Savotta rucksacks

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Ogden

Forager
Dec 8, 2004
172
10
Forest of Odes
One or two years ago, I was looking for external frame manufacturers. In the article I wrote, Savotta was just a link tip. Because here in Germany nobody seems to know them. So: no experience.
But they are highly recommended and one of the last 'real' manufacturer of external frame packs. Send me a message if you have the opportunity to test one!

P.S. The waist belt doesn't look good to me.
 
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PRKL

Nomad
Jan 27, 2010
272
1
Finland
I use Only Savotta packs for longer trips ( models LJK,which stands for the issued paratrooper model,model TUNTURISUSI L,and the most highly respected model "906").
Theyre rugged,no nonsense packs,and one of the ideas,at very beginning of their history was to keep all the plastic in minimum,and that theyre built in a way that any,even modest equipped shoemaker can repair those.

very nice weight distribution,and in most of the new ones,every pocket has snowlocks,and external pockets are designed with winter use in mind a bit too,as they have one good pocket for thermos bottle,so you dont have to go thru all the big pockets to find it.Warranty repairs are Very rare and if anything happens the warranty repairs really work too without any stupid questions asked.

fastex buckles really stink,id say,and if id got to choose,none of my packs in any size wouldnt have any.In savottas models hip belts are made from steel,as well as most of other vital buckle/adjustment parts.

If you could read our hiking forums..youd see how valued the "906" in example is...among my family and friends,realtives,are various Savotta packs from the early days,passed from fathers to sons and its without a doubt the crown jewlry of packs among real hikers who actually spend time out there,and dont whine about weight and "boring" colours.Its built like tank,still its not heavy at all in my opinion.Seams are always top notch,ended prioperly,all the zippers are top quality,and this goes thru the line.BUT if youre getting one,think about the size,as tube framed packs arent bit tougher to tighten....unlike anatomic packs taht can be squeezed with side straps to very small size.
 
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Mastino

Settler
Mar 8, 2006
651
1
61
Netherlands
Thanks for the valuable input. :You_Rock_

I now use mainly a Swedish LK70, also a pack built with cold in mind. I think Savotta is probably the last European external frame manufacturer, together with Sacci in Sweden.

Question: with regard to your remak about size: do the frames come in different sizes? I can't see anything about it on their site.
 
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PRKL

Nomad
Jan 27, 2010
272
1
Finland
Thanks for the valuable input. :You_Rock_

I now use mainly a Swedish LK70, also a pack built with cold in mind. I think Savotta is probably the last European external frame manufacturer, together with Sacci in Sweden.

Question: with regard to your remak about size: do the frames come in different sizes? I can't see anything about it on their site.


they dont advertise it,but yes,atleast here,i can order like....smaller frame with bigger pack-part etc.
small men usually whine a bit about theur bige frames but id dont know really..the frames have good adjustments,to fit all different backs of men.

Pm me mastino,ill tell more details.
 

Mastino

Settler
Mar 8, 2006
651
1
61
Netherlands
they dont advertise it,but yes,atleast here,i can order like....smaller frame with bigger pack-part etc.
small men usually whine a bit about theur bige frames but id dont know really..the frames have good adjustments,to fit all different backs of men.

Pm me mastino,ill tell more details.

Thanks, I can live with it. If it comes to buying one I'll try to contact them. Beautiful packs!
 

big_swede

Native
Sep 22, 2006
1,452
8
41
W Yorkshire
Here in sweden it seems no-one buys frame packs anymore. I have tried giving away two, but had no takers. Frame packs are very good, but heavy fpr what they do IMHO.
 

Miyagi

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Aug 6, 2008
2,298
5
South Queensferry
Here in sweden it seems no-one buys frame packs anymore. I have tried giving away two, but had no takers. Frame packs are very good, but heavy fpr what they do IMHO.

Frame packs are my favourite.

I still have my issue GS Bergan.
A Swedish canvas frame pack (35L?)
And one of my original Cobmaster frame packs (my son lost my other one).

Great packs once you get used to them. :D
 

BEARDMASTER

Member
Dec 4, 2017
47
43
38
Estonia
www.nahakamber.ee
I have been eyeing the Savotta saddle sack 339 for over a year now. Thinking about getting it to replace my Cyclops 2. I have an old external frame swedish army pack as a day-pack and really love the external frame packs.

Can anyone who have used the 339 give an opinion for the bag?

Being Savotta, it should be well built. But how comftable is the bag for longer trips (1-2 weeks)? Are the two zippers above the side pouches a problem in rain or in cold weather (below freezing)?
Would you recommend it as a main bag for longer backpacking trips?
 

RonW

Native
Nov 29, 2010
1,575
121
Dalarna Sweden
I have an early 60's military Savotta 339...... which I don't use.
Why? I have other packs, that fit my needs better. Loved it though. Very rugged with a waterproof liner on the inside.
 
Feb 18, 2012
534
10
Bedfordshire
I have been eyeing the Savotta saddle sack 339 for over a year now. Thinking about getting it to replace my Cyclops 2. I have an old external frame swedish army pack as a day-pack and really love the external frame packs.

Can anyone who have used the 339 give an opinion for the bag?

Being Savotta, it should be well built. But how comftable is the bag for longer trips (1-2 weeks)? Are the two zippers above the side pouches a problem in rain or in cold weather (below freezing)?
Would you recommend it as a main bag for longer backpacking trips?

Hi BEARDMASTER

I have the Savotta 339 & Savotta LJK. I have had and used both for several years now.

The Savotta 339 is indeed well built as is the LJK. The canvas beads water off very well, its not a waxed cotton they use another process with the material. The frame is made from sturdy steel. I like the extension panel side lacing system. IMO opinion the pack could be improved by using metal instead of plastic slide buckles and adding snowlock covers to the pockets and lid of the main pack, this does not bother me too much as I tend to pack kit in dry bags.

It sits well on my back and is comfy with a heavy load in it over distance, and the external frame allows good ventilation for my back, others may not find it comfy though.

As for what I call the "lucky dip" pocket on the front of the pack its not a waterproofed zip and I think its pretty pointless imo and would be better off without.

The pack could also be improved by having a normal type shoulder strap adjustment system instead of having to adjust it where it meets the bottom of the frame.

For its little quirks I still love this pack and is something a little different to all the Frost River packs out there and some what cheaper too.
 
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Snufkin

Bushcrafter (boy, I've got a lot to say!)
Oct 13, 2004
2,097
138
53
Norfolk
I have a Savotta 323, which is my favourite summer day pack as the frame keeps it off my back and the leather straps breath better than cordura. It's not a pack I'd like to overload though as it doesn't have a hip belt or sternum strap.
I also have a Sarma TST rp80 recon pack (that is made by Savotta) that is excellent quality, with a highly adjustable fit system. It's pretty heavy but It's super comfortable even with heavy loads.
 

BEARDMASTER

Member
Dec 4, 2017
47
43
38
Estonia
www.nahakamber.ee
Thank you for the reviews!
The strange "lucky dip" zippers, side tensioning and missing hip belt can all be fixed or modified with not much difficulties. Just a bit of leather, wax and thread.

Time to send my Berghaus to a new home and get that rugged Finn on my back!
 

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