Karrimor SF Sabre 45 Multicam Review 2013/02/17
A truly versatile pack with amazing expansion options. Tough-as-nails
construction too. This is our review on the Karrimor SF Sabre 45
Multicam. Let's check it out.
Introduction
Moving through the backcountry it's important to be able to carry all
your equipment with confidence, comfort and arrangement. The Karrimor SF
Sabre 45 Multicam is a well designed and tough bit of gear which has
seen me through in all conditions. From snow and ice to rain and heat.
Design
Firstly with its amazing versatility the Karrimor SF Sabre 45 is a magic
45 litres of capacity. Which is perfect for warmer overnighters or super
lightweight multi day trips. However if you are out in the field all
year round then you need something that can be expanded to accommodate
extra layers in winter or extra photography equipment. The
Karrimor SF Sabre 45 Multicam can then be fitted with two rocket packs
or side pouches as they are sometimes called. These are 12.5 litres each
and this extra storage space is now great for packing more gear into. On
multi day trips I will stick the heavy gear in the main 45 litre pack
and use the side pouches to store my waterproof or insulation layers.
Ideally you want to balance the load so anything
that isn't too heavy to set you off balance will go into the
side pouches. When packing any rucksack the heaviest items should always
be closest to your own centre of gravity.
Fabrics
The Karrimor SF Sabre 45 has a really good DWR treatment and the
material is siliconised. The pack uses 1000 denier Nylon which is not
only super tough but amazingly water resistant. In short water will
literally pool in any well in the fabric and will happily sit there not
soaking in until you shake it off. There are drainage holes in both side
pockets to prevent your bag filling up with water, they are lacking in
the main compartment however.
Use
Moving around with the Karrimor SF Sabre 45 Multicam is a joy as the
weight is all centred next to you. Due to its short length in the back
and ability to spread the weight sideways in the two side pouches. The
hipbelts on the Sabre 45 are slightly more useful to me than on the
Karrimor SF Predator Patrol 45 as they have actual padding and an
equipment loop. The main pack has a simple large compartment with an
internal and external lid pocket. The side pouches are completely
undivided. I prefer this is a design choice as many other rucksacks go
crazy with the internal dividers and they just get in the way.
Conclusion
Either fully compressed as a day sack for around town where it will fit
a fleece, iPad, A4 pad and a small amount of stationary. Or expanded to
45 litres for day bushcraft courses. Leaving you the final option to use
both side pouches to fully expand your load carrying ability. The
Multicam on my Sabre 45 feels organic and assists with
blending in with nature instead of standing out. If travelling in winter
conditions, remote areas or on your own one should always take a
brightly coloured survival bag to grab attention if the situation calls
for it. However for the most part I prefer to wear muted colours and the
Multicam is a beautiful pattern. Karrimor SF is again spot on with great
stitching and overall quality. The Sabre 45 is a great rugged
pack, perfect for bushcraft. Highly recommended
