Looking at the Helikon-Tex MK2 FoxTrot Belt Bag Kit

In a fresh episode of The Outdoor Gear Review, we delve into the ins and outs of the Helikon-Tex MK2 FoxTrot Belt Bag Kit, colloquially referred to as a lumbar pack. An initial glance had already left an impression of dissatisfaction. Now, out in the field, the sentiment remains, pointing to a less than promising design. However, it’s early days in this test, warranting a thorough analysis.

As part of the review, we embarked on a three-mile trek, serving as a rigorous test for the backpacking system. This well-trodden path starts with a steep incline, levels off, and then hits a steep section again before heading back to the start point. It’s an effective method to expose any shortcomings in the harness system of a bag.

A Closer Look at the Lumbar Pack

Upon donning the Helikon-Tex MK2 FoxTrot lumbar pack, we observe a bag adorned with an H harness. However, comfort is immediately brought into question. The abrasive straps rub against your arms and hands, causing discomfort. Even through a sweater, the stiff and abrasive harness remains unpleasant, especially when laden with a light loadout.

Another glaring design flaw lies in the inaccessibility of water bottles without removing the bag – a significant oversight for any hiker. The water bottle pockets themselves pose a struggle due to their small size. This all but necessitates stopping for a drink, which could be a considerable inconvenience on a long hike.

Performance and Practicality

Setting off on the trail again, the lumbar pack’s rough edges continue to chafe and scrape. The trail itself offers a fantastic outdoor experience, but this is dampened by the cumbersome design of the pack. Despite being equipped with warm clothing and provisions for the trek, the pack’s comfort remains a central issue. Most of the loadout is water due to the lack of space within the bag. Despite appearances, the bag provides just about five and a half liters of storage.

Trudging half a mile into the trek, the bag’s flaws become more apparent. Its discomfort and poor handling, coupled with its $70 price tag, make it a questionable purchase. While it may possess a certain tactical aesthetic appeal, comfort falls disappointingly short.

Compromised Comfort and Quality

The lumbar pack’s impact on shoulders after just one mile into the trek is quite astounding. The harsh straps’ impact cannot be understated. The discomfort is severe enough to warrant stopping for water only twice, despite the thirst, mainly due to the complicated process of accessing the water bottles.

Upon reaching the trail’s end, the lumbar pack is promptly removed, providing much-needed relief. The bag’s discomfort level was anticipated, but the extent of it is still surprising. The uncomfortable straps rub and scrape, leaving an unpleasant sensation even through a sweater.

A Detailed Breakdown of the Contents

A one-liter Nalgene bottle and a Swiss military canteen system are the primary hydration sources carried. Additional contents include a snack, rope, knife, lighter, a bellows, and other gear stashed in the front pocket and sleeves. Inside the bag, there’s a hat and glove kit, camera bag, batteries, fire kit, instant coffee, headlamp, battery bank, light kit, hand warmers, solid fuel stove, some tin foil, and a freeze-dried meal.

Testing the Helikon-Tex MK2 FoxTrot Belt Bag Kit

Today, we’re examining the functionality and comfort of the Helikon-Tex MK2 FoxTrot belt bag kit, commonly referred to as a lumbar pack. Although my initial impression of this system was underwhelming, I remain hopeful that further testing might reveal its merits.

To give it a thorough examination, I embarked on a rigorous three-mile hike. The trail serves as an excellent test bed for backpacking systems. Despite the lumbar pack’s different design, it must face the same challenges as a standard backpacking system.

First Impressions on the Trail

The trail comprises a steep start, followed by a more moderate middle section before becoming steep once more. It’s a demanding route, but ideal for revealing any design weaknesses in a bag’s harness system. With the Helikon-Tex MK2 FoxTrot kit, I quickly noticed issues with the harness design.

The lumbar pack, featuring an H harness, made for an uncomfortable journey. The straps were too rough, brushing against the arms and hands, and even scraping the skin. They were noticeably stiff, which made the bag uncomfortable to wear, despite a fairly light loadout.

Practicality and Accessibility Concerns

Further issues emerged when I tried to access my water bottles. You’re required to remove the entire system to reach your water – an absurd design choice for any hiking pack. This inconvenience adds several minutes to every hydration stop, time that could be better spent hiking.

Moreover, the water bottle pockets were too small, making it challenging to insert and retrieve water bottles. Adding to the list of design flaws, the abrasive straps caused discomfort each time I put on the pack. This inconvenience is a significant drawback to this lumbar pack.

Performance During the Hike

As the hike progressed, the discomfort did not let up. Despite the beautiful spring conditions and the fact that the pack was carrying a modest load, the Helikon-Tex MK2 FoxTrot belt bag kit proved to be increasingly uncomfortable. Even when worn over a sweater, the straps remained rough and abrasive.

The kit seemed larger than its capacity suggested. While it appears to be a spacious bag from the outside, in reality, it offers only about five and a half liters of space. Despite its compact size, the lumbar pack did manage to accommodate a range of smaller items comfortably.

Final Verdict

By the end of the hike, my initial misgivings were confirmed. This product is not worth its seventy-dollar price tag. Despite its tactical aesthetics, it fails in delivering comfort, a crucial feature for any outdoor gear. A product must not just look good, but also perform effectively in real-world conditions.

The pack’s biggest flaw is the shoulder straps. Their roughness cannot be understated. At the end of a single mile, my shoulders were already sore. This discomfort would likely be even more pronounced when worn over a t-shirt instead of a sweater.

Additional Observations

Another considerable downside is the impractical design of the water bottle pockets. On a steep trail, hydration is critical, and this pack makes accessing water cumbersome. Each time I needed a drink, I had to remove the pack completely. The time wasted, coupled with the difficulty of retrieving and replacing the water bottles, made it not worth in their opinion.