Modifications on Savotta 323

[Askel]

I’ve sort of fell in love with the traditional looking canvas/leather/brass backpacks. I’d love to get my hands on a Frost River Isle Royale JR. But in terms of size, comfort and price the Savotta 323 might be a better option. But it looks a bit boring in comparison.

Does anyone here own a Savotta 323, and have you made any modifications? I’m thinking attachment in leather, in both the bottom and the top lid, but also making some sort of axe sleeve. But I’d like tips on how/where to put it, to be able to carry the axe on the outside of the pack in the best way.

 

[Snufkin]

I have one, great pack, especially for the money. I've not felt the need to make any mods to it. It does have a couple of leather loops on the top for lashing a blanket under the lid. If I were going to fit an axe sleeve I'd probably put it next to one of the side pockets towards your back. It's quite a deep pack already so you'd want to try to keep the weight close to your body. Rather than putting attachment points on the top I think I'd put longer lid straps on so I could stuff more gear under the flap (but they are quite long already). It's not really a pack I'd want to overload as it doesn't have a waist belt to distribute the load so it might get tough on the shoulders.

 

[Van-Wild]

Resurrecting this thread!

I've just got a Savotta 323. Took it for its first jaunt last weekend. Very, very nice pack. The shoulder straps need some thought though. For me, they sit too wide on my shoulders and the straps themselves aren't wide enough to spread the load. I'm thinking of modifying to make them more comfortable. As a traditional pack, the straps are fixed to the frame, so while removing them and replacing with more modern straps is an option, it's something I will likely try to avoid. I could buy some padded sleeves to go over the leather straps, and with the use of a chest strap, bring them closer to the centre of my chest which will make it much more comfortable.

Does anyone have any recommendations? Has anyone replaced the straps themselves and if so, how did you do it?