REVIEW: Helikon-Tex Wombat Bag

A wombat is a cute little marsupial native to Australia. But this wombat comes from Poland by Helikon-Tex. It is a grab bag with plenty of space to carry everything you need. We took a closer look at it.

First, let's talk about the Wombat's dimensions. The body measures 38 x 29 x 19 cm and weighs 950 g when empty. The shoulder strap (120 cm long and 5 cm wide) can be easily adjusted from short to long and retains its setting. The quality of the seams and materials is very good, as expected from Helikon.

Now, let's talk about the bag's layout, from outside to inside. The lid has two compartments, both with zip closures. The larger compartment on the front has MOLLE loops and a small Velcro area. The second compartment has unique dimensions of 25 x 9 cm, suitable for a smartphone, glow sticks, or snacks. There is also a zip that provides access to the main compartment, but we will talk about that later.

Opening the two Fastex buckles gives access to the compartments attached to the main compartment. There is a large compartment with a small carabiner and two Velcro-secured sections. Here, you can store everything from pens and notebooks to GPS devices.

The lid can be securely attached to the main compartment with a two-way zipper. Whether you do this depends on your Wombat's load. Inside the main compartment, there are more divisions: a padded compartment for a small laptop or tablet, with MOLLE and rubber loops on the front, and a mesh compartment closed with a zipper. There is also a small compartment on the sides for water bottles, for example.

On the outer side facing the body, there is another compartment for important documents. The sides of the main compartment feature four columns of MOLLE loops for attaching the carrying handle and hip belt. The shoulder strap has a thick padded pad and can be removed. The carrying handle can also be detached if not needed.

The Wombat can get very heavy with all the stuff you pack in, so it comes with a removable hip belt for improved carrying comfort. It's also practical when the bag isn't full as it keeps the Wombat close to your body while moving.

You can fit a lot into the main compartment. The Wombat comfortably accommodates a jacket, water bottles, A4 folders, or plenty of magazines.

CONCLUSION: The name Wombat likely comes from the stout shape of its real-life counterpart. Nevertheless, it is a very useful, well-thought-out companion. Its pleasant size and smart layout make it suitable for various purposes, whether as a medical or munitions bag in the field or as a tactical sling bag for everyday use.

The Helikon Wombat is available in different colors (OD, Black, COYOTE, ATACS, ...) and can be found at various retailers at a great price of 39.90 Euros.

The Wombat worn: with shoulder strap and waist belt, it provides a stable carrying experience even when heavily loaded.