Helikon-Tex Raccoon Mk2 Cordura Backpack — Black

The Raccoon Mk2 is a 20-litre tactical backpack built in Cordura, designed for those who need a compact and reliable carry system without the weight and bulk of larger assault packs. It works for daily use, day hikes and field operations where carrying thirty litres would simply mean unnecessary weight on your back.

The 20-litre volume is the hardest sweet spot to hit in a tactical backpack: too small and nothing useful fits, too large and you end up packing it poorly and carrying more than you need. Helikon-Tex addressed this by splitting the volume across two main compartments of comparable size. The inner compartment holds a flat pocket, a mesh pocket for small items and a sleeve compatible with a Camelbak hydration bladder. The external pocket, nearly as large as the main compartment, works as an organiser for maps, pens, torches and anything that needs to stay quickly accessible. When the load increases, the removable webbing waist belt shifts weight onto the hips, and the quick-release buckles let you drop the pack in seconds.

The trade-off to consider is the back ventilation system: the standoff mesh on the back panel and shoulder straps improves airflow noticeably compared to a flat panel, but it does not reach the performance of a dedicated channelled frame ventilation system. Anyone wearing it for hours in intense heat will feel the difference: your back breathes better than with a conventional pack, but not as well as with a dedicated trampoline-style suspension. On the other hand, the absence of a rigid frame keeps the empty weight low and preserves full compatibility with the MOLLE/PALS webbing covering the exterior, so you can attach additional pouches as needed. The bungee cord with retainer on the front panel lets you secure jackets or sleeping mats without opening any compartment, and the lateral and bottom compression straps cinch the load when the pack is not full, keeping contents from shifting during movement. YKK zippers provide lasting mechanical reliability even after heavy cycles of opening and closing.

Key points

• The 20-litre capacity covers a full day of operations without the excess volume that slows you down during fast movement.
• The external organiser pocket, nearly as large as the main compartment, keeps frequently accessed items separate without having to open the whole pack.
• The Camelbak hydration sleeve lets you drink on the move without stopping or removing the pack.
• The external MOLLE/PALS webbing allows you to expand the configuration with additional pouches to match the mission profile.
• Both shoulder straps and the webbing waist belt are removable: the pack adapts to different carry configurations, including attachment to a plate carrier.
• YKK zippers and Cordura fabric maintain mechanical integrity after prolonged use and in demanding environmental conditions.

In the box

• Helikon-Tex Raccoon Mk2 backpack in Cordura