The Savotta Jääkäri backpack is an enhanced version of the originally designed Lightweight Border Patrol pack for the Border Guard. The design has taken genuine user experiences into account, with the best ideas integrated into the Jääkäri. The Jääkäri surpasses the capabilities of a regular daypack. Numerous features and the extensive "MOLLE" webbing make this pack incredibly modular and versatile for work tasks. Due to its slim profile, the backpack does not hinder movement in tight places and is excellent for skiing and hunting. In its size class, the Jääkäri bag is robust to carry. The internal support frame keeps the Jääkäri upright. The compression straps on the main compartment can also tighten a partial load to minimize shifting.
Technical Specifications
Backpack Compartment Layout
The Jääkäri backpack bag (dimensions approximately 52 x 25 x 17 cm) is designed to be narrow yet sufficiently spacious to accommodate the gear needed for a day trip. The opening of the bag is secured with a drawstring, and the closure’s tightness is ensured by a waterproof protective collar, allowing for easy overpacking. The opening is covered by a flap that can be secured with straps. The flap is attached with adjustable straps on both sides, allowing it to be "floating", making it easier to overpack. The straps are long enough to provide ample space for additional items like sleeping bags. Inside the flap, there is also a spacious zippered valuables pocket (dimensions approximately 25 x 25 cm).
Access to the main compartment is quick via a full-length vertical zipper on the right side of the backpack. The zipper has two pulls, allowing it to open from any desired point.
Against the back, the main compartment contains a full-length slot for the backpack’s support frame. This slot can also serve as a secondary pocket for carrying flat accessories.
Inside the main compartment, there is a pocket (dimensions approx. 23cm x 37cm) for a hydration bladder or separate accessories. This pocket can easily fit a 13.3" laptop or smaller tablets and such. A rubber band at the pocket’s opening prevents items from bouncing around.
On both sides, beneath the flap, there are outlets for hydration bladder hoses, or possibly for a cable or antenna.
The backpack bag can be tightly compressed with four adjustable straps found on the sides, ensuring it remains compact even with partial loads.
At the bottom sides, there are open elastic cord pockets for small items, or for securing a long tool or water bottle, which can be firmly attached using the side straps.
The bottoms of these pockets also have metal rings for draining water.
PALS Webbing System
The Jääkäri would not be a true Jääkäri without the modularity brought by the PALS webbing system, commonly referred to as "MOLLE".
PALS / MOLLE is a fastening system in military use in almost every country. This fastening system was created for environments demanding absolute modularity and durability.
The Finnish MOLLE stands for: Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. PALS comes from Pouch Attachment Ladder System.
By applying this technology, the Jääkäri backpack is a top modular system. Molle can be found at the front, sides, flap, and even on the carrying straps and hip belt. Using MOLLE, you can attach any PALS-compatible pouch almost anywhere on the Jääkäri you wish. With suitable pouches, the Jääkäri can be expanded into a compact, anatomically designed backpack.
In addition to modular attachment options, the MOLLE webbing reinforces and stabilizes the backpack. One MOLLE link on the Jääkäri can withstand over 100 kg of force.
Other Attachment Points
The attachment straps on the flap are long and run the entire length of the front and bottom of the backpack. When necessary, the 25mm strap easily weaves through the MOLLE webbing and can be elevated wherever desired. This enables secure attachment of items to the front of the backpack without excess loose straps. The bottom of the backpack features four tab guide loops through which the straps run and allow securing items to the base. This is perfectly suited for carrying rolled sleeping pads.
From the lower edge of the pack on the front side, there are attachment loops (2 pcs) for carrying loose items. These suitably sized loops can accommodate long accessories, ensuring a pole can fit when necessary.
Behind the side straps of the backpack, it is also possible to tighten carry items that wouldn't otherwise fit inside. The tightening straps are long enough to stretch across to the opposite attachment point of the backpack.
Carrying Comfort
Anatomically shaped, robust shoulder straps and a low-profile yet sturdy hip belt ensure ergonomic carrying. The centralized tightening of the hip belt is achieved with 25mm ladder buckles on either side of the waist. The backpack tightening is aided by finger loops sewn onto the hip belt, allowing for cinching the pack against the hips in a single inward motion. There is a sufficient variety of adjustment options in the Savotta style to accommodate users of different sizes. The tightening at the top of the backpack is completed with a chest strap featuring a quick-release buckle.
The back is reinforced with an exceptionally durable pre-molded plastic frame. Thanks to this lightweight frame, the backpack maintains its shape and remains comfortable to carry even when slightly heavier loaded. If desired, the support frame can also be removed from the backpack. An additional rigid frame can be purchased for the Jääkäri backpack, with two vertical aluminum rods secured to the front plate using rivets for added stiffness. A Jääkäri backpack equipped with the additional frame is already a small ergonomic rucksack.
The back-facing padded cushions are large and robust, making the Jääkäri surprisingly comfortable to carry compared to other backpacks of this size. The cushion located at the lumbar region can also be detached if desired, or alternatively, the hip belt can be folded behind the cushion out of the way.
Warranty
The backpack is manufactured in Finland/Estonia. The product comes with a five-year material and manufacturing defect warranty.
