Karrimor sf 35...tough enough ???

[woodsrunner]

Karrimor sf sabre 35 liter
i noticed this pack is built using a 600 D ripstop polyester fabric for the main pack and a 1000 denier polyester on the top lid and bottom.
has anyone had a difficulty due to the lighter materials and the zips, can anyone report how well they tend to hold up over time?

I love the size (its perfect), features and design of this bag...just can't understand why they did not stick to the same materials as used on the rest of the sabre line
Here in Montana i work in the mountains and while i don't abuse my equipment, my packs see a lot of hard service....
so before i take the plung...i'm really curious...can the Karrimor SF Sabre 35 liter Ruck Take IT????

Any help from you fellers across the pond (YAE OR NAY) would be most welcome....sincerely..:woodsrunner

 

[welchyd1]

No problem with them whatsoever, they are tough as old boots. I've been battering one for a few years now and it's held up really well.

 

[lou1661]

Depends, I would prefer if the pockets were the heavier material too, a NATO flask with crusader mug quite quickly rubbed the material. However.... It is a cracking bag and I wish I had not sold mine and would buy again if I needed a similar sized bag.

 

[SCOMAN]

Only had one but I found the waistbelt came away. Could have been a fluke but you never know.

 

[woodsrunner]

Only had one but I found the waistbelt came away. Could have been a fluke but you never know.

ouch! thats troubling to hear...thanks!

 

[widu13]

600D is fine. Camelbak are now using 500D for our Forces contract (issue) bag and that is widely considered bombproof. I have the CB and it has worn well. I have compared a Sabre 35 against a 45 and there doesn't appear to be much difference in the build material/quality.

 

[woodsrunner]

600D is fine. Camelbak are now using 500D for our Forces contract (issue) bag and that is widely considered bombproof.

I have the CB and it has worn well. I have compared a Sabre 35 against a 45 and there doesn't appear to be much difference in the build material/quality.

Thats true enpough Widu13...However 500D cordura nylon is stronger than 600D polyester all day long...
though polyester will withstand higher temps without the fibers breaking down or fading as quickly (ie, through long exposure to the sun) as nylon will.
still it does not appear to have as much ductile strength as does nylon...i agree the build quality appears to be excellent!...woodsrunner

 

[santaman2000]

My ALICE packs are only 400d-600d and are well over 30 years old and still going strong. And they HAVE been abused!

 

[Dougster]

I moved my Sabre on as I wasn't impressed. I use a Kifaru Express.

I also have a Grey Ghost low profile pack and they are soon to be the distributors of Karrimor SF in the States so it will be easy for you to return should it become an issue for you later.

 

[woodsrunner]

My ALICE packs are only 400d-600d and are well over 30 years old and still going strong. And they HAVE been abused!

actually the alice pack is 420D nylon and while 420D is not as strong as 500D cordura nylon, 420D nylon is still stronger than 600D polyester.

thanks for all the responses guys, its been a big help, but i'm still interested in hearing from folks that have experience using the karrimor sabre 35...woodsrunner

 

[woodsrunner]

I moved my Sabre on as I wasn't impressed. I use a Kifaru Express.

I also have a Grey Ghost low profile pack and they are soon to be the distributors of Karrimor SF in the States so it will be easy for you to return should it become an issue for you later.

Thanks Dougster!...reckon i can't afford the Kifaru line of packs...though i agree they are of Bombproof construction.
so was it the 35 liter you were not impresseed by? and what were the issues?...woodsrunner

 

[santaman2000]

actually the alice pack is 420D nylon and while 420D is not as strong as 500D cordura nylon, 420D nylon is still stronger than 600D polyester......

Sorry. I didn't get the bit about it being poly. No experience there at all.

 

[Dougster]

It was the Sabre 30. I had stitching come away, the material around the snow skirt disintegrated and the 45 was the most uncomfortable pack of it's kind I have ever worn. That's clearly me as the majority love it. I had to stitch a few places on my 30 though.

It could be worth watching the Trading Post of Kifaru forums for used deals to come up on your side of the pond.

 

[woodsrunner]

Sorry. I didn't get the bit about it being poly. No experience there at all.

NO prob my friend...good ta see ya amigo!...thanks again...woods

 

[woodsrunner]

It was the Sabre 30. I had stitching come away, the material around the snow skirt disintegrated and the 45 was the most uncomfortable pack of it's kind I have ever worn. That's clearly me as the majority love it. I had to stitch a few places on my 30 though.

It could be worth watching the Trading Post of Kifaru forums for used deals to come up on your side of the pond.

Thanks again Dougster...i'll keep an eye out!!!

 

[maddave]

Karrimor in general have dipped in quality over the years.. I took a look at the SF range and decided not to bother as the finish was shoddy IMO. Highlander Pro Force are good packs for the lower end budget or look at the Camelbak Motherlode I totally abused one of these and i think they're unbreakable


*edit

Or this.... http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=107999

 

[woodsrunner]

Karrimor in general have dipped in quality over the years.. I took a look at the SF range and decided not to bother as the finish was shoddy IMO. Highlander Pro Force are good packs for the lower end budget or look at the Camelbak Motherlode I totally abused one of these and i think they're unbreakable


*edit

Or this.... http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=107999

Thanks Mad Dave...Reckon I will!...woodsrunner

 

[woodsrunner]

Thanks for all yer imput fellers!...reckon i'll take a chance...just pulled the trigger on a sabre 35
i promise a detailed, unbiased and honest review of the pack (its strengths and any weak points) by summers end.
i work in the mountains and so will the Karrimor...Thanks again fellers!...woods