Kahakka, meaning "small fight", aptly describes this compact tactical pack. The uniqueness of the Kahakka line lies in its straightforwardness—these are serious, well-constructed basic backpacks. They are built for the 99% of users who need a practical, no-nonsense day/tactical backpack that offers sufficient versatility and customization for various tasks.
The Kahakka packs are designed with military use in mind. At Savotta, we have been making gear for the Finnish Defence Forces for over half a century, where equipment is typically expected to withstand over a decade of rigorous use. The Kahakka packs are durable, but we have not sacrificed usability or downgraded features for the sake of strength. Kahakka offers a unique blend of functionality, comfort, and traditional Savotta durability.
The Kahakka 25L has a volume of approximately 30 liters when the side pockets are filled, not to mention external attachment points for various additional loads. There is ample space for essential gear and personal items, including heavy winter clothing, which is often essential in our practical use in Finland.
Details and Features
The top compartment features a foldable flap closure secured by two SR buckles, making it reliable and quick to open and close. It is as quick as a zipper but completely reliable in continuous exposure to mud, sand, and snow. Inside, there is a hydration bladder/radio pocket, which comes with two attachment loops and a hydration bladder securing strap on top. There’s also one hose/antenna/cable exit point on each side of the backpack.
The pleated side pockets allow for effortless carrying and handling of items like water bottles, field shovels, bolt cutters, and more. Each side pocket has a volume of about 3 liters and compresses neatly when empty with the top compression straps tightening the opening. The pockets feature drainage holes at their bottoms to avoid water collection.
Each side features two steel G-hook compression straps that enable both securing the backpack and attaching additional gear, such as long tools to the outside of the backpack. These straps can also be used to attach additional loads like pockets and bags to the Kahakka.
The Kahakka 25L comes with two external zippered pockets. The top pocket holds approximately 3 liters, ideal for night vision devices or a water bottle. The flat front pocket also features a webbing loop with a D-ring, perfect for smaller items and valuables. The zippers have dual pulls, and the pulls feature ample paracord loops to quiet any jangling and facilitate handling while wearing thick gloves.
PALS webbing on the front and bottom of the pack allows for attaching additional loads using shock cords or detachable straps. Gear can be secured to the webbing loops above the side pockets using cord, spring hooks, or removable straps.
The back panel is padded and supported by a thick, rigid foam insert that sits in a designated compartment on the exterior of the pack. The foam can be quickly removed from its compartment and used as a seat pad. This compartment can also be used for carrying a tarp or rain poncho.
The padded, contoured shoulder straps attach to steel D-rings. Thanks to the D-rings, the shoulder straps can pivot and conform to various body shapes. The shoulder straps can be detached and replaced if needed. The chest strap is removable and adjustable as necessary.
The 50 mm wide waist belt helps stabilize the pack when necessary, featuring an extremely user-friendly and reliable Berg buckle. The belt can be tucked away inside the back compartment of the pack.
Durable and Maintainable
The main section of the backpack is made from 1000D Cordura for excellent abrasion resistance, while details like the top opening, side panels, and back panel are crafted from lighter and less coarse 500D Cordura. The zippers are weather protected and each zipper features two pulls for added safety in case one breaks.
The shoulder straps are easily removable and replaceable if needed. The lower straps of the shoulder straps can be replaced with any 25 mm webbing, if necessary.
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 rapid attachment of additional loads to the back of the pack.
Kahakka 15L vs 25L, which one do I choose?
First and foremost, we are not experts on your carrying needs; you are. The substantial difference between these two backpack models is the capacity—25L is considerably larger than 15L and features a reasonably sized box-shaped zippered pocket on the top.
If you usually need to carry, for example, thick winter clothing alongside other gear, which is a common practice here in Finland, we recommend the 25L model. If, however, you want a solid, compact, and nimble little pack and don't need that extra 10 liters, opt for the 15L model. In any case, both models feature plenty of external attachment points for additional loads, as well as robust compression straps that allow you to snugly secure half-filled packs into a neat bundle.
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