Helikon-Tex Review

Throughout 2019 and into this new year I have used a ton of Helikon-Tex gear. At this current moment, I have experience with just about every type of gear that Helikon-Tex offers (ie: cookware, packs, clothing, sheltering items, etc).

So, I thought it would be the perfect time to do a full “Helikon-Tex Review“. I’m going to break down a few of my favorite items from their lineup and let you know how I’m using them (this will NOT serve as a full review of each specific item, rather an overview of some of my favorite things that Helikon-Tex makes).

Helikon-Tex Bushcraft Haversack

I am using the Helikon Tex Bushcraft Haversack for 95% of my outdoor ventures right now. I use it for everything from scouting trips to day hikes and walks in the woods. This kit enables me to easily create things with my tools, filter water, cook, make fire, and set up a quick shelter. This is everything and more that is typically needed during a normal day in the woods.

Read more about the Helikon-Tex Bushcraft Haversack here

Helikon-Tex Woodsman Anorak

I have had the Helikon-Tex Woodsman Anorak since late December. So it’s only been a couple of weeks, but I cannot take it off. I absolutely love this piece of clothing and it is perfectly suited for how I like to dress in the woods.

• It layers very well with insulative under layers (fleece, flannels, etc).
• The sides of the jacket zip from the hip all the way to the arms pits.
• The side zips serve two purposes:
  Ventilation and easy access to your belt tools.
• The materials used in the anorka are water and spark resistant. This is a huge selling point for me as I spend a lot of time near fire.
• As with all of Helikon-Tex’s gear, they use High-Quality YKK Zippers.
• The kangaroo pocket has internal organization slots and a D-ring.
• General Price: $80 (USD)

Sorry, I don’t have an Amazon link – This Anorak is not currently available in the USA.

Helikon-Tex Cookware

I have experience with the Helikon-Tex Camp Cup, Kettle, and Tritan Bottles. So far, all of these pieces of cookware have performed phenomenally and they’re my go-to when packing lightweight.

• The camp cup and kettle are aluminum but said to be fire-safe by Helikon-Tex.
• For long-term use, I would be hesitant to digest liquids and food cooked in Aluminum. But, using these at camp every other week, I have no problems with it.
• The aluminum materials do not seep any kind of taste or flavor into your food/drink.
• Both the camp cup and kettle are very lightweight.
• The Tritan bottles are what you would expect from a Nalgene type of bottle…I personally like it a lot if I’m going lightweight.
• General Prices: $10 – $30 (USD)

Helikon-Tex Bandicoot Waist Pack

During the first 2 or 3 months of 2019, I did pretty much all of my day trips with the Helikon-Tex Bandicoot. I wore it as a lumbar pack and it gave me everything that I needed for a day in the field.

• Perfect for organizing a day hiking kit, with just the essentials.
• It’s plenty comfy, even when it’s loaded to the gills, as you see above.
• The materials do great in the rain and keep your gear protected/dry.
• There are some exterior lashing points that allow you to add shock cord. This is perfect for attaching a reusable emergency space blanket, poncho, or tarp.
• General Price: $35 (USD)

Helikon-Tex Numbat Chest Pack

Staying in the same theme of minimal kits for day trips, I’m currently testing and enjoying the Helikon-Tex Numbat. My primary purpose for this chest mounted kit bag was for land navigation. But I have now extended it into filling the role of my possibles pouch and personal survival kit.

• I find that this kit works perfectly to house all of the little essentials that will make life easier for you in case of an emergency. IE: Fire kit, emergency shelter, signaling, land nav kit, first aid, etc.
• It might be uncomfortable, but I could spend the night out of this kit if I had to.
• The Numbat Chest Pack has plenty of sizing adjustments.
• It can still be worn with a backpack on your back.
• It works well as a quick grab-and-go bag if you’re heading out the door and need some essential gear.
• General Price: $75 (USD)

Helikon-Tex Poncho

I cannot count the times that I have been so thankful to have my Helikon-Tex Poncho in my bag. It has come in handy so many times on rainy/nasty days in the field.

• The Helikon-Tex Poncho’s fold up very small and are relatively lightweight.
• You can configure these in a multitude of ways. I personally stick to the following configurations: Lean-To, A-Frame or Plow Point/Diagonal, most of the time.
• Check out Creek Stewart’s blog for multiple Military Poncho Configurations.
• These shelters do a great job of keeping you dry, even in the pouring rain.
• A poncho is an immediate shelter that you can wear, which cannot be said about a tarp.
• General Price: $30 (USD)

Helikon-Tex Ranger Winter Gloves

An essential piece of gear for me, year-round, is a good pair of leather gloves. And the Helikon-Tex Ranger Winter Gloves have been perfect for this winter season.

• The gloves are made from cowhide leather and are thin enough to be able to move around in.
• The inside of the Ranger Winter Gloves is lined with a faux-fur type of material and are extremely warm.
• They’ve held up very well to soaking wet conditions. (it’s worth noting that I coat my leather goods in mink oil)
• These gloves really stood out to me because of the drawstring cuffs (to trap heat) and because of the paracord caribiner attachment points.
• The only negative thing I’ve had happen with these gloves was after multiple trips to the field. I noticed one of the paracord attachment points had come unsewn and I had to sew it back.
• General Price: $57 (USD)

Helikon-Tex Swagman Roll

I’ve saved the most asked about Helikon-Tex product for last, the Swagman Roll. This is a super cool piece of kit which serves a lot of purposes.

• The Swagman Roll can be used as: An emergency blanket, sleeping bag (or liner), it can be worn with or without a poncho and used as a hammock under quilt as you see above.
• As with any ‘multi-tool’ type of product, it doesn’t do everything perfectly. But it does great at a lot of them.
• I personally really like using it as a blanket and underquilt for hammock camping.
• I prefer using the Swagman Roll for fair weather trips where temperatures will reach a maximum low of 40º(f).
• In comparison to a military poncho liner (“woobie”), this is very comparable in terms of warmth.
• General Price: $135 (USD)