Helikon Tex Raccoon MkII EDC Backpack

[@TeaJayOne]

I was looking at so many amazing molle bags in the past months and I wouldn't buy any of them, because they were missing the lashing underneath. Even the Helikon Tex Groundhog. Finally someone is saying it! All I need are some loops at least.

[@Ceriva09]

i believe the 5.11 rush series has 4 molle lashes underneath if you are still looking

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Totally agree/ It's such an easy thing for companies to add. It could be ab very easy win as so many companies missing this small feature

[@mollepolle]

Finally a good review of this pack in English! I've owned my Racoon Mk2 for about two years. And it's perfect for day-hikes and warm weather overnighters. I fit my snugpak ionosphere on the bottom. And it easily holds sleeping bag, pad, poncho, firebox stove, dehydrated dinner, oats for breakfast and a bag of nuts. Spare clothes, firestarters, knife, saw and axe and water bottle. I occasionally improve on the space with my helikon tex sere pouch and E & E pouch of I need to bring some extra bits and bobs. Comfortable to wear. The shoulder straps have never been an issue for me (but I tend to keep the pack pretty light). Overall a very good purchase that rivals my Lundhags Gneik 34 L which I am also incredibly pleased with. For multi day hikes I use my Lundhags Gnaur 75 L (the old model) which is probably the best piece of gear I've ever bought.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Thank you for the kind words my friend. It's a great pack and this a brilliant comment. Love the detail. I have the Sere pouch which I need to make some content on. I'll check out Lundhag. Hope you've had an awesome weekend

[@mitchblackmore5230]

I totally agree with what you were saying about the straps. They end right where your pectoral muscle and the front of your shoulder socket make an indent. It's this perfect spot for them to dig in and pinch if you have any weight in the pack. Anyway, I love that filming location. Living in Toronto, you can't imagine how jealous I am.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Hi Mitch. It's definitely a strange choice there. There's a clear 10cm between the straps and the bottom of the back when they're laid against it. That extra 100mm would have made it perfect. I randomly found this clocatiin whilst climbing up there. You'll definitely be seeing more from here. I have relatives in Toronto. Canada and Japan are on top of my visit list. I think it's appreciate the outdoors lifestyle there... Maybe one day 😉 hope you're well buddy

[@-D-Tales]

It's my go to bag, i love it. It is more like 20+10L. I can get my summer sleeping bag and exped ul mat in the main compartiment along with a 3L bladder, 1L Nalgene and cooking pot and still have about 5L for food. Spare clothes, poncho, stove, 1st aid kit and any admin goes in the front. Tent (wickiup 3 with half inner) straps to the bottom and tent stake and camping chair go under the compression straps. The pack carries the weight suprisingly well. I'm about 1.80m and euro size M and the Quick release buckles do not touch my torso at all. Plenty of strap length if you're scrawny like me. Thanks for the honest review and discount offer. I'll be sure to take a look. All the best from the Netherlands.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Amazing detailed comment thanks it really does feel like a much larger bag. I think you've probably used every square millimeter possible there. Thanks for the advice for other 'scrawny' owners 😉 sending good vibes across the sea from the green Kingdom of the Moorlands to the orange Kingdom of the Netherlands 🤜🤛

[@tobytayles1]

If this was a full clam shell opening bag it could be so much better

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Agreed. Hopefully they'll full clamshell it if they update to a version 3 👍

Thank you for the review! Good to know the backpack is Teddy Bear compatible.

[@DarkFire515]

Great review as usual! Must not buy another pack... must not buy another pack... must not buy another pack. That's seriously tempting though!

[@MoorlanderEDC]

I wish we could add memes to the comments here, I'm sure there's a million "Just Do It" ones out there :D

[@ApocGuy]

I have EDC (heavier one, with MOLLE system on sides, not pouch), absolutely love it. I'm tempted to buy this one, and Bergen/Matilda for multi day hikes

[@SimplicityEDC]

I wonder if there are molle pouches for water bottles that will match the low webbing on the sides, as it doesn't go all the way up 🤔

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Oh definitely. There's plenty of options out there. Tasmanian Tiger, Vanquest, 5.11 and Helikon have them

[@billb3374]

Sorry I'm late again but I spent the day on a beautiful little lake kayak fishing. That's a nice little bag. Excellent review as usual Sir!

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Perfectly reasonable excuse Bill. No apology needed my friend 😂 I hope you had an awesome time

[@billb3374]

@@MoorlanderEDC I did!

[@papamike88]

I owned the first generation Raccoon that was made of cordura in ATACS AU when the rest of them were made from polyester . Very good backpack.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

It's Helikon Tex... what more can you say 😆 Hope you're well buddy

[@papamike88]

@@MoorlanderEDC It is Helikon but unfortunately Raccoon backpack was the first sign of some weird decisions when it comes to the design. One little note - those two loops in the top of the main chamber are not hydration blatter hangers but they were design for a Helikon internal organizer that was released some time ago. If there is some cool Helikon backpack now - you should check out either Raider or Bergen. The rest is little bit like hit and miss, especially Guardian Assault.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

@@papamike88 I'm 100% picking up the Bergen next In DNC. That looks sick

[@papamike88]

@@MoorlanderEDC Yup it is. If I were more into bushcraft - I would pick this une too. I actually picked up Swagman Roll in DNC. Did you make a review of this interesting item?

[@juangotera7046]

Thanks

[@AshChapman777]

Lovely spot to film the video 👍🏼

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Hi Ash. I randomly found this little nock up there that sheltered the wind a bit and had a different view every 90 degree turn. I have a feeling you'll see more from here in the future :D

[@joshuatall8134]

Brilliant review!

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Thanks Josh, glad to hear you enjoyed it. Have a top week buddy

[@sebastianboninodiaz5495]

I just got a Huntvp... it is exaclty like this... i wonder if they are made in the same place...

[@EXTRAEDC]

I want one but they are sold out everywhere 😂

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Hmmmm... I wonder if Helikon as having issues with the whole Ukraine issues? They say everything comes to he who waits 🤔😅

[@marian81bv]

Great video as always. Hey, what is your opinion on Thule, they have a wide range of backpacks and they offer great value for money. Helikon-tex have great products. I bought the urban courier bag, after I saw you're review😁

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Thanks Marian. I haven't got my hands on a Thule pack yet, however they're definitely on list to try. I've heard great things about that and hear they're well loved. How's the couriers holding up? I brought that bags in with me today to my office :D

[@marian81bv]

@@MoorlanderEDC It's a great bag. I have it for over a year. For me it is almost perfect. If it wasn't for you I probably never would have found it. So, thank you.

[@MoorlanderEDC]

@@marian81bv that's awesome. I'm glad I helped 👍

[@Skyrim_NPC]

hi, do you used this backpack in the rain to see if it’s safe? do you still use it? would you recommend it?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Hi, it has a DWR coating however it doesn't have taped seems or aqua-guard zips. It'll keep things dry in a light rain however it's best to seek shelter in heavy rain

[@Andrewolf79]

Sold thanks 👍

[@MoorlanderEDC]

No problem 👍 any time

[@mikekyto]

Nice review! Does my Apple MACbook Pro (15 inch) fit in the bag?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Hi there. I'm sure sure of the exact dimensions however my larger 16" ThinkPad fits in there so I'm reasonably sure it'll fit. Hope that helps

[@IgnacioGlezCllo]

great pack, and great location, where was this filmed?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Thank you, Ignacio. This was filmed in my Moorlanders. The rock crop behind is Hen Cloud which is part of the Roaches. The Moorlands is a small area to the south of the Peak District which is England's oldest national park with some of the most stunning scenery England has to offer

[@IgnacioGlezCllo]

@@MoorlanderEDC Hey thank you! I think a visit to the Roaches is due....

[@MoorlanderEDC]

100% agree. Places to Google before you come... Lud's Church, home of mystical Green Knight of the King Arthur Tales. One of the most beautiful places on the planet. Three Shires Head, is the meeting of Derbyshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire with the beautiful rivers and stone bridges crossing each of them. These are all within the Moorlands and around the Roaches 🙌

[@SimplicityEDC]

The backpanel, is there a plate or some kind in it? Or does it have no structure?

[@MoorlanderEDC]

Hi DTG, yes, there's a rigid backpanel within the rear section. If memory serves it is removable if require. Fairly typical hook & loop closure in the backpack to remove. I'm 95% sure. I did a trade with this pack a few months back so can't 100% varify. I hope that helps 🤙

[@SimplicityEDC]

@@MoorlanderEDC ah thank you! That's very good considering the price point. Most packs in this category under this price range have no type of structure in the backpanel. The Raider by Helikon had this as well, and really enjoyed it. Many thanks brother!!

[@landofpc]

it's a really not good backpack if you can't fully open it, don't waste your money and choose Maxpedition Falcon-II which is better for the same price

[@MoorlanderEDC]

I kinda see your point, however some people don't really like a full clam shell pack. A lot of it comes down to personal preference. I've tested out some amazing packs that don't open all the way down. It's great to have the options to suite everybody's preferred use.

[@landofpc]

@@MoorlanderEDC maybe this backpack design is just outdated? it is much easier to keep clarity and good organization if you can full open. especially if the current price of maxpedition Falcon-II on Amazon is more attractive,the only downside is no back brace, but it's ccw