Helikon Summit 40 l Backpack - Olive Green

Very comfortable, spacious and solid – Cordura works perfectly. I had it with me for a week in the mountains and it was flawless. In my opinion, it is the best Helikon backpack, and the shadow grey colour looks exceptionally discreet. This is my second Summit.

This is my first backpack from this Helikon series. I haven't had a chance to test it out in the field yet, but it seems very solid. I really like the blue and black colour. The external pocket is practical and will find many uses. A plus is the two access options to the inside of the backpack – that's exactly what was missing from my previous model (from a well-known and reputable outdoor brand), where the only drawstring made it harder to get at things packed deeper inside. At this promotional price, I think it's a great purchase.

A very well-made and very comfortable backpack, even when you pack a lot into it. The stuff-sack style construction gives you plenty of space and with 40 litres it’s easily suitable for 1–2 day trips.

The Helikon Summit 40 l Coyote is a spacious and comfortable rucksack, ideal for longer trips. I am satisfied with the purchase. The downside is the chest strap which comes off easily and can be lost. Unfortunately, it's not possible to buy the strap separately from the manufacturer, so if you lose it, only the hip belt remains.

This is already my second Summit backpack from Helikon. I was very pleased when I saw it in blue – it looks great and works even better. I've never had a more comfortable backpack, it's very practical for everyday use, especially as I only walk or cycle to the shop, so its design is perfect for bigger shopping trips. It's also excellent for excursions or taking sports gear to training. I really like the elastic side pockets – they allow you to quickly store a food container, extra shopping, or your everyday mug or water bottle. Additionally, this colour means the backpack doesn't stand out as a typical 'military/tactical' bag, which really suits me, as it also fits with a more casual outfit and for more formal outings like conferences.

The backpack has a practical design, I especially like the mesh pockets. The carrying system is easy to adjust, and the closure is very convenient – recommended especially for those using dry bags and who like lightweight solutions. For me, the capacity is sufficient. The only downside might be the price, but good quality is worth paying for. A product worthy of recommendation!

Speed hiking, meaning fast trekking through mountain trails with a backpack, even weighing over a dozen kilograms, has resulted in special backpack models, but they are rarely manufactured. These backpacks fit perfectly on the back, although sometimes the carrying system is too complicated and they tend to be quite delicate. I have such a one – really fantastic, but like every specialist model of this type, it has limited applications. During a demanding, rainy expedition in the mountains, I fell over, damaging the buckle even on a very solid expedition backpack – a lightweight speed hiking pack would not have survived such a situation and that would have been the end of the trip. Hence their low popularity; they work well for short trips, close to civilisation. On the other hand, long-distance hikers on trails like the CDT or PCT have developed a very simple and reliable type of backpack: one chamber, roll-top closure, side pockets and a large mesh pocket at the front, from strong materials and low weight. The Summit was based on this design – Helikon introduced some changes, such as a pocket at the front, by the neck, on the hip belt, and a front opening. Interestingly, even outdoor brands treat it as a military model, but it's a typical ultralight. Most Summit users are very satisfied. I regretted not buying the blue version – even when wearing various clothes, the backpack looks quite military and draws attention, which is not always desirable – especially when wild camping. As soon as I saw the blue version at a good price, I didn't hesitate – and you can always mask the bright colours with a cover or poncho. The backpack itself is very durable – I have carried even 21–22 kg in it and it was still comfortable, usually I carry 15–17 kg. There were times I trained with 35 kg on my back for 200–250 km in a week (not in the Summit), so with 16 kg the Summit makes you forget about the weight. It fits great and allows very dynamic movement in the mountains. I also own a classic UL backpack with the same dimensions and weight as the Summit, but made of weaker material and designed for lighter loads; here you can see the Summit's advantage in terms of workmanship and comfort. The front opening is mainly useful for me at campsites, where after taking out the essentials I treat it as a travel bag – a very handy solution, especially when you have to pack up quickly in the morning. As for capacity, the maximum is about 45 litres plus the pockets, minimum (when compressed) about 15 litres plus the pockets, and most comfortably around 35 litres. It works best when you use lightweight and compact gear – then it will even suit multi-week expeditions. For typical heavy camping equipment, there isn't enough space. My only comments are about the hip pockets – they could be bigger – and the lack of a reinforced bottom, which is already standard elsewhere.

The biggest advantages of this backpack are its low weight and large capacity. Combined with top-quality materials, such as Cordura, Woojin buckles and YKK zippers, as well as the Helikon brand, they make it a product worth recommending.

Very nice backpack – it is light and practical. I use it for trips and overnight stays under the open sky. The front zip provides quick access to the inside, and the front mesh pockets make it easy to store wet clothes or shoes during trips to the seaside.

Great, lightweight backpack. At this price, it’s hard to find anything better. It’s perfect for both the mountains and tactical use. A big plus is the holder for a jacket or helmet and the ability to open the backpack without having to take everything out from inside.

The backpack is really quite big — I didn’t expect it to be this large. The design is good, the capacity is excellent, and it’s comfortable to use. I’ll see how it holds up over time; I’m a little concerned about the mesh, but apart from that, everything is fine. Excellent for 2–3 day trips.

The backpack is very lightweight and comfortable to wear. Keep in mind its construction is similar to a sack. I recommend buying extra side pockets, like General purpose or E&E, to have space for small items. With such a tall backpack, the hip belt becomes really useful.

For this price, especially considering its capacity, it's really a great choice. I rate it 5/5.

The rucksack can easily fit everything for a three-day trip. It seems both lightweight and durable. Well made. It is very comfortable, although the shoulder straps are stiff at first, but they should break in over time. The beaver tail pocket is very spacious – I managed to fit a rolled up wool blanket inside. Highly recommended.

Well made, lightweight, and very roomy. I definitely recommend it!