View Full Version : New Rucksack from Karrimor - Predator - Sabre 45 replacement?
Beer Monster
03-03-2010, 07:26
Just saw this thought folk might be interesting - designed for Afghanistan basically a modern military Sabre 45. Looks very interesting.
A simple 45L model called the "Patrol" and then a more technical 50L. Side pockets are interesting too.
See here (http://pri.lemmin.com/index.php/load-carriage/predator-load-carriage.html).
Sorry wrong thread - MOD can you move please?!
I understand the MOD is in the process of issuing a new patrol sack as a UOR / Part of PEOC for the troops in Afghanistan.
I wonder if this is it??
Beer Monster
03-03-2010, 08:18
Yup this is the one. Just noticed they are for sale on SOF (www.sofmilitary.co.uk) -£109 - not cheap!
Looks like a LA Sting, the side pouches look good and interesting. Looks a good pack for armed forces and might interesting to see a review of one.
The 50 is £129 on SOF it's cheaper than the Sting (unless Cotswold get any more in).
A nice "floating/detachable top pocket" will mean you can add more to it.
Nice bag but i'm not holding my breath
Melonfish
03-03-2010, 09:53
how odd, its MOLLE compatable not the 20mm UK PALS?
although i guess if the army buy it they'll switch it to 20mm.
drewdunnrespect
03-03-2010, 10:29
yer but melonfish its also plce compatable and i thought molle was american but could be rong though
JonathanD
03-03-2010, 11:50
I like that. Looks like an improvement over the older range for forces use.
Glosfisher
03-03-2010, 14:13
The 45 litre patrol pack looks very sensible - a mini Sting.
Now how do I smuggle yet another green rucksack into the house?
man_of_tanith
03-03-2010, 16:02
I like the look of this very much!
i would be intrested to see the optional side pockets up close and personal for a better nose.
price is a bit off putting as is the thought if trying to explain why i have another rucksack :)
one to have a long think over methinks
Sam
JonathanD
03-03-2010, 16:39
Sooo tempting, how can I justify another sack :rolleyes:
Pepperana
03-03-2010, 18:59
When is this available? Its looks indeed as a kinda mini sting.
Nice Karrimor.
JonathanD
03-03-2010, 20:01
Soldier of Fortune has them in.
Looks good: good features and well thought out - a bit like a Kifaru number but at a fraction of the cost and weight. Now, where's my credit card...!
Melonfish
04-03-2010, 11:21
yer but melonfish its also plce compatable and i thought molle was american but could be rong though
aye Molle is american, we use a modified PALS system which is 20mm webbing with 20mm spaces, molle is 25mm (1") with 25mm spacing.
tbh i don't understand why they're using modified PALS anyway, if we kept to the 25mm we could still use the american Molle stuff which in all honesty is damned good kit.
overall i like the bag tho, has muchos potential.
I wonder what the back lengths are.That would be the deciding factor for me,they are all singing and dancing but no good if they don't fit.
drewdunnrespect
04-03-2010, 12:38
cheers melon
but one more question what does PALS stand for beside
Personal rear reachers of your anatomy licker
JonathanD
04-03-2010, 12:42
Right, someone here needs to buy one (plus side pockets) and do a review :D I'll decide then. See what restraint I have :rolleyes:
drewdunnrespect
04-03-2010, 12:47
wel Jonathon i nominate you since you had the idea lol
Melonfish
04-03-2010, 13:08
would be good to see back length!
PALS stands for Pouch Attachment Ladder System. its the original form of MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment)
personally i prefer PALS it makes more sense, either way its a damned nice gear system, highly modular so you can move things round if they aren't comfy and generally easy to modify by the cunning use of pouches.
in fact i'm about to add MOLLE to my 44l highlander pack, just for some extra modability.
nice to see this predator is PLCE pouch compat tho, and from the features it looks like they've really listened to the needs of the user.
drewdunnrespect
04-03-2010, 13:26
cheers melon fish
and the highlander that your about to mod once its finished sound very use able
man_of_tanith
04-03-2010, 16:18
i have emailed sof to see if they stock or are going to stock the sidepockets and omni pouch as well as the main predator if they do i may well purchase the lot.
of course i shall deny how much it cost :)
if i find out they do or are i shall let people know my opinions of the pack in total
Sam
ps this site really should have a wealth warning with it :)
man_of_tanith
04-03-2010, 18:06
i did a bad thing
i rang soldier of fortune and asked if they had the other gubbins in stock. they said they have the pockets but not the omni pouch, but they were willing to order one in so it looks like i may well have the whole kit and kaboodle coming soon.
amazing what time off work sick will achieve.
Sam
Dougster
04-03-2010, 18:31
Looks good: good features and well thought out - a bit like a Kifaru number but at a fraction of the cost and weight. Now, where's my credit card...!
I wouldn't put that 'like a kifaru'.
Never got on with a Sabre and will never be parted from my Express.
I wouldn't put that 'like a kifaru'.
Never got on with a Sabre and will never be parted from my Express.
I was just commenting that its appearance - nothing else - reminded me of the Kifaru Zulu pack I once had. Kifaru stuff is truly superb and built for the long haul but is heavy. That said, my E&E pack remains one of my favourite bits of kit. With the lines of tape stitched on to the outside, the Predator looked familiar - that's all.
JonathanD
04-03-2010, 22:04
i did a bad thing
i rang soldier of fortune and asked if they had the other gubbins in stock. they said they have the pockets but not the omni pouch, but they were willing to order one in so it looks like i may well have the whole kit and kaboodle coming soon.
amazing what time off work sick will achieve.
Sam
Splendid :You_Rock_
man_of_tanith
04-03-2010, 22:23
i'm just waiting for prices etc but i am 99.99% committed to buying one.
i wanted to get away from the 120ltr bergen i lug about anyhow
Sam
Pepperana
04-03-2010, 23:54
Emailed SOF on how quick they can send it to Holland.
No response jet. I need the pack for a trip next weekend. If they cant deliver i will go for the old sabre 45.
born2roam
05-03-2010, 08:32
Great Pepperana, keep us posted.
Would love to feel/fit it too ;-)
Grtz Johan
helixpteron
05-03-2010, 22:04
Beer Monster, big thanks for posting this! http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/helixpteron/happy0034.gif
This is exactly what I've been looking for (only needing one very simple mod to be perfect!).
Good to see that its available in black, though I can't find the weight posted on any of the European sites which list it, anyone know?
The 'grin factor' is high on this, http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/helixpteron/happy0054.gif I can't wait to get my hands on one.
Beer Monster
07-03-2010, 15:00
No problem Helixpteron :) Glad to have been of help.
Its taken me a few days but the fever of impulse by has past me by - I'm out of the woods. I think I'm going to wait a little till I get my hands on one. Would be interested to hear you thoughts if you get one.
man_of_tanith
09-03-2010, 20:22
ordered one yesterday.
All being well it will be delivered tomorrow morning.
dont expect much change from £200 quid tho, £30 per shiney pocket on top of the cost of the actual rucksack.
Sam
JonathanD
09-03-2010, 20:26
Look forward to a review and some rather splendid pictures :)
man_of_tanith
09-03-2010, 20:33
see what occours if it turns up tomorrow i shall have a play after work n use it over weekend
JonathanD
09-03-2010, 20:42
Did you buy all of the extra pockets for it?
man_of_tanith
10-03-2010, 16:30
yeah bought the whole shebang. Soldier of fortune arent going to be stocking the omni pouch as they have a large selection of MOLLE stuff already in stock but the man i spoke to ordered one for me.
didnt arrive today tho :(
man_of_tanith
10-03-2010, 20:21
grumble grumble no rucksack want me new toy grumble grumble
JonathanD
10-03-2010, 20:24
grumble grumble no rucksack want me new toy grumble grumble
Tell me about it. damned postal system has about five items of mine that are days overdue now. My Spydie bushy has been sat in customs for a week while others have got theirs... grumpgrumpgrump.
man_of_tanith
10-03-2010, 20:28
irritating aint it!
specially as it would of improved a rather carp day having a new thing to test n muck about with.
grump grump
JonathanD
10-03-2010, 20:31
Hopefully we'll both have a bumper day tomorrow :beerchug:
man_of_tanith
10-03-2010, 20:33
Fingers crossed
ive unexpected amounts of free time suddenly appear so i can really give this packa good abuse to test it out
Soldier of Fortune has them in.
Hmmm.
PRI promised me they'd tell me when they became available, and I've heard nowt.
Mildly annoyed.
:(
I shall have to ring them tomorrow.
man_of_tanith
10-03-2010, 23:14
Hmmm.
PRI promised me they'd tell me when they became available, and I've heard nowt.
Mildly annoyed.
:(
I shall have to ring them tomorrow.
now i'm mildly annoyed i would rather of given my hard earnt money to you
JonathanD
11-03-2010, 00:16
Hmmm.
PRI promised me they'd tell me when they became available, and I've heard nowt.
Mildly annoyed.
:(
I shall have to ring them tomorrow.
Don't worry, you'll be getting my money that's for sure :)
I like the shape of the new packs but ...
How practical are the Molle attachments for general bushy activities ? I've often wandered why civvy folk go for these kinds of systems as I was always taught to pack all my kit on the inside and main pockets. I can see why they're useful for the forces but the idea of attaching small pouches and other paraphernalia to the outside of a pack is all wrong to me.
I like the shape of the new packs but ...
How practical are the Molle attachments for general bushy activities ? I've often wandered why civvy folk go for these kinds of systems as I was always taught to pack all my kit on the inside and main pockets. I can see why they're useful for the forces but the idea of attaching small pouches and other paraphernalia to the outside of a pack is all wrong to me.
I don't know about you Rich but I often take one of these Bushcrafting with me.
http://www.spiritburner.com/fusion/fbbuploads/1220174594-Serious_firepower_and_easy_to_ loose_rucksacs.JPG
:)
forestwalker
11-03-2010, 06:50
I don't know about you Rich but I often take one of these Bushcrafting with me.
http://www.spiritburner.com/fusion/fbbuploads/1220174594-Serious_firepower_and_easy_to_ loose_rucksacs.JPG
:)
Are the feral boars getting that pesky?
And as a PS; I think I'd rather buy a pack named Mutalist than Predator. I mean, I want it to work with me rather than against me...
man_of_tanith
11-03-2010, 07:48
The main thinkin for me re MOLLE is that i am always scrabbling around inside the pack for some of the small items i carry ie headtorch etc with a small pouch attached to the outside i wont have to do so.(in theory)
Paganwolf
11-03-2010, 13:15
Hmmm.
PRI promised me they'd tell me when they became available, and I've heard nowt.
Mildly annoyed.
:(
I shall have to ring them tomorrow.
They have them i got a full set up last week..
man_of_tanith
11-03-2010, 20:48
ITS ARRIVED! ITS ALREADY PACKED!:dancer:
Can you tell i am a little excited?:D
more detailed and less enthusiastic report to follow
Sam
JonathanD
11-03-2010, 20:55
ITS ARRIVED! ITS ALREADY PACKED!:dancer:
Can you tell i am a little excited?:D
more detailed and less enthusiastic report to follow
Sam
Sweet, no go forth and abuse it :D
man_of_tanith
11-03-2010, 20:56
oh yes!
weekends worth of abuse already planned. That sounds really dodgy dont it :D
JonathanD
11-03-2010, 20:58
oh yes!
weekends worth of abuse already planned. That sounds really dodgy dont it :D
It does when you consider all of the loops it has on it :eek:
I'm popping up to see Ian at Red Deer Outdoors on Sunday as he has both models in stock and while I really don't need another sack (to add to the 16 others!!!) he assures me they are very , very ,very nice.
N
helixpteron
11-03-2010, 21:54
I'm popping up to see Ian at Red Deer Outdoors on Sunday as he has both models in stock and while I really don't need another sack (to add to the 16 others!!!) he assures me they are very , very ,very nice.
N
Hmmm!
16 packs... That's great! Its not just me! http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/helixpteron/happy0009.gif
Neil, don't let the little irrelevance of 'need' detract from your choosing to buy another pack... Its never stopped me! http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/helixpteron/happy0009.gif
I don't know about you Rich but I often take one of these Bushcrafting with me.
it's a bushcraft SAW
:lmao:
Glosfisher
12-03-2010, 10:52
I like the shape of the new packs but ...
How practical are the Molle attachments for general bushy activities ? I've often wandered why civvy folk go for these kinds of systems as I was always taught to pack all my kit on the inside and main pockets. I can see why they're useful for the forces but the idea of attaching small pouches and other paraphernalia to the outside of a pack is all wrong to me.
For fieldwork, especially solo fieldwork on foot, I've found MOLLE pouches invaluable. Empty finds bags in one; full finds bags in another; GPS and notebook in another; pens, pencils etc. on an admin panel; camera pouch on waist belt etc., etc Lunch, drinks and spare clothing stay in a small backpack. The advantage of MOLLE pouches is that they're not long and thin and, consequently, vital bits and pieces don't migrate to the bottom of the pocket.
I entirely accept they look overly militaristic and more than a little nerdy. However, many of my fieldwork assistants have been in the forces (hence the risk of much scoffage) and they can see exactly why I've adopted the system.
helixpteron
13-03-2010, 17:34
Had a full, rapid reply from Ian Spicer at Red-Deer Outdoors Limited, regarding availability of the pack (in black) and the empty weight, which is 4.2lb.
Looking forward to review and pics...
man_of_tanith
14-03-2010, 11:39
Very short review-AWESOME :D
better one to come in few days time
Sam
JonathanD
14-03-2010, 13:24
Very short review-AWESOME :D
better one to come in few days time
Sam
You better be taking plety of pics.
Beer Monster
14-03-2010, 14:08
Very short review-AWESOME :D
better one to come in few days time
Sam
A few days ....... I think I can wait that long ........ (beer monster sits down and starts to twiddle thumbs) ...... errr ..... ummm ...... (looks at watch) ...... ummm .....
man_of_tanith
14-03-2010, 14:35
You better be taking plety of pics.
lady of tanith is on photo duty.
A few days ....... I think I can wait that long ........ (beer monster sits down and starts to twiddle thumbs) ...... errr ..... ummm ...... (looks at watch) ...... ummm .....
I'll be quick as i can
Ive been looking at the 45 and it seems to be ok,my eye has however seen the 50 (sorry forgot the name) and this sack has got me attention even more mainly because you can detach the pack from the frame,this to me makes for an exceptionaly versatile pack as if for example you want to haul an item that is to large or odd shaped you can with the help of extra straps secure it to the frame,or if you are good with a needle and thread you could make something like the MR load sling.
At the moment I have a MR nice 6500 and a LA sting,I can see that if the above "50" fits me then this will cover all my needs.
Does anybody know if I will be able to look at one in the West Sussex area?
Dave
Beer Monster
15-03-2010, 05:05
I'll be quick as i can
...... ignore me. Take your time and give it a good bashing before reviewing! Patients is a virtue ......
Beer Monster
15-03-2010, 05:31
.... ah ha! I've half seen it! literally - in your "visitor in camp" thread!
man_of_tanith
16-03-2010, 13:58
another day or so til its ready for you all. Dont want to do a poor write up of this when its such a good pack
I finally got to look at the Predator 45 on sunday, as I went up to see Ian at RedDeer Outdoors.
What a superb bit of kit!!! It is everything the Sabre is'nt. Really well thought out and very extendable thanks to good design and MOLLE straps all over it (so you can add your favourite MaxP pouches where you need them).
They seem popular too - Ian was at Bisley last week and anyone who saw his Predator bought one off him - so he is about to reorder.
The pouches that fit the side are good too.
The one I saw was coyote brown - which is really growing on me.
N
Diamond Dave
17-03-2010, 22:07
I finally got to look at the Predator 45 on sunday, as I went up to see Ian at RedDeer Outdoors.
What a superb bit of kit!!! It is everything the Sabre is'nt. Really well thought out and very extendable thanks to good design and MOLLE straps all over it (so you can add your favourite MaxP pouches where you need them).
They seem popular too - Ian was at Bisley last week and anyone who saw his Predator bought one off him - so he is about to reorder.
The pouches that fit the side are good too.
The one I saw was coyote brown - which is really growing on me.
N
Your'e a bad man Neil1 if you carry on like this I will have to buy one....:rolleyes:
Diamond Dave
19-03-2010, 12:09
To Late.....ordered one from Mark........................
I had a SF 75 and swapped it for LA Sting mainly for the adjustable back. Can't believe Karrimore have brought out a new pack with a fixed back again!
Would have loved one otherwise, but the LA sting is so much more comfortable.
I had a SF 75 and swapped it for LA Sting mainly for the adjustable back. Can't believe Karrimore have brought out a new pack with a fixed back again!
I think you have to put in to context the reason the new PRI pack exists. It's not because they thought lets knock up a bergen for the Civvy market. It's going on issue to troops for patrolling in Afghanistan and lugging kit like ECM heaps of link and other kit and comms kit etc . The MOD will have issued a spec against which companies like PRI will have tendered. For it's intended purpose a fixed back makes sense less to go wrong in the field and cheaper to manufacture.
The waist belt is a bit of a pointless add on for use in it's intended environment with Osprey Body armour etc it's just something else to faff about when you want to take the sac off if you're lying prone etc to get at link or other kit in it.. Take a look at other sacks like the Camel Bak Motherlode and Motherlode light on the former you can ditch the waistbelt as it just unvelcros and on the latter Camel Bak ditched it entirely based on feedback from troops in the field.
I don't get all the raving about this pack. It basically seems to be a Northern Ireland pack with the sidepockets removed and PLCE side pouch zips & clips attached (a common mod already, makes it far easier to stuff under your bergen lid, and more flexible), covered with MOLLE loops (again, becoming more and more widespread amongst squaddies).
Maybe a bit bigger (floating lid?) for operational loads in Afghanistan and with a guccier shoulder strap, waist belt and back system (but none of those are deal breakers really [padded back system means nothing under body armour!] unless you are going to be carrying ECM and tons of link, in which case I suspect it'll be issued to you for free).
Why all the excitement? NI packs with PLCE zips and clips already exist, MOLLE is on most everything now being produced (look at prevalence of Motherloads and BFMs and the multitude of copies) and larger daysacks with padded straps and belt are hardly revolutionary.
There again I haven't seen it in the flesh, maybe it is good kit, but I just can't understand why a Herrick UOR would be desirable for hiking or mooching round the woods?
Ian
iano, you're bang on there mate.
For anyone wanting to buy one, wait out for twelve months and you'll find the surplus market will be flooded with desert kit (if you don't mind wearin desert colours that is).