An overview of the Savotta Hatka 12L, and a few things I've done to customize it. There is more stuff over on Reddit, it's not just me throwing out ideas and information. / savotta
I work in forestry and this bag has been my go to daily driver for when I walk a ton while marking stands for future harvesting. It's so good with a 3l hydration bladder so you don't need to constantly unpack and pack it. Stuff it with colored marking tape for days and a first aid kit and some food and other work related measuring stuff. Will definitely try your shoulder strap swap, I did not expect to find so much use out of this little bag that I completely overlooked replacing the original straps but now the level of use outweighs the cost, time to make the great into something amazing.
*Man-Oh-Man-Oh-Man, Thank You for this review!* I've just turned 70, am in the midst of switching over to a meat centric ketogenic Carnivore diet. I've lost 40 pounds since late November of 2023, with 100 pounds still to go until I reach my target weight. Mild walking exercise is going to play a key role in being able to adhere to the Carnivore style of eating, and my *old, black, Under Armor, Storm 1 day pack* is starting to show its age, and replacing it is an immediate need. I have been dithering and procrastinating terribly over what new day pack to purchase. Eight months ago I was alerted to the existence of *Savotta gear manufactured in Finland,* and very shortly thereafter, the existence of *Varusteleka, with their two house brands, Sarma and Terava.* I couldn't make my mind up between the *Savotta Hatka 12L day pack and the Sarma TST DP10 10L day pack.* I really liked the Sarma DP10, 10-liter pack with its more rectangular shape and especially its 5-rows x 13-colums of wrap-around P.A.L.S. webbing. On the other hand, I much prefer the slightly larger size of the Savotta Hatka, 12-liter pack. What kept me from pulling the trigger on the Hatka was two things. *First,* was those skinny, 25mm wide, plain webbing shoulder straps. There are close to 2 dozen TH-cam reviews on the Hatka 12-liter day pack, and in all of the reviews conducted in English the reviewers mention the skinny shoulder straps. Some reviewers just accept them as is, severely limiting how much weight they attempt to carry so as not to incur any great discomfort. Other reviewers mention hacks or adding wrap-around shoulder strap pads that attach with hook and loop, but no one illustrated any of their fixes for the 25mm wide, dig into your shoulder muscles, webbing straps. *Second,*was the two missing rows of P.A.L.S. webbing in the center of the Hatka day pack. I'm sure Savotta's designers and engineers had a valid reason for not installing those 2-rows of P.A.L.S. webbing, but my ex-military mind can't for the life of me figure out Savotta's reasoning. Then, a month or so ago, the man who hosts the *Endurance Room* TH-cam channel posted a video where he illustrates how he was able to attach two, 4-liter, Savotta Side Pouches to the sides of his Savotta Hatka 12-liter day pack, thus increasing its carrying capacity by approximately 7-liters. Savotta calls these smallest of their 4 Side Pouch sizes a 4-liter pouch, but my math, and the websites of several European and Canadian sites that sell Savotta gear call list these pouches at varying sizes under the 4-liter mark. The pouches measure 30cm(H)×13cm(W)×9cm(D) = 3,510cc. Anyway, shortly after posting that video, the host of Endurance Room, posted several videos on the new *Savotta Askare and Kukkaro* fanny/hip packs, which he likes as much as you do. Which started me to dithering and procrastinating about the Askare. Then, this morning this video pops up just as I am exiting the Varusteleka website after once again not being able to decide between a Hatka 12-liter, or a now discontinued Sarma TST DP10 10-liter pack. *So, I pulled the trigger on (1) O.D. Green, Savotta Hatka 12-liter day pack; (1) O.D. Green, Sarma TST Pouch XL, 4.85-liters; and (1) Black, Savotta Zipped 2×2 Pouch, 0.65-liter; and (1) Brown, Savotta Zipped 2×2 Pouch, 0.65-liter. If shipping goes as expected, then in 8 days I will receive these items. The Sarma TST Pouch XL has 4-rows × 4-columns of P.A.L.S. webbing on its back, and the two Savotta Zipped 2×2 Pouches have 2-rows × 2-columns of P.A.L.S. webbing on their backs. My thoughts and plans, if they prove to be valid, are to place the XL Sarma TST pouch in the center of the Hatka's face where the P.A.L.S. attachment straps will have to bridge the 2-row gap of missing P.A.L.S. webbing. I'm already contemplating having a shoemaker or tailor sewing sufficient 25mm O.D. Green webbing into that 2-row gap on the pack's face, adding 2-rows × 4-columns of additional P.A.L.S. webbing so that the XL pouch will be fully supported and fully attached to the body of the Hatka day pack. My thoughts on the *Savotta Zipped 2×2 pouches* are that once the *Sarma TST XL pouch* is occupying most of the pack bag's rear face, there should be sufficient remaining space on the sides of the Hatka to allow for the *installation of a single Savotta 2×2 pouch, top and bottom, on both the left and right sides of the pack bag.* If (4) 2×2 pouches are installed on the Hatka, I don't know if there will be sufficient P.A.L.S. webbing space left to install the (4) Savotta 2M WB SR P.A.L.S. mount buckles necessary to allow for attaching the Hatka to a larger pack in a piggyback arrangement. If not, then I will just not factor a piggyback option into this day pack's list of possible uses. Just as an aside, while I have been dithering and procrastinating as to a choice for a new day pack, I have picked up a Terava Skrama 240mm seax, a Terava Jääkäripuukko 110mm belt knife, a Terava Tiny Knife neck knife, (2) Finnish 1-liter plastic canteens, (2) new old stock, U.S.G.I. surplus LC-2 Canteen Covers, and (2) new old stock, U.S.G.I. surplus A.L.I.C.E. -to-P.A.L.S. adapters. The Silky Big Boy folding saw and a decent carbon steel hatchet with an integral hammer poll are going to be two of my next purchases, after the Hatka day pack is set up to my liking. The *Keikka shoulder harness straps* are out of stock, so I will pick those up next month, along with the necessary buckles to create the same quick-detachable set up that you have, which at first glance, appears to be exactly what I have been spitballing in my mind for several months now. *Anyway, sorry for the long post, but I just wanted to let you know that I REALLY appreciate the depth and quality of the information that you presented in this video on an obscure topic like the Savotta Hatka 12-liter day pack, a piece of gear that only a small number of Americans probably own.* *Spec 4* *91B Medic* *864th Engineer Battalion* (Combat Heavy) *1976-1979*
I have to say that in addition to the excellent and creative content and storytelling in your videos, I’m super impressed by your pronounciation of Finnish words! We don’t expect anyone else (except estonians, of course) to be able to form these crazy words, but you have really learned this 👏
I've been using a Jääkäri L as the rucksack that gets left in the tent and the Hatka as the backpack that comes along as a part of the combat kit. Its been a great combination, but in winter the Hatka is a tad too small, since you need to pack a fairly chonky thermal jacket inside, and that leaves awkwardly little room for all the other kit. Haven't found a larger alternative that'd be as convenient to clip on to the Jääkäri though, so the Hatka stays, despite the size.
Man I am sitting here racking my brain trying to think of your solution. I can get away with wool in the winter so this is one I'm lost on. Let me think about this one, and I will try to get back to you on it. My memory is super bad though so if you need to poke me with a reminder I never take offense to it
For the front PALS I wouldn't personally bother putting anything bigger than a tourniquet or a mutlitool pouch. Kinda defeats the purpose of the Hatka to try to expand it with large pouches since it's kind of a large pouch itself meant to clip on larger backpacks. For hydration bladders I've had good success with Source. Got me through a year in the army and a couple of exercises afterwards and they have a nice adapter that lets you fill it through the tube from a tap or a regular 1,5l water bottle. I did replace my bladder recently when I noticed it was starting to wear down near the tube attachment point. Cool to hear my post mentioned haha. The Särmä TST flat straps are probably even slower to detach than finaggling the stock Keikka harness but they are indeed flat enough that I just fold them semi neatly and leave them attached between the Hatka and whatever bag I have it attached to. Very quick to deploy that way.
4:00 rumor has it from Savotta, that the webbing endings like that are awaiting some future accessory. There are similar carry handle endings in Keikkalaukku side/end pocket, too.
Alright, definitely interesting. I won't do any editing to it and I'll wait and see what happens. I saw somewhere there may be pockets and attachments in our future too, at least in relation to medical if I remember correctly, which I may not
@@Tim_Keys Yep. With the Keikka, I thought the purpose was just for using the tabs as pull handles to get better access to the mesh pockets in the side pouch, but we'll see..
Excellent, another great vid. I finally managed to get an Askare ordered to the UK. Likewise kinda saving my pennies to see what the new range brings. An external lid pocket would be ace and personally I’d love to see slightly roomier side pockets. Whatever I’m sure they will be awesome!
I currently have the Jääkari XL. Started with a civilian day pack and it's was getting heavy wear while off trail. 😅 The XL had been amazing all winter with all the bulky items, the only thing that's happened is some minor scuffs on the frame and end caps for it. Its a real "Carry All" I've carried chainsaws, tree climbing equipment, spurs and harness as well as snow shoes. It's been an awesome pack. Just need a bit more of an EDC bushcraft bag that's smaller and as bulletproof. Thinking the Jääkari M? Have you done a review on that bag? It would be awesome to see your style of indepth & upclose review of it.
Jääkäri M is on my list of videos to make, maybe this week if I can catch some more filming time. It's pretty hard to find a quiet moment around here at home
Another great review! Am I ordering the bags though - nope, cool and all but enough gear collecting for me. BUT the damn smiley patches !!!!! YUP! Totally ordered a few - especially the green ones - love 'em *adding this later - I'm in love with this company - grumpy stove and happy stove.... ohh I so don't need more gear but I can feel it comin;
Will you do a review on all different vertical side pouches for the Jaakari as well? I am not sure which ones to choose for my size L. I'm between 4L and 6L. I dont want the backpack to become too bulky.
There is a very good photo series on Savotta's website, each page for the side pockets has it's own photo series and description answering exactly this. But I will get to that as soon as I can in video format
When do think Savotta will release their new bags ?? I was going to get the JÄÄKÄRI M but then I saw the pictures of the new one and like you I don't want to buy anything until they announce anything and do you think the Hatka will fit on the new stuff as well ?? And what size literage do you think they will be ??
I'm not sure when they will come, but I'm ready. And I am also not sure of too many details of the backpacks unfortunately. I don't want to ask too many questions of them and ruin the surprise when they are trying to do something cool
@EnduranceRoom Thanks man, I'm glad you like it. I'm over there watching your stuff too. And if it's a couple months out, I might just get that Keikka next week
I am in the same boat as you. Really considering getting myself a Jääkari M. Did some digging and saw that photo on Reddit of a couple bags with what looks like updated lids? I hope it is an updated lid attachment/option. Or maybe a new line up of bags? It would be exciting to see a more substantial roll top on the M. Perhaps similar to the L? or maybe even a simple closure type like the S?
Don't get the 80L Keikka duffle bag. It's simply toooo big. As a result, I don't use it as often. If I could make the purchase again, it would be the 50L bag. Big error on my part. If by chance you want a 80L Kaikka bag, I will sell it at a reasonable price. Very good condition
We are trying to figure out some way to do a buy/sell on reddit, but we are at a total block at the moment. We don't want to become a market, we want to stay a bunch of nerds. If we figure something out I will let you know, or just keep track of it there. I might forget to update here, memory issues www.reddit.com/r/Savotta And yeah I think I will work my way up, 30L-50-80, with other gear in between. Could be months, could be years, our dishwasher just died so definitely not weeks
tldr, its a nice light weight back, not much you can do besides put stuff in it. Maybe get the jaakari S Sitpad/backpad, it fits in nicely and helps make it more comfortable.
I work in forestry and this bag has been my go to daily driver for when I walk a ton while marking stands for future harvesting. It's so good with a 3l hydration bladder so you don't need to constantly unpack and pack it. Stuff it with colored marking tape for days and a first aid kit and some food and other work related measuring stuff. Will definitely try your shoulder strap swap, I did not expect to find so much use out of this little bag that I completely overlooked replacing the original straps but now the level of use outweighs the cost, time to make the great into something amazing.
*Man-Oh-Man-Oh-Man, Thank You for this review!*
I've just turned 70, am in the midst of switching over to a meat centric ketogenic Carnivore diet. I've lost 40 pounds since late November of 2023, with 100 pounds still to go until I reach my target weight.
Mild walking exercise is going to play a key role in being able to adhere to the Carnivore style of eating, and my *old, black, Under Armor, Storm 1 day pack* is starting to show its age, and replacing it is an immediate need.
I have been dithering and procrastinating terribly over what new day pack to purchase. Eight months ago I was alerted to the existence of *Savotta gear manufactured in Finland,* and very shortly thereafter, the existence of
*Varusteleka, with their two house brands, Sarma and Terava.*
I couldn't make my mind up between the *Savotta Hatka 12L day pack and the Sarma TST DP10 10L day pack.*
I really liked the Sarma DP10, 10-liter pack with its more rectangular shape and especially its 5-rows x 13-colums of wrap-around P.A.L.S. webbing.
On the other hand, I much prefer the slightly larger size of the Savotta Hatka, 12-liter pack. What kept me from pulling the trigger on the Hatka was two things.
*First,* was those skinny, 25mm wide, plain webbing shoulder straps. There are close to 2 dozen TH-cam reviews on the Hatka 12-liter day pack, and in all of the reviews conducted in English the reviewers mention the skinny shoulder straps. Some reviewers just accept them as is, severely limiting how much weight they attempt to carry so as not to incur any great discomfort. Other reviewers mention hacks or adding wrap-around shoulder strap pads that attach with hook and loop, but no one illustrated any of their fixes for the 25mm wide, dig into your shoulder muscles, webbing straps.
*Second,*was the two missing rows of P.A.L.S. webbing in the center of the Hatka day pack. I'm sure Savotta's designers and engineers had a valid reason for not installing those 2-rows of P.A.L.S. webbing, but my ex-military mind can't for the life of me figure out Savotta's reasoning.
Then, a month or so ago, the man who hosts the *Endurance Room* TH-cam channel posted a video where he illustrates how he was able to attach two, 4-liter, Savotta Side Pouches to the sides of his Savotta Hatka 12-liter day pack, thus increasing its carrying capacity by approximately 7-liters. Savotta calls these smallest of their 4 Side Pouch sizes a 4-liter pouch, but my math, and the websites of several European and Canadian sites that sell Savotta gear call list these pouches at varying sizes under the 4-liter mark. The pouches measure 30cm(H)×13cm(W)×9cm(D) = 3,510cc.
Anyway, shortly after posting that video, the host of Endurance Room, posted several videos on the new *Savotta Askare and Kukkaro* fanny/hip packs, which he likes as much as you do. Which started me to dithering and procrastinating about the Askare.
Then, this morning this video pops up just as I am exiting the Varusteleka website after once again not being able to decide between a Hatka 12-liter, or a now discontinued Sarma TST DP10 10-liter pack. *So, I pulled the trigger on (1) O.D. Green, Savotta Hatka 12-liter day pack; (1) O.D. Green, Sarma TST Pouch XL, 4.85-liters; and (1) Black, Savotta Zipped 2×2 Pouch, 0.65-liter; and (1) Brown, Savotta Zipped 2×2 Pouch, 0.65-liter. If shipping goes as expected, then in 8 days I will receive these items.
The Sarma TST Pouch XL has 4-rows × 4-columns of P.A.L.S. webbing on its back, and the two Savotta Zipped 2×2 Pouches have 2-rows × 2-columns of P.A.L.S. webbing on their backs.
My thoughts and plans, if they prove to be valid, are to place the XL Sarma TST pouch in the center of the Hatka's face where the P.A.L.S. attachment straps will have to bridge the 2-row gap of missing P.A.L.S. webbing. I'm already contemplating having a shoemaker or tailor sewing sufficient 25mm O.D. Green webbing into that 2-row gap on the pack's face, adding 2-rows × 4-columns of additional P.A.L.S. webbing so that the XL pouch will be fully supported and fully attached to the body of the Hatka day pack.
My thoughts on the *Savotta Zipped 2×2 pouches* are that once the *Sarma TST XL pouch* is occupying most of the pack bag's rear face, there should be sufficient remaining space on the sides of the Hatka to allow for the *installation of a single Savotta 2×2 pouch, top and bottom, on both the left and right sides of the pack bag.*
If (4) 2×2 pouches are installed on the Hatka, I don't know if there will be sufficient P.A.L.S. webbing space left to install the (4) Savotta 2M WB SR P.A.L.S. mount buckles necessary to allow for attaching the Hatka to a larger pack in a piggyback arrangement. If not, then I will just not factor a piggyback option into this day pack's list of possible uses.
Just as an aside, while I have been dithering and procrastinating as to a choice for a new day pack, I have picked up a Terava Skrama 240mm seax, a Terava Jääkäripuukko 110mm belt knife, a Terava Tiny Knife neck knife, (2) Finnish 1-liter plastic canteens, (2) new old stock, U.S.G.I. surplus LC-2 Canteen Covers, and (2) new old stock, U.S.G.I. surplus A.L.I.C.E. -to-P.A.L.S. adapters.
The Silky Big Boy folding saw and a decent carbon steel hatchet with an integral hammer poll are going to be two of my next purchases, after the Hatka day pack is set up to my liking. The *Keikka shoulder harness straps* are out of stock, so I will pick those up next month, along with the necessary buckles to create the same quick-detachable set up that you have, which at first glance, appears to be exactly what I have been spitballing in my mind for several months now.
*Anyway, sorry for the long post, but I just wanted to let you know that I REALLY appreciate the depth and quality of the information that you presented in this video on an obscure topic like the Savotta Hatka 12-liter day pack, a piece of gear that only a small number of Americans probably own.*
*Spec 4*
*91B Medic*
*864th Engineer Battalion*
(Combat Heavy)
*1976-1979*
@@brucemattes5015 I'm sorry I am just now seeing this, veteran to veteran when I get an opportunity I will address every point in your comment
I have to say that in addition to the excellent and creative content and storytelling in your videos, I’m super impressed by your pronounciation of Finnish words! We don’t expect anyone else (except estonians, of course) to be able to form these crazy words, but you have really learned this 👏
Thank you so much :)
tip for water packs. GET AN ICEPACK made of hard plastic and never pops and can be frozen down for cooling
That is an excellent idea
I've been using a Jääkäri L as the rucksack that gets left in the tent and the Hatka as the backpack that comes along as a part of the combat kit. Its been a great combination, but in winter the Hatka is a tad too small, since you need to pack a fairly chonky thermal jacket inside, and that leaves awkwardly little room for all the other kit.
Haven't found a larger alternative that'd be as convenient to clip on to the Jääkäri though, so the Hatka stays, despite the size.
Man I am sitting here racking my brain trying to think of your solution. I can get away with wool in the winter so this is one I'm lost on. Let me think about this one, and I will try to get back to you on it. My memory is super bad though so if you need to poke me with a reminder I never take offense to it
You forgot to mention that Savotta bags are made to endure when you turned it out!
For the front PALS I wouldn't personally bother putting anything bigger than a tourniquet or a mutlitool pouch. Kinda defeats the purpose of the Hatka to try to expand it with large pouches since it's kind of a large pouch itself meant to clip on larger backpacks.
For hydration bladders I've had good success with Source. Got me through a year in the army and a couple of exercises afterwards and they have a nice adapter that lets you fill it through the tube from a tap or a regular 1,5l water bottle. I did replace my bladder recently when I noticed it was starting to wear down near the tube attachment point.
Cool to hear my post mentioned haha. The Särmä TST flat straps are probably even slower to detach than finaggling the stock Keikka harness but they are indeed flat enough that I just fold them semi neatly and leave them attached between the Hatka and whatever bag I have it attached to. Very quick to deploy that way.
Great vid thanks Tim!
Amazing video! looking forward for more in the future. :)
Thanks friend :)
When it comes to adding additional pouches, I found it easy to slap two ATS Tactical Small GP Pouches on it. Works great!
More goods on the shopping list :) after the Finns clean me out of course....
4:00 rumor has it from Savotta, that the webbing endings like that are awaiting some future accessory. There are similar carry handle endings in Keikkalaukku side/end pocket, too.
Alright, definitely interesting. I won't do any editing to it and I'll wait and see what happens. I saw somewhere there may be pockets and attachments in our future too, at least in relation to medical if I remember correctly, which I may not
@@Tim_Keys Yep. With the Keikka, I thought the purpose was just for using the tabs as pull handles to get better access to the mesh pockets in the side pouch, but we'll see..
Excellent, another great vid. I finally managed to get an Askare ordered to the UK. Likewise kinda saving my pennies to see what the new range brings. An external lid pocket would be ace and personally I’d
love to see slightly roomier side pockets. Whatever I’m sure they will be awesome!
Yes, and yes :) I believe you will like the new range
I currently have the Jääkari XL.
Started with a civilian day pack and it's was getting heavy wear while off trail. 😅
The XL had been amazing all winter with all the bulky items, the only thing that's happened is some minor scuffs on the frame and end caps for it. Its a real "Carry All"
I've carried chainsaws, tree climbing equipment, spurs and harness as well as snow shoes. It's been an awesome pack. Just need a bit more of an EDC bushcraft bag that's smaller and as bulletproof.
Thinking the Jääkari M?
Have you done a review on that bag?
It would be awesome to see your style of indepth & upclose review of it.
Jääkäri M is on my list of videos to make, maybe this week if I can catch some more filming time. It's pretty hard to find a quiet moment around here at home
absolutly inspiring Tim ;) love ur work
Thank you so much :) and I do take any and all requests. If you want me to figure some stuff out for you, let me know :)
well done! love the videos!.. great idea with the savotta sit pad in the back sleeve cant wait to try that out!
It really is a game changer, I don't go without it
Very detailed. Thanks
Nate
Another great review! Am I ordering the bags though - nope, cool and all but enough gear collecting for me. BUT the damn smiley patches !!!!! YUP! Totally ordered a few - especially the green ones - love 'em
*adding this later - I'm in love with this company - grumpy stove and happy stove.... ohh I so don't need more gear but I can feel it comin;
Aha! We got one more folks. Plan totally worked
I attach 2X 2litre pockets on the front
Will you do a review on all different vertical side pouches for the Jaakari as well?
I am not sure which ones to choose for my size L. I'm between 4L and 6L.
I dont want the backpack to become too bulky.
There is a very good photo series on Savotta's website, each page for the side pockets has it's own photo series and description answering exactly this. But I will get to that as soon as I can in video format
When do think Savotta will release their new bags ?? I was going to get the JÄÄKÄRI M but then I saw the pictures of the new one and like you I don't want to buy anything until they announce anything and do you think the Hatka will fit on the new stuff as well ?? And what size literage do you think they will be ??
I'm not sure when they will come, but I'm ready. And I am also not sure of too many details of the backpacks unfortunately. I don't want to ask too many questions of them and ruin the surprise when they are trying to do something cool
@@Tim_Keys it's like Christmas 😂
@@Tim_KeysGreat video. I heard maybe a couple months. Looking forward to it as well.
@EnduranceRoom Thanks man, I'm glad you like it. I'm over there watching your stuff too. And if it's a couple months out, I might just get that Keikka next week
I am in the same boat as you. Really considering getting myself a Jääkari M.
Did some digging and saw that photo on Reddit of a couple bags with what looks like updated lids?
I hope it is an updated lid attachment/option. Or maybe a new line up of bags?
It would be exciting to see a more substantial roll top on the M. Perhaps similar to the L? or maybe even a simple closure type like the S?
Don't get the 80L Keikka duffle bag. It's simply toooo big. As a result, I don't use it as often. If I could make the purchase again, it would be the 50L bag. Big error on my part. If by chance you want a 80L Kaikka bag, I will sell it at a reasonable price. Very good condition
We are trying to figure out some way to do a buy/sell on reddit, but we are at a total block at the moment. We don't want to become a market, we want to stay a bunch of nerds. If we figure something out I will let you know, or just keep track of it there. I might forget to update here, memory issues
www.reddit.com/r/Savotta
And yeah I think I will work my way up, 30L-50-80, with other gear in between. Could be months, could be years, our dishwasher just died so definitely not weeks
When 202 reviev?
tldr, its a nice light weight back, not much you can do besides put stuff in it. Maybe get the jaakari S Sitpad/backpad, it fits in nicely and helps make it more comfortable.
Very soon I will get that up for you