Savotta 906
Reviewed by
Lutrine
+44
November 1, 2012
A hardcore pack that requires effort to use well, but is rewarding.
Pros
- Strong
- Very adjustable
- Excellent belt
Cons
- Heavy
- Complicated adjustments
- Smallish side pockets
Savotta is a fairly unknown manufacturer. It makes equipment for the Finnish Defence Force and civilian hikers. Most of the gear is rugged and hardwearing. This pack is no exception.
The Savotta 906 is a large (around 90 litre) external frame pack. It weighs in at about 3 kg. Being modelled on a similar military version it can withstand very hard use. The harness is highly adjustable, but complicated. Once adjusted well it is a pleasure to carry. The wide belt take most of the load and spreads it so wide that you can't notice it. On my last hike I carried about 15 kg on my hips, nothing on my shoulders and felt nothing. When carrying 30 kgs weight does go on the shoulders, but is distributed quite well.
Definite cons come from its military heritage. It is sturdier and heavier than a civilian might need. The adjustments are good and suit a very wide range of bodies, but are complicated to use. Also the side pockets are a bit too small.
I would recommend this pack to anyone who knows that they want an external frame pack that can be dropped from the back of a lorry and dragged over a road before used to carry 40 kg. If your needs are more humane there are better packs available.
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: 199 euros on sale
Reviewed by
John Richard
+3
March 10, 2016
Superior military type backpack that will serve you well the rest of your life.
Pros
- Even with maximum capacity reached more can fit if needed
- Very strong fabric
- Aluminum frame will save the day when loads reach more than +20kg
- Overall there is just no other like this if needing a super strong and comfy backpack for long hikes with max loads.
- You will look like John Rambo when entering the airport with this backpack.
Cons
- If backpack is only a half full things need to be tied with extra cords well, otherwise will swing inside while hiking
Got one years ago and honestly this is a superior military type backpack that will serve you the rest of your life well. Have tried it in Siberia, Alps, Lapland, and Norway in many locations for several days serious hikes with "all you can carry loads".
Strong fabric with dark green color, nothing like those modern days bright color fabrics that just doesn't fit you into the nature. After fixing the 906's adjustment correctly for my frame this is very pleasant to carry even with super heavy loads 23...40kg. Goes also for winter use with piles of snow since the pockets have snow covers.
How it differs from other modern day tight anatomic backpacks is that this has extra capacity if needed under the long main hood + aluminum frame where you can attach heaps of extra load top of the frame and also under the frame—multi-use—no matter what shape in case needed. Weight balance can be easily fixed to be the best for your body.
Source: bought it new
Price Paid: 299 EUR
