REVIEW: Helikon-Tex Matilda Rucksack

Alice was yesterday, Matilda is the new companion. This is how it must be admitted when it comes to the new backpack from Helikon-Tex. Where Matilda is a relative of Alice. Everything stays in the family. The new 35-liter backpack was inspired by the classic ALICE Pack and further developed by the folks at Helikon-Tex. Today we will present it to you in more detail.

Matilda is what it is: a classic backpack with three exterior pockets. Everything is equipped with practical snap buckles, making it easy to open and close each pocket. We especially liked that Velcro tape has been sewn on all strap ends, so the straps can be neatly stored and there is no annoying dangling.

The exterior pockets are 12 x 21 x 11 cm (WxHxD) in size and easily hold a poncho or a light jacket. Camping stoves and similar items can also be stored there. The flap is closed with a snap buckle and there is also a drawstring to make sure everything stays inside.

On the lid, there is a spacious compartment. If you're wondering why something is showing through in the first photo: that's due to the material used. The backpack is mostly made of 210D nylon and only at the high-wear areas of 500D Cordura. This makes good old Matilda weigh only 1.7 kg. A lightweight, that gal...

The interior of the lid is equipped with a full-sized mesh pocket. Everything is within reach and immediately visible...

The main compartment is closed not only by the lid but also by two drawstrings. A very practical and secure solution. The main compartment itself has no subdivisions, it's simply - a big sack. Back to the roots. KISS, Matilda - keep it simple, stupid.

At the top, the main compartment has been equipped with a MOLLE row, to which bags for division can be attached, the same system can also be found on the Training Mini Rig, which we presented to you some time ago.

Beneath this MOLLE row, the user will find a small snap buckle, to attach, for example, a hydration bladder. Matilda makes sure you always have something to drink.

Speaking of hydration bladders, the backpack has been equipped with a passage for hydration tubes or cables on the sides. So it's also possible to have a radio inside.

If Matilda struggles, it can be a burden on the back of the person who owns her. The remedy against this: the backpack is equipped with a stiffener to distribute the load better.

This stiffener consists of an anatomically shaped plastic plate with an additional aluminum rod. The back thanks Matilda for being so stiff.

The back, shoulder straps, and detachable waist belt are padded with 3D mesh. The backpack is very comfortable even with a heavier load.

On both sides at the bottom, there is a 3x3 large MOLLE field, so additional bags can easily be attached, like in our example the Kit Bag (HERE in the review). The color of our Matilda is Adaptive Green.

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