Karrimor SF Commander 45 Rucksack Review 2015/10/18
The first thing I noticed when I first saw the pack were the two
pockets on the front. They dominate the design not only in looks but
in practicality too. I have come to really appreciate these two
pockets which although a simple addition to the Karrimor SF Commander
45 really make it useful out in the field.
Introduction
The Commander 45 by Karrimor SF is a step up in complexity when compared
to the tried and tested Sabre 45 (which I also own and use frequently).
Commander 45 does a lot more “stuff” and the aim of this review is to
help you make up your mind if this extra functionality is worth it for
your needs.
Wearing the Karrimor SF Commander 45 is
pleasant enough for a pack with no hip harness. This is a military bag
and so is designed to fit above webbing. Karrimor SF have gone a step to
further improve the comfort. It takes the form of a very stiff back
panel along side a firm lumbar support pouch which protrudes enough from
the back system itself to make positive contact with the small of your
back, this pushes some of the weight into you and takes it off the
shoulders a little.
Design
The shoulder straps can be worn very wide or narrow. Thanks to the lack
of permanent stitching at the top where they connect to the bag. Don’t
get me wrong it is stitched in place very securely but to a smooth half
circle of plastic, which allows the shoulder straps to travel to a spot
where they fit comfortably on you. At first I was sceptical to this
design but have grown fond of it and both the plastic eyelet where the
shoulder strap meets the pack as well as the stitching itself are both
very strong. The pack uses top quality tough materials, which are now
usual for Karrimor SF. They are not by any means lightweight but they
are going for strength and reliability. The Karrimor SF Commander 45
certainly delivers on this part. The fabric also has a DWR applied and
the pack has drainage holes throughout, so its good in wet conditions.
For me the main attraction to this pack
was its accessibility, from the clamshell main zip, which allows almost
the whole pack to be zipped open and the internal compression straps,
which help you compress the load towards you.
Conclusion
The best feature for my work as an outdoor instructor are the two main
external pockets. These are simply perfect for storing large first aid
kits, dslr’s, bushcraft tools and water bottles. When I am out in the
field its normal for me to drop my pack to get something inside
frequently during the day. The Commander 45 makes this a hell of a lot
quicker and more efficient. You can prioritise the items you may need
for the session or day and put them in the external pockets accordingly.
To have this feature in such a durable pack makes this one a keeper for
me. Recommended
