Not sure which backpack to choose? We’ll help!

As a brand with military roots and over 40 years of experience, we know a thing or two about designing a backpack. Our products blend military heritage with modern solutions. In addition to our extensive line of tactical backpacks, we also offer history-inspired bushcraft backpacks, lightweight outdoor models, and a variety of urban backpacks perfect for EDC. Helikon-Tex’s tradition demands innovation, so nearly every product is packed with surprises and unique, practical features. Discover our backpacks and find the best one to suit your needs.

Urban Backpacks

Traveler: Laptop pocket, detachable organizer, civilian look  

The Traveler is our take on a travel backpack for those who value organization on the go. With a 24.5-liter capacity, it’s perfect for short business trips or weekend getaways. Thanks to its thoughtful design, the Traveler also works great as a laptop bag, with a unique rear compartment that can fit a laptop up to 15.6 inches. Inside, there’s space for flat items like documents or books.  

The main compartment includes a hook & loop panel, allowing you to attach organizers from our Versatile Insert System (VIS). There’s also a mesh pocket, ideal for cables and chargers. Plus, the Traveler comes with a detachable travel organizer featuring three mesh pockets, helping to keep your gear in order and preventing items from shifting during your journey.  

EDC Backpack: Tactical solutions for everyday use  

With 21 liters of space, the EDC Backpack is designed for those who like to be prepared for anything. Made from durable 500D Cordura, this backpack is built to last. It is suitable for EDC enthusiasts, students, and daily commuters alike. The front panel features a large hook & loop, allowing for personalization, while the shock cord on the front is perfect for securing a jacket without needing to open the bag.  

External MOLLE/PALS webbing allows for the attachment of additional pouches. Inside are two spacious compartments – the front one lined with velour for VIS organizers and the rear compartment featuring a hydration bladder sleeve, making it ideal for trips. Comfortable shoulder straps and a mesh back system ensure all-day comfort. It’s an excellent choice for an everyday backpack.  It comes also in nylon!

EDC Lite Backpack: Lightweight and spacious  

The EDC Lite is a lighter, simpler version of the EDC Backpack. It weighs less without losing its core functionality because it uses Rip-Stop nylon instead of 500D Cordura. Instead of MOLLE/PALS webbing, it features elastic side pockets, eliminating the need for additional organizers. Like the classic EDC backpack, it includes a shock cord for attaching extra gear.  

The interior is thoughtfully designed – the front compartment is lined with velour for VIS organizers, and the rear compartment has space for a hydration bladder. The EDC Lite is perfect for those seeking a more straightforward, lighter, and functional everyday backpack.  

EDC Sling Backpack: Compact carry for essentials  

The EDC Sling Backpack holds 6.5 liters. It is designed for those who only need to carry a few essentials and don’t require a large bag. Its discreet design lacks visible tactical features like MOLLE webbing and hook & loop, making it an excellent choice for a grey man style.  

Inside, it has two velour-lined compartments compatible with the VIS system. One compartment is designed for discreetly carrying a weapon, offering quick and easy access via a Hypalon pull tab. The EDC Sling is ideal for both city use and more tactical outings.  

Groundhog: Smart and full of surprises  

Groundhog is a compact 10-liter backpack, perfect for short trips or cycling. Despite its small size, it comes packed with clever features that work well in the urban jungle. The external mesh pockets can be tucked away when not needed and are great for carrying water bottles. Additionally, there’s a beavertail pocket at the base, perfect for a helmet or jacket.  

There’s also a front zippered pocket for small items, and the side compression straps stabilize the load. Groundhog features MOLLE Lite webbing for additional pouches or a first-aid kit. Inside, the main compartment includes a hydration bladder sleeve, making it an ideal modular backpack for short outings or cycling.  

Raider: Tactical solutions for the urban jungle  

The Raider is a 20-liter tactical backpack, perfect for everyday urban use or short trips. Its design hints at its military origins, but it’s tailored for city life. Made from 500D Cordura, it strikes a great balance between weight and durability. And in case of rain, the Raider comes with an integrated rain cover that can be quickly deployed from a pocket in the base.  

One of the Raider’s standout features is the beavertail pocket on the front. Its flexible design is great for carrying a helmet or rolled-up jacket. There’s also a velour-lined pocket at the top for storing glasses. The main compartment features a hook & loop panel compatible with the VIS system, allowing you to customize the interior fully. The Raider Backpack is an ideal choice for those seeking a solid tactical pack with versatile urban functionality.  

Downtown Backpack: A discreet grey man choice  

The Downtown Backpack is for those who want to blend in. It looks like an ordinary urban backpack but hides various tactical features. It has a low-profile design without MOLLE webbing, and its subdued color scheme perfectly fits the grey man philosophy. This backpack is designed for discreet firearm carry, with an internal concealed pistol compartment and space for a ballistic plate.  

The interior is lined with soft hook & loop, allowing you to attach additional VIS organizers. The shoulder straps have quick-release buckles, so you can swiftly remove the pack. Thanks to its ballistic plate compatibility, the Downtown can be worn on the front as protection if needed. With a 14-inch laptop compartment, this backpack is also practical for daily use. The Downtown is a great choice for those operating discreetly in the field and fans of low-profile tactical solutions.  

Bail Out Bag Backpack: Essential for emergencies  

The Bail Out Bag, or BOB, is a modern evacuation backpack designed for emergencies when every second counts. Its modular design allows you to carry essential items for the first 72 hours of survival. With a rigid structure and a 25-liter capacity, it offers ample space for critical items, which can be organized in the internal mesh pockets.  

The BOB can be mounted on a car seat for easy driving access. It also comes with a detachable beavertail bag that can be used separately or mounted on the backpack. The pack is also designed to insulate from the ground, making it useful when there’s no sleeping mat available. The Bail Out Bag is a comprehensive solution for those who value preparedness in unpredictable situations.  

Military Backpacks

Guardian Smallpack: Compact combat backpack  

The Guardian Smallpack is a small but highly functional backpack that can be integrated with the Guardian Plate Carrier tactical vest. The interior is lined with soft hook & loop, allowing for modular customization with additional accessories. Main compartment is spacious enough to hold a hydration bladder or larger items like a poncho or spare jacket.  

On the outside, the backpack features MOLLE webbing and a shock cord for attaching additional gear. The pack also includes an internal zippered pocket and side compression straps to adjust the volume to fit the load. Detachable shoulder straps and modularity make combining the Guardian Smallpack with the Guardian Plate Carrier easy.  

Raccoon Mk2 Backpack: Dual-compartment potential  

The Raccoon Mk2 is a 20-liter tactical backpack, just right for a day in the field or urban operations. Made from durable 500D Cordura, it’s equipped with MOLLE/PALS webbing, allowing you to attach extra pouches or a first aid kit.  

Inside, there are two spacious compartments. First one includes several flat pockets for documents and accessories. The larger compartment has a zippered mesh organizer and a hydration bladder pocket for water access on the move. The Raccoon Mk2 is a great choice for tactical and everyday missions.  

Ratel Mk2 Backpack: A military classic for enthusiasts  

The Ratel Mk2 is a classic military backpack with a 25-liter capacity, designed for everyday use in patrol conditions. Its solid construction and well-thought-out pocket placement ensure that everything you need is within reach. The backpack has two external pockets—a smaller one on top and a larger bottom one with an organizer for pens, documents, and maps.  

The main compartment features a hydration bladder pocket, enhancing its functionality in the field. MOLLE/PALS webbing on the front and sides allows you to expand the pack with additional pouches and a first aid kit. Side compression straps let you adjust the backpack’s volume to match the load. The Ratel Mk2 is a solid, functional backpack that easily adapts to both tactical operations and the challenges of the urban jungle.  

Guardian Assault Backpack: Large and robust  

The Guardian Assault is a 35-liter tactical backpack designed for three-day missions. Made from durable 500D Cordura, it offers plenty of space for patrol gear. Its classic shape is reminiscent of the battle-tested 3-Day Assault Pack, valued by soldiers for its reliability.  

The Guardian Assault backpack is compatible with the MOLLE/PALS system, allowing you to attach pouches and other accessories. Main compartment is lined with soft velour to protect sensitive equipment or to attach VIS organizers. The second, larger compartment includes a mesh pocket and a hydration bladder space. Side compression straps help regulate the backpack’s volume and stabilize its contents during movement. The Guardian Assault is a classic choice for longer missions, offering comfort and functionality.  

Outdoor Backpacks

Elevation Backpack: A new face of outdoor gear  

The 35-liter Elevation backpack is designed for long mountain hikes or weekend excursions. Its design combines the features of a classic hiking backpack with the military roots of our brand. With 11 pockets, it offers excellent organization for your gear, while its comfortable straps and back system enhance carrying comfort during long treks.  

The backpack has side pockets for water bottles and top zippered pockets for small essentials. The MOLLE/PALS system allows additional pouches, a first aid kit, or gloves to be attached. Main compartment provides broad access from both the top and the side, making it easy to reach your gear. The bottom of the backpack includes an additional pocket for a rain jacket or poncho, which is extremely practical in changing weather conditions.  

Summit Backpack: Lightweight and spacious  

The Summit is a 40-liter outdoor backpack designed for hiking and outdoor activities. It’s the first Helikon-Tex backpack created specifically for trekking rather than tactical operations. With a minimalist design and lightweight structure, it’s ideal for long journeys where comfort and lightness are essential.  

The Summit backpack features a flexible beavertail pocket, perfect for carrying a helmet, jacket, or other gear that needs quick access. The main compartment is secured with a rolltop closure, ensuring the safety of your belongings, while a vertical zipper offers access to the interior without unpacking the whole backpack. It also has a hydration bladder pocket and elastic side pockets for water bottles. The ventilated mesh back system ensures proper airflow during your hikes. The Summit is the perfect companion for outdoor adventures, combining capacity, lightness, and comfort.  

Bushcraft Backpacks

Matilda Backpack: Bushcraft inspired by history  

Matilda is a 50-liter bushcraft backpack with a classic design inspired by vintage military solutions. Made from lightweight nylon, it’s perfect for long trips into the forest, camping, or other bushcraft activities. Its construction is inspired by the legendary ALICE system, used by the U.S. Army since the 1970s, and it has been modernized in the Matilda backpack by blending proven solutions with modern materials.  

The backpack features three large front pockets with buckle closures, perfect for carrying larger items like an axe or tools. There’s also an additional pocket on the top flap for smaller accessories. Inside the main compartment, you’ll find space for a hydration bladder and MOLLE/PALS webbing to attach additional organizers. The reinforced back ensures comfort, even when the backpack is fully loaded, and the classic look of the Matilda makes it an ideal choice for bushcraft enthusiasts.  

Bergen Backpack: Classic inspiration  

The Bergen is an 18-liter bushcraft backpack inspired by classic military packs from World War II. Made from durable 500D Cordura, it’s a smaller version of the Matilda model, perfect for shorter trips into the wilderness when you don’t need as much gear. Bergen was designed for bushcraft enthusiasts who appreciate simple, reliable solutions.  

The exterior features three pockets—one on the front and two on the sides—all secured with fastex buckles. These pockets are spacious enough to carry essential tools like an axe or knife. The main compartment is secured with a drawstring and a flap, protecting its contents from moisture and dirt. Inside, there’s a pocket for a hydration bladder and a flat pocket for valuable items. The Bergen backpack easily adapts to the user’s needs, whether for bushcraft challenges or everyday outdoor use.  

Summary

Helikon-Tex backpacks combine durability, functionality, and thoughtful design. With a range of models – from urban to bushcraft and tactical – there’s something for everyone. These backpacks are built to perform daily and in the most demanding conditions.