Helikon-Tex Bushcraft Satchel

The Helikon-Tex Bushcraft Satchel is the second of three items Helikon-Tex sent me to test and review. This is a very high quality, well designed shoulder bag capable of carrying everything you need for a day hike and possibly an overnight hike
Dimensions 30 x 32 x 17.5 cm / 11.81 x 12.6 x 6.89 in
Weight 479 grams / 16.9 ounces
Capacity 17 Litres / 1037 cubic inches
Link to Helikon-Tex:
www.helikon-tex.com/en_eur/tb...
Link on Amazon.com:
www.amazon.com/HELIKON-TEX-Bu...
Link on Amazon.ca:
www.amazon.ca/HELIKON-TEX-Bus...

[@davecarpenter3575]

Well done Mark. That bag appears to be spot on. I really enjoy your non-bias product reviews. Getting close to 10k subs. 👏👏👏

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked the video. It is really a nice bag. Yes, almost 10K. Who would have believed it. Thank you for commenting

[@robertfreeman6082]

Hi Mark. Many thanks for a great review. The bag first came to my attention in your video. Your excellently balanced review (as always) got me to invest none of these a few weeks ago to take the place of my similar volume day sack. It's perfect for my daily dog walk and I have just started to look into packing a stove and pot to make a brew when out in the countryside. Keep up the great work.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you like the pack. The one caution I would give is to avoid the temptation of over-loading it. It is easy to do and will weigh on your shoulder. Thanks for commenting

[@rojostardarkstone3128]

Great; comprehensive review! I do have several of the Helikon-Tex products, including that satchel and they are all very solid and well-made.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked the video. I am really liking the Helikon-Tex products. I hope to try out more. Thank you for commenting

[@NovemberContent]

Just got mine, very high quality bag. Thanks for helping me make my decision!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I am glad it worked out for you. I am still very happy with mine as well. Thanks for commenting

[@kengreen6505]

Thanks for doing an excellent review Mark. Very good pointers on the shoulder strap. I have several haversacks in mind but after seeing your review today- this is the item I will probably purchase. Thanks again Keep safe n keep well 🙂

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@Ty_The_Bonsai_Guy]

Love your channel. Great review. Thanks for all the hard work you put into your videos. 👍☺

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked the video. Thank you for commenting

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked the video. Thank you for commenting

[@mrwes100]

I really like Helikon-Tex gear. I’ve replaced my wool blanket with their Swagman Roll. Thanks for sharing Mark, well done as always. Be well.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I hope to get the Swagman Role at some point. They look like a great product.Thanks for commenting

[@MichaelR58]

Mark, thanks for sharing, looks like a great bag .well made ,atb 👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you liked the video. Thank you for commenting

[@mike_outdoors4918]

Great looking bag, thanks for sharing Mark 👍🙂

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting

[@victorvasquez2788]

Good Day Mark thx for the review! Helikon-Tex have some very good quality products. Take care bud..

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I really like the three products I have. I will probably get some more. Thanks for commenting

[@ruzzellp]

Thanks for the thorough review

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

You are most welcome.Thank you for commenting

[@Woodswalker1965]

Good review Mark. I carry a haversack occasionally, they are handy in the woods and in the city.👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I love a good shoulder bag as well. Thanks Wade

[@frogmorepipester7490]

Five years in, and, it is my #1 satchel-haversack. Most of all, it carries my shit paper, knife, fire kit, quart o water, lunch, pint of liquor, hammock, foam pad, cook pot, spork,and Silky.Huh! Top that.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree. Only issue is i can fit more in than i can carry 😅.Thanks for commenting

[@jwgbmp40]

Do you still use this and is it different than the HT haversack?​@MarkYoungBushcraft

[@charlesfaulkner8653]

Another excellent review.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for your kind words and for commenting

[@andrewmcgleish61]

Nice review, it's good kit! I added a Maxpedition shoulder pad which makes it that bit more comfortable when heavy.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I picked up a matching shoulder pad from eBay (not Maxpedition). I like it but it jams up at the strap adjuster. If it was just a half inch wider it would be perfect. Thanks for commenting

[@pacediver2594]

Nice and thought out review

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting

[@RedFeatherAngler]

great review, very thorough.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting

[@jessek437]

Nice video! So i can use carabingers on this bag. Cool. 👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. This really is a nice bag. Thanks for commenting

[@richardrhodes9552]

Great review, Mark. I picked up a Helikon-Tex Bushcraft Satchel today at Value Village in new condition for $10, taxes in (senior's day, 30% discount). I've been looking around for a suitable replacement for my old WWII gas mask bag that I've been carrying since the mid-70s and this satchel fits the bill perfectly. Looks like the previous owner retro-fitted mine with a hand made leather holster on one side of the main pocket divider and what looks like retention for three speed loaders on a corresponding leather insert on the other side of the divider; I'll most likely remove these add-ons. I started searching for info as soon as I got home and your review was first on the hit list. Thanks for the great info. Regards, Riverside Rhodes

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great thrift store rescue. Sometimes I think it is a bit big only because I try and stuff too much into it😅. Thanks for commenting

[@darthkek1953]

For my day hikes, so I can get my shirt off and get some sun on me, I use a 2" army surplus webbing belt and attach a few army surplus large utility pouches. They hold bladders of water, something to eat, the dog's lead, the shirt I've just removed, something warmer or waterproof for later, etc., and I can go about my hike getting some sun on the torso.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Old school army gear is proven stuff. Thanks for commenting

[@redoak3809]

Thank you for the video. I ordered one in Adaptive Green. I may try to make a "handle" for it if they are standard snaps with some 2" webbing. I was also wondering where you got your awesome turtle necklace. My wife loves turtles. I loved my time in Nova Scotia on the Cabot Trail and staying in Pictou.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Let me know how you like the satchel. The side release buckles are a bit different then any I had but I will keep looking. My daughter gave me the turtle probably 15 years ago. Not sure where it was from. Beautiful part of Nova Scotia for sure.

[@chriskent6596]

I like it, good review.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for commenting

[@Scarywoody]

Excellent review. I much prefer a satchel to a backpack. At $55 it seems a good value.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I love hiking with a satchel as well as long as I don't overload it. Thank you for commenting

[@patriciaribaric3409]

That's not just a good backpacking/hiking sack it would make a great weekender bag. For a female I travel with less products than most (shampoo/conditioner/deodorant/toothbrush&paste). However, I take water with me everywhere. I'll have to check out that bag. I hate purses. Pants with velcro or zippered pockets are the best for small stuff. When I take the grandchildren to the amusement park I wear a wrist band that holds some cash and our passes (no bulk). That bag would be perfect for 4 Sachelle water bottles. That's enough for our family. Thanks for the demo!!!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree this bag would serve in a variety of roles.Thanks for commenting

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Very Different Price between Ca, & Us Wow ! Great looking Satchel & well Constructed. I'm a lil partial to still have in my possession Fathers WW II Haversack & Use It every chance I Get ! He's always with me, Keeping Me On The Straight & Narrow Hah ! My R,C.C. order should be here on Tuesday & Can't wait ! Received my Dursten Lore-12 5 days after I ordered it & It's Seasoned & Ready for some Code-Black ! Have A Swell Long weekend, Friend ! ATB T God Bless

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

For 20 or more years I used and old canvass fishing bag that belonged to my father. I still have it and it would still work great but I kind of don't want to risk damage. let me know how your Code-Blk Lore 12 coffee turns out. Thank you for commenting Terry

[@terryw.milburn8565]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Just sent ya a message on Just That, Mark ! Be Well

[@nicacruz5056]

Nice awesOme video😊verY interesting🥰👍👍👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thank you for commenting

[@jayteehee6789]

There's such nice gear nowadays. That didn't exist in the 70's or 80's when I really need it. I was lucky to have a couple like size heavy canvas tool bags with a flap and 2" nylon shoulder strap. I use them all the time. Nothing adjustable and no bells and whistles. 50 lbs of rocks doesn't bother them. I see a few convenience 'mods' you could do. One is add 2 x 36" piggin' strings attached to the outer molle loops on the bottom with a cow hitch. Tie your tripod fore and aft, then wrap over the top of the bag or into the grimlocs and secure with a reef knot. The bottom straps are meant to secure something from shifting more than weight bearing. I have a few more mods if interested. Great bag. Cheers.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I started with a canvas bag myself back in the late 60s. Still have it. Please share your mods

[@jayteehee6789]

As you see, I'm very long winded. Forgive me.The Surplus store on Agricola St. sells a shoulder bag by Rothco. The shoulder pad is great. Lots of outside zippers and pockets. They have various Molle pouches good price. and paracord. You might find a friend who uses a tool bag and not the pad on their shoulder strap. Or, you can cut the sewn piece on the slider buckle, remove enough to reposition the slider away from your shoulder and re-sew it. 511 In Burnside has tons of molle accessories also. To add to your bag, make a few 4" prusik loops flattened out and attached to the molle with a cow hitch for a quick short attachment point with cord or caribiners. I use a loop of #24 braided - tarred nylon twine, whipped as a lanyard loop on lighters, ferro rods and small tools to attach to the molle again with a cow hitch and stuff it out of sight behind a molle loop. Where I need water at hand, I'm a fan of the military style, kidney shaped canteen, cup and stove. I add one to the outside as required with molle . Rainbow Net in Burnside is the best place for twine, paracord and rope. My twine preference is braided over 3 strand. Our comrads to the south call it bank line. I've added a molle first aid pouch to the outside (511) and a canteen. I've come across people in my time having heart attacks, so I've added a one-way mask, if they need air. St. John's in Burnside has them about $10. With the molle loops on the bottom, I'd put 2 straps through them and secure anything on top of the pouch, so it dosn't flop around. These are things I do to make it more convenient for me. Maybe there's other ideas or one of these may help someone. Again to all, that is a great shoulder bag, but I've more than enough now. Otherwise . . . Cheers.

[@samueldall3214]

Dear mark the buckles themselves are removable.. So I think you can switch one of them.. Very good review.. Thank you

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you for the suggestion

[@hsaurid]

Hi Mark, I agree with everything you state about the Bushcraft Satchel. I wound up getting mine through Onduty.ca out of New Liskeard, Ontario. They may have the color you desire in stock, and if not, give you 10% off the price, as happened to me. I have noticed that the Helikon Tex items from Vietnam are very well cut and stitched - no sloppy stitching, loose threads. Very good, versatile piece of kit. The use of different size and color pouches is excellent to keep things organized within the Satchel and if one has MOLLE/PALS on the appropriate sized pouches, these can be mounted outside if the contents are frequently used or require quick access. If Helikon Tex plan to look at using laser cut MOLLE panels on the ends and bottom, this could improve utility even further. The Satchel makes for a good travel bag also. I plan on applying a DWR spray to give the Satchel some water resistance at some point in the future. Thank you, Mark! (edited for spelling)

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Great suggestions. I will add on duty.ca to the video description. Thanks for commenting

[@sirdee9607]

Nice Video, dude

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thank you kindly

[@sittnerge1]

Hello from Argentina! Excellent review... I wanted to ask you what color is your bag? Thanks again.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have the "coyote" colour. Thanks for commenting

[@HaJoSchatz]

Lol! You want a male and female buckle to mate without the shoulder strap attached. But you also like that you can turn the shoulder strap around; which you wouldn't be able to do if there was a male and female on either side ;-) First world problems, haha. Or an "adapter" supplied with it, male-male, or something like that? Anyway, it's an inspirational video, I'll likely be getting the dust off the sewing machine again soon 😄

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Quite the conundrum for sure. I will likely make a male and female adapter for the bag.Thanks for commenting

[@HaJoSchatz]

Mark Young One side male, one side female? That would come in very handy, yes 😁

[@RealShamanX]

I wonder if they make a male-male adapter for those shoulder strap snaps.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Have not seen it on their website but it is a great idea. I may make one myself. Thanks for commenting

[@mrwes100]

ShamanX I was thinking the same thing 👍

[@redoak3809]

I own and like this satchel, however, I wish Helikon would make a smaller version with maybe a flap lid and a strap. For the most part, I feel this is a little too big for being really usable, as when you fill it up, that is too much to carry in that manner and would be better suited in a backpack.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree. It is too easy to overpack the satchel. I have done that a few times and paid the price with my shoulder. I do appreciate the extra room in winter as I can easily pack an additional layer like a down coat. I see Helikon-Tex has a good looking courier bag that is smaller with a flap. I may try and see if I can get one to try out. Thanks for commenting

[@TheMerrox]

Great review! What knife was that you had in the pack?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The one on the outside is the Ontario Knife Co. Blackbird SK-5. Hope that helps

[@TheMerrox]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Thank you for answering.

[@hypo345]

Do you use this satchel Mark, Are there other satchels you currently use?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, often. In fact I will be mentioning it in an upcoming video. I have an assortment of older satchels and haversacks including a new one from Helikon-Tex (gift from my wife). I can make a brief video on them all as part of my Hike and a Coffee series. Thanks for commenting

[@hypo345]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft That sounds good 👍

[@Eric-ew8jt]

Ontario Blackbird is most likely the best ''Survival Knife'' ever made. I have this satchel in the same colour it's made of 500d. Everything about this I like the only suggestion I would give is make the next line in 1000d. It would give it that extra rigidity. I put a piece of foam from an exercise pad in the back part where the internal zip pocket is to give it more structure. This will fit nicely on the webbing strap www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0046ZOP06/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 . remember 1 litre of water equals 2 pounds it can add up quickly

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree with you on the Blackbird. Great knife for sure. The shoulder pad is also a great suggestion. Yup, water adds a lit of weight. Better to carry a filter as long as a source can be found.Thanks for commenting

[@doctoordan]

For airports and urban carry you need at least one strap or two wheels (drag bag luggage). For the woods I go with two straps (backpack) or preferably four wheels (ATV or Truck).

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Interesting way of looking at it. Thanks for commenting