Savotta Backpack 339

  1 of 2

  Mixed feelings about this rucksack. I was looking for a low sitting rucksack, I don't like tall above head over featured backpacks, so this rucksack was considered. I used this rucksack for three day hike. Very positive thing about this pack is simplicity, no over featured complicated stuff in this pack. Great strong construction, it should serve for ages. I like the external frame it really allows my back to breathe while sweating, such a great feature. The saddle strap at the bottom of the frame is very comfortable but it can rub against the trouser belt lifting or lowering trousers or undo the braces so I let the pack much lower sitting with the saddle strap on my buttocks. The main compartment closing flap could be much wider because it doesn't cover full width if packed full to the top, rain would get inside the pack, plenty long though no problem there. The openings of the side pockets are quite small, they fit narrow stuff only, like the Osprey water bottle is too big for them. The small side zipper can be a nice feature, I didn't use it, but I thing it would let water inside so a rain cover is a must. All drawstrings and fastening straps are plenty long. Most negative thing about this rucksack is its shoulder straps, they are uncomfortable for heavy loads and a long hike. The shoulder straps are too close to each other and pressing hard on trapezius muscles resulting in pain after day's hike, they should be wider apart. Another negative thing about the shoulder straps is the length of padded part of the straps. Padding of the shoulder straps comes too short, it ends just in front of shoulders and it narrows towards the front of shoulders as well. Another two inches of padding and full width would make it much more comfortable. These shoulder straps are uncomfortable for heavy loads and a long hike. For comfort I added a waist belt with an old army belt fitted nicely just behind the saddle strap which made carrying little bit more comfortable but still not enough to stop complaining. A look in modifying the shoulder straps is needed. Such a great rucksack let down by uncomfortable shoulder straps. This rucksack is suitable for light loads only, in my opinion up to 15 kg most, anything above that weight is resulting in shoulder and neck pain. A premium product for a premium price from Savotta. Quite disappointed.  

  Frank

  2 of 2

  A great pack, plenty of space and solid in construction but I had to make a number of changes to the pack to allow for my way of packing. This included an adjustment to the main pack against the frame to fit a horizontal roll, in addition a pice of roll mat foam to the lower back band. That aside it’s good for 8 days with dry food and 6 litres of water, overall it is a solid pack.  

  Hefin Jones Mc