Pathfinder Scout Pack and Savotta Jääkäri M: Which pack is best for you?

[@a.toddmoore7262]

I purchased a Savotta M on the secondary market. It came with an aluminum internal frame. On a secondary point, you mentioned you are moving to no affiliation status. I have a great deal of respect for you making that decision as it must have been hard to make. SRO is a great company with great products, but for you to be an unbiased reviewer this was an important step.

[@adaptablesurvival]

I truly appreciate the support!

[@Turmootti]

Savotta for life.

[@Stoney_AKA_James]

Good review Paul! I have seen several of the Savotta Jaakari M and L packs in my classes. And of the two, I like the Savotta pack over the Pathfinder Scout pack (sorry SRO). With the Savotta, the materials, webbing and buckles look to be better quality. Eventhough I have not physically checked out the Scout pack, the materials just don't look as durable (but I may be wrong). The MOLLE webbing covering the entire pack gives you more options and options are a good thing. I also prefer green colors over Coyote tan. The small external pouches on the bottom of the Savotta Jaakari pack, along with the compression straps are designed for securing long items such as saws, trecking poles, tripods, etc. and are not really for water bottles. The roll top feature on the Scout pack is a good idea for keeping the contents more dry, but if the pack material itself is not waterproof it won't matter, then you need a rain cover. For smaller day packs, the top loading (duffle bag) design is not bad, but for larger/longer packs, I want panel/front loading for easier access to the contents. The side opening of the Savotta is adequate for the pack size, but it really isn't a big enough opening for pulling larger items out. These are some of the pack selection criteria that I discuss in my classes. Personally, my go-to packs are from Eberlestock, granted their prices are much higher, but their quality and features are hard to beat. The first pack I bought was their G4 Operator, it is designed for long gun carry and that is the pack I use for hunting. For backpacking and general outdoor use, their Halftrack (35 liter) is great for short 2-3 day trips and their Tomahawk (51 liter) for longer trips.

[@johnf817]

Eberlestock, straight out of Vietnam. Probably right across the river from the Chinese gigafactory. Savotta is the only company actually fully producing their packs and material in Finland/Estonia.

[@paulradmore1489]

I bought Jaakari M in UK lockdown 2020. You could still get stuff on the Internet. Anyway I went for my 'daily exercise' on Dartmoor in the UK. Camped out severe times and once stupidly managed to drop it off a tor. Upon retrieving it all my gear was intact and the bag was as good as the day I bought it. Its the only one I use now.

[@zlot4hire]

I've been looking for this comparison! Thank you very much!

[@justinsigmund6200]

I have both of these packs. Both are great, and have the pros, and cons like you said. One improvement I did to both was add the aluminum frame for the Savotta M to them. It fits great with both the Pathfinder, and Savotta. Also you forgot to mention the Pathfinder has an orange rain cover stored in the bottom. Great video brother. Also I just got engaged on new years. Been excited about that. Keep up the great work brother.

[@robertbrannan9375]

So little hack! I made a frame sheet out of a flexible cutting board from amazon. Cut it to the same size as the foam of the pathfinder. And i have it and the foam both in the pack! Works great!

[@bowdiersackett6433]

Great review and comparison. I had the Savotta Jakarta medium pack since 2019. Ran it through class wirh you in 2020, Even Shawn had his there at that time. I like the fact it has MOLLE everywhere and you can add and change the setup. I do have a Maxpedition Cocoon pouch on top for couple things you may need without opening the bag like a headlamp, ferro rod, etc. Also added a Maxpedition Dump pouch to the belt. On the right side I attached to the MOLLE my stainless steel water bottle/cooking setup. Under the bag I can carry the Pathfinder Queen size wool blanket. I keep mine in a dry bag without any trouble. Luckily when I got this bag Pathfinder didn't have theirs yet or would have to choose between but I love the Savotta and glad I went with it.

[@RobertBrown-n6h]

I have the Scout Pack in camo and molle all around I love it

[@mtfreeman800]

The savotta m does have a frame sheet when shipped. The aluminum frame is also available but is an extra. I own the m the l and the xl, they are die hard to say the least. My personal recommendation is to go with the l size as it will compress easily to daypack size or expand to multi day use as needed.

[@adaptablesurvival]

Yeah, I noticed that after I finished editing this video. I'm not sure how I glossed over that when I was writing this video. Thanks for clarifying!

[@davidrosenberg5453]

Thanks for being straight up!!

[@adaptablesurvival]

🤜🏼🤛🏼

[@MichaelR58]

Good comparison video , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@nauticalknotcraft]

Excellent comparison. It helps to make an informed decision, considering everything is available on line. Its the next best thing to handling the item, which I prefer. Thanks

[@adaptablesurvival]

I've definitely made some purchases with less than useful reviews and learned the hard lesson. I just try to think outside of the box with some videos.

[@BFG-rr9cv]

The Savotta can be equipped with an internal aluminium frame, costs a little extra, but it's worth it.

[@jeremybarretta5282]

Got my sovatta Jakarri L is still going strong

[@adaptablesurvival]

If I were just starting to look at purchasing one, that would honestly be my choice. A bit more functional for year round you in terms of size.

[@johnlackeybushcraft]

Thanks for this comparison and review. I was looking to buy the Savotta and now that I've seen your video I can see that I basically have it with the Pathfinder. Very good video thanks

[@adaptablesurvival]

No problem man. Honestly if I were looking at buying either, I'd probably go with the larger Savotta. Just a bit more functional overall then the medium.

[@paulzimmerman3895]

Great review and comparison. Thanks for the work on that.

[@adaptablesurvival]

Thank you for the support 🙏🏽

[@kalstreksandtrails7606]

During my hitchhiking days, I have had a lot of backpacks some were good, some were bad and some were ugly😁😁😁 I now have three backpacks. The last one that I hitchhiked with, then I have one that is military style with zippers, and I have the Pathfinder backpack. Of all the backpacks that I have owned through the years the Pathfinder backpack is my favorite. I love the fact that the Pathfinder comes with these long strap which makes it easy to attach a bedroll underneath the back pack.

[@adaptablesurvival]

Those extra long straps are really handy! Now that you mention it... I should find mine hahaha

[@jplamb77]

Great Review of these pack’s,,, I also own both packs. One difference that I found was this. If you load the SRO pack and Extend the the roll up bucket all the way up, to it’s fully loaded position,, then try to put the lid on top; the front straps (on my pack) don’t Even come close to connecting. SRO does include extra set of straps with the pack. I used those to secure the Top lid down.

[@adaptablesurvival]

This is definitely a draw back with the design for sure. I will be doing a follow up video showing both loaded out and I will definitely highlight that.

[@craigvermillion8244]

Good review Paul! I've had my Pathfinder Scout Pack about a year and have used it in classes and on short 2/3 day back packing trips. I like it but have always had my eye on the Savotta. Thanks for the comparison.

[@adaptablesurvival]

Thanks for watching Craig! Hope to see ya at another class!

[@xxfaction6xx]

Thanks

[@mimungseveritas6752]

Thanks for this video

[@ajherring92]

I've got a Snugpak Endurance 40 pack and I've been considering one of these packs as a replacement so this has been a very helpful video for me.

[@adaptablesurvival]

I've used an Edurance 40 as well. I really love the design but wish it had better structure in terms of frame.

[@ajherring92]

@@adaptablesurvival I loved it as a pack, used it for years, but my dog ate the inside out of the lid pouch and it's never really been the same since and since I do use it for rucking as well I wanted something with a little more structure, but not as much as something like an ALICE pack which I also love. I ended up going with the Scout since I saw that SRO had em on sale, the extra $30 savings, your information and probably the subliminal messaging of seeing Corporals corner use it all the time sold me on it.

[@colinst.claire2198]

Been waiting a review like this. When the time came for a new pack I was going to get the PF Scout but it was out of stock and time was somewhat limited so I went with the Savotta J M.

[@nudge2626]

Thanks for the video, here is Australia both packs are extremely expensive. $595 for the Savotta and $460 for the Pathfinder. (Compared to similar sized Fjallraven packs which are $250.) Savotta you can buy in Australia and Pathfinder has to be imported. I was still considering the Savotta but with the small side pockets you have convinced me I have to look at other options. Thanks for the video.

[@TeurastajaNexus]

We use Savotta products in the Finnish Army. Their quality is top-notch.

[@secretariat-13]

I purchased the Savotta Jääkari M and it does come with a plastic frame sheet, you can purchase an aluminum frame sheet for $40, good review

[@gwpattrick]

On the savotta pack, does that have the big grab handles for clinching the pack tightly on the shoulder straps and waist belt. That's why I like the Pathfinder Pack. I have two of the Pathfinder packs. I really like them, they sit great on my back. The side pockets could have been taller, but not a problem. The only other thing with the Pathfinder pack is the rain fly. That should have been reversible from bright orange to a camouflage color, no matter. Love the pack. And double click on the like button.

[@Jni-u3r]

how im not surprised, that David Canterbury, who lied about hes army history to also copy savotta with this pathfinder scout backpack, that he "invented"

[@markdriver9170]

really like that pack

[@Bushcraftnbaseball]

Great review Paul

[@rogerminter3599]

This is great. As a follow up, will you pick the same load out and see how it packs into either?

[@adaptablesurvival]

I could definitely do a video like that. I like the sound of the idea. It'll probably be a week or two out before I can, though.

[@anthonygomez446]

Pathfinder pack seems alright definitely prefer a maxpedition bags

[@antonius3233]

Ive been trying to decide between getting the savotta or a Tasmanian tiger raid III for a day pack/ get home bag. Maybe one day you could do a comparison? Love to get your opinion on the TT pack..

[@Nofixedabode859]

What would be your winter sleep system for the savotta m, I have it too and setting it up for winter kit well all year round kit thx?

[@adaptablesurvival]

Honestly with this size, 30-35L, it's going to be tough to get a winter setup in here comfortably. As I don't like to attach much to the outside besides pouches, you might have to look at a top quilt vs a sleeping bag or wool blanket.

[@grayfoxoutdooradventures]

I love my pathfinder scout pack! It’s my go to pack when I’m out in the woods, especially on an overnighter 😎

[@LIONXXX890]

Corporals corners sent me here 😎

[@alyssar8245]

Do you think the Savotta metal frame would fit the pathfinder pack?

[@RobertBrown-n6h]

The Scout Pack has a built in rain fly.

[@MrChomper999]

did pathfinder copy alot of the pack design i wonder if there is some copyright issues

[@timburks1598]

You didn't mention that the pathfinder pack has a built-in pack cover. That was a must sell for me except I don't like the hunter orange color

[@adaptablesurvival]

Yeah, I noticed that as I was editing. I will be doing a follow up video talking about them loaded out and will highlight this.

[@timburks1598]

Sorry, but didnt say that I really like your channel and appreciate what you and the others do for bushcraft!

[@greekveteran2715]

Tasmainian Tiger Mission Pack MKII. I love that backpack!!! I like it way more than Savotta Jaakari M, for many reasons. More comfortable, holds weight better.Way more organization. Comes with a rain cover that hides on the bottom, which also works as a hidden pocket since it has room for other stuff too!! I could write many more, but you get the picture.

[@adaptablesurvival]

I've looked at that pack myself! May have to pick one up at some point. I would have to agree it's probably more comfortable. The suspension system used by both of these packs is dated, so there's definitely been improvements.

[@thx5001]

Great review but both are out of my price bracket.

[@beezwaks]

Honestly the amount of of padding on the straps from savotta at that price point is massive deal breaker.

[@adaptablesurvival]

There's honestly no difference between them when it come to the straps, suspension, and padding.

[@mvk24]

Where is the scout pack made?

[@adaptablesurvival]

@@mvk24 China

[@mvk24]

@@adaptablesurvival thank you for the quick reply

[@AlwaysReadee]

Your link goes to your store that only has mystery ranch bags. So confused

[@adaptablesurvival]

Neither of these packs are available on Amazon.

[@Winnie122459]

Do they come with or have rain covers?

[@bowdiersackett6433]

No, Savotta makes a rain cover you can get for it.

[@adaptablesurvival]

The PF Scout does, the Savotta you have to buy after the fact..

[@MichiganSilverBack]

Canterbury does nothing original. Improve, or change, color, rebrand and capitalize.. Shouldve known. I really liked his pack till now.

[@jizzstain]

It's a dabado dabado

[@TonyPowers_Dirtbound]

I agree

[@JohnDoe-dt7rp]

This just gave me Forest Whitaker eyes.

[@adaptablesurvival]

😂🤣

[@jamesparker6383]

Don't mean it in a bad way but that Savotta is really nothing more than a Marine Corp ILBE. To be honest I like the ILbe better