Snugpak sleeka force 35

I use the same pack...I am 6'2" as well. The pack is VERY comfortable, I think that what is needed in the pics is a slight adjustment of the top straps, to drop the pack slightly, and all is well. Great pack that I highly reccomend.
 
FWIW, I have an older Maxpedition backpack that has a built-in cover. Great feature IMO.
 
Well, I've had my eye on this pack since Goatariba first posted his review. The overall setup appeals to me so I ordered one from Bens. If it doesn't fit right for me, it'll go in the exchange right away.
 
Has anyone seen these available more recently? Or can someone make a suggestion to a comparable pack in simplicity and two nalgene sized pockets on the side?
 
Two years ago I was in the market for a new "do it all" (EDC, fishing, travelling etc..) rucksack. Although in the end I didn't buy a Snugpack I bought something similar, all be it a more expensive...

Karrimor SF Sabre 45

IMGP0967.jpg


Features :
Coolmesh back system
F-Format internal frame (removable)
S shaped shoulder harness
Sternum strap
One main compartment
Compatible with PLCE
Compression straps
Shock cord carry system
Zipped lid compartment
Stuff pockets
Crampon loops
Twin ice axe holders
Rotproof thread
Reinforced with bartacks
Durable water repellent (DWR)
YKK zips

Fabric information:
A 1000 Denier Nylon fabric coated with a Silicon/PU elastomer for improved tear strength and flex resistance. The fabric is finished with a silicone durable water repellent (DWR) that gives improved water resistance to the fabric.

IMGP0918.jpg


IMGP0923.jpg


It has a removable foam back plate that comes in handy for using as a seat.
IMGP0924.jpg


Using the side zips and buckles you can attach side pockets (which I've not bought yet), which add another 25ltr capacity to the pack.

IMGP0920.jpg


Supposedly issued to British Special Forces, I've found the Sabre rugged, comfortable and not too "Gucci" looking.

A zipped pocket on the lid, two internal pockets and one voluminous main compartment mean you can carry quite bulky things.
 
I really want to order the 75. Those Karrimors are nice.

I have the Sleeka 35 and really like it. Ive had it for 2 years and have used it alot. Its a great overnighter bag. I removed the waistbelt on mine cause I think it sits way too high.
 
I have the Rocketpack and it's a great pack for extended trips. The waist belts do sit a little high, but they were designed that way to sit above UK soldiers' belt kit. I've had no problems on longer hauls with the higher waist belt, plus I can wear a belt knife comfortably.
 
Don't know about UK SF but the Marines are getting an issued version in MTP (multicam). I'll tell you now it's garbage for me. I recently ran a 10 miler in mine and it was a nightmare. The main problem is that the two straps are placed right next to each other in a tight 'V' shape. This bunches the rhomboids and traps after about a mile. I'm 6'4'' and 220lbs. Maybe it's just my size but I doubt it.

Back on a positive note most of the lads have bought the Karrimor SF Sabre 45 and they love it. Really good pack and well worth the money.

THe other one widely used is the Berghaus Munro. Doesn't take the side pouches but works well and is robust enough to handle Marines. I've just retired my old one after 10 years hard labour.
 
I have the Snugpak 35 for swamp and rain hikes. It is a rugged little pack for bushwacking. Two nits: First, the right strap slips often through the buckle which necessitates frequent adjustment. I plan to fix that with a grommet and screw. Second, and more annoying than the first, is that the company clearly states that it's hydration compatible. That usually means that there's a sleeve into which your hydro bladder can be slid, and a port at the top for the hose to route out. Nada. The bladder goes to wherever it settles and since there is no port, the hose falls to short. This makes drinking on the fly uncomfortable. I plan to rectify that by sewing in a snap and loop to secure the bladder from sliding down, and opening a slit at the top of the pack to allow for the hose.

No biggie on either count, but I wish that the manufacturer "shot straight" with its specs.

Happy New Year.
 
Bigdumplings said:
Has anyone seen these available more recently? Or can someone make a suggestion to a comparable pack in simplicity and two nalgene sized pockets on the side?
Click to expand...

The Maxpedition Pygmy Falcon can hold two nalgene water bottles in the side pockets, bith nested in a GSI cup. The Snug Pack can do it more comfortably and it is allot easier to get out though.

I have both packs.

The Maxpedition is more organized, but smaller. I can get enough stuff in their for a night or two of comfort.

The Snug pack force 35 fits more, and like the OP, I can be comfortable with its contents for 3-4 days.

The waist strap fits perfect for me, but I am 5'8" 170lbs The taller heavier people who have tried it on felt that the waist belt rode too high for them.

Here is a pic of me wearing the Snug pack

 
and here is a pic of me wearing the Maxpedition pygmy falcon for comparison

 
I have one of those..great pack!
I also have the Snugpak Bergen! The best big pack I have ever owned!!! I love it! For winter camping, its a must. Carries more gear than anything I have ever owned.

Like Tony has stated, I am 6' 1" and I have to drop the shoulder straps a bit..so that the waist strap is bearing some weight. Its a great summer pack for me..but in the winter, I need LOTS more gear...so the Bergen is it for me. Just so you know..the Bergen is 3 or 4 times larger than the 35.
 
Yorkshire Boy said:
Two years ago I was in the market for a new "do it all" (EDC, fishing, travelling etc..) rucksack. Although in the end I didn't buy a Snugpack I bought something similar, all be it a more expensive...

Karrimor SF Sabre 45

IMGP0967.jpg


Features :
Coolmesh back system
F-Format internal frame (removable)
S shaped shoulder harness
Sternum strap
One main compartment
Compatible with PLCE
Compression straps
Shock cord carry system
Zipped lid compartment
Stuff pockets
Crampon loops
Twin ice axe holders
Rotproof thread
Reinforced with bartacks
Durable water repellent (DWR)
YKK zips

Fabric information:
A 1000 Denier Nylon fabric coated with a Silicon/PU elastomer for improved tear strength and flex resistance. The fabric is finished with a silicone durable water repellent (DWR) that gives improved water resistance to the fabric.

IMGP0918.jpg


IMGP0923.jpg


It has a removable foam back plate that comes in handy for using as a seat.
IMGP0924.jpg


Using the side zips and buckles you can attach side pockets (which I've not bought yet), which add another 25ltr capacity to the pack.

IMGP0920.jpg


Supposedly issued to British Special Forces, I've found the Sabre rugged, comfortable and not too "Gucci" looking.

A zipped pocket on the lid, two internal pockets and one voluminous main compartment mean you can carry quite bulky things.
Click to expand...

That looks really cool..I will have to check those out. Just like knives..I am a pack junky. And after almost freezing to death..I have more sleeping bags than most outfitters have in stock!:D
 
j williams said:
I didnt know you got a Snugpak Tony. Awesome bag.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I got it a few months back from Mtnfolk Mike!:thumbup:


Gene, speaking of winter trips. Pick the days bro, my schedule is more flexible than yours, so I will work around you.
 
I have the Snugpak Sleeka 35 and am 6'2 and long in the back .... and the only way to carry it and use the hip belt is to loosen off the shoulder straps a very long way .... that means I have to take the sternum catch off and re-attach it below the padded shoulder area .... it works OK once fastened but it does'nt stay in place if loosened like it would do if in the fixed sections on the shoulder padding.

The alternative is to reverse the hip strap around the pack itself and just use the shoulder straps ....

Personally I need a large pack to get the best of both worlds on fit .... so that the hip belt and shoulder strap/sternum harness work properly .... for me there is no way around that.

I have a larger Snugpak 55 litre which works a bit better on fit but still has the same issue of not being properly long enough in the back length for the hip belt to function properly.

The Karrimor Sabre and Berghaus Munro are better options "quality wise" than the Snugpak 35L but are more expensive .... however they still cannot make a hip belt work well if you are long in the back ..... the only way to do it right is to use a larger pack.

For a large pack I have a very old Berghaus Cyclops Roc .... brilliant rucksack .... had it since the early 80's .... and using the side compression straps to reduce the main compartment works best of all for me .... much easier to do my runs and tabbing in this than the smaller models because the back length is a proper fit. However fully expanded it is a 70 Litre sack ... so for some it might seem too much for small loads. For me though I consider that is what the compression side straps are for .... and when I finish the Tabs my hands are not "tingling" from having my circulation cut off from bearing the weight on my shoulders. This means I can shoot well afterwards on the shoots ....

We are all different sizes though and the only way to solve this "catch 22" is to try a lot of different models and see what works best for you ....
 
I'm 6'4" and have found that off the shelf "tactical" packs are too short for me to use with much weight in them, for day hikes they're fine, but I have moved away from these types as they are just too short.

I had a Sleeka 35 a while back, it was fine for patrols and day long missions but for backpacking and hiking it was a no go for me. Same with the Becker patrol pack, which is a shame as I loved the design of that one! Wish someone made one for longer torsos.

However, for average height people these are great packs, and if you're frugal with your equipment choices are plenty big for a weekend outing.
 
thanks for all the advice... i am kind of short at 5 6 ... but i wear a medium pack size in most brands (osprey, dana, and ems) i found a bcb international 35 liter pack for like 37 bucks shipped on ebay... it looks to be an exact clone of the sleeka force 35... for a fraction of the price... downside is it only comes in desert camo... i might try and find a way to dye it a different solid color.

the packs i usually carry are

a osprey atmos 65 in meidum

and i found a eddie bauer tahoma (no the big tahoma) pack that i actually like more then my atmos for 30 bucks on super sale (i thinkt he first acent gear is not selling well and they are putting these on super sale)

i wanted a pack that was frameless and that i could shove in my z lite to use as support
 
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