Warrior Assault Systems ~ 28L Helmet Cargo Pack

The Helmet Cargo Pack Large 28 Litre from Warrior Assault Systems evolved out of their earlier and smaller top-selling 18 Litre Helmet Cargo Pack, writes Bob Morrison.

 

The latest 28 litre capacity large daysack version offers both greater capacity and additional functionality with its padded shoulder straps being easily removable to allow it to be attached to another load carriage system, such as plate carrier or bergen, which has horizontal MOLLE-style PALS tapes.

 

Essentially a single compartment daysack with two military water bottle size fixed side pouches, the Helmet Cargo Pack Large also has an expanding outer pouch, complete with six compression straps and quick release buckles, for stowing a full size combat helmet or spare clothing such as a windproof smock or waterproofs; indeed it is even possible to stow a helmet inside the mesh section and a rolled jacket above under upper section of the pouch panel.

 

On the inside back face of the main cargo compartment there is a near full depth mesh pocket capable of accepting a 3-litre (100oz) hydration bladder and inside this pocket there is a vertical zip in the lining into which either the bladder or a stiffener panel (not included) can be inserted. A central hanging tab with velcro is provided to allow the bladder (not provided) to be suspended and there is an elastic-covered port for the drinking tube in the top of the daysack.

 

Inside the main compartment, on the front face, there is a one third depth nylon cargo pocket with elasticated top edge and a small velcro closure. Either side of the mesh pocket, next to the main access zip, there are sections of broad elastic tape forming two pen or torch pockets and there is a drainage eyelet in the bottom section of the back, but other than these features it is uncluttered – i.e. there are none of those seldom-used organiser panels or the like.

 

The helmet pouch is formed by a roughly pear-shaped outer panel, with two rows of 6-slot PALS tape and a simple pocket with horizontal single action zip with weather baffle, which is attached to the main daysack down the sides and under the bottom with a single panel of hard-wearing mesh. Three pairs of UTX quick release buckles on webbing tapes – bottom, side and top – act as compression straps to stow the helmet securely, and each tape has an elasticated keeper to secure loose ends.

 

Inside the helmet pocket, on what would otherwise be the back face of the daysack, there are three open pockets with elastic tape on their outer face inside in which up to six 30-round magazines can be stored; if you are carrying a full size combat helmet (Mk.7 shown) and a full load inside the daysack, three magazines is probably the maximum.

 

There are large panels for Velcro attachment on both the outer helmet flap and the upper daysack face, with a small horizontally zipped pouch above the latter.

 

On each outer side face of the daysack there is a permanently fixed utility pouch with double zip and each pouch has three rows of 3-slot PALS tape for adding further side pouches if required. A full size military water bottle – a slightly deeper Survivor 4(i) bottle with filter is illustrated – can be carried in each of the permanent side pouches; these pouches also have a drainage eyelet in the bottom.

 

As mentioned above, the padded shoulder straps provided with this pack can be easily removed; they have 25mm UTX quick release buckles at shoulder and lower chest with the bottom attachment straps being looped rather than sewn on so they can be completely removed. There is also a height-adjustable 25mm buckled sternum strap – this is thicker than normal, so gives you a spair pair of buckles – linking the padded sections of the shoulder straps.

 

Finally, and as previously mentioned, on the back outer face of the pack there are two long MOLLE/PALS tapes to let the user attach it to a bergen rucksack or load vest once the shoulder straps have been removed.

 

The Helmet Cargo Pack Large 28 Litre is available in Genuine MultiCam, Coyote Tan, Ranger (Sage) Green or Black. The full Warrior Assault Systems range is available for online purchase through UKTactical.com and the Helmet Cargo Pack Large 28 Litre, which is manufactured from NATO spec materials and is compatible with UK MTP, can be purchased online through this UKTactical page.

{ images © Bob Morrison }