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.
