Which Savotta backpack to choose: guide for day hikes to multi-day expeditions with Joe Price, by Savotta on YouTube. 21 min 45 s.
- Video length
- 21 min 45 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
List your trips for the next year and sort them by length: single day, one or two nights, or three days and longer. This decides the pack volume you need.
For a one day hike, pick the Niukka 20L. It holds water, food, a shell layer and small extras without tempting you to overpack.
Add a Suur-Kukkaro hip pack or a trinket pouch to the 20L for items you want within reach, such as a phone, map or snacks.
For a two day trip, move up to the Kantamus 40L. Fit your sleeping bag, mat, stove and food inside, then check the load feels balanced.
Attach a 6L side pouch to the Kantamus 40L when you need extra room for food or wet layers without changing packs.
For three day expeditions and longer, use the Kantamus 60L. Add 4L side pouches for gear you want separated, like a first aid kit or tools.
Pack the heaviest items close to your back and high in the main compartment, then tighten the compression straps.
Carry the Hatka 12L as a summit or day bag inside the larger pack, so you can leave camp set up and travel light.
Do a short test walk with the loaded pack before your trip. Adjust the shoulder straps and hip belt until the weight sits on your hips.
Tips and common mistakes
Buy for the trips you actually take most, not for the biggest trip you might do once.
Keep pouches and stuffsacks from one system so they move between your packs.
Weigh your full kit before choosing a size, since bulky sleeping bags eat volume fast.
Test a loaded pack on a short walk first so you find rub points before a long hike.
Questions
What size backpack do I need for a one day hike?
Around 20L is enough for water, food, a rain layer and small extras. The Niukka 20L fits that job.
Can I use a 60L pack for a weekend trip?
Yes, but a partly empty 60L pack can feel loose. Use the compression straps to shrink it, or take the 40L instead.
Do Savotta pouches fit every pack size?
The modular pouches are designed to transfer between pack sizes, so check the mount type on your specific pack before buying.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
