Well Mark, my Matilda arrived about 5 days ago. Today is my first opportunity to try it out. As I'm typing, I'm 4 miles up South Mountain on the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania with my Beagle. I must say that this is a fine pack. I'm only lugging about 20 to 25 pounds but it feels much lighter. The pack hugs my back and hips, and doesn't slide down. It's very comfortable. I don't see a problem with the waist belt size. Seems perfect for me. The mollee webbing on the sides of the waist belt will allow for pouches that can hold water bottles on both sides, thus freeing up the three huge pouches on the back of the pack for other gear, if necessary. I'd rate this at a 9 out of ten stars. Just wish there was webbing on the bottom to hold a sleeping bag or a tent. My mistake. There is mollee webbing on the bottom. I didn't see it
I am glad you are enjoying the Matilda. it is my go-to bushcraft pack now. Hopefully, I will be able to obtain a few more items from the company as they are making some real good stuff. Thanks for commenting
Thanks for this honest and helpful review. I use mine as an overnight bag, for instance I returned yesterday from a 2 day hike in the Scottish Borders, staying in a bothy for 1 night. I have also found it big enough to use for tented trips. Scotland is a wet country, and the pack is not very water resistant, so I make sure that i use in in conjunction with dry bags of various sizes.
@@MarkYoungBushcraft I am lucky, as, in Scotland, there is a "Right to Roam" law, that means that you can camp or walk where you like, whether or not the land is private. They also give us oldies a bus pass, which enables us to ride the local busses as well as our equivalent of your "Greyhounds" free, throughout Scotland. I take plenty of trips!
Thanks for this very detailed and thorough review. I have one of these packs, which I use for overnighters, which was what I bought it for. I find it too large for day hiking. I live, and hike, in Scotland, where the weather is unpredictable, so you always have to carry cold / wet weather kit, even in Summer sudden snowstorms are not unknown. For 1 or 2 nights camping, this pack is fine, or for longer hikes if you are using bothies, not having to take a tent leaves room for a couple of extra days food. Like most hikers here, I am somewhat dubious about hydration bladders, and carry "Sigg" bottles or similar. The "Helikon" products that I own have all proved themselves tough, serviceable, and excellent value.
I agree the pack can be a bit big for most day hikes but I tend to pack heavy and often take my video recording equipment so the extra space is a benefit to me. It is interesting how different opinions are on hydration bladders. They appear to be more popular in North America than Europe. I usually carry a ss bottle in addition to the bladder when I so use one. Thanks for commenting
Very good review Mark. Helikon Tex are really starting to make a name for themselves. I own one of their military style poncho and I must say it is a brilliant piece of kit. Keep well sir!
Wow; what a great review!!! You touched on all the details that I would have asked about. I especially appreciated that you said you had extra room between the neck and the shoulders. A person who is less tall needs to know that. Thank you!!!
Nice review Mark - I've been looking at the pack for a while! I just bought the Foxtrot Mk2 Belt Rig from Helicon Tex and so far I'm liking it! Keep up the great work - Michael & Esme!! 🐶
Recently picked up their Possum fanny pack to keep my "pocket stuff" (phone, keys, wallet and so on) while in the outdoors that I do not necessarily want down in my pack (hard to get to) or pockets (easy to loose). Seems like a good product, and not too expensive either. Thanks for sharing!
Great vid Mark, great look at the pack. I like it, a nice workhorse design. I’d also be wanting the dedicated bladder sleeve but thats minor really. Especially like the double draw string closure at the top opening. And that seems to me to be a great price, particularly seeing the high build quality. Thanks Mark!
I think I can make a sleeve to use in the pack. At first, the double draw enclosure seemed a pain but I really appreciate it now. Thanks for commenting Randal
I wore it out in the woods today. Would prefer an external frame in the summer heat to helps stay cool but otherwise this is still my main pack. Thanks for commenting
I've had the pack for almost a year now......I do wish the shoulder straps were tad more padded..... Still a fantastic pack......my favorite out of my collection
I agree, great pack. Still my go-to for day hikes. I don't mind the straps too much as long as I keep the waist belt snug enough to take some of the weight. Thanks for commenting
Great pack Mark. I have been looking for a light weight pack about this size. Can a 1 liter nalgene bottle fit in one of the pockets? Looks like it may but could be tight. If I wanted a pocket for a bladder I would make one and attach it from the molle strap that runs across the top. Thanks for your honest review!
Hi Jackie. The pockets are more than big enough to hold a 1L Nalgene. I often carry a 40oz Klean Kanteen (larger than the Nalgene) and have plenty of room for additional items like my water filter and a drybag. I was thinking about making a sack for the bladder and hanging from the molle at the inside top of the pack. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft Awesome, thanks Mark! I like the three pockets. I have a Maxpedition Vulture 11 and had to put a water holder on the outside of one side, thus it feels lopsided even if I try to balance gear inside the pack on the opposite side. The water bottle in the Matilda could go in the middle pocket and I could balance out stuff in the other two pockets. Hummmm.....think I may have to make an order! lol
Mark, thanks for sharing, it looks pretty usable, and the color is nice as well. Some double sided velcro or ranger bands might help the waist belt issue.
i want the Matilda so badly as replacement for the Austrian "Alice" Backpack. very great design. but i'm worried that it will be not large enough. are the 35 liters capacity only for the main compartement without the 3 pockets or are they included?
I have always felt that the Matilda was larger than 25L but I did the math and the main compartment is 38.6L meaning the remaining 6L are made up by the three exterior pockets. I also have the Austrian Alice pack (video on how I attached it to an external frame). I would say the Matilda is a tiny bit bigger inside. Like the Alice, it has the extenion collar (snow collar) that adds volume to the pack. Hope this helps
Hi Mark! Great review. I own the same backpack almost at the beginning of his release. I don't use him for hiking but more for a typical holiday transportation backpack . I hate carry bags. There is one mistake - that backpack is NOT 35l capacity and it's a common mistake made even by a manufacturer. He's way to big, almost a 55 l. All 3 external patches are almost like 12-15 l. Well, to be honest the hydration blatter attachment was just a secondary option for people that really want it. I don't see any reason to use it except being in a combat situation.
Makes sense what you say about size. I prefer using a water bladder when hiking in hot weather as I am likely to drink more water than if I have to take the bag off every time I want a drink. Thanks for commenting
I use the same backpack. My main complaint against him is that the shoulders straps are too hard, so I put something under them. Just like in the Alice backpack, if you load too much into the back pockets, then the backpack pulls back. On the side of the backpack there are places for attaching various bags in the molle system, but all the bags I knew were too small, so after an hour of combining I was able to attach a haversack from the Polish army to the side and transferred to this haversack all the heavier things like a cooking set, stove and some food. Now the backpack does not pull back. You can use the camelback in a pocket intended for the frame, only you need to pour less water there - about 1.5 liters - and then it will fit into the pocket with the frame.
I agree that the pack tends to balance toward the back if the pockets are loaded. I try and place all my heavier items closer to my spine and use the compression straps to pull the pack in close. Still, it does not carry as well as some of the modern packs like my Osprey Aether. Thanks for commenting
I purchased a Helikon Tex Matilda pack about a year ago. The bag is great except that when I put water bottles and other items in the small external bags, I find they hand down below the body of the main pack! What is your opinion? Have you noticed this and does it bother you? The lower outside pockets on a military Alice pack a placed just a bit higher and don’t sag like the Matilda does.
Interesting observation. I have not had that issue but that may be because I tend to load my pack pretty full most trips out. I believe the pack being full will cause the pouches to lift off the ground some. That and keeping the pack tight with the side straps should help. I will have to watch for this the next time I use it. Thanks for commenting
Hello friend. What size are the side pockets? Can you put tools in them or a nesting cup/ 32 oz bottle? The pockets look small. This has many upgrades that I would have liked to see on the LL Bean Continental Pack.
The side pockets are quite big. I can place a 32oz bottle inside with much room left over. They measure 28cm deep and 12cm in diameter. Hope this helps
Mark, the Matilda is listed as 3.67 pounds empty. With your usual bushcraft loadout, how much does the Matilda plus bushcraft gear weigh? I try to achieve a pack weight between 15-20 pounds maximum ( pack plus gear to be used) for best comfortable carry. My usual is around 10-15 pounds with seasonal variation.
Honestly, I don't weigh my packs. I would guess the pack average is about 30lbs. I often can't get a true weight as I am carrying extra items that I am testing out as well as camera equipment. Most of my hiking is around 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 10 miles) at a time. My day hikes are usually about getting to a location where I spend time then return, unless I am exploring new area, then I go lighter. When I go overnight where I use a different pack (Osprey Atmos 65). Probably not much help. Thanks for commenting
Great review as usual! I really like my HT satchel and would love to buy a Numbat chest pack, but I’m having a hell of a time finding one in stock not to mention shipping to Canada. Cheers
You said the bag is 35 liters. Is that 35 liters including the 3 pouches on the front, or just the large cavern compartment NOT counting the 3 pouches on the front?
The information I provided was based on what the Helikon-Tex website stated. I am not able to verify that but my experience leads me to think the whole bag with the three pouches is closer to 50 litres in size. Hope this helps
Great review. At the moment these are not available anywhere in the United States, including Amazon. I ordered one tonight from an outfitter in the UK. Regarding the waist belt, since it's removable, I suspect you can purchase a heavy duty waist belt from another company (I'm thinking Kifaru) and slide it through.
@@MarkYoungBushcraft Maybe only a limited number were manufactured the first time. Perhaps supplies sold out in the US Aand more have not been resupplied because the product is undergoing upgrades. I don't know. Just speculating
Very nice review, thank you! :) As for the lid loops - I've got the Helikon Bergen that has the molle loops on the lid and frankly I prefer not to use. I'm afraid it would put too much strain on the lid zipper. Personally I'd prefer to keep the molle loops and lose the zippered pocket.
I like the looks of the Bergan. I agree about preferring the loops to the pocket or at least have the pocket on the inside of the lid. Thanks for commenting
Hello Mark! I like the pack, problem is, I prefer to focus the weight on my hip, not shoulders, I know u said the waist strap is not meant for the weight, but maybe it could be used as such ( I’ll half to rewatch video) but I don’t recall hearing u say anything on if the shoulder straps could be adjusted, my main question is...do u think it will fit a 5’ 2” 108 lb me??? I’m asking, cause a lot of stuff is made for a mans body. I checked ur link on the pack, it did not specify different sizes. I do have a big pack that I used on the AT, but need a day pack, I love what this one has, I’m just concerned on if using waist belt, putting weight on my hips, will the shoulder straps become? Airborne??? And will it be too big, I don’t know ur height to get an idea on how big it is. I know, put on someone my size, 👍🏼 Thank u
joy bickerstaff i find within the constraints of the size of pack, with a full frame sheet and aluminum stay, that sort of pack will transfer quite a bit of weight to the hips if you hike it up a bit on your back when you first put it on, then loosen the shoulder straps till it just leans back from your shoulders so the weight will settle on the belt a bit, then cinch back up on the shoulders as desired. Certainly will not transfer as much as a full frame pack, but up to 30-35 pounds or so it will do well. I used to use very similar packs myself for quite a while, I often would add an extra stay, or double the frame sheet, to stiffen them up a bit and it can make a considerable difference sometimes if you need to carry a largish load over distance.
Hi Joy. I have been giving this some thought and I don't think you would be happy with this pack. I feel it is meant for longer male torsos. I would think you might be better off with something from Osprey or Kelty brand. I know they are not made as heavy duty as this one is. Having said that, Helikon-Tex does have other packs you may want to look at. Hope this helps
I have various Items from Helikontex I'm pleased with them thus far, I think IMO that a 500d would make it that much better.and perhaps tweek the back and raise the mesh for better air flow . Great review Mark thank you. Perhaps next time you do a backpack video you might want to load the pack out just to give it structure. Have a good weekend
I debated leaving the pack loaded for that reason but did not want to end up doing a load-out video. In hind sight, I probably could have left it full and still did the review with talking about the contents. Thanks for commenting
The product description says "Hydration systems compatible - Camelbak holder". Beyond that, I don't know. I hope to learn more from the company in response to my comment regarding the lack of a mesh divider in the bag. I don't see anything on the Camelbak site that would include a carrier. Just the bladder and purpose designed bags. If I learn anything more I will either do an update video or add it the video somehow. Thanks for commenting.
Yes, I use it most of my trips to the woods. I only switch out to an external frame pack during the hot months to get more ventilation. Thanks for commenting
Hi mark! Would you say this bag would be okay for packing everything for 1-3 day overnighters in the woods ? E.g with Sleep bag, blanket, extra clothes etc. Thanks in advance atb
Hi Scott. The short answer is yes. It will depend on how much kit you want to carry and how far you will be hiking. I feel I can comfortably carry up to 40lbs in this bag if well packed. I could carry all I would need for a warm weather camp but not a cold weather camp. The 35 litre capacity is not a lot of room inside but you can add items to the outside of the bag quite easily if desired. Hope this helps
i must correct you, the main material (the shiny stuff) is 210D Nylon, only the rear of the Backpack is made of Cordura 500D. but i think you already figured out after 4 years
@@MarkYoungBushcraft i haven't found them locally. Will probably have to order direct from them. Will cost a fortune due to exchange rate, but it looks like a must for some of my needs.
Articulate, detailed, organized, insightful! An anomaly on TH-cam. Great review! Cheers
Thank you for your kind words. Glad you liked the video. Thanks for commenting
Well Mark, my Matilda arrived about 5 days ago. Today is my first opportunity to try it out. As I'm typing, I'm 4 miles up South Mountain on the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania with my Beagle. I must say that this is a fine pack. I'm only lugging about 20 to 25 pounds but it feels much lighter. The pack hugs my back and hips, and doesn't slide down. It's very comfortable. I don't see a problem with the waist belt size. Seems perfect for me. The mollee webbing on the sides of the waist belt will allow for pouches that can hold water bottles on both sides, thus freeing up the three huge pouches on the back of the pack for other gear, if necessary. I'd rate this at a 9 out of ten stars. Just wish there was webbing on the bottom to hold a sleeping bag or a tent. My mistake. There is mollee webbing on the bottom. I didn't see it
I am glad you are enjoying the Matilda. it is my go-to bushcraft pack now. Hopefully, I will be able to obtain a few more items from the company as they are making some real good stuff. Thanks for commenting
Seems like a great design, i'm a big fan of outside pockets for quick access. a real good informative review Mark, thanks for sharing
I am really liking it. Not quite as traditional as the LL Bean Continental but still works well for me. Thanks for commenting Wayne
Awesome review Mark, that pack looks like a winner. I like the modern take on a classic military design. Well done buddy!👍
Why mess with success unless it makes it better like they did here. Thanks for commenting Wade
Thanks for this honest and helpful review. I use mine as an overnight bag, for instance I returned yesterday from a 2 day hike in the Scottish Borders, staying in a bothy for 1 night. I have also found it big enough to use for tented trips. Scotland is a wet country, and the pack is not very water resistant, so I make sure that i use in in conjunction with dry bags of various sizes.
Sounded like a great trip. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft I am lucky, as, in Scotland, there is a "Right to Roam" law, that means that you can camp or walk where you like, whether or not the land is private. They also give us oldies a bus pass, which enables us to ride the local busses as well as our equivalent of your "Greyhounds" free, throughout Scotland. I take plenty of trips!
A great review, very thorough, informative and helpful. Looking forward to the next vid. 👍 Thanks! Thomas
Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for commenting
Thanks Mark. Some good pointers there. As always a good impartial review. Thanks for posting.
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting
Thanks for this very detailed and thorough review. I have one of these packs, which I use for overnighters, which was what I bought it for. I find it too large for day hiking. I live, and hike, in Scotland, where the weather is unpredictable, so you always have to carry cold / wet weather kit, even in Summer sudden snowstorms are not unknown. For 1 or 2 nights camping, this pack is fine, or for longer hikes if you are using bothies, not having to take a tent leaves room for a couple of extra days food. Like most hikers here, I am somewhat dubious about hydration bladders, and carry "Sigg" bottles or similar. The "Helikon" products that I own have all proved themselves tough, serviceable, and excellent value.
I agree the pack can be a bit big for most day hikes but I tend to pack heavy and often take my video recording equipment so the extra space is a benefit to me. It is interesting how different opinions are on hydration bladders. They appear to be more popular in North America than Europe. I usually carry a ss bottle in addition to the bladder when I so use one. Thanks for commenting
Very good review Mark. Helikon Tex are really starting to make a name for themselves. I own one of their military style poncho and I must say it is a brilliant piece of kit. Keep well sir!
They are making some very competitively priced kit. Thanks for commenting
Great review, honest and straight forward.
Glad you like the video. I can't imagine making a review any other way. Thanks for commenting
Wow; what a great review!!! You touched on all the details that I would have asked about. I especially appreciated that you said you had extra room between the neck and the shoulders. A person who is less tall needs to know that. Thank you!!!
Glad you liked the review. Thanks for commenting
Nice review Mark - I've been looking at the pack for a while! I just bought the Foxtrot Mk2 Belt Rig from Helicon Tex and so far I'm liking it! Keep up the great work - Michael & Esme!! 🐶
Thank you Michael (and Esme). I won't hesitate to try their other items if I get a chance.
Recently picked up their Possum fanny pack to keep my "pocket stuff" (phone, keys, wallet and so on) while in the outdoors that I do not necessarily want down in my pack (hard to get to) or pockets (easy to loose). Seems like a good product, and not too expensive either. Thanks for sharing!
All their stuff appears to be good value for sure. I have the chest rig I am testing as well. So far I like it a lot. Thanks for commenting
Thanks, I've been looking at the Helikon-Tex brand products for a while. They all look very well thought out.
The samples they sent me are really well designed and well built. It appears they have heir act together. Thanks for commenting
Thumb up. Very interesting video and great review. Thanks for sharing this video.
Glad you liked the video. Thanks for commenting
Great vid Mark, great look at the pack. I like it, a nice workhorse design. I’d also be wanting the dedicated bladder sleeve but thats minor really. Especially like the double draw string closure at the top opening.
And that seems to me to be a great price, particularly seeing the high build quality.
Thanks Mark!
I think I can make a sleeve to use in the pack. At first, the double draw enclosure seemed a pain but I really appreciate it now. Thanks for commenting Randal
Very detailed review - not a bad price either. Great video
Glad you liked the video. Thanks for commenting.
It's been a year and a half and not a single dislike - impressive :-)
I wore it out in the woods today. Would prefer an external frame in the summer heat to helps stay cool but otherwise this is still my main pack. Thanks for commenting
Great review Mark.
Thanks Jon. My first backpack review
Great review - to the point but detailed. I'm not thinking of buying the Matilda but it's a good introduction to the range,
Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting
I've had the pack for almost a year now......I do wish the shoulder straps were tad more padded..... Still a fantastic pack......my favorite out of my collection
I agree, great pack. Still my go-to for day hikes. I don't mind the straps too much as long as I keep the waist belt snug enough to take some of the weight. Thanks for commenting
Good thorough appraisal Mark. Looking forward to your thoughts on the satchel :)
Glad you enjoyed the video. So far I am really liking the satchel. Thanks for commenting
Great pack Mark. I have been looking for a light weight pack about this size. Can a 1 liter nalgene bottle fit in one of the pockets? Looks like it may but could be tight. If I wanted a pocket for a bladder I would make one and attach it from the molle strap that runs across the top. Thanks for your honest review!
Hi Jackie. The pockets are more than big enough to hold a 1L Nalgene. I often carry a 40oz Klean Kanteen (larger than the Nalgene) and have plenty of room for additional items like my water filter and a drybag. I was thinking about making a sack for the bladder and hanging from the molle at the inside top of the pack. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft Awesome, thanks Mark! I like the three pockets. I have a Maxpedition Vulture 11 and had to put a water holder on the outside of one side, thus it feels lopsided even if I try to balance gear inside the pack on the opposite side. The water bottle in the Matilda could go in the middle pocket and I could balance out stuff in the other two pockets. Hummmm.....think I may have to make an order! lol
Mark, thanks for sharing, it looks pretty usable, and the color is nice as well. Some double sided velcro or ranger bands might help the waist belt issue.
You are most welcome. Interesting suggestion for the waist belt. Thanks for commenting
i want the Matilda so badly as replacement for the Austrian "Alice" Backpack. very great design. but i'm worried that it will be not large enough. are the 35 liters capacity only for the main compartement without the 3 pockets or are they included?
I have always felt that the Matilda was larger than 25L but I did the math and the main compartment is 38.6L meaning the remaining 6L are made up by the three exterior pockets. I also have the Austrian Alice pack (video on how I attached it to an external frame). I would say the Matilda is a tiny bit bigger inside. Like the Alice, it has the extenion collar (snow collar) that adds volume to the pack. Hope this helps
Hi Mark! Great review. I own the same backpack almost at the beginning of his release. I don't use him for hiking but more for a typical holiday transportation backpack . I hate carry bags. There is one mistake - that backpack is NOT 35l capacity and it's a common mistake made even by a manufacturer. He's way to big, almost a 55 l. All 3 external patches are almost like 12-15 l. Well, to be honest the hydration blatter attachment was just a secondary option for people that really want it. I don't see any reason to use it except being in a combat situation.
Makes sense what you say about size. I prefer using a water bladder when hiking in hot weather as I am likely to drink more water than if I have to take the bag off every time I want a drink. Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft I prefer to mount a pouch on the waist belt 😀 Good review, try more Helikon stuff .
onduty.ca carries the Helikon Tex line in Canada. Price for the Matilda is $139.95 CDN ( about $105 USD). Good for us Canadians.
This is greatly appreciated. I have updated the video description. Thank you
I use the same backpack. My main complaint against him is that the shoulders straps are too hard, so I put something under them.
Just like in the Alice backpack, if you load too much into the back pockets, then the backpack pulls back. On the side of the backpack there are places for attaching various bags in the molle system, but all the bags I knew were too small, so after an hour of combining I was able to attach a haversack from the Polish army to the side and transferred to this haversack all the heavier things like a cooking set, stove and some food. Now the backpack does not pull back.
You can use the camelback in a pocket intended for the frame, only you need to pour less water there - about 1.5 liters - and then it will fit into the pocket with the frame.
I agree that the pack tends to balance toward the back if the pockets are loaded. I try and place all my heavier items closer to my spine and use the compression straps to pull the pack in close. Still, it does not carry as well as some of the modern packs like my Osprey Aether. Thanks for commenting
I purchased a Helikon Tex Matilda pack about a year ago. The bag is great except that when I put water bottles and other items in the small external bags, I find they hand down below the body of the main pack! What is your opinion? Have you noticed this and does it bother you? The lower outside pockets on a military Alice pack a placed just a bit higher and don’t sag like the Matilda does.
Interesting observation. I have not had that issue but that may be because I tend to load my pack pretty full most trips out. I believe the pack being full will cause the pouches to lift off the ground some. That and keeping the pack tight with the side straps should help. I will have to watch for this the next time I use it. Thanks for commenting
Hello friend. What size are the side pockets? Can you put tools in them or a nesting cup/ 32 oz bottle? The pockets look small. This has many upgrades that I would have liked to see on the LL Bean Continental Pack.
The side pockets are quite big. I can place a 32oz bottle inside with much room left over. They measure 28cm deep and 12cm in diameter. Hope this helps
Mark, the Matilda is listed as 3.67 pounds empty. With your usual bushcraft loadout, how much does the Matilda plus bushcraft gear weigh? I try to achieve a pack weight between 15-20 pounds maximum ( pack plus gear to be used) for best comfortable carry. My usual is around 10-15 pounds with seasonal variation.
Honestly, I don't weigh my packs. I would guess the pack average is about 30lbs. I often can't get a true weight as I am carrying extra items that I am testing out as well as camera equipment. Most of my hiking is around 10 to 15 kilometers (6 to 10 miles) at a time. My day hikes are usually about getting to a location where I spend time then return, unless I am exploring new area, then I go lighter. When I go overnight where I use a different pack (Osprey Atmos 65). Probably not much help. Thanks for commenting
Great review as usual! I really like my HT satchel and would love to buy a Numbat chest pack, but I’m having a hell of a time finding one in stock not to mention shipping to Canada. Cheers
I am loving the satchel as well. I will be testing the Numbat out. Have you checked the Canadian link in the show notes? Thanks for commenting
Hi Mark, I sent an email to on duty to check if the numbat is actually in stock and I never got a response. I might try calling them .
You said the bag is 35 liters. Is that 35 liters including the 3 pouches on the front, or just the large cavern compartment NOT counting the 3 pouches on the front?
The information I provided was based on what the Helikon-Tex website stated. I am not able to verify that but my experience leads me to think the whole bag with the three pouches is closer to 50 litres in size. Hope this helps
@@MarkYoungBushcraft it certainly does. Thank you and great video.
Great review. At the moment these are not available anywhere in the United States, including Amazon. I ordered one tonight from an outfitter in the UK. Regarding the waist belt, since it's removable, I suspect you can purchase a heavy duty waist belt from another company (I'm thinking Kifaru) and slide it through.
Interesting. I see a number of other Helikon-Tex products on Amazon but not the Matilda. I wonder why? Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft Maybe only a limited number were manufactured the first time. Perhaps supplies sold out in the US Aand more have not been resupplied because the product is undergoing upgrades. I don't know. Just speculating
Good Honest review & Points made there, Mark Well worth the price IMO ATB T God Bless
I agree they are making some nice gear. Thanks for commenting Terry
Very nice review, thank you! :)
As for the lid loops - I've got the Helikon Bergen that has the molle loops on the lid and frankly I prefer not to use. I'm afraid it would put too much strain on the lid zipper. Personally I'd prefer to keep the molle loops and lose the zippered pocket.
I like the looks of the Bergan. I agree about preferring the loops to the pocket or at least have the pocket on the inside of the lid. Thanks for commenting
Hello Mark! I like the pack, problem is, I prefer to focus the weight on my hip, not shoulders, I know u said the waist strap is not meant for the weight, but maybe it could be used as such ( I’ll half to rewatch video) but I don’t recall hearing u say anything on if the shoulder straps could be adjusted, my main question is...do u think it will fit a 5’ 2” 108 lb me??? I’m asking, cause a lot of stuff is made for a mans body. I checked ur link on the pack, it did not specify different sizes. I do have a big pack that I used on the AT, but need a day pack, I love what this one has, I’m just concerned on if using waist belt, putting weight on my hips, will the shoulder straps become? Airborne??? And will it be too big, I don’t know ur height to get an idea on how big it is. I know, put on someone my size, 👍🏼 Thank u
joy bickerstaff i find within the constraints of the size of pack, with a full frame sheet and aluminum stay, that sort of pack will transfer quite a bit of weight to the hips if you hike it up a bit on your back when you first put it on, then loosen the shoulder straps till it just leans back from your shoulders so the weight will settle on the belt a bit, then cinch back up on the shoulders as desired.
Certainly will not transfer as much as a full frame pack, but up to 30-35 pounds or so it will do well.
I used to use very similar packs myself for quite a while, I often would add an extra stay, or double the frame sheet, to stiffen them up a bit and it can make a considerable difference sometimes if you need to carry a largish load over distance.
Hi Joy. I have been giving this some thought and I don't think you would be happy with this pack. I feel it is meant for longer male torsos. I would think you might be better off with something from Osprey or Kelty brand. I know they are not made as heavy duty as this one is. Having said that, Helikon-Tex does have other packs you may want to look at. Hope this helps
Mark Young Thank u for being honest with me, I appreciate that!
Vinland Bushcraft Thank u
I have various Items from Helikontex I'm pleased with them thus far, I think IMO that a 500d would make it that much better.and perhaps tweek the back and raise the mesh for better air flow . Great review Mark thank you. Perhaps next time you do a backpack video you might want to load the pack out just to give it structure. Have a good weekend
I debated leaving the pack loaded for that reason but did not want to end up doing a load-out video. In hind sight, I probably could have left it full and still did the review with talking about the contents. Thanks for commenting
Was it designed for the military bladders or the civilian product. GReat review for a well priced pack. KEep walking!
The product description says "Hydration systems compatible - Camelbak holder". Beyond that, I don't know. I hope to learn more from the company in response to my comment regarding the lack of a mesh divider in the bag. I don't see anything on the Camelbak site that would include a carrier. Just the bladder and purpose designed bags. If I learn anything more I will either do an update video or add it the video somehow. Thanks for commenting.
Do you still recommend this pack?
Yes, I use it most of my trips to the woods. I only switch out to an external frame pack during the hot months to get more ventilation. Thanks for commenting
Hi mark! Would you say this bag would be okay for packing everything for 1-3 day overnighters in the woods ? E.g with Sleep bag, blanket, extra clothes etc. Thanks in advance atb
Hi Scott. The short answer is yes. It will depend on how much kit you want to carry and how far you will be hiking. I feel I can comfortably carry up to 40lbs in this bag if well packed. I could carry all I would need for a warm weather camp but not a cold weather camp. The 35 litre capacity is not a lot of room inside but you can add items to the outside of the bag quite easily if desired. Hope this helps
@@MarkYoungBushcraft yes helpful thanks!👍🏻
Looks good .
Thanks for commenting
i must correct you, the main material (the shiny stuff) is 210D Nylon, only the rear of the Backpack is made of Cordura 500D. but i think you already figured out after 4 years
You are correct. Thanks for commenting
Nice review
Thanks for commenting
@@MarkYoungBushcraft i haven't found them locally. Will probably have to order direct from them. Will cost a fortune due to exchange rate, but it looks like a must for some of my needs.