I got the backpack as a birthday present from my wife. The material is thin, which I consider an advantage because it makes it lighter. The build quality is fine. However, I don't think it will work in urban conditions, but for all kinds of outdoor trips I can recommend it with a clear conscience.
Second generation of the Ratel model made of abrasion and damage resistant Cordura. The backpack consists of a large main compartment equipped with a pocket for a hydration bladder with the possibility of leading the tube outside. A wide carrying handle allows for comfortable carrying in the hand.
Two external pockets with well-designed organizers allow for stable and comfortable carrying of additional equipment (magazines, knives, maps, etc.). Specially designed back stiffening significantly increases the comfort of carrying the backpack. All compartments are closed with a two-way YKK® zipper.
The front, bottom, and side walls have sewn-on pals (inch tapes) of the MOLLE webbing system (a system of inch tapes sewn every inch). They allow you to carry urgent need equipment and items too large to fit inside the backpack on the outside. The backpack also has D-rings (closed D-shaped eyelets) on the shoulder straps, allowing tactical equipment to be attached to the backpack.
A Velcro panel sewn onto the front allows you to attach any patch or emblem, such as a national flag, unit emblem, or so-called Morale Patches, so you can give your backpack a personal touch.
The carrying system consists of contoured, adjustable shoulder straps, a chest strap, and a removable hip belt.
The external dimensions of the backpack can be adjusted to the amount of equipment carried inside thanks to compensation straps closed with Woojin® buckles - two on each side. Shortening the straps allows you to flatten the backpack, e.g., when the main compartment is empty and the smaller pockets are full. This keeps the backpack stable and attractive.
The hydration bladder shown in the photos is not included with the backpack.
Technical data
Model: Ratel Mk2
Camouflage: MultiCam
Material: Cordura
Capacity: 25 l
Dimensions: 51 x 29 x 15 cm
Weight: 1350 g
Manufacturer: Helikon-Tex, Poland
MultiCam Camouflage
MultiCam is an advanced camouflage design created in 2002 by the US company Crye Precision, in collaboration with the United States Army Soldier Systems Center (Natick Labs), as a part of the Objective Force Warrior program. The aim was to develop a versatile camouflage pattern suitable for various terrains and changing environmental conditions. The MultiCam pattern is composed of seven colors, producing gradient transitions among shades of green, brown, and beige. Consequently, it adapts dynamically to the surroundings, reflecting green hues in forested regions or browns and beiges in desert areas; it performs exceptionally well in Central and Eastern European settings during autumn and in dry vegetation. MultiCam has earned global acclaim and is utilized by numerous military forces and special units. In 2010, it was officially adopted by the US Army for soldiers deployed in Afghanistan, replacing the previous Universal Camouflage Pattern (UCP). The pattern is also accessible to civilian users, making it a favored option among military and airsoft enthusiasts.
MILITARY is the official distributor of Helikon-Tex.
Helikon-Tex is a Polish company operating since 1983, specializing in the design and manufacture of tactical, military and outdoor clothing. The brand’s range comprises clothing, backpacks, bags and various tactical accessories that have gained popularity among professionals and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Its product lines include Bushcraft – for survival enthusiasts, Law Enforcement – designed for uniformed services, and Range – aimed at shooters. The company employs modern camouflage patterns, including MultiCam, ATACS and PenCott, ensuring effective concealment in diverse terrain conditions.
| Color/camouflage | Camouflage |
|---|---|
| Main compartments fastening | Zipper |
| Dedicated laptop pocket | No |
| Molle/pals compatible | Yes |
| Carry-on baggage for the plane | Air France - carry-on large (55 x 35 x 25 cm), British Airways - carry-on large (56 x 45 x 25 cm), easyJet - cabin large (56 x 45 x 25 cm), Emirates - carry-on baggage (55 x 38 x 22 cm), Enter Air - carry-on large (55 x 40 x 20 cm), Flydubai - carry-on large (55 x 38 x 20 cm), KLM - carry-on large (55 x 35 x 25 cm), LOT - carry-on (55 x 40 x 23 cm), Lufthansa - carry-on large (55 x 40 x 23 cm), Norwegian - carry-on large (55 x 40 x 23 cm), RyanAir - carry-on large (55 x 40 x 20 cm), Turkish Airlines - carry-on large (55 x 40 x 23 cm), Wizz Air - cabin large (55 x 40 x 23 cm) |
| Mesh spacer | No |
| Number of compartments | 1 |
| Dimensions | 51 x 29 x 15 cm |
| Number of pockets | 2 |
| Camouflage | MultiCam |
| Main material | 100% Cordura |
| External equipment attachment option | Yes |
| Capacity | 25 l |
| Hydration packs compatibility | Yes |
| Raincover | No |
| Waist strap | Yes |
| Chest strap | Yes |
| Weight | 1350 g |
| EAN | 5908218718197 |
| Manufacturer code | PL-RT2-CD-34 |
| Brand | Helikon |
| EAN |
Reviews with photos
Number of reviews: 34
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Great backpack, very spacious and made of high-quality materials. I use it regularly on mountain hikes and walks in the forest, but it also works perfectly as a school backpack.
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The backpack was purchased both for school and for trips out of town. It looks good and the quality of workmanship is definitely a plus. I think the pull cords on the zippers could be longer. The black color attracts dust, which is noticeable, but that's typical for this shade.
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The backpack, bought with school and short trips out of town in mind, looks very good and is solidly made. The cords attached to the zippers are a bit too short, but that can be fixed, for example with paracord. The back is well reinforced, and the color is very nice.
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Helikon Ratel Mk2 25 l in Olive Green is an interesting choice among backpacks. The durable Cordura material is a big plus. The amount of space inside is surprisingly good, considering the size of the backpack. The molle system and organizer in one of the pockets are also praiseworthy. The chest strap, hip belt, and stiffened back are also very useful. The only thing I miss is a dedicated pocket in the large compartment for A4 documents or a laptop.
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First, about the color: it looks more like RAL 7013 than green, but that doesn't bother me. The material is a bit soft, which makes the backpack lighter. However, the most important things are comfort and capacity. The backpack is comfortable; the stiffened back significantly improves comfort even when loaded, and the capacity surprised me in a positive way. I have had many different 25L backpacks before, but this Helikon is exceptionally spacious – my old 25L backpack could fit inside with some space still left. Highly recommend!
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A definite plus is the capacity – even though the backpack seems small, it really holds a lot of things. The organizer in the outer pocket is quite practical. Besides that, there are no exceptional conveniences, but it is a solid backpack at a reasonable price.
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I have had the Helikon backpack for over a year now and it has accompanied me on many trips – both regular travels, forest outings, and for carrying equipment. I highly recommend it; it works great as a multi-day evacuation backpack. + very comfortable to use + made from cordura + MOLLE mounts on the sides
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High quality workmanship, stiffened back, and the possibility of adding an extra pocket to the main compartment. The downside is that the shoulder straps loosen easily and need to be adjusted from time to time, because the backpack slips down.
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I can't complain about the backpack's capacity, but unfortunately there are some weaknesses and a very annoying detail. There's no rigid bottom in the main compartment, the molle straps aren't arranged very well, and the top pocket is so big that it makes it hard to access the lower one. An inside divider for documents would be useful, and the hip belt is not very comfortable and can get in the way when not fastened. For trips into the forest or short 1-2 day trips, the backpack is fine, but for daily use in the city, probably not.
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I have been using this backpack for 3 years and it has really been through a lot – forests, trips, fishing. The material is waterproof, and even though it only has a 25L capacity, it is very spacious and the back is reinforced, which I really like. It is comfortable to carry, the zippers and material are sturdy. At this price, it is definitely worth recommending – I think it even surpasses Wisport backpacks, and I own several of those as well.
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Great quality backpack, as expected from the Helikon brand. The pockets are very well and conveniently organized.
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It’s a good, spacious, and fairly lightweight backpack, but it lacks some rigidity, which is why I give it four stars. If I had to choose again, I’d go with the Wisport Sparrow, which is more comfortable to carry.
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Overall, it's fine, although the material could be thicker. The back is well reinforced. I would slightly change the organizer design in the pocket and add a small, flat pocket near the back. I hope it will last me for several years.
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Great, very roomy backpack with the option to attach additional pockets. Works well both in the mountains and during all-day training at the training ground. Made of very good material. I recommend it.
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