Helikon-Tex Numbat Chest Rig Review

[@paulpanel6301]

One of the best reviews and overview I have seen. Thank you so much Mr. Young

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@EarthyEd22]

Great review! Seriously I watched a few others on this product, and your video was the most informative. Thank you

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@OzMan9989]

You have some of the best gear reviews dude.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Wow. Thank you for your kind words

[@victorvasquez2788]

Thx for the review! I'm looking for something like that for conceal carry while in the woods. Thx again bud..

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The Numbat would be ideal for the purpose. Thanks for commenting

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello Mark, thank you for sharing this great review. The Helikon pack looks like a very practical item to have. The very best to you and your family. 🤗

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. The Numbat is a really nice piece of kit for sure. Thanks for commenting

[@trioultimo]

You have got the Radio voice. With very clear pronounciation.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words

[@donwarner6925]

Just got mine today in the mail. Great review.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hope you like yours as much as I do mine. Thanks for commenting

[@donwarner6925]

Mark Young Looking forward to hiking with it in the next few weeks.

[@viewsandreviews180]

I bought a Ribz pack (no longer a company as far as I know) a couple of years ago and was impressed with its usefulness for day hiking (snacks, etc.) and for chores around a campsite. This Helikon-Tex chest rig seems to be in the same category. Both of them are similar to the FLC used by US military when I was active duty. I believe the review mentioned the only downside I found with any of these, heat retention. This can be mitigated by wearing the rig a little loose so it acts like a fan. If the temperatures get into triple digits every little bit helps.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

One of the reasons I was interested in this rig was because I had seen the Ribz pack and wanted to try something similar. Yes, It can get a bit hot so I wear mine loose as well. Thanks for commenting

[@viewsandreviews180]

Mark Young Thank you for replying. I’ve got and use an FLC on occasion but by far either the Ribz or Helikon are more budget friendly. This might seem counterintuitive since a surplus FLC can be had for about $20 but then you have to add the MOLLE pouches. After buying three pouches you’ve reached the price of the Helikon and don’t have the capability. The positive is you can custom design and modify the FLC to your needs.

[@maritimespook]

Very Cool Mark ! I like a Chest Rig for all 4 seasons ( I made one with a Condor T&T Pouch ) but may want this Helikon as an Upgrade...You are right many people wear these in Urban settings as fashion accessories ,,,, Cheers man great review !

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hi Spook. Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting

[@Woodswalker1965]

Looks like a decent chest rig Mark, very nice!👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I quite like it Wade. Convenient for getting at things. Thanks for commenting

[@OzMan9989]

I have one in coyote. Great for fly fishing and much cheaper alternative compared to typical chest packs offered by top notch fishing companies.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. They are a top quality item at a great price. Thanks for commenting

[@darthkek1953]

Great video. Thanks so much. When I don't want to wear a backpack - a day hike in summer - I use an ex-Army webbing belt and various ex-Army webbing pouches on them, pouches designed for water bottles or 200-round LMG ammo boxes, I can put a HUGE amount of kit in. Rain jackets. Fleeces. Stove. Water. Food. Etc. etc. and the bonus is I can take my t-shirt off and get some sun. But if it gets later in the day, windy or rainy at altitude, etc., I can get myself sorted quick. EDIT - PS - flashlight. I got an Olight i1R EOS, it's insanely small and USB rechargeable and incredibly bright. I cannot recommend one enough as the back-up light. I bought mine for an always-on keyring light so I can pick up my dog's poop during winter (it gets dark in Scotland about 4pm, pitch black not soon after). Not cheap cheap but actually very cheap when compared to the larger Olight offerings. It doesn't replace my Fenix "winter Munro" headlamp but it's perfect otherwise and very, very tiny.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Looks like you have a well thought out system along with some great gear choices. Thanks for commenting

[@jimdaniels926]

Very good review! I want one!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you. It is a good piece of kit

[@1eyedjacksRwild]

Nice review. Thanks Mark. I may be getting one of these to replace a Ribs pack for use alongside a backpack.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I seriously considered the Ribz pack before receiving the Numbat. I am totally satisfied with this although it does not hold quite as much. Thanks for commenting

[@1eyedjacksRwild]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft the Ribz pack is nice and works great in some situations but it is larger and does not work well with some of my backpacks. The Numbat looks like it may combine easier because of it's size and shape.

[@NorthcoastPatty]

I have noticed you've been wearing it in several of your videos. It seems very convenient. I do not like fanny packs.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have tried fanny packs as well and they always seem to be in the way when I try to bend down or kneel. I also can't wear them with a backpack. The chest rig solves both problems. Thanks for commenting

[@HaJoSchatz]

Once they make a "breathing" version that keeps your chest cool I might consider. Maybe I make my own til then. Thx for the honest review, I think I just got a project for the next rainy weekend :-)

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I was required to wear body armour as a police officer. Very hot. I rigged up a layer of tubes under it to allow for airflow. Actually worked quite well. Thanks for commenting

[@HaJoSchatz]

Mark Young Haha, TUBES!!! I had the questionable honour of being trained as a CBRN specialist during my not so voluntary service years; in summer. We hadn't thought of such ingenious shortcuts back then - which still causes me to cringe when I think about restricted airflow nowadays :>

[@royalsgrunt]

Hi Mark, I noticed this in your other videos. I was considering this for canoeing...wearing it over the life jacket. For that purpose the map pouch caught my eye. Easier to access than pants pockets while sitting in a canoe..

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hi Steve. I should have mentioned that in the video. Yes, the chest rig will work over a PFD. At least it does for me. I am wearing it quite lose in the video to allow for ventilation and a considerable amount of straps left for a larger fit. Thank you

[@newlife155]

Great review Mark, an idea on kit, I have stopped using a multitool these days replacing the tool with a small pair of vice grips, it`s like having a third hand when in use and I can have my cutting tool free to do work..

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hey John. I have a small vice-grip I use as well. Although not often. I replaced the adjustment screw with an eye bolt so I either hang it from a tree or clamp it to something and hang stuff from it. Thanks for commenting

[@newlife155]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft That is smart. thank you..

[@steamboatmodel]

It looks interesting, One thing about using a compass when wearing it or a knife in a neck sheathe, be aware that any metal in it or in a knife will affect your compass. Had a buddy who always wore a knife in a neck sheathe, and it took us a while to figure out why he was having problems with his compass, as soon as he put the knife in a belt sheathe the problems went away.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Very good point. I learned that one years ago when I still hunted. My firearm would sway the needle if I allowed it to get close. Thanks for commenting

[@pgregory6357]

Nice review. How adjustable is the fit? That is, I wear between XL and XXL shirts. Would this still work for me? Thanks for any info you can provide. And of course, love your channel!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I wear L to XL and have it set quite loose on me. There is still a good amount of straps left so I would think it should fit at least a XXL. Thanks for commenting

[@aggyMI]

A very nice review sir

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting

[@aggyMI]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft I see this being a good purchase for me as soon as we're allowed outside again 👍🏽

[@T.Sizzle]

I recently subscribed to your channel after enjoying a few product reviews. Might I ask though, what brand & model is the hat you’re wearing in this video? Thanks for all you share.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am glad you are liking my videos. I am wearing the Tilley Outback. I do have a video on Tilley hats if you are interested. Thanks for commenting

[@Ghostmeat17]

what was the brand of knife? Manley?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, the Manly Peak 2. I have a review if interested. Thanks for commenting

[@geriannroth449]

How would you make it more waterproof?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The nylon could be treated. The seams sealed and waterproof zippers used. Thanks for commenting

[@sirdee9607]

Great Video my freind

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you my friend

[@jonny9884]

I think it would make a nice 'dad pack' when out and about with an infant or toddler, especially in that colour.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

For sure. My "dad" days are past, at least until the grand kids start showing up. Thanks for commenting

[@OpeongoBushcraft]

@helikontex I bought one of these because of this video.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Let me know what you think when it arrives. Thanks for commenting

[@OpeongoBushcraft]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft I love it! I made a post about it on my Instagram @opeongobushcraft

[@benthere8051]

Nice review, Mark. I'd like to know if you think this would be useful for a kayaker? Do you find it restrictive? Would it get in the way while paddling? This looks like a great answer to on-person storage needs when you can't wear a fanny pack or a backpack. I hope you and yours have a safe and happy Thanksgiving (I know Canada has one but don't remember when). BTW - I searched Amazon for "numbat chest pack" and got no hits. I had to add "Helicon" before it could find it.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I should have mentioned about wearing it while kayaking. Yes, it rides well on top of my PFD. Just a matter of adjusting the straps to accommodate the vest. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. We celebrated our Thanksgiving on October 14th

[@THExLAWxMAN]

Nice rig..

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I really like it. Thanks for commenting

[@charlesarp7607]

Mark like the hat your wearing. Source?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

This is my Tilley Outback, I have a video on Tilley hats if interested. Thanks for commenting

[@charlesarp7607]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft sure. Thanks. The helicon videos is what brought me to your channel.

[@Chrispbacon99]

How is it while running?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have no idea. However, as a former long distance runner who wore a Camelbak hydration bladder I can see the potential for the straps to be a source of irritation. I expect that could be minimized by wearing it tight against the body to reduce movement

[@GavTatu]

lol, i've seen pics of rappers and such wearing similar !

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have seen that as well. Bet they paid a lot more for theirs. Thanks for commenting