Sarma TST CP15 Combat "Bushcraft" Backpack from Varusteleka

[@tatiananaugolnykh]

Savotta Jaakari xl is my favorite one from them. I've found their bungee cord and cord lock to be so extremely tough and so useful !!! For a budget backpack - varusteleka has dutch lowe alpine saracen in 2 sizes - 100l for 139.99 and 60l for 99; and you can sign up for a restock notification. The upper part of both backpacks adds 20l per each. Another honorable mention is their birch tar - any wooden handle soaked in it will be waterproof, mold proof, and it is nontoxic for your skin but is a natural antiseptic. May i mention, LOVE the rope on your hat, its a great tinder too. What a great idea ! Happy travels !

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The Jaakari M is on my wish list. Maybe someday. Thanks for commenting

[@tatiananaugolnykh]

@MarkYoungBushcraft Greetings! Thank You for the reply ! Jaakari in m is a great one for sure ! It's even better than the Lowe Alpine I've mentioned before, it will be a great heirloom ! Happy Travels ! Sincerely

[@CarbonSuit]

The XL is 600$ on their site and it weighs 9lb! Is that really a great deal? No thinks not.

[@tatiananaugolnykh]

​@CarbonSuit Greetings, Thank you for your comment. My reply is - It is a personal choice and the purpose of a backpack. However, Varusteleka gear is made mostly for a military, it is very tough and durable. With a handle of a backpack you can even pull a person out. Hence my reference to the company, me mentioning a few of their products. Gear for me is about quality, not quantity. You always reap what you invest into in everything. It is all just a personal preference. They do have an affordable military surplus backpack and its in great condition - Lowe Alpine for $100-150 in 2 different sizes, it is great too ! Their surplus always changes and you have an option to mix and match. Life is about memories you create 😊 Happy travels and Best Regards to you! Cheers!

[@Altriex.]

I also have the XL and it is a 'Carry All' 💎 Great for hauling a little or a lot. The only wear in mine after 1 year worth of use is a bit of scuffing on the external frame. Planning to get rubber end caps to prevent further damage. The bag has carried everything from camping gear, axes, saws and cooking equipment. I've even had it loaded out with a chainsaw and tree climbing harness and spurs.

[@LoreTunderin]

Varusteleka makes awesome stuff

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

So true. Thanks for commenting

[@ArcticGator]

I bought one a few years ago, I didn't get a waist belt but I bought their beaver tail attachment, put a vanquest water bottle holder on one side and a large side pouch that will hold my 64oz water bottle but becomes a handy dump pouch when I stay at friends, this has become my favorite small backpack I also put a piece of those old green army sleeping pads but to size in the back sleeve and its super comfortable and despite no waist belt I haven't had any problems with it shifting if I bend over to tie a shoe or duck under tree branches on a hike. I liked it so much I got the medium jakkari pack they have as well for longer camping trips.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I have been looking at the Savotta Jaakari M myself. Trying to see if I can afford it. Thanks for commenting

[@christiansnyder8761]

Thanks Mark! I've been wondering about their Sarma packs for a few years now.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, so have I. I was concerned about the cost but they are a lifetime, hard use item for sure. Thanks for commenting

[@mass4552]

When I'm using my backpack with a light load I just cross the shoulder straps at the bottom and use it like a shoulder bag with one strap. Easy to pop on or off quickly.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. Good tip. Thanks for commenting

[@thedriftingspore]

Very similar to my bag. Mine is a Highland Tactical. These style bags are awesome. I really like all the options to attach stuff to the outside of the pack. My bag is a bit bigger than that one but the Verusteleka has a lot more finish than mine for sure. A very nice bag there Mark. Thank you for sharing!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

We will have to compare them some day. Thanks for commenting Steve

[@bmac1209]

Great review Mark!....Much appreciated!!

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Most welcome. Thanks for commenting

[@auroraborealisknives4019]

Looks like a high quality pack Did you try the savotta packs ?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Not yet but I would love to try the Savotta Jaakari M. Thanks for commenting Alex

[@auroraborealisknives4019]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft the Jaakari M has become my go to bag👍

[@bojjeds3921]

TOP TIER review ! Thank you, sir Mark! 💪

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Much appreciated! Thanks for commenting

[@spektr540hemi]

Thank you for the detailed review of this pack. An excellent pack I have no doubt, as I have a brown version of their small Jaakari. I would like to know what shirt you have on in this video...seems a great neutral blendy color for BOTH brush and city.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

The pack is a favourite of mine for sure. The shirt is a Fjallraven I picked up in a thrift store. Thanks for commenting

[@spektr540hemi]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft Awh, excellent thank you. Wonderfully done reviews, in a relaxed manner. Greatly appreciated. Subbed and look forward to viewing more future and past videos.

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Mark, notwithstanding the benefit of comfort, one of my pet peeves is packs sliding or bouncing around, so I refuse to wear any pack, for any application, without a sternum strap and out in the woods, or cycling, a waist belt or stabilising strap is mandatory too. The overall design, in terms of materials, build quality, size, customisation, is right up my alley. 300 odd CAD is out my league though, I use the 5.11 Rush 12 and Covert 18, (admittedly some years back), but I paid around the equivalent of the same price in AUD to get both; however, I actually expected this one to be a bit more expensive than it is ; ) Cheers Duke. P.S. I really like the hat mate. Its often prudent to go for wider brimmed jobs here, but they can be a bloody nuisance too, especially around tree branches, (where there's very likely more shade as well).

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

HI Duke. There are a lot of choices in this category of pack. This one is a bit higher end and, important to many, it is not made in China. I am wearing my Austrian Hunters hat I picked up while visiting my son there. More of a cool weather hat for me. Thanks for commenting

[@Scarywoody]

Thanks for the review. You "Packed" in a lot of good information.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Oh my😅. Thanks for commenting

[@JackBlack-gh5yf]

Nice-looking shirt Mark :)

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks. A Fjallraven shirt I found in a thrift store

[@JackBlack-gh5yf]

Lucky you Mark 🙂Hey, if you're wearing it under that pack, watch out that the Cordura-like fabric on the back doesn't wear it out! Packs like that are tough, but hard on softer fabrics, such as wool, fleece, and flannel 👍@@MarkYoungBushcraft

[@timhell8420]

You can put the Savotta Mpp mat in the open Backpocket ... cheers

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Yes, must see if I can get one. Thanks for commenting

[@billvan5219]

I wonder if you could use those shearling seat belt covers to increase the comfort of the straps? At least in cool weather

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I don't see any reason not to. So far, these have not been uncomfortable and I have very arthritic shoulders. Thanks for commenting

[@billvan5219]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft 😊

[@WhispyWoods.]

Great video. Appreciate the details 👍

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for commenting

[@neemancallender9092]

The Sarma Assult pack at 20 lt and 41 euros What do you need this pack for?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Choice for those who don't want a larger bag. Thanks for commenting

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I just went back to look at the Sarma Assault pack. Did not notice the HUGE difference in price before. I am not sure why the packs are so different.

[@tombryant6061]

One made in China and the other made in Europe

[@matkahenkilo8554]

I have both bags. The price is different because of the quality of workmanship and materials. Assault bag is great for everyday light duties. It will carry your lunch and stuff you need at work no problem. But I would not rely my life or health on it. The TST CP bags I can rely not to fail on me, no matter the conditions. They are just that, ment for combat zones. Or any enviroment you can't take the risk of your loadbearing equipment failing on you. That said; now that I have several TST bags (or similiar); I put my dogs stuff in the assault bag when we are traveling (bag stays in the truck, if we hike I carry dogs stuff in my bag). For everything else I use the better quality backs. Because why not? They are propably going to outlive me anyways.

[@neemancallender9092]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft This pack is military grade NIR compliant for actual combat The ‘Assault’ is civilian grade Hence the major difference in price

[@jimf1964]

Looks pretty nice. I know these guys are pricey, but I agree it’ll last forever. I especially like the g hooks, and the webbing instead of the straps on the bottom, which always seem too short. I got a used Dutch 3 day assault pack from these guys for like $65. It’s an awesome pack. Similar design, but 3 pouches from flat to main compartment, and the German army sleep pads folds and fits perfectly to stiffen and pad the back, while you carry something to sit on. The suspension system is really top of the line, including a belt that takes a lot of the load. Only problem is the zippers are plastic and oddly small. Hey, I got a question on packs that I can’t get an answer for. When they say how many litres a pack with an expandable top is, does that mean with or without the expandable top deployed? Any idea?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Hi Jim. I have seen packs like you mention. In some cases I have seen them advertised as 60L/80L packs, presumably with the top expansion. If it does not state I always assumed the rates capacity was with the top expanded. I will look into to it a bit and see what I can come up with.Thanks for commenting

[@jimf1964]

@@MarkYoungBushcraft I’d appreciate that Mark. Maybe with your connections you can ask a pro, because my few attempts sorta fell on deaf ears.

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

G'day Jim, I'm no pro, but from over the years it seems to be the rating in "Liters" equates, in theory, to filling the internals with "x" liters of water, so if you see 60+20 for example its 60 for the main and any other "permanent" pockets and 20 for the optional expansion, (or perhaps removable pouch). i.e. 80 max in total. If a only a single figure is quoted, assume the total with the expansion pocket taken into account. Fair to say they'll always go with the highest rating : ) Some manufacturers will provide detailed drawings/dimensions to support the rating, but there's a lotta variables with the size and shape of your kit + any flexibility and give in the materials used. At the end of the day, I consider it a ball park comparison guide. It's bit like a "waterhead" rating for tents and jackets IMO ...... it's not absolute. I reckon packs are best store bought, since you get a much better idea of reality and of course you can try it on for size and comfort. I've actually seen a bloke bring all his kit into a store to ensure everything has a place and fits, which is certainly not a silly idea at all. But personally, I'm not going to that extent ; ) Hope that helps, a bit at least. Cheers Duke.

[@jimf1964]

@@eyeofthetiger4184 Hey, thanks for the comment. I know about how they size them, amd I have seen "60+10", but I’ve seen several that will just give the one number. I suppose as you said it makes sense to take the larger number, but to me that’s sort of an extra, and shouldn’t be counted. So when I tried to enquire, just to be sure, I got no where. It’s important to know for sure, because as you pointed out, buying online is already pretty risky, even if you have all the details. Also, as you said, the volume may be ok, but the dimension off. We have a store or two out here that has bags of sand and different weighted things so you can make sure the pack fits you with a realistic weight in it. That’s super important too, especially with an internal frame pack. Plus the straps have to be comfy too, of course. Your most important point was we should be really careful dropping $300 on a bag without checking it out for ourselves, in person. Have a good day, and thanks

[@eyeofthetiger4184]

@@jimf1964 No worries Jim, apologies for giving you the stuff you already know. YT is great, but it is "faceless" for us commenters. Thats a fantastic idea with the different weights, cant say I've noticed anyone doing that here. You hava a good one too.

[@mozobrain]

re comments on comfort - in other words it is made for a military aged user rather than elder statesmen such as us. \jussayin.. Perhaps you can get other padded straps as they are modular. Love the company. Great gear.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Optional chushy straps would be appreciated for sure. Thanks for commenting

[@MichaelR58]

Good review Mark thanks for sharing YAH bless !

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

My pleasure. Thanks for commenting

[@redsorgum]

I'm with you on using a sternum strap, and I do like the waist belt. Us older fellas do have more aches and pains....😬 Overall, I do think that is a cool pack. ✌️🇺🇸🇨🇦✌️

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Right on. For me, the sternum strap moves the shoulder straps off my rotator cuff. These old arthritic shoulder need whatever help I can give them. Thanks for commenting

[@davidheath2427]

That looks like a pack for dragging around every day 365 . And yes it's expensive but I have a 45 litre that I paid 700 for .

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I agree. Will be around longer than I am. Thanks for commenting

[@terryw.milburn8565]

Great Review & Demo Shared Here Mark ! Lil Too Pricey For Me ! ATB T God Bless

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Thanks for commenting Terry

[@9thMonk]

Really appreciate the review on this pack. I just picked up one of the Sarma packs in November, myself. They really are solid for the budget price but your review shows me there's a definite overall quality difference. The TST looks to be a one-time investment for sure! The company seems to be in transition currently, ending most foreign manufacture to ensure quality in local manufacture instead. Maybe they could arrange a side by side comparison with you for Sarma / TST once that happens?

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

I would welcome that if they would agree. Thanks for commenting

[@lens7859]

Nice review. Not a lot of pack for a lot of money though.

[@MarkYoungBushcraft]

Not a lot of size for sure but a lot of years of hard use. Thanks for commenting