I've had this backpack for a while now, I've already taken it out into the field, and I have to admit it really gets the job done. The build quality is genuinely solid—the material is strong, durable, and resistant to abrasion, so you don’t have to treat it like it’s made of glass when pushing through bushes or setting it down on the ground. The zippers run smoothly and nothing gets stuck. As for storage capacity, I’m very positively surprised. The main compartment is well thought out, and the pocket layout makes it easy to organize all your gear nicely, so everything has its place and nothing moves around inside while walking. The MOLLE system and the ability to easily attach extra items on the outside are also a huge plus.
Helikon-Tex Raider Backpack 20 l - Black
A 20-liter capacity backpack in Black, crafted from robust, damage-resistant 500D Cordura. Thanks to an intelligently designed structure, the backpack ensures fast and easy access to the contents inside. Ideal for tactical missions, outdoor excursions, and everyday EDC requirements.
Thoughtful pocket layout
The backpack features a total of 7 purposefully arranged pockets, offering efficient storage and easy access to your essential gear:
- a front roll-up beavertail pocket, specifically designed for securing a helmet
- a top pocket lined with velour for safely stowing glasses
- an upper compartment equipped with an organizer for small accessories
- two elastic side pockets suitable for holding a water bottle or thermal mug
- an internal mesh pocket located within the main compartment
- a compartment for a hydration insert inside the main section
- a slim bottom pocket that houses an integrated rain cover
The generous main compartment along with additional pockets are secured by YKK zippers, guaranteeing durability and smooth use.
Carry system
Outfitted with adjustable shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and a hip belt, the backpack enables a customized fit to match the user's physique. The reverse side of the straps and the back panel incorporate soft, breathable spacer mesh to enhance airflow. Additional D-ring attachments are integrated into the straps. Quick-release Fastex buckles allow for easy detachment of the straps. The adjustable hip belt can be fully concealed within the side pockets when not in use.
Versatile Insert System
The main compartment is equipped with a Velcro panel featuring a soft loop surface, designed for attaching inserts from the Versatile Insert System, such as extra pockets or pouches. This setup allows for tailored organization of the backpack according to operational needs. A hook and loop panel on the front provides a space for securing various emblems, including a national flag, unit insignia, or Morale Patches.
MOLLE/PALS Mounting System
Located on the front and sides of the backpack, MOLLE/PALS mounting straps provide the option to attach extra pouches or accessories, tailored to your chosen setup.
Integrated rain cover
The bottom section of the backpack is equipped with a dedicated zippered compartment that houses an integrated rain cover. This feature ensures effective protection for both the backpack and its contents from moisture during rain or snowfall.
Main features
- 20-liter capacity
- Constructed from robust 500D Cordura fabric
- Features seven versatile pockets
- Equipped with a beavertail compartment for convenient helmet carry
- Includes an integrated rain cover
- Outfitted with an internal divider suitable for a hydration bladder
- Designed with elastic side compartments
- Compatible with MOLLE/PALS attachments for modular expansion
- Comes with an adjustable hip belt, sternum strap, and shoulder straps
- Back panel finished with breathable spacer mesh for enhanced airflow
Militaria.pl is the official distributor of Helikon-Tex.
Helikon-Tex is a Polish company founded in 1983, specializing in the production of tactical, military, and outdoor clothing. It offers a wide range of products such as clothing, backpacks, bags, and tactical accessories, which have earned recognition among both uniformed services and outdoor enthusiasts. Its range includes standout lines such as: Bushcraft - dedicated to survival enthusiasts, Law Enforcement - designed for uniformed services, and Range - created for shooters. Helikon-Tex uses modern camouflage patterns such as MultiCam, ATACS, and PenCott, ensuring adaptation to different terrain conditions.
| Color/camouflage | Black |
|---|---|
| Main compartments fastening | Zipper |
| Dedicated laptop pocket | No |
| Molle/pals compatible | Yes |
| Mesh spacer | Yes |
| Number of compartments | 1 |
| Dimensions | 47 x 31 x 15 cm |
| Capacity | 20 l |
| Number of pockets | 7 |
| Main color | Black |
| External equipment attachment option | Yes |
| Compatible with hydration system | Yes |
| Raincover | Yes |
| Waist strap | Yes |
| Chest strap | Yes |
| Weight | 1435 g |
| EAN | 5902688032708 |
| Manufacturer code | PL-RID-CD-01 |
| Brand | Helikon-Tex |
| Main material | 100% 500D Cordura |
| EAN |
The velcro panel is an area with sewn-on Velcro tape that allows easy attachment of various additional items, such as patches or pockets.
Cordura is a material woven from durable nylon fibers, developed by DuPont. The structure of the material provides lightness and abrasion resistance, as well as weather resistance. Due to its properties, Cordura is widely used in tactical equipment.
YKK zippers are high-quality zippers commonly used in clothing and accessories, manufactured by the Japanese YKK Corporation - one of the world's largest zipper manufacturers.
Versatile Insert System (VIS) is a modular attachment system that allows you to personalize and organize your tactical equipment. It consists of inserts, adapters and holders that can be attached to Velcro panels inside a backpack, bag or tactical vest. The system is compatible with a wide range of products, allowing easy transfer of equipment between different pieces of gear. Thanks to the simple attachment method, items can be quickly installed and removed.
MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) is a system for attachment of tactical equipment, used for example in backpacks or tactical vests. It provides the possibility of flexible and modular placement of various accessories and pockets, which allows personalization and optimal adjustment of the item to the specific needs of the user. It is widely used by the military, special services and survival and outdoor enthusiasts.
Woojin buckles are a type of buckles and fasteners made of high-quality materials such as polyamide or polypropylene, which ensures durability and weather resistance. They are widely used in the manufacture of backpacks, bags, clothing and tactical gear, providing sturdy, reliable and easy-to-use fasteners.
Reviews with photos
Review summary
The Helikon Raider backpack is praised for its excellent craftsmanship, durability, and comfort in both urban and outdoor settings. Customers appreciate the spacious main compartment, well-designed pocket arrangement, and practical features such as a helmet holder and hydrapack space. Adjustable straps and a reinforced back enhance wearing comfort, while the cordura fabric ensures long-term durability, even with intensive use. Users highlight its functionality, customization options, and stylish appearance. Some concerns are noted about the straps and the system for attaching additional gear, as well as differences in color between product photos and the actual item. Despite minor drawbacks, most reviews recommend this backpack as a solid choice for everyday use and shorter trips.
Number of reviews: 33
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I bought the Raider 20L backpack by Helikon-Tex in this store. The shipment arrived quickly, and the product turned out to be original. I have already had the opportunity to test it during a rainy walk—we were collecting water with a friend in the city. The rain cover worked great, because the contents of the backpack stayed dry. The straps soaked a little, but that's normal since they're on the outside. The back part is very comfortable and fits great against the back. I filled it up a lot, but the chest and hip straps significantly improve comfort—the backpack fits perfectly, and the straps don’t move. The accessories are also top-notch: the material is solid, pleasant to the touch, everything works as it should. The “beaver tail” solution is great—I can store a jacket or sweatshirt there and have the main compartment free. In reality, the backpack holds more than it seems. The side pockets for bottles also work well, the elastic bands keep them stable. The only complaint is a small spot on the pocket when unpacking, which I easily removed with a wet wipe—now it's flawless. The backpack meets expectations, I am completely satisfied with the purchase.
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Helikon Raider Backpack 20L – Black The backpack appears to be very durable and clearly intended for long-term use. Top-quality materials have been used here, and the zippers and stitching are solid and resistant. Despite its robust construction, the backpack is very comfortable to wear, even when fully packed. The straps and back panel provide excellent support, making it suitable for intensive, long-term carrying. Thoughtful compartment layout, adequate capacity for 20 liters, and an aesthetic, tactical design. To sum up, this is a premium backpack that combines sturdiness with user comfort. I highly recommend it.
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When I received the backpack, it seemed larger than Helikon's description indicated. I bought it for cycling. It has good side pockets where I can easily fit a one-liter Nalgene bottle. It's also important that it has an integrated rain cover, and the beaver tail can be rolled up when not in use. I recommend it.
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Excellent. It feels heavy in the hand but you don't feel the weight on your back (of course, after miles you will feel it). The only concern is about the product photos from the manufacturer, shops, and users. It looks different everywhere. So, if you see it in person, expect colors that are not the ones you saw.
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The backpack makes a great first impression but also has serious drawbacks. The straps are too close together and thin, so they slip out of the buckles when worn. All the straps should have had adjusters. Once improved, it stays on your back like it's glued, very comfortable. The Velcro fasteners for the excess loose straps are useless; they scraped wounds on my forearms when putting it on, so I replaced them with loops and clips. After modifications, it's great. The helmet pocket is perfect for carrying binoculars ;)
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Amazing backpack, high-end quality. Great craftsmanship, excellent pocket solutions and arrangement. The whole backpack is reinforced, large range of shoulder and strap adjustments.
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This exact backpack was recommended to me by a professional. I use it as my EDC and I am very satisfied. It's a very comfortable and spacious backpack. The back of the backpack is very stiff, which improves comfort, and nothing digs into my back.
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The backpack is well made, solid and durable, after almost six months of daily use there are barely any signs of wear. The main compartment is spacious and the smaller pockets do the job. Unfortunately, the backpack doesn't have much space to attach things like a sleeping mat or sleeping bag, so you have to get creative with cords and carabiners. The carrier barely fits PASGT-type helmets, while FAST helmets fit just fine. The color of the backpack itself is fine, but the straps are a very light grassy green, not as depicted in the picture, which spoils the look a bit. However, when the backpack is in grass in summer, it blends in with the surroundings. The backpack is unstable even when fully loaded, which is annoying and is due to its shape, but on the back it distributes weight very well and is easy to carry, with the buckle on the shoulder straps and hip belt making it even easier. Overall, it's a very good backpack, but for the price it's better to pay a bit more and get something more versatile. It works well as a patrol backpack but is not suitable for the forest or several-day trips. Unfortunately, I bought the backpack at the old price and paid almost 600 PLN, however, as compensation, I received a coupon equivalent to the price difference. If I could turn back time, I’d either buy it in adaptive green or get something else.
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I use this backpack every day for work and it works great for that. Really well-designed mesh pockets, a large main compartment, and several small zippered pockets.
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Great backpack, spacious, very well sewn from good materials. And a huge plus is the carrier for a helmet or helmet!! I RECOMMEND!!
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Backpack used for several months. Tested on the training ground and at the border. Despite intensive use, there are no visible signs of wear (cordura does its job). Very spacious main and top compartments. The helmet and carrier fit perfectly. I recommend it.
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Great backpack with a great look. Perfect for biking as it has space for a hydration pack and a helmet :)
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Great backpack and this earth brown color is awesome.
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The backpack is exactly as it should be, after all Helikon never made, doesn't make, and probably will never make junk.
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