Karrimor predator or sabre 45

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mutineer

Full Member
Apr 30, 2013
80
0
Hampshire
Hi all. I am after a mid size rucksack. The Karrimor SF look predictably good. I like the look of the predator with the molle but the back looks too short. The sabre looks much more comfortable with a longer back and better belt.

I would like a better back system for longer walking. So, is the sabre much better on the back than the predator. From what I have read the predator has absolutely all of the weight on the shoulders.

I am not looking for adjustable back lengths and all the fandanglies. I have an old Karrimor hot earth 40 which has no padding on the belt but because it is a longer back it is very comfortable with a realistic weight. A wonderfully simple design.

PS- Any pictures and general ideas will be awesome too!
- I am exactly 6'.

ATB
Nick
 

Hibrion

Maker
Jan 11, 2012
1,230
7
Ireland
I have never used the predator, but I have the sabre 45. I'm 6'1 and of slim build and I find it as comfortable as any other pack.
 

mutineer

Full Member
Apr 30, 2013
80
0
Hampshire
Cheers chaps. I reckon the sabre is a more comfortable pack and seems the right choice. I can always buy the molle panels for the sabre if it bothers me enough. £20 each though!!!!!

Decisions, decisions.
 

dwardo

Bushcrafter through and through
Aug 30, 2006
6,451
475
46
Nr Chester
Just got a sabre 45 my self. Very happy with it. "Seems" much bigger than 45 litres. Fantastic attention to detail and very well built.
 
Nov 29, 2004
7,808
22
Scotland
"...I would like a better back system for longer walking..."

How long are your walks?

I walked a little under 300km with a Sabre and it nearly killed me, I think its a great pack, I just wouldn't walk a long distance with it. Some folks do though.

There are much better packs out there, always try before you buy, let us know how you get on.

:)
 

mutineer

Full Member
Apr 30, 2013
80
0
Hampshire
I wont be going too far with this bag. Or, more importantly, with too much weight. I have a trusty old berghaus with an adjustable back (65l) which fits like a glove. Any expeditions would be done with this or my LA sting which needs to see more use.
The bag is intended as a large day sack/ leaders bag which can be used for bushwacking if required. I will also use it for edc to take work and kit to the gym and take kit to weekend orienteering events.

Nick
 
Nov 29, 2004
7,808
22
Scotland
"...I will also use it for edc to take work and kit to the gym and take kit to weekend orienteering events..."

From memory I think you can zip the side pocket zips on the Sabre together to reduce the volume of the main pack which will make it easier to cart around day to day. :)
 

ozzy1977

Full Member
Jan 10, 2006
8,558
3
46
Henley
I have the predator with plce pockets it is a fantastic bag for lunking bear to camp, but it is not good as a walking bag, for tnat I have my old berghaus which is designed for walking distance.
 
Nov 29, 2004
7,808
22
Scotland
Dont quite understand this, explain a little more please?

The optional side pockets/packs for the Sabre attach to the pack using heavy duty zips, if you are not using the side pockets you can zip the zip parts on the Sabre together, reducing the circumference of the pack by about 30-40? cm.

Which turns your 45 litre pack into a 30? litre one.
 

dwardo

Bushcrafter through and through
Aug 30, 2006
6,451
475
46
Nr Chester
Ahh thanks for that. Just looking at mine and it would drastically reduce the size.
Will try it later if needs be.
 

mutineer

Full Member
Apr 30, 2013
80
0
Hampshire
skip the predator pack and sabre then in my opinion
I find 30ltr about the maximum for carrying about daily then it just gets too big

For my needs, 40l is better. I also prefer carrying my 40l hot earth with room to spare on day trips because of the longer back. I have some D of E leaders walks coming up and there will be group kit which makes 45l a good day size.

And as the other chap says, I can compress if necessary.

If I need even more then the side pockets are a nice addition to convert the bag I have out already without digging out another bag. And if I plan a longer walk with more weight and bulk then I can get out the expedition type rucksacks if required.

Thank you for the comments.

The only thing that puts me off the sabre is that without side pockets you have to put almost everything in the main compartment. Some molle on the sides or elasticated pockets would be nice. But it is not the end of the world if I can't find a rucksack with everything ... longer back, molle loops on side, tough but simple, decent price!

NB- I have completed plenty of long walks (say 30+ km) with my hot earth which has absolutely no padding on the hip belt but because the back is long enough the comfort level for the load size is absolutely fine. I find that for 40-50l there is plenty of comfort with just the basics as long as the back is not too short and you haven't stuffed it with heavy metal. This is of course very personal and I would be interested to hear other peoples experiences.

Nick
 
Last edited:

ozzy1977

Full Member
Jan 10, 2006
8,558
3
46
Henley
I guess it would be poss to fit plce zips on the front of the sabre and use the Karrimor molle panel or their range of plce compatible pouches.
 

Badger74

Full Member
Jun 10, 2008
1,424
0
Ex Leeds, now Killala
It is possible to add a third pouch by zipping the third pouch to the zips of the normal two pouches, IF, they are not zipped to the bag as normal. So, why not turn the panel upside down and use the zips already there.

Sent from my KFOT using Tapatalk 2
 

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