Helikon-Tex Bushcraft Line, Chest Pack Numbat

This is a more useful item than I anticipated, and compares with the similar but more expensive (and arguably less functional) Hill People Gear products. It's well-made and the materials seem durable. Attachment points on the pack are functional and not as overtly "tactical" looking as MOLLE webbing, while still allowing for dummy-cording items or clipping flashlights. The front pouches, while made of a stretchy material, are slightly tight for modern, large-screen smartphones, and they can take a little wrestling to get in and out -- but on the bright side, won't fall out accidentally. The main compartment has a velcro loop back panel to attach your own pouches or dividers, along with a removable admin panel that keeps maps and documents out of the rain. It's not really large enough to use for serious navigation, to be honest, but makes a handy place to store maps, and the loops on the other side hold items securely. I did find loose items packed in the back would sometimes fall out the sides if I zipped the main compartment wide open. Speaking of the zippers, they have nice paracord pulls, knotted and shrink-wrapped, but you might need to melt the ends to prevent unraveling. All in all, worth considering if you feel just a tad too goofy wearing the equivalent MOLLE-festooned other products, but still want convenient access to something while wearing a pack or just out on the trails.

It is still pretty new, but seems to be very well built. For me, it is just about the perfect size. It's not big and in the way or overwhelming, but enough capacity to carry the important items I like having this handy when in the woods or riding the motorcycle. The fit is adjustable and it rides on the chest well even with some heavier items. I got the coyote brown and may go for another in black as well I like this one so. I don't normally write reviews this strong btw.

Used my chest pack for the first time yesterday. Very comfortable and convenient. I liked the access and “shelf aspect”. it held all my items nicely... cell phone, pen, note pad, small flashlight, knife, rubber gloves, GPS, compass, map, flagging tape, and glasses cleaners. My one complaint would be that the stretch material pockets on the front will be a little too small for a larger size GPS or radio unit.

I've tested this item on numerous search and rescue training ops, packed to the hilt with a whistle and Ranger Beads attached to the front. Backup flashlight and 'biners attached on bottom. Flawless performance and easy to get to the map compartment to remove maps and update my rite-in-the-rain notes. Don't try slipping the pack on over your head. Unlock one of the side straps, don the bag, then attach the side strap. Much easier if you have headgear.

With the recent issues of people falling of a chair lift or getting their pack stuck on the lift while skiing, I wanted something different to carry my random ski items. I decided for a chest pack. This way I didn't need to remove the backpack when getting on a chair lift, which many places are making skiers do now. I looked up chest packs and unfortunately many of them are designed to hold radios or guns, not as ideal to hold the items I needed. I finally came across this pack and it met all of my needs. I have used it several times now while skiing and it's perfect. I don't notice it at all, everything is easy to get too. The map insert is great to hold a mountain trail map. I added a small carabiner to hold my gloves while walking around.

I have spent a long time looking for a chest pack that was conducive to my backpacking and hiking needs. This thing is awesome! Very comfortable. It's not huge, but has enough capacity for a cellphone small tripod or smaller camera lenses. If you C.C. you can buy a nylon holster the Velcros to the inside. Check out their web site and watch a few reviews on YouTube regarding these. You'll find that this is one of the better chest packs out there.

Amazing. I have been through over a hundred pouches, every style, everything from us marine gear to china hopeful's.... Buy it now. Motocross, tactical, outdoorsman, whatever you do, it'll work for you.Love the clear map foldout, protects from water, easy to read, amazing. Thank you Jeff for introducing me to Helikon-Tex!

I bought this chest pack for carrying a handgun while mountain biking and dirt bike trail riding out in the woods of Oregon. Before I packed my problem solver in a backpack but found out only after getting attacked by a stray dog that I couldn't reach it in time. The pack is not as quick as a holster but I don't have to worry about it falling out on the trail while I'm riding and it's alot faster than a backpack so it seems to be a good compromise. I would recommend you buy the maxpedition gun and mag inserts over the helikon ones especially if you like having a flashlight on your gun.

Best chest ring about! I bought a cheap version of this bag and with in a week I had ordered this one! Pay the the extra money! Maybe it’s just me but I love it! And looks good! I can fit my full size iPad in this bag along with a battery pack and other bits, but still looks cool! Originally bought for bushcraft and hiking but now I bust this out and about!

Concept is great materials are great and its comfortable but the lay out and design are poor.They slip pockets have no give and the layout is good on paper but in reality its fitting so disappointed

A really useful product. Well designed. Purchased two of them. Allows you to keep all your essential items to hand, even when carrying a rucksack.

handy little chest rig with a map pocket and space for tools compass ect the build quality is very good, and it is comftable even with a back pack on

Excellent idea. Great for bushcraft or for having map/binos in front where you need them.