Karrimor Sabre 45 Suggested Enhancements

[Agile]

Hi all,

I am relatively new to the whole outdoor living thing and decided to get a Sabre 45 bergen as it seemed to tick as many of the boxes as possible; something I am not alone in owning! The only drawback so far is that it seems a little small for the amount of cooking pots, axes, knives, hammock, food etc etc which I am currently trying out - I already attach the PLCE side pockets.

I was wondering if there were any components to the PLCE system which I could attach to the bergen to enhance the capacity - I was specifically drawn towards first aid kit attachments, as this allows everyone quick and easy access to my FAK. Any suggestions as to ones I can get which are olive green (I personally hate DPM.) After a quick browse, I managed to locate:

http://www.edirectory.co.uk/pf/880/mia/d/arktis+rear+pouch+set+1736/pid/52787
http://www.meanandgreen.com/army/Arktis/Arktis_1727_Chest-Thigh_Appointments_Pad/820/801.html
http://www.meanandgreen.com/army/Arktis/Arktis_Twin_Side_Pouches/820/784.html

These all look good, but are they compatible - anyone else tried any alternatives?

As an aside, the Sabre 45 is an awesome rucksack, and having dragged it around eastern Europe, I can vouch for its rugged construction, not to mention that it seems to be surprisingly waterproof.

Many thanks!!!

Agile

[gregorach]

You might find this thread (http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?t=12789) of interest - it shows how I modified my sabre 45 to take the PLCE webbing belt with some additional pouches. I've started using the main webbing yoke with it as well - it gives you much better adjustment and weight distiburtion.

One thing I'd do differently - attach the belt loops the other way around, so the clips are on the outside.

[Agile]

Thanks for the swift reply - in your article you mention you hadn't field tested it - any luck with that, or is that still on your "to do" list?

I like the comment about the camo - it's so true, hence the need for Olive Green!

[gregorach]

Yeah, I've used it a fair bit now... Like I say, I've started using it with the PLCE yoke as well, but that's mainly so that I can use the belt and pouches separately - although it does make the whole thing more comfortable. It totally does the job, and I've found the PLCE rig very handy too.

[fred gordon]

Agile,
If you are using the 45, with side pockets, and you still haven't enough room, can I suggest you are carrying too much! Try the RM 'Know more carry less' approach or perhaps have a radical think about what you REALLY need to take when you go out. I know it is very tempting to carry everything, including the kitchen sink, just in case you need it, I often find myself doing it. :)

[Agile]

Agile,
If you are using the 45, with side pockets, and you still haven't enough room, can I suggest you are carrying too much! Try the RM 'Know more carry less' approach or perhaps have a radical think about what you REALLY need to take when you go out. I know it is very tempting to carry everything, including the kitchen sink, just in case you need it, I often find myself doing it. :)

I totally agree with what you are saying there, however as I am still at the "gear testing" stage, I tend to take about two sets of everything - this means I am currently lugging around two mess tins and the billie cans and the non-stick mug for the top of the nato bottle, a tarp, poncho and ground mat and then hennsley hammock - i.e. a good two, perhaps even three sets of gear, but only because I am trying stuff out. Then we go onto two sets of cutlery (normal set and a titanium set) two "survival" knives, a saw and an axe for good measure, and two water carriers (total 5 litres) and then the purification stuff as well. In fact, it is a small miracle I can fit this all in the one container, although I don't tend to take many changes of clothes!!

Once I finally get sorted on what I like and at what time of year, I will reduce down to a single set, not to mention by then my fitness will be through the roof!!

Thanks for the advice though, it's solid stuff which I totally agree with.

Agile

P.S. The additional sets will be used to get friends interested too :)

[fred gordon]

Hi Agile,
I wasn't meaning to be critical and I know what you mean about experimenting. Let me say that I am guilty of the 'just in case' addition of extra bits and pieces. I rarely use some of the stuff I take, I always promise myself I will be more ruthless next time, but still I sem to have too much with me. :lmao:

[Agile]

First - apologies to the Mods, as I believe this could have been placed in the wrong area (it seems to fall under kit chatter a bit better) I have put my "answer" in the correct location:

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/community/showthread.php?p=237459#post23 7459

[Zammo]

You could always get a bigger Sabre rucksack.

http://www.aktive8.com/p/Karrimor/Large-Rucksacks/Sabre-60-100-Rucksack/03-6060.html