanSurvival.com - Tuff Possum Gear PSK Pouch:
The Tuff Possum Gear PSK (personal survival kit) Pouch is the pouch that contains all of my small items and it travels between different bags. It contains: Hygiene Items, more first aid components, cordage, a basic fire kit, and electrolyte replacements. (Full Contents Shown Below) - Überleben Kräftig Firestarter (and Fatwood):
The Kräftig Ferro Rod from Überleben has been my go-to since 2018. I’ve started countless fires with these ferro rods over the years, in all weather conditions, and I have + will continue to trust my life with it as my primary firestarter. I have a Kräftig in every bag at this point.
Coupon: “awaken” for 10% off at Uberleben.co - Bush Roots Blade Norse Spike:
This was one of my favorite blades of 2023. I highly recommend it! - Tuff Possum Gear Survival Scarf:
It’s a scarf, gathering sack, makeshift ground pad, improvised hobo sack, signal panel, and so much more. I love these Survival Scarves!
The haversack loadout that you see here, plus an S.O.L. Escape Bivvy, only weighs 5-6 lbs (no water in the canteen + bag weight included).
Helikon Tex Claymore Bag Considerations
The Helikon-Tex Claymore Bag can hold A LOT of gear. Which makes it very tempting to fill up every pocket and lash gear onto every piece of spare webbing. However, I personally, only like to load haversack kits up to around 5-8lbs at a maximum. Anything over this weight limit can become uncomfortable when you’re walking for long distances or covering steep elevation changes.
So, where does the Helikon-Tex Claymore Bag fit?
For me, I use the Helikon-Tex Claymore Bag for my day kit. The loadout changes pretty regularly, based on whatever I am doing. But, I always have a few emergency/survival items, some snacks, a bit of fishing tackle, some project materials, and the aforementioned items that I keep in the large front pockets.
See my other Helikon-Tex Reviews
Would I recommend the Helikon-Tex Claymore Bag?
If you are in the market for a Helikon-Tex Claymore Bag and you’re looking for my opinion, I would highly recommend it. I have been a fan of Helikon-Tex gear for many years and it seems that these newer designs are just getting better.
Best uses: Outdoor recreation, hiking, bushcraft, minimal survival training, and everyday carry.
Price: $59+ depending on color and current availability.
Shop For Helikon-Tex Claymore Bag
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Pairs well with Helikon-Tex Numbat Chest Pack
The Helikon-Tex Claymore Bag is, as I’ve already stated, a great standalone bag. However, If you’re looking to extend your kit a bit further, I’d recommend checking out the Helikon-Tex Numbat Chest Pack. This is, actually, my 2nd Helikon Tex Numbat Chest Pack. I wanted one in Helikon’s “Adaptive Green” color to match my new “Desert Night Camo” Claymore Bag.
These two Helikon-Tex packs work very well together if you’re not wanting to carry a backpack and they offer ample organization when paired together. If I’m carrying both, I typically shift things around a bit and keep my small items (fire kit, compass, pens/notebooks, etc) in the Numbat Chest Pack. While the bulkier items stay in my Claymore Bag.
Shop for Helikon-Tex Numbat Chest Pack
Shown Above: Helikon-Tex Numbat Chest Pack and Suunto MCB Compass
