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The Karrimor SF Sabre 75 is a rucksack packed with useful features, making it one of the most versatile load carriers that I have tried out in a long time.
The fixed-length back incorporates a removable F-format internal frame of closed cell foam and mouldable alloy struts that can be shaped to the user’s back, padded Coolmesh back sections around ventilation channels, S-shaped Coolmesh padded, fully adjustable shoulder straps with top tensioning straps, chest strap, D-rings and a haul loop, while the fully-adjustable stiffened hip belt incorporates side tensioners, accessory loops, Coolmesh padding and a generous Coolmesh padded lumbar pad.
This all adds up to a very comfortable and stable carry of your load, even in warmer conditions.
The main body of the rucksack is a single compartment with a drawcord closure and with a drawcord closed lighter weight nylon “snowlock” extension. Inside the rucksack there is a large elasticated topped pocket for a hydration bladder and there are ports for the hose either side of the sack and a clip on the left shoulder strap to hold the drinking valve conveniently. The top of the main compartment also has a fully adjustable quick release buckled strap for holding ropes or other items securely under the lid.
The lid itself has elasticated side hems for a close fit on the main body of the rucksack, closes with two adjustable quick release buckles and has 3 adjuster straps to allow it to expand with the load as needed. On the outside of the lid there is a sizeable zip-closed pocket with straps on top of this for external loads, while inside the lid there is a smaller, zip-closed mesh pocket for storing small items.
The front of the sack has “daisy chain” webbing loops and fully adjustable “ice axe loops” (also great for carrying other items) and a pair of “wings” that form the take-off points for the 3 pairs of side compression straps, as well as tube type holders for ski poles etc AND one forms the lid of a large, vertically zipped front pocket!
The sides of the sack have elastic topped quick release buckle secured pockets that will take two one-litre water bottles with room to spare, and the fittings to take the PLCE type side pockets (available separately) should you need to enlarge your carrying capacity to a full 100 litres! The side compression straps can also secure extra kit to the side of the sack or help attach the side pockets.
These simple zip-on pockets fit onto the sack with 4 side release buckles and 2 zips for secure attachment, have a simple zip closure and a bottom drain eyelet and can zip together and attach to a PLCE yoke to make a 25 litre day sack.
The Sabre 75 is very strongly made from 1000 denier nylon with rot-proof thread and all stress areas of stitching are bar tacked for strength, while the whole bag has a durable water-repellent finish.
You would be hard put to find a better made, more durable, rugged, versatile and comfortable rucksack, though all its various features do mean that it is no lightweight – weighing about 2.8kg empty, without the PLCE pockets which weigh another 0.5kg.
I have used the Karrimor SF Sabre 75 both with and without the PLCE side pockets, and the pockets alone as a day pack, in the British hills, the African bush and in the high mountains of South Africa. It has seen parched grasslands, thorn scrub and rocky scrambling, bog and briar, been thrown and bounced around in pick-ups and aircraft holds and it still looks immaculate!
The Karrimor Sabre 75 and PLCE side pockets come in Olive, Black or British DPM, the Sabre 75 costing around £119.95, the PLCE pockets around £27.50. A yoke for turning the pockets into a daysack costs around £15.95.
This is quality kit that is proving well worth its price and which will surely last a long long time of hard usage.
My thanks go out to Mark of Lakeland Bushcraft Trading Ltd (lakelandbushcraft.co.uk) who supplied the review samples and who sells a huge range of top quality equipment from various manufacturers.
Finally, Wayland is rather taken with the 38cm glowlight
