The Kahakka, meaning 'small battle', aptly describes this compact combat backpack. The 'specialty' of these packs is that they are not 'special' at all. They are serious, robust basic backpacks. The Kahakka is made for 99% of users who need a straightforward, multipurpose day/combat pack that is versatile and customizable to perform various tasks.
Built considering real military use, we at Savotta have been manufacturing equipment for the Finnish Defence Forces for over half a century. The gear is expected to withstand over a decade of heavy use. The Kahakka is durable and robust, yet we have not sacrificed usability or diminished features for durability. The Kahakka is a unique blend of functionality, comfort, and traditional Savotta durability.
With a volume of approximately 15 liters and around 20 liters when the side pockets are filled, it offers ample space for essential task-specific gear along with rain gear and other belongings.
Details and Features
The main compartment features a folding flap closure secured by two SR buckles, providing reliable and quick access. Fast as a zipper but fully functional when exposed to mud, sand, and snow. Inside is a hydration bladder/radio compartment with two attachment loops above and a hydration bladder hanging point. There is one exit for a tube/antenna/cable on either side of the backpack.
The folded side pockets allow for effortless transport and handling of items such as water bottles, field shovels, and bolt cutters. Each pocket has a volume of approximately 2.5 liters, secured by the top side compression straps closing the opening. When empty, the pockets compress neatly. The webbing loops on the pockets keep the side compression straps in place. The pockets have drainage holes at the bottom.
Two steel G-hook equipped side compression straps per side enable securing the pack as well as attaching accessories and long tools to the exterior of the pack. The straps can also be used to attach additional gear such as pouches and bags to the Kahakka.
The Kahakka 15L features one external zippered pocket. This slim front pocket includes a webbing loop with a D-ring, suitable for small items and valuables. The zipper has two pulls with ample cord loops to quiet the jingle and ease handling while wearing thick gloves.
The PALS webbing on the front and bottom of the pack allows for attaching extra gear using bungee cords or loose straps. You can use the webbing loops above the side pockets to secure gear with cord, carabiners, or loose straps.
The back of the pack is padded and supported by a thick, rigid plastic sheet that sits in a designated compartment at the rear of the pack. The padding can be quickly removed from the compartment and used as a seat pad. This compartment can also be used to carry a tarp or rain poncho.
Padded, shaped shoulder straps attach to sturdy D-rings. Thanks to the D-rings, the shoulder straps can pivot and adapt to various body shapes. The shoulder straps can be easily removed and swapped out if needed. The chest strap is detachable and adjustable as needed.
Durable and Maintainable
The main body of the pack is made of 1000D Cordura for high abrasion resistance, while details such as the side openings and back are made from a lighter and less coarse 500D Cordura. The zippers are protected, and each zipper has two pulls for redundancy in case one breaks.
The shoulder straps can be easily removed and replaced when necessary. The lower straps of the shoulder straps can be replaced with any 25mm webbing if needed.
All plastic buckles on the pack can be easily replaced without sewing. The steel G-hooks on the side compression straps are nearly indestructible, allowing for quick attachment of extra gear to the back of the pack.
Kahakka 15L vs 25L, which one to choose?
First and foremost, we are not the experts on your carrying needs; you are. The main difference between these two backpack models is, of course, volume: the 25L is significantly larger than the 15L and features an additional moderately sized box-shaped zippered pocket on top.
If you typically need to carry thick cold-weather clothing along with other accessories, as is often customary here in Finland, we recommend the 25L model. If you instead want a compact and agile small pack without needing the 10 extra liters: go for the 15L. In any case, both models have plenty of external attachment points for extra gear and robust compression straps to cinch half-filled packs neatly.
