Savotta Jääkäri M backpack

Based on the Light Border Patrol Pack, the Jääkäri M is a natural heir to the throne, an updated modern day pack, a sturdy one that carries even a few days' worth of supplies comfortably.

For a long time we preached that the "Light Border Patrol" pack was the best Finnish military pack ever. Well, not anymore: the Jääkäri M pack claimed that prize! Versatile and incredibly tough, a proper quality pack for demanding use.

Jääkäri is Finnish for Jaeger, a traditional Prussian name for fighting infantrymen and a title still proudly used in the Finnish military.

A light border patrol pack evolved

The "Jääkäri M" is based on Savotta's famous "Kevyt Rajapartio" (Light Border Patrol, a daypack developed in the late '90s for our border troops), but it's a step up the evolutionary ladder. The starting point is still the same: a narrow, medium-sized pack that doesn't interfere with movement in tight spaces or heavy woodlands.

The main changes include the swapping of all old metal buckles for quality ITW Nexus Delrin plastic buckles, the addition of PALS webbing to all sides of the back, and deleting ye olde thermos flask holder for a modern hydration bladder pouch. On top of that, the updated lid and strap construction make overpacking and compression far better than before. The result is a high-quality modern daypack that performs equally well in daily urban use or 24-48h or longer hikes and missions.

Features

The large main compartment is covered by a tightly shaped lid and a waterproof drawcord collar. The main compartment is also accessible from the side through a long zipper, making pulling out those little trinkets quickly so much easier! The zipper has two pullers so that you can open it from any point, bottom, middle or top.

The removable lid extends about 15 cm / 6" for overpacking purposes and increases the total volume by the displacement of a medium-sized muscle car engine. Furthermore, there is a very spacious zippered pocket for valuables inside.

Inside, against the back, is a hydration bladder pouch. It fits a Source WLPS bladder perfectly. You can run the hydration tube or antenna through either side of the top.

Compression and external carrying capacity

Both sides have open pockets on the bottom for securing axe handles, poles, etc. These also work for small canteens and flasks; simply secure the bottle's neck with the compression strap. Side compression straps with quick side release buckles compress the pack to a neat package when half full. These could also be used to strap an extra kit to the outside of the pack.

On the bottom, there are attachment points for utility straps, which is an excellent place to lash a sleeping mat or bag too. There are also two webbing loops for securing long shovel, pick, or axe handles to the back. The straps that close the top lid also run around the bottom of the pack, and this helps compress the pack from all sides while taking some of the strain off from the (incredibly tough 1000D Cordura) fabric.

Carrying system

Very comfortable, firmly padded back. The straight lines and "boring" rectangular pillows might not look sexy, but they perform very well. The anatomically designed shoulder straps have attachment loops for gear such as hydration tubes alongside a removable sternum strap.

Hip belt is simple yet very functional, with a side-release buckle. The belt has attachment points for small gear and can be stuffed behind the back padding when not in use.

The bag also features a carrying handle and a removable back support plate within its own compartment. These are no Matty Mattel craptastic plastic; the same plates have been used on the "Kevyt Rajapartio" pack for decades without a problem.

Materials

The fabric is the same PUR coated waterproof and extremely tough MILSPEC 1000D Cordura used to make Finnish military M05 gear! Even though the material is waterproof, some water can get in through the stitching if the pack is exposed to rain for extended periods of time. We recommend using a rain cover in rainy weather.

All hardware is military-grade; ITW Nexus buckles and zippers by Kroko of Belgium. The materials, construction, and attention to detail are all top-notch!

All materials (fabric, webbing, buckles, threads...) meet the Mil-Spec NIR reflectance properties as specified by the Finnish Defence Forces. This means you won't be a shining beacon to someone with night-vision goggles, at least not because of this pack.

Warranty

The product has a 5-year warranty against material and manufacturing defects.

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