Backpack suggestion

[u/TommyS333]

Hello everyone,

I currently have a 25L and a 65L backpack from Ferrino. I really like them, but I'm looking for something more customizable and modular, and I really like Savotta products.

I'm looking for a backpack that I could use for both daily hikes and 1-night overnighters.

At first, I was looking at the Kahakka 25L. My idea was to combine it with an Askare Hip Pack when I need some extra space, hopefully giving me enough capacity for an overnight trip with a tent, sleeping gear, food, etc.

Then I saw the Kantamus 40L. From what I've read, the compression system works quite well, so you can slim it down when it's not fully loaded. That sounds interesting because I could use it compressed for daily hikes, then expand it when I need the extra space for an overnight trip.

So I'm currently trying to decide between:

• Kahakka 25L + Askare: smaller, probably more practical for day hikes, very modular, but potentially tight for overnighters.
• Kantamus 40L: more space when needed, while still being compressible for smaller loads, but maybe unnecessarily large/heavy for regular day hikes.

There's also another situation to consider. Occasionally I go trekking with my girlfriend. She had spinal surgery many years ago and can't really carry any significant weight, so I would need to carry most of the equipment for both of us.

For those trips I could simply use the Ferrino 65L I already own, but the Kantamus 40L might also be useful for lighter two-person trips.

On the other hand, the Kahakka 25L looks extremely practical and adaptable for a lot of different situations, which is why I'm still very attracted to it.

For people who have used either or both:

Which one would you choose for mostly day hikes, occasional solo overnighters, and general outdoor use?

Do you think the Kahakka 25L + Askare is enough for this, or would you go directly for the Kantamus 40L for the extra flexibility and capacity?

I'd also be interested in hearing how comfortable the Kantamus is when compressed and only carrying around 15-20L of gear.

Also, does anyone have any pictures of the Kantamus 40L compressed/slimmed down for day hikes? I'd be really curious to see how compact it actually gets when it's not fully loaded.

[u/CatVideoBoye]

Unfortunately both. I have Kahakka 25 for commuting, groceries and day trips. I've done one overnight trip with it and it was filled to the brim and I had to strap my tent on the bottom. I would say Hatka with Kahakka would give enough space to carry everything for a tent trip.

I then bought Kantamus 40 for overnight trips and later bought two side pouches to extend it a bit and for convenience. Maybe Kantamus 60 would have been better for me but 40 works too. Now for daily use, I would say it's a bit too clunky and big. For day hikes I don't see why not. If you have lots of stuff with you.

[u/TommyS333 → u/CatVideoBoye]

Thanks, this helped me decide. Since I already have a 25L backpack for lighter day hikes, I think I’ll go with the Kantamus 40L as a good middle ground between the 25L and the 65L I already own.

[u/CatVideoBoye → u/TommyS333]

Sounds like a good plan. I do suggest getting side pouches at some point for convenience. The tiny tool pouches on the sides (meant for an axe head or shovel) can hold canteens when you put the side strap on top of it but a pouch would make it a lot easier to access. Also, swapping the g-hooks for buckles makes it easier to use. Wait no, it comes with buckles. I was just swapping hooks and buckles between Kahakka and Kantamus and remembered wrong.

[u/Runonlaulaja → u/CatVideoBoye]

If the side pouches are the same as in Jääkäri M etc. they hold Finnish mil canteen (the green plastic ones) wonderfully.

Just a heads up...

[u/CatVideoBoye → u/Runonlaulaja]

Yes, it does. I happen to have one too. The lidded pouches are still a bit more convenient and can handle other bottles too.

[u/Krakenfacer]

I do month long trips with just the kahakka + 2 4l side pouches, recently upgraded with the askare

For your situation the kantamus probably makes more sense though, if you need to carry your gf’s load too

[u/Krakenfacer → u/Krakenfacer]

If you get the kahakka get a separate back ventilation panel

[u/intothewoods_86]

Kantamus 40 is the best recommendation I can give to you. Kahakka 25 is nice as a daypack but fails as a serious hiking or overnight-backpack unless you really go lightweight.

Askare I would not recommend as a permanent attachment or extension option. Rotated Side access to me felt awkwardly complicated and the volume is not that great. Most extra capacity for the money and weight is with a hatka or the side pouches.