r/Savotta

I had an enlightening exchange with the Savotta social media team.

Kantamus 40, Hatka 12 and 4L zipped side pouches on a weekend mission in western Norway. Weekend started off sunny, then quickly descended into more typical dreich conditions. Forgive the non-issue sleeping mat 🙏

Just finished optimizing my backpack, i would like to hear opinions of experienced ones here, what would you change or what you dislike, so i can change it before i have to put up with it on my next 2 week trip

Well, quick update to my last post about the Kahakka 25 belt:

https://www.reddit.com/r/Savotta/s/bhLTTYsZyP

It turns out that the SAVOTTA Valjas Slim Belt Pad - Green, S-M (70 cm) seems to be the best option, so I ordered it tonight.

I’ll make another update once I’ve had the chance to test it.

Thanks again for all your feedback.

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Hello !

Does anyone have experience with these extra pads that can be added to the Kahakka 25 to improve the comfort and support of the waist belt?

I can also imagine adding a lumbar pad from the Jääkäri M for real support, but well, I already know what you’re going to say: just get the JM or a Kantamus 40L.

Thanks for your feedback!

Hi everyone, especially those who are currently torn between the Kantamus 40 and the Kahakka 25.

Yesterday, I took my Kantamus out on a ridiculously short family hike. It was loaded with roughly 7 to 8 kg, which means it was only half full—if even that. Despite the pack being mostly empty space, the carry was incredibly comfortable.

By utilizing the compression straps, I managed to cinch it down into a really tight, compact package that didn't shift around at all.

To be completely honest, everything I brought would have easily fit into the Kahakka. However, I simply didn't want to miss out on the excellent comfort and load distribution that the Kantamus hip belt provides.

That being said, the Kahakka definitely still has its place and is highly justified in the lineup, but the scalability of the Kantamus makes it surprisingly versatile for smaller trips too.

A warm day knocking around on the set of Fallout. Welcome to Filly. Note the Easter egg from the Living Dead movies that found its way into Walking Dead. Be advised no Zombies or Mutants were harmed creating this post.

Today I tested the Savotta backpack on a medium‑intensity hike. I covered 22 km carrying an 18 kg load (intentionally overloaded), at a pace of 4.2 km/h with 750 m elevation gain. I’m recovering from a minor inner‑thigh injury I got last week while using my previous backpack, a Wisport Raccoon 45 (an excellent pack but too short for me); however, I had no issues with the Kantamus. I’ve tried many military‑style packs over the years, and this is by far the most comfortable in every respect. I even loaded it briefly with rocks for a campfire (of course I removed them afterward), and the pack remained manageable and nothing was damaged. My main concern was the back length, because with military packs you often can’t use the load lifters properly since they’re usually short. At 188 cm, the backpack fits me perfectly and the load lifters function as intended. Overall I’m very impressed and officially joining the cult .

A while ago I bought 25 mm brown webbing from Savotta to make add-ons to my Kahakka 25, and since then the ideas have been growing.

Here are some of them:

Two straps to use the Askare as a chest pack when backpacking with the Kahakka.

A canteen carrier.

A few ways to carry my Peltonen knife. 

A slinghook with buckle, for keys, binoculars, radio, map holder, etc.

Hope it helps!

Niukka 20L

Today I tested the Savotta backpack on a medium‑intensity hike. I covered 22 km carrying an 18 kg load (intentionally overloaded), at a pace of 4.2 km/h with 750 m elevation gain. I’m recovering from a minor inner‑thigh injury I got last week while using my previous backpack, a Wisport Raccoon 45 (an excellent pack but too short for me); however, I had no issues with the Kantamus. I’ve tried many military‑style packs over the years, and this is by far the most comfortable in every respect. I even loaded it briefly with rocks for a campfire (of course I removed them afterward), and the pack remained manageable and nothing was damaged. My main concern was the back length, because with military packs you often can’t use the load lifters properly since they’re usually short. At 188 cm, the backpack fits me perfectly and the load lifters function as intended. Overall I’m very impressed and officially joining the cult .

I must admit that even though I love my Kahakka, sometimes I imagine myself with a Jääkäri M instead... Still, my Kahakka works very well for my needs, so replacing it would probably just be a whim without knowing whether it would actually perform better. Anyway, another beautiful walk through clear spells and clouds.

P.S.: For the past few months, I’ve preferred walking when the sky is gray! I no longer like hot sunshine!

Love the 3x4 GP pouch. JM is mad because i somehow misplaced my happy patch and cant find it...

Also had my Askare with me, it has now become my "last resort" /Emergency bag, which i bring and leave in the car. So if I need anything i got most of my SHTF gear in there.

Making the drive over tomorrow! Excited to see you all there!