Karrimor SF Predator 30
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The Karrimor SF Predator 30 is a thirty litre, top-loading, modular daypack from the Predator range. Justin Miles gives his thoughts on this pack.
Considered by many to be one of the best modular daypacks for hiking, ski-touring, bushcraft and other outdoor activities, this multi-use daypack is capable of carrying a considerable amount of outdoor kit for it’s size, and is exceptionally comfortable even when fully-loaded.
The Predator 30 is built for adventure and robust handling using tough, durable water-repellent material, strong webbing and secure stitching which gives the pack - like all Karrimor SF packs - a long life-expectancy even when used in the toughest of situations and environments.
The durable water-repellent material does provide a level of weather protection for your pack contents, but I always use a ‘belt and braces’ approach in all of my daypacks and rucksacks by either lining the main compartment with one large dry-bag, or more usually, by ‘compartmentalising’ my kit into several Karrimor SF dry-bags to keep it safe, dry, and easy to access.
The outside of the Predator 30 is fitted with MOLLE webbing, which serving military or military veterans will be fully conversant with. In short, MOLLE webbing provides a way to extend the load carrying capacity and functionality of your pack by securing the Karrimor SF range of general purpose or specialist pouches. As an example, I often attach - especially on expeditions - a Karrimor SF ‘IA Pouch’ containing emergency medical kit (tailored for the environment) so that me, or anyone on my team can easily access the medi-kit if required in an emergency.
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| The Predator 30 has a ‘shock-cord’ system on the top flap. This ‘bungee system’ could have a variety of uses, but my most frequent use is to store and transport bundles of dry kindling as I approach a stopping point in my day - assuming I need to light a fire, obviously! The exterior features of the pack conclude with, ‘stuff pockets’, twin ice-axe loops and ski-guides, which are invaluable if you’re intending to use the Predator 30 as a ski-touring daypack or mountaineering pack. Like many features on Karrimor SF packs, these can be used for other purposes: I often use these features for storing an umbrella, a camera tripod, hiking poles, or my ‘adventure fishing rod’. |
| On the ‘business’ side, the Sabre 30 has a coolmesh back system which improves air flow between your pack and your back, making load carrying far more comfortable in warm environments. The adjustable, padded ’s-shaped’ shoulder harness is comfortable even when carrying heavier loads, and the hip belt and sternum strap ensure load stability which is important for both comfort and injury avoidance. The Karrimor SF ‘Predator’ range uses a traditional top-loading entry system for the main compartment, and on the Predator 30 the top-flap houses a zipped pocket which is useful for quick-grab items and equipment. Whatever outdoor kit I store in the top flap - such as my phone and GPS and ‘other stuff’ - is usually further sealed in a LokSak pouch for wet weather protection. Beneath the top flap is a drawcord baffle which gives access to the one main compartment of this daypack. The baffle adds yet another layer of protection for the contents of your pack, and draws to a tight close to prevent equipment loss. The main compartment of the Predator 30 is just a void, the only caveat being the elasticated pouch against the back panel which is designed to hold a hydration bladder (but can be used for other equipment). The uncluttered main compartment provides a useful and versatile space. As mentioned previously, I tend to organise my kit into ‘sections’ or ‘compartments’ grouped and stored into Karrimor SF dry bags for ease of use and protection from wet weather. |
| I’ve been using the Karrimor SF Predator 30 in Multicam for around eighteen months. Due to travel restrictions imposed throughout the COVID pandemic, it’s only been with me in the UK but I have trialled it as a daypack for coastal walking, hiking into the mountains of Snowdonia and the Peak District, deep into ancient wooded valleys as I’ve followed rivers from ‘source to sea’, and even as a ‘two night’ bushcraft pack with basic gear. If your outdoor activities require a tough, versatile and dependable daypack then the Predator 30 should be at the top of your list for rucksacks to explore more, and if the MOLLE webbing isn’t to your taste then take a look at the Karrimor SF Sabre 30 which is exactly the same pack, but without the MOLLE webbing. www.justforthechallenge.com |
