The Jääkäri XL is an improved model of the modular LJK paratrooper rucksack originally designed for the Finnish Defence Forces. The PALS attachment system offers great outwards scalability when you need it. Fully height adjustable and generously padded thermoformed shoulder harness and hip belt combined with a heavy duty external tubular aluminium frame allow the Jääkäri XL to carry extremely heavy loads comfortably.
The carrying system is based on the venerable LJK paratrooper pack frame, an external frame made from aluminium tubing, and offers a very wide height adjustment range for a perfect fit. This pack is designed to carry extremely heavy loads, just like its military predecessors have been doing since the early 1980s.
Roll top on the top, zipper on the bottom and a cinch cord divider inside allow you to use the main pack bag in any which way you please. By opening up the divider the main bag is turned into one huge cavernous space, allowing you to pack very large and long items. The bottom zipper offers quick access to whatever gear you need most during the day whilst the roll top guarantees weatherproof protection for the bulk of your gear.
The bottom zipper compartment features interior elastic compression straps and four small mesh pockets for organizing your gear. A zippered pocket inside the lid offers safe storage for your wallet, keys, travel documents and phone.
The roll top closure, floating lid and side compression straps offer a wide range of adjustability to the volume of the pack. Strap it down tight or loosen it up depending on the carried load. The compression straps allow for further gear to be attached on the outside of the pack if necessary. External side pouches on the bottom can be used to secure tools, tripods etc. strapped to the sides of the pack.
A hydration compartment is attached to the interior back wall. Tube ports on both sides allow you to route your hydration bladder tube from the left or right, while leaving the other port free for other uses such as antennas or cables.
MILITARY GRADE MATERIALS
The majority of materials we use for our commercial production are the same which we use in equipment for the Finnish Defence Forces and other defence and security clients. Our most commonly used fabric in load carrying equipment is extremely wear resistant 1000D Cordura, as per FDF specs, with polyurethane coating on the inside. The webbing and edge tape we use are, again as per FDF specs, strong polyester webbing in various widths and thicknesses for different applications.
Our green and M05 camouflage materials and accessories are by default compliant with strict FDF specs for NIR reflection levels, as should be since these same materials are used in official military equipment.
Modularity
PALS webbing on the hip belt, sides, lid and bottom of the pack allow you to attach additional pouches and gear. This system offers numerous options for configuring the pack to suit your specific needs. Not only for pouches though, the PALS webbing can also be used to attach utility straps, shock cord, carabiners etc.
The hip belt can be removed from the frame for use as a stand-alone equipment belt. With suitable pouches attached you could use this instead of, or in conjunction with, a small daypack. The hip belt length is adjustable from 75 to 148 cm, offering an optimal fit for a waist-hip circumference (measured at the level where you prefer the top of the hip belt to sit) of approx. 80-110 cm.
HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE CARRYING SYSTEM
When carrying heavy backpacks over long distances it is extremely important that your pack fits just right. The length adjustable hip belt and shoulder harness can both be moved up and down the frame to fit 160-200 cm tall users. The external LJK tubular aluminium frame keeps the pack from sagging and transfers the pack weight onto your hips even when loaded down with heavy and cumbersome cargo.
Both the shoulder harness and hip belt are generously padded with thermoformed closed cell foam padding. The shoulder harness is S-shaped and includes a removable sternum strap. The forward pull adjustment on the hip belt is easy to tighten even under load. The side release buckle offers quick and easy opening when needed.
The tall LJK frame offers good load lifting capabilities. Load lifters are attached between the top of the frame and the shoulder harness, these provide quick and easy adjustment of the balance point. Use these to switch the balance of the pack when traversing varying terrain or just to rest your hips or shoulders while on the move.
SHIPPING AND DELIVERY
We ship from Karstula, Finland to mainland Finland and EU countries
Orders are usually dispatched within 1–3 weekdays
Most packages usually arrive within 7 weekdays after dispatch
Please note that orders cannot be delivered to military bases
Usually orders are dispatched within 1–3 weekdays and arrive within 4-10 weekdays after dispatch. For more information see our Delivery terms.
Packed in Karstula, delivered all over the EU
We ship from Karstula, which is right in the middle of Finland, to mainland Finland and EU countries.
Shipping via Posti
We ship domestic orders with Posti. Shipping starts from 4,90 € for parcels under 10 kg delivered to service points and 11,90 € for parcels under 15 kg delivered to your home.
Made by Savotta
All quality control is done at our headquarters in Karstula, Finland
100% of our products are made in the European Union
The frame is the main reason to buy this pack. I came from a Pentagon Deos 65, which has no proper frame and turns into a barrel at 20+ kg - your back ends up conforming to its shape, not the other way around. The Jääkäri XL is the opposite: you don't have to think about packing for shape anymore, the frame holds everything in place, and the pack sits flat against your back no matter how you load it.
Volume is more than enough. I removed the lid and stowed it inside - the roll-top is all you need. The pack is big, tough, and I have no problem tossing it in the mud or on rocks. PALS all over - I mounted two one-litre water pouches on the hip belt, smaller pouches on the sides for quick-access items. No need to take the pack off and dig inside every time - everything I need on the go is right there on the outside.
The zippers are a bit stiff to open - not a dealbreaker, but noticeable.
Important note: the hip belt actually works, transferring the load to your hips. But because of that, your body feels everything underneath it - buttons and buckles on your trousers that you never noticed with softer packs start to dig in. Easy fix: a flat belt and trousers without protruding hardware. That's not a flaw - if anything, it shows the suspension is doing its job.
Overall I'm very happy with the pack. Tested it on a two-day trip in the High Tatras carrying alpine weight, and it's coming with me to the Alps again. Night and day compared to what I had before.
I am using this pack for a while now. The frame and hip belt works very well in compare of other packs. It shifts the load perfectly from the shoulder to the hip.
I've replaced all the clips from the shoulder straps for bigger ones. The smaller clips broke after rucking with heavy loads (50kg +).
One thing what I'm missing is ...a zipper pouch from the outside of the top lid. So I can reach essentials like raincover, camocover and so on without placing a extra pouch or place it on the outside of the pack.
Overall very happy with the pack. I am using it very frequently and for now, there is no better pack than this one.
Store owner replied:
Thank you for the detailed feedback!
We also appreciate the note about the shoulder strap clips. Modifications like the ones you’ve made can make a lot of sense depending on individual load requirements and use cases.
Regarding your suggestion about an external zipper on the top lid, this is actually something we’ve explored through our Gear Care service. We’ve made small custom modifications to the Jääkäri's, including adding an external zipper to the lid for quick-access items. You can find an example of this modification on the Gear Care service page, which might be a useful reference if you’re considering a similar setup.
Thanks again for your thoughtful input!
Jos tähän suomalaiseen innovaatioon lisätään vielä muutama ekologinen lause, se voisi kuulua näin: Näihin mahtuu järjestelmällisesti vähintään yhden taistelijan, tiedustelijan, vaeltajan tai vaikka tavallisen retkeilijän varusteet ja eväät, myös pidemmälle retkelle. Näitä varusteita tulee kannettua jo pelkästään ilosta ja luonnon tarjoamasta nautinnosta.
Ja sitten se pieni, perinteinen loppukaneetti yhteen lyhyeen lauseeseen: ei saa jäädä kranaattituleen makaamaan, sillä kaiken tämän kruunaa tuo iki-ihana PALS-nauhakujasto, josta ei tietenkään voida lipsua – aivan kuten ei sormuksistakaan.
The Sawotta bag is incredible, it's still hard to believe how perfectly it was crafted. Ideal for hiking, travel, adventure, and hunting, this bag is unmatched by any other. Compact and secure, every compartment is thoughtfully and precisely designed. Simply perfect.
Best big pack on the market. Plenty of Room for extra food and beers ! And all your gear !
Love how many different ways you can customise your set up, allowing you to get really creative with your attachments if you chose to do so !very happy with it.
The bag is super comfortable. It allows me to carry a lot of weight without feeling like I'm being crushed or that I'm going to tip over due to the aluminum frame. The bag is balanced perfectly and aligns with my spine to the point of being able to almost run at full speed and feel almost nothing.
Used this backpack now for a couple of years, added the 12l to it, added side pouches to it.
Pretty much modded it in what ever way i wanted, and its the best pack i ever owned.
I bought similarly sized backpacks from other brands, and its always a struggle with the amount of $h1t bult into a bagpack. The jääkäri (or the correct spelling :D) XL is litterally a tube, with a lid compartment, a sleeping bag compartment and 4 little pouches in the sleeping bag lid. And thats it.
And it makes it perfect.
10/10 bag
Varsin erinomainen kestävä tuote moneen kantamiseen sekä siirtämiseen joita jo melkein pelkästä rakkaudesta kantaa jonka jälkeen se on aina ilo laskea sekä purkaa. Näihin mahtuu organisoidusti erittäin hyvin vähintään yhden taistelijan, tiedustelijan, vaeltajan, tai ihan vaikka tavallisen retkeilijän varusteet sekä eväät leirissä nauttimista varten pidemmällekin reissulle . Siis näitä juttujahan täytyy kantaa jo pelkästään ilosta sekä nautinnosta puhdasta luontoa kohtaan.
It’s a tough robust pack, I’ve hiked and paddled with it in Finland, Canada and other places around the world.
When shifting heavy loads on your back in an arduous environment, this is a serious piece of kit to get the job done.
Im the tall one!
Rating: 9.5/10
>>Pros
>Recommendations:
-this is without exception a second to none choice for backpackers who seek a heavy duty backpack that lasts a lifetime
>Longevity:
robust and won't break expect a few areas Wich need improvement. Tho way stronger than any other still.
>comfort:
this pack is extraordinarily comfortable even when carrying extremely heavy loads
>adaptebility:
pretty much anything can be attached securely to Any part of the pack with no problems. Using molle or just Paracord.
================================
>>Problems:
-this backpack has some serious issues WICH NEED FIXING to justify the price. And I hope this will be addressed to ensure the quality of these bags
>Rubbing
-Problem:
when loaded up. It seems as though the aluminum frame rubs against the bag. This seems to come from the the aluminum frame rubbing against the rubber back of the bag.
-solution:
Replace the entire back panel with a large piece of cordura/nylon instead of the black rubber.
>Back panel durability.
-Problem:
It seems as though the attachments in the back panel are not as robust as needed and will come undone over time. This happens because the back panel is attached to the rest of the bag with just a single straight stitch. And same goes for all the molle straps and the straps Wich attach the back panel to the frame. This means 1 thread will carry the entire load of the force at a time resulting in the stitches in the bag coming undone.
Solution:
-replace the entire back panel with 1 piece cordura. And sew it to the other panels using a (flat felled seam)
-around the corner of the back panel there NEEDS to be an edge made of molle/cordura strap Wich the straps from the different attachments
(frame strap attachments, brain/top strap attachments, bag side buckle straps) can be sandwiched in-between
-all straps NEED to be attached between back panel and the border strap (Wich I mentioned above) using the "cross in square" sew in method. It's extraordinarily strong and since all parts of the stitch will be pulled on at once will not come loose.
-and then sew the strap to the panel all the way around with double or quadruple stitch
>Molle alternating
Problem:
-the molle across the bag does not connect all the way around in 1 strap. Instead it seems that it will alternate where the side panels of molle will be lower down than the front panel molle straps. This makes the construction less strong for no apparent benefit
(unless there's a good reason for it I don't know about)
Solution:
-just make the molle straps hug all around the bag for max strength and not having to worry about seam problems.
================================
Possible improvements.
>Fishing line
-having been sewing for years I've found the best strongest longest lasting thread to sew with is actually not thread. It is fishing line. Here are the best specs for a good fishing line
Specs:
-braided
(Flexible enough to see with)
-4 strand
(the most abrasion resistant)
-camo
(Because obviously)
-dynema/spectra blend
(The strongest per thickness you can get)
-100lb (so it can be used or reused in the field if your in need of some sort of thread or rope And means it's extra strong without really adding any weight or extra size at all)
Benefits of fishing line:
-extremely strong
-uv resistant
-never rots
-more abrasion resistant than any thread
-can be used in sewing machines. Tho might need a little bit of tuning
>Flat felled seams
-the bag has a sort of flat seam type construction. However it is not the classic interlocking flat felled seam where both ends of the fabric bend over and interlock in a sort of "S" shape and then Double stitched. This seam type is stronger than the surrounding fabric and can be seen typically in jeans.
OVERALL:
-i would gladly pay extra for these improvements since it would take the bag from the best you can by for money and closer to he best possible bag
-remember I'm just a user and while I have both roots in sewing and the tactical world. Often users are
VERY bad at identifying solutions
But VERY good at knowing when there's a problem. These are problems pls fix them. I believe in Savotta quality and always look first here for gear before anywhere else
-this is written on phone. So maybe the structuring is horrible
Store owner replied:
Thank you Frederik for this detailed review!
We’re thrilled you’re enjoying the Jääkäri XL’s durability, adaptability, and comfort. Your suggestions, especially on back panel stitching, MOLLE alignment, and even the idea of using high-strength fishing line, are very interesting to us.
We’ll pass your insights to our development team for consideration.
Thanks again for your thoughtful feedback, and we’re honored to be your first choice for gear!
Bought the backpack for longer hiking trips. I worked perfectly for a week-long hike through norway, enabling me to carry way too much food :). The functionality of the front opening with the four small pockets is great for fast-access to important things like lighters and the Molle ropes are great for adding the right amount of pouches on-top.
Unbreakable. I'm an exploration geologist by profession and purchased this pack for remote fieldwork in northern Scandinavia. I selected the Jääkäri XL largely because of its rugged construction and reputation for carrying very heavy loads; I have chewed through countless 'lightweight' packs humping rock samples out of project areas.
It got a baptism of fire this summer, and performed impressively. 60lb-plus loads felt MUCH lighter, it was filled with rocks and heaved in and out of big boats, small boats and up mountains. And at the end it looked more or less exactly the same as it did at the start, while around it lesser packs (some of them very expensive) were falling apart. I think this is the start of a wonderful relationship...!
Perhaps the ultimate backpack. It is by no means a ultralight backpack, but its heavy duty made to withstand wear and tear and will carry heavy loadouts comfortably. This backpack has alot of modular options and a high volume in it. The backpack also fits big guys quite well too. The only complaint I have is that the upper straps that tightens the bag into the frame comes loose relatively often, so be sure to tighten them everytime you take off your backpack All in all, a great backpack, and its made in Europe!
Erinomainen rinkka niin pitkille ja lyhyemmille retkille.
Rinkka on helposti muunneltavissa tarpeen mukaan, ja PALS kujastoihin on helppo kiinnittää tavaraa rinkan ulkopuolelle, esimerkiksi kameran kolmijalka, virveli, kivääri tai teltta.
Rinkka on äärimmäisen jämerä, eikä painavakaan kuorma tee kantamisesta epämukavaa.
Eetu suosittelee!
I have been using many backpacks for many years on my nature trips. The first Savotta backpack I used was the XL and it really was THE PERFECT backpack for me, for my expectations, for my requirements and the build quality I was always looking for. I will need a lot of good words to describe this backpack, like the other two I have, the Savotta M and L.
In one word PERFECT!
The most durable and ergonomic backpacks I have used!
Awesome Savotta!!!
After buying a JÄÄKÄRI size M and loving it so much, I decided to get the JÄÄKÄRI XL even though it was very expensive for me. However, as the M, the XL is just amazing, very confortable, very versatile with the added external pouches, very strong. I carry about 30 kg in each trek, and it's always very easy to handle, I love it and can't wait for my next adventure just to have the pleasure to use it... It is that good for me and my taste.
Sadly don't have any pictures but i've used this bad for a few months during a demanding training.
This is a tank of a rucksack, everything has already been said about it really, the coating makes it really waterproof for a while, you can carry about anything in it, i got it loaded up to about 30kgs + my gear, for the military, the simplicity of the frame makes it okay to wear with a bulky, issued plate carrier.
Only part i am worried about is since i'm not that tall, the bag's attachments to the frame seem to be put on stress, especially the tops two, a bit complicated to explain and i may have to contact support about it either to find a solution or make sure there are no risks
anyway it's a banger and really makes life better on long rucks, on top of everything being so durable, simple and well thought!
Aivan mahtava rinkka istuvuudeltaan! Olen 160cm pitkä nainen ja rinkka istuu todella hyvin selkääni. Hankin Ospreyn lisäksi ja rinkkaan pakattu 22kg paino ei tunnu yhtään niin painavalta Savotassa kuin Ospreyssä tuntuu. Tätä Savottaa kantaa ihan ilolla eteenpäin :)
I haven't been able to use the backpack yet because the adjustments related to the frame bit reversed the joy and excitement I had towards hiking and similar activities. At the moment of writing, these feelings are quite a big disappointment and slight frustration.
The quality is top-notch so far, as usual, at least when it comes to the materials. And a good thing is that you only need to make the frame adjustments once. Hopefully... Still, this XL is causing me some mixed feelings.
Another downside is that no instructions for the adjustments are included. Not even a link to where you could read about them. At least I wasn't given anything related.
The instructions on Savotta’s own website are pretty well hidden. It took surprisingly long to find any kind of guide, even using Google. And the instructions regarding these specific adjustments are, in my opinion, poor quality. The instructions themselves might be okay, but at least when viewed on my phone, the image quality is quite bad, making it hard to follow.
A video tutorial in Savotta’s style would be great. They already have some video production, some of it quite humorous, which is a plus.
Let’s see how I manage to move forward with this and get the backpack ready for use. These are my first impressions.
So far 3 stars, but when this hassle is over and XL is in use, most likely star count rises to 4 to 4,5.
Thank you.
Store owner replied:
Thanks for the candid review! We get it, nothing quite reverses that “ready-for-adventure” excitement like battling with adjustments on your backpack. We can’t argue with you, the adjustment section of the Jääkäri XL manual could definitely use a bit of a facelift, as it's been around for a while (just like the pack itself). We sincerely apologize for this little adventure in "retro" instructions.
We hope this setback hasn’t caused you to hang up your hiking boots for good! Once you’ve made the adjustments and dusted off the cobwebs from your hiking plans, we’d love to hear how the pack performs out in the wild. Fingers crossed, your next trek will be all smooth trails!
A great backpack, it holds up to everything I was looking for: Very robust, lots of space, some options for storing (split compartment, small puches in the lower lid). And most striking, it sits very well and does not feel (too) clunky. One could argue it even fits a bit too well, as I just ran into the trap of fully overpacking as it was all so nice and so much space :).
