Helikon Tex Numbat Chest Pack

A brief review of the Helikon Tex Numbat Chest Pack, out on Ben Lomond in Scotland.
A great bit of kit to organise your gear and keep essentials to hand, such as your map, compass and survival kit.
Disclaimer; I have no affiliation with Helikon or any other brand, I'm just reviewing kit that works well, in my opinion.

[@Ralph105]

Well done Your military instruction/demo style is very easy to follow

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers Ralph!

[@videogazer801]

@@PreparedPathfinder will 30rd AR15 magazines fit inside this rig?

[@backrowbrighton]

Really enjoyed the demonstration. I really approve of the contents of your chest pack because if you ever lost your rucksack, you have plenty of useful items to see you through a survival situation. I would consider this as a primary carry option on short trips in the better weather.

[@rickhl66]

Just ordered one for SAR work. Looks better than a lot of other options out there, including ones specifically designed for SAR teams. Great review and walk-through of the product! Thanks.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate 👍

[@shadomane]

Nice piece of kit. Thanks for the video and for sharing your thoughts with us.

[@lorkainenkingg8497]

Been using the Numbat for over a year now. Great piece of kit!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

It certainly is, especially for the price 👍

[@nellbrown770]

great bit of kit that, thanks for the reveiw.

[@markdale8301]

Never used such a pack, but can see advantages of having items to hand and not having to load pockets. Will definitely consider. Thanks for the video.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers Mark 👍

[@mixmix1487]

Great demo! I think I’ll be picking up the gray version as well.

[@journeyman7189]

Good review. There is definitely something to be said for having all your most important survival items close at hand and generally always on you. Nate

[@paganoutdoors3193]

Best review I've seen for this item, considering the numbat now, cool video, good health and safe travels, cheers craig 🌿

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers Craig!

[@shughes4113]

Another great video. Keep up the great content!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate 👍

[@LetsTalkPrepping]

Thank you. I never thought of a chest pack.

[@thomascrook8757]

Great video mate been eyeing these up for a while just trying to find one in stock now

[@originalzo6091]

Love the dummy cording I always used bank line or trick line myself

[@BomberSJM]

Interesting and a good overview/review. Often thought a chest rig/pouch could be a good alternative to a daypack on short hikes, but was put off by the military look of most on the market and that some radio chest rigs just don’t have the space for “stuff”. This looks like a good option though, and will look to get one to try. Cheers.

[@deandunbar5159]

Great little video 👍I too have the Numbat it's quite deseiving just how much essential kit will go in and very reasonably priced as well,What an amazing place your at ATVBT...🤙👍

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thanks Dean! Yes, some awesome views up there.

[@danyoung399]

Love mine. Some key bits, like a yorkie, compass and my water filter.

[@SurvivalRussia]

Thank you for showing this piece of kit. Gotta get me one of those.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate, yeah it's a nice bit of kit.

[@SurvivalRussia]

@@PreparedPathfinder The dogs bollocks ;)

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@SurvivalRussia 😂

[@magoo4452]

Designed in Poland, Made in Vietnam. I've got one and it serves me very well. Keeps all your important things handy when hiking. Top kit.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Yeah that’s what l meant, l realised after l recorded it!

[@alanc4264]

Thaks for the review. Used one for a couple of years now snd found it really comfortable. I never used the insert, instead I used the hook and loop bag side to attach other organising loops. My complaints are in heavy rain it gets soaked, everything inside the bag has to withstand water or be in a waterproof bag; it is little heavy for hiking hence I took out the insert and in summer it can make you sweaty on the chest. I have now switched to using a light weight shoulder bag but miss the organisation of the Helikon Tex chest pack. It is a good idea to have the important survival items close to hand in case you have to dump your rucksack as I have personally seen happen to 2 people and read of other instances too.

[@TynesideLife]

Nicely explained mate, cheers 👍🏻

[@damright]

been using mine over 2 years now, holds either my Vortex mono or Binos. notepad pencil map print out, phone, sound recorder, Compass and some Keto food bars incase and a swiss army knife. ... Even run mine while out cross country cycling. Its my mobile all purpose admin pouch... I also have a emergency strobe on base and a length of paracord tied to the loops (back Bottom) so I can tie it down to either my belt or waist when running ( it tends to bounce)

[@shawneepappen3102]

It looks really cold there and it also looks really beautiful too

[@reinenruud390]

Nice review. Thanks

[@donalddicorcia2433]

Seems like a great piece of kit! Been looking for a pouch to add to my Osprey Daylite to increase capacity, counterbalance, keep certain items easily to hand. This might be it.

[@GreencampRhodie]

Great review. And sensible pouch content. Perhaps add emergency blanket (eg from Sports Direct).

[@AirbornePirates]

I’ve got one of these, solid, resilient and comfortable. I mostly carry camera gear in mine these days

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Yeah they’re well put together for sure 👍

[@chrisarnold4709]

Good review, might look to one now. Had a chest rig myself in the Infantry handy for mech & FIBUA etc but never really considered one for hiking/walking until now but planning a couple of long distance challenge walks so this might be ideal for the ready to use stuff. Will seek out a decent price for one. Cheers.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers Chris 👍

[@JohnRourkePatriot]

Really would love to grab one of thee, but, on the expensive side. I still may pull the trigger. Thanks for the video!!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

They're a lot cheaper than the Hill People Gear ones mate, less than half the price.

[@johncrouch8988]

I still use a military chest rig. Not worried what other people may think. They work! Nice video!

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers John!

[@fearthebeard.outdoors1189]

Nice one 👍 been wearing a chest pack for about a year. That I got of amazon a unbranded one .then changed it to helikon tex must have pice of kit 😀👍OUT

[@Ironhorse103]

Looks like it be great for fishing also, walking around streams or lake

[@prepsho5007]

I just watch Rob Roy again, fiew days ago. It is nice to see something from Poland in this beautiful landscape. Someone from my family been There for survival Camp. This is not easy to to that. Level Hard :-)

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Roger that, a beautiful but unforgiving environment!

[@Joinordie718]

Pretty nice review and gear dump my friend 👍

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Thanks mate! 👍

[@ptouchpaul]

Thanks for sharing. I've just googled "size of military units", and with the amount of youtube followers you have, you're leading a "brigade or regiment" with the rank of "Brigadier or General or Colonel" - bloody well done

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Ha ha, I never thought of it like that! Thanks, tbh I had no idea it was going to grow as much as it has done.

[@descattysBushcraftbydescattys]

Great video thank you ( I have the green one) What surprises me in the bushcraft type community is that why folk don't use chest rigs - ex forces too, I've got into airsoft recently (don't judge my son wanted me to do it 😉)...I've bought a simple vest and to me it's pucker too for the outdoors Thanks again 👍

[@ApocGuy]

i've bought at least 10 or so tac vests/chest rigs , but none was "good enough" for my needs (used to be quite an active airsoft player, but today i use my gear mostly for camping/bushcrafting/prepping training). this paired with good combat belt, few mag pouches for odities, two water bottles pouches and small 20 Liters backpack and im good to go for three or four day trips 😁 .

[@LundysWildcampBushcraft]

Itsa great bit of kit and you can fit a lot in it I have enough stuff to survive 24hrs+ covering the 5Cs and other bits atvb Jimmy 😎😎👍👍

[@r188ops8]

Canny, I have a Hill People Gear one knocking about somewhere, good bit of kit for a bimble, filled with clacky bars!!! ;-)

[@danmal333]

i have same chest pack.Great video

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers bud 👍

[@prospero6337]

🏔The Military Trekker is stepping into some high speed Helikon kit...nice stuff....more capacity at the ready...good size. Mission ready for urban or bushcraft survival. You could even roll up a tight poucho across the bottom. Thanks !

[@23slider23]

Got one myself. Use it also for hiking inside equipment like yours + Radio (baofeng uv-9r). An antenna extensioncable runs outside to a tacticalfolding 120cm abree antenna attached to the chestrig. Does not look military! Can only reccomend.

[@davidcann6021]

Bought a Wynex version off Amazon (seems to have gone up almost £10 since) and filled it full of survival goodies, even space for a basic Mora at the bottom. With the water purification tabs would you use your map case to hold the water in an emergency?

[@brianjones1151]

Great for a '2A' item and accessories, here in the States !.😊👍

[@iainmcfarlane1115]

Have one myself. The rear part behind the insert is big enough to take a waterproofed 1:25000 OS map.

[@davidmccoll2139]

Recognize that location! Great video

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Cheers mate, l hope you’re well 👍

[@mikebingham7189]

I’ve got one vary similar to this. I like it a lot. Easy access and comfortable. I carry similar items except in the states it’s also a popular “weapon” carrier. Right? -somewhere south of Chicago and North of the Shawnee National Forrest

[@stalwart263]

I wear mine (Actually a hill people gear kit bag) much higher so it doesn’t restrict my diaphragm during hard exertion.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Yeah it’s down to personal preference hey? I exerted myself a fair bit that day, let me tell you! But found it fine in that position.

[@marksadventures3889]

haven't for a long time -if you know what i mean; I'm trying to pare down now having filled up bergens with stuff I didn't use but carried with for the use of. I thought that place looked familiar.

[@RobertsBulgaria]

Great review. Have you any clue what those EARS with holes on the front of the pack might be used for what they're intended for? You said the MOLLE type attachments underneath were mainly aesthetic and I wouldn't disagree, but Helikon must have had an intended use for these things. I might have to write to them and ask. Cheers.

[@daniellyne1]

Really enjoyed this video very interesting and informative but where did you get thar bright orange banner from please

[@daniellyne1]

Bandana not banner lol blood keyboard

[@timec2002]

Great review Tom. What type/style are those North Face Gloves you have on in the video? They seem quite fitted and are they touch screen compatible which is what I’m after?

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Yes mate, they’re called Etip gloves 👍

[@w3w3w3]

dammmmm nice video

[@JohnSmith-ep2hh]

I’ve seen this kind of chest pack is quite popular with hunters in Canada and the states but I’ve not seen anybody in the UK wear one other than deer stalkers with their binos in. I kind of like the idea of having stuff accessible but I can’t see myself using one in the hills personally. What I think it would be great for is on a motorcycle. I.e. in French motorways where you have toll booths every 30 miles or so and need to present a ticket or your card. Can be a real faff on a bike unless you have a tankbag which have their own pros and cons. It could also be used for off road motorcycling for phone, spare gloves, goggles etc. Will be interesting to see if these things catch on with hillwalkers over the next few years.

[@ozdavemcgee2079]

Not likely in Australia TBH. Its too hot. Those Osprey packs with mesh keep pack off back. A lot of cheaper packs have that. And little 20lt packs with a 2 lt water bladder in it. Think of that mesh back on this 50% bigger backpack suspended out from that. Air flow in hot weather and cheaper that this bit of kit.

[@stalwart263]

I am sure they will. All my hiking buddies have started using them. I use one and it’s really handy for map, compass, knife, spoon, lighter, phone, camera, survival kit and all the things I actually need whilst on the move so I don’t need to take my pack off. I have the Hill People Gear V2 kitbag. Give one a whirl. They will change your life!

[@JohnSmith-ep2hh]

@@stalwart263 I’ve actually gone and bought the osprey chest pack (Archeon chest rig) based on yours and the other positive comments. I’ve not used it yet but it seems comfortable and I can see how it would be handy. I’m the sort of person who hates stopping when I’m on the hills and I start clock watching when I’m not moving. So having a little pouch on my front to snack on the hoof and access hat and gloves etc should be good. I went for the osprey one mainly because I wanted the most civi looking one I could find, and I’ve got several osprey rucksacks which are great. One of the best things about it is that I can attach it to the front of my rucksack (osprey rook) and it becomes like an additional pouch for small items if I’m not wearing it. Anyway thanks for the recommendation.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

No probs, thanks for the feedback mate!

[@JohnSmith-ep2hh]

@@PreparedPathfinder No worries. As it happens I tried the chest rig out round elan valley a weekend ago and it was really handy. Didn’t rub or give me a sweaty chest like I thought it might, and was easier to access map, snacks and that sort of shite. Not sure I’ll be wearing it all the time as I did feel like tackleberry but for very long days or multi day walks it definitely will be getting used. Might even try it for running with as well as it doesn’t bounce around as much as I feared. So there you go, i’m converted. Cheers

[@marmadukegrimwig]

How do you find it wearing that with a rucksack?

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Absolutely fine. The harness is very low profile, so it doesn't dig in. The shoulder straps and sternum strap of a rucksack don't get in the way of it either, as you can see in the video.

[@kayakcobber524]

Could it fit a Nalgene 2 liter or maybe even 2 bottles or is it not made for this or heavy loads?

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Probably not, just due to the shape and size, you could fit a smaller bottle in though. I’ve carried a flexible 1L bottle in it.

[@kayakcobber524]

@@PreparedPathfinder ok, so not to big as I understand. Anyway thanks and greetings from the Lowlands of Holland.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@kayakcobber524 cheers mate 👍

[@gdstruthers]

Nice to see a review without someone wanging on about being able to fit a glock in it. Thanks.

[@vvs3796]

would it be too hot for a tropical environment?

[@PreparedPathfinder]

No, l’ve worn a lot more load bearing gear in the jungle.

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

This would be a great travel item as it means that you could keep important things like travel documents in front of you when moving around high risk travel areas such as airports and train stations. Might look a bit nerdy but who cares... A thought: on the hills, that transparent sleeve could be used for things like route cards or a survival aide Memoire. You could also employ a lumocolour or (showing my age here) a chinagraph. I’ll be buying one…

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Good idea ref the route card or aide memoire, and yes you could defo write on it with a lumocolour etc. Cheers!

[@MS-zb5fr]

@@PreparedPathfinder i would defenetly watch your review about it :-)

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@MS-zb5fr roger that mate

[@abcddcba8882]

🤙

[@originalzo6091]

I've never heard of of a small shemagh all of mine a few from Yemen are the same size

[@PreparedPathfinder]

They do come in different sizes.

[@originalzo6091]

@@PreparedPathfinder bruv I believe you I've never had or seen one though

[@originalzo6091]

@@PreparedPathfinder I've never been to Yemen and I'm sure every country has their own and their own Colours and own style I'm quite sure you're right I've just never seen a small one

[@originalzo6091]

@@PreparedPathfinder show me your tiny shemagh... oooh that sounds dirty though

[@woofman4796]

i'm in the usa,, where do i get 1

[@PreparedPathfinder]

They're out of stock atm, but this is the Helikon USA page; www.helikon-tex.us/chest-pack-numbat.html

[@woofman4796]

@@PreparedPathfinder after i posted my question , i googled it :),, thank-you though, they are nice, but for the price, i'll get a small-ish backpack instead,

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@woofman4796 roger that 👍

[@woofman4796]

@@PreparedPathfinder my name's not roger :)

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@woofman4796 is it Susan? 🤔

[@paulharrysadventures4050]

Is it waterproof?

[@PreparedPathfinder]

It'll keep a certain amount of rain off, but it's not waterproof. Same as most packs.

[@leonardosantana5759]

No threes?

[@PreparedPathfinder]

Wibble?

[@mikel6517]

I like Helikon but if you buy from them in Poland you are landed with 100”s of junk emails from then on. Buy Helikon but from a UK branch

[@PreparedPathfinder]

That’s a shame. Yeah l think Helikon are a great brand.

[@mikel6517]

@@PreparedPathfinder still struggle to get rid of them even when blocked. Which is weird.

[@PreparedPathfinder]

@@mikel6517 yeah not ideal!

[@sigmundjahn3122]

Looks fancy. But it's got too many downsides for me.