Helikon Direct Action Rucksacks

At the IWA Show in Germany earlier this year I spent some time with the guys from Helikon- Tex looking at samples of their new Direct Action Line of clothing and gear, and I’ve been waiting patiently for it to actually start hitting the stores as production models. At last the wait is over!

The Direct Action line is a series of professional products from Helikon-Tex, to extend their already comprehensive range of quality tactical clothing and accessories. This new range includes kit made to the highest specification and features bags and rucs, MOLLE system pouches and accessories, head gear, tactical clothing and footwear. Designed with law enforcement and security personnel in mind, the Direct Action range, now steadily becoming more and more available, will answer the needs of all users.

As 2014 draws to a close it was a real treat for me to receive DUST and DRAGON EGG models to test courtesy of UK retailer Military1st who are now stocking the entire pack line in multiple colourways, both block and in camouflage patterns.

At 25 litres the newly DRAGON EGG pack is absolutely perfect as a neat, day patrol pack. Made of durable and water resistant 500D Cordura material, the DRAGON EGG pack is a tactical low profile hydration backpack, perfect for tactical use. The pack comes with two hydration bladder compartments, a dedicated laptop storage compartment, an admin section with multiple inner sleeves and pockets, comfortably padded shoulder straps with added chest fastening for extra comfort, and a removable hip belt with quick release buckle. A very attractive laser- cut MOLLE/PALS compatible system and number of a lateral compression straps allow for high level of customisation and flexibility, while the multiple storage compartments offer a huge amount of carrying space; there’s even an awesome little paracord drag handle. Thanks to the egg shape, the pack is lower in height and narrower in width than other packs with a similar capacity and this makes it more comfortable with belt kits or ballistic vests.

Into Action

Again made of durable and water resistant 500D Cordura fabric the DUST pack is the perfect tactical low-profile EDC hydration backpack. With a capacity of 20 litres the pack comes with hydration bladder compartments, padded laptop storage compartment and large front admin organiser with multiple inner pockets and a transparent map pocket. Padded shoulder straps and a removable hip belt allow for comfortable wear even with belt kits or ballistic vests, while a laser- cut MOLLE/PALS section offers an additional platform for mounting of MOLLE accessories like water bottle pouches and first aid kits. Multiple side compression straps offers high level of customisation and flexibility and allow the backpack to be adapted to the size of the carried kit, preventing it from shifting inside the bag. This uniquely flexible hydration pack represents a perfect storage solution for mission essentials, hydration bladders, EDC kit and laptops and is perfect as a one-day patrol pack or light travel bag.

The finish and quality of construction of both packs is absolutely first rate; I’ve already loaded them and given them a good drag around and they show every sign of lapping up abuse and coming back for more!

If you’re in the market for a new ruc for 2015 then I’d suggest you take a very long, hard look at the new Direct Action models.