View Full Version : Karrimor Predator Tecmac 50
man_of_tanith
17-03-2010, 23:13
Righto firstly a little waffle about myself.
Usually I use a 120litre web tex bergen when out and about which results in me putting everything plus the kitchen sink in it as it has the space then trying to carry it a short distance from drop off point to my permission campsite.
I want to get a bit more mobile and stop taking so much ''Vital'' stuff that is only ''Vital'' because I have space to fit it in. so when Beer monstor posted a link to this new pack and then said that soldier of fortune were stocking them I took the oppourtunity to abuse my credit card,solve my kitchen sink packing,get a new bit of kit (always a winner) and maybe get a bit more mobile and hopefully(very hopefully) loose a bit of wieght due to moving more.
Anyways enough about my thinking/excuses for buying this pack and time for a bit of technical specs courtesy of http://pri.lemmin.com the manufacturors of the pack.
Code: M010
Sizes: 50 Litre
Predator Technical Multi Adaptable Carrier (TECMAC) 50 draws from our experience of load carriage design for equipment carried into combat such as the C4i and ECM. The removable adjustable internal frame allows many different types and sizes of equipment to be carried securely. The lid and kit bag are removable allowing the back system part and mounted equipment to be carried alone. The hip belt can also be concealed when not in use.
● Palm back system
● Concealable waist belt
● Quick release belt buckle
● S-shaped shoulder harness
● Sternum strap
● Removable lid
● Removable main compartment
● Adjustable equipment carriage
● Compatible with side pockets (PLCE)
● Lid pocket
● Stuff pockets
● MOLLE webbing front and sides
● Ski guides
● Compression straps
● Carry handle
● Rotproof thread
● Reinforced with bartacks
● Durable water repellent (DWR)
● YKK zips
Now for my own testing, Bedfordshire especially the part I live in doesn't have huge mountains or miles and miles of rugged wilderness :( so I have been a little creative finding testing conditions.
First of all an hour long walk with the dog around Deepdale and the sand quarry. Deepdale is primarily pine woodland with assorted trails from horse riding,dog walking and generations of BMX riding children so interesting ground conditions, it also has a few nice steep up and down bits so made for a nice test.
I only used the pack without adding the side pockets at first, it was packed with sleeping bag,jumper, infla mat and FAK to add a bit of weight for the test and see how the pack sat on me.
After the initial putting on I hardly noticed I was wearing the pack. The belt of the pack is more a belly belt than a hip belt which I personally prefer. another good feature is that the belt closure is not a male female clip but a thread through buckle as hopefully visible in the below pic of Lady of Tanith kindly modelling the pack
http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af167/man_of_tanith01/predator/predator011.jpg
The Pack sits mainly on the back without anything rubbing anywhere, on the side of the pack is an elasticated pocket which takes one osprey waterbottle so water is easily accessed without having to unload the entire pack
http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af167/man_of_tanith01/predator/predator010.jpg(these can also be accessed when the side pockets are attached but more on those later :))
The closure for the main body of the pack is a snow lock which folds several times before clipping over the main compartment. a further clip from back of the frame to front of the pack secures it very well whilst leaving space sufficient for a tarp underneath it.
The Floating lid has one large pocket with plenty of storage capacity to get to witohut having to open the main pack. it would easily hold waterproof jacket map or in my case tea hot chocolate and sugar. I have never used a pack with a floating lid before so I am still on a bit of a learning curve here but so far I can see the merits of one.
MOLLE webbing is another new thing to me and I own nothing else with MOLLE but it is compatible with ALICE clip fittings which my FAK has so I can mount it on the front and have it easily to hand without having to rummage through the pack and bleed everywhere should i or anyone else have booboo. It also takes the web tex utility pouch fixings (I am not sure the term for the fixings I suspect its plce but I may well be wrong.) to allow an easily accessed brew kit and accompanying gubbins http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af167/man_of_tanith01/predator/predator002.jpg
Side pockets are two ammo pouches and one omni pouch both of these have velcro closures and male female clips to close. The velcro also has coverings attached to the pocket to cover the velcro fixings allowing silent openings (helpful for sneaking munchies when no ones watching)
The Ammo pouches take one large FFD a small FFD and a small badger UCO candle lantern small trowel, tobacco pouch and pipe(not in one that was what i fitted in all four of them)
The omni pouch will take crusader cup and osprey water bottle upright with space to spare or plastic osprey cup and three rat pack boil in the bag meals
http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af167/man_of_tanith01/predator/predator012.jpg
Another good feature is that the back of the side pockets is one large pocket that runs the length of the side pocket with space for GB hand axe, camp knife bahco laplander saw allowing for easy access when in camp but not visible to the general public to cause them distress.
Overall this is a good pack with ooodles of well thought out features plenty of ooh thats clever extras with hard wearing manufacturing behind it.
http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af167/man_of_tanith01/predator/predator008.jpg
http://i1004.photobucket.com/albums/af167/man_of_tanith01/predator/predator009.jpg
I dont think the web tex bergen will get many outings until winter at the very earliest
I'm still waiting for the seperate omni pocu to be delivered.
Sam
Good review Sam, thanks for taking the time
Looks a tidy pack mate.
Hmmm...maybe I will get me self an early Christmas present after all :)
Good review thanks
Just a couple of questions.
what sort of back adjustments does the pack have or is it a fixed setup?
how tall care you?
Is it possible to post some picc`s with the pack removed just showing the frame, as this is what has attracked me to this pack in the first place and finally can you get some accurate weights of pack,frame and complete setup please?
Sorry about all the above but i cannot find anybody near me who stocks the product??
Many thanks
Good, honest review. Thanks for taking the time.
I'm not after a new pack at the moment...but those side pockets are PLCE compatable so I'll get one soon!
Simon
Great review cheers.
However i can't believe you use a webtex bergen :eek:
Great photos and a wealth of useful info cheers
andybysea
18-03-2010, 11:34
Good comprehensive review,thanks and arrgh(thanks for the review and arrgh co's i like it and i really should'nt as ive got enough sack's)
In some pics it looks huge,and in others quite small, is the frame size and back that of the sabre 45l.
Diamond Dave
18-03-2010, 13:25
Great review..many thanks. I feel a buying spree coming on...............
man_of_tanith
18-03-2010, 15:27
Glad you all like the review i was sweating bricks bout it.:thankyou:
UK Dave i am approx five foot ten in height if that helps and i shall get some more pics up for you in next couple of days
Andybysea i havent seen a sabre 45 in the flesh so i cant comment tho the predator does seems to have tardis like qualities.
Simon M one of the things i like about the pockets is that they arent just effectively micro packs and are more organised it really saves having to scrabble around looking for something and i suspect i shall end up with an almost OCD level of arrangement of my smaller items.
Nat whats wrong with a webtex bergen? :pokenest: :D
Lurch get em in mate even if only so you can nab one yourself!
man_of_tanith
18-03-2010, 15:32
Good work Lurch :)
Job done...... (http://www.lakelandbushcraft.co.uk/acatalog/Karrimor_SF.html#aPRED50)
and it's little brother (http://www.lakelandbushcraft.co.uk/acatalog/Karrimor_SF.html#aPRED45)
Also the sides (2http://www.lakelandbushcraft.co.uk/acatalog/Karrimor_SF.html#aKPRSIDE")
Plus the Omni pouch (http://www.lakelandbushcraft.co.uk/acatalog/Karrimor_SF.html#aKSOMNI)
Damn...ordered from SoF this morning...only 1 side pouch though, so might need a twin to it soon.
Simon
man_of_tanith
18-03-2010, 15:55
thats a shame simon
you'll like the pockets though
Job done...... (http://www.lakelandbushcraft.co.uk/acatalog/Karrimor_SF.html#aPRED50)
and it's little brother (http://www.lakelandbushcraft.co.uk/acatalog/Karrimor_SF.html#aPRED45)
Also the sides (2http://www.lakelandbushcraft.co.uk/acatalog/Karrimor_SF.html#aKPRSIDE")
Plus the Omni pouch (http://www.lakelandbushcraft.co.uk/acatalog/Karrimor_SF.html#aKSOMNI)
Lurch:
3rd linky doesn't work.
Simon
Graham_S
18-03-2010, 17:27
It's tempting, but I don't really need another pack. Katy would kill me
man_of_tanith
18-03-2010, 17:54
temptation is whatcaused me to buy it in the first place. its a really nice pack........
helixpteron
18-03-2010, 19:10
Build a fire from scratch, in the rain... No problem!
Build a shelter from scratch, in the rain... No problem!
Source and make potable, water... No problem!
Resist the temptation to buy new gear... http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/helixpteron/happy0009.gif
man_of_tanith
18-03-2010, 19:53
Build a fire from scratch, in the rain... No problem!
Build a shelter from scratch, in the rain... No problem!
Source and make potable, water... No problem!
Resist the temptation to buy new gear... http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv29/helixpteron/happy0009.gif
not possible is it :)
drewdunnrespect
18-03-2010, 20:35
why cant i sea lurchs post or is it on a diffrent thread to this and sam my mum, my credut card officially dispise you due to me wanting one and trying to get the idea past mum and probably going to buy one in the not so distant future. lol only joking cracking review though
man_of_tanith
18-03-2010, 20:41
drew you ask a question i was wondering myself.
as for credit card mine dont like me either n me mum is quitely seething bout me buying it too.
its a blinding rucksack be warned you're other other packs will get jealous
why cant i sea lurchs post
Been deleted and I've had my legs slapped for advertising where I shouldn't have.
:rolleyes:
JonathanD
18-03-2010, 23:03
Been deleted and I've had my legs slapped for advertising where I shouldn't have.
:rolleyes:
Bad lad :D
Great review, you've sold me. The side pockets look way better than I thought. Cheers for turning a 95% interest into an obsession.
Mark, mine will be ordered from you in the coming weeks when I find more money goodjob
man_of_tanith
20-03-2010, 15:01
glad you like the review
youll love the pack
Graham_S
20-03-2010, 20:56
The question is, is it worth paying the extra for the 50 over the 45?
I'm not sure if I want the removable sac. I've been able to do that for years with my external frame packs.
How many times have I taken the pack off to use the frame to carry something?
Never.
Might be a bit of a gimmick for me.
However, I am liking those side pockets, I may pick up a couple for putting onto my sabre.
Diamond Dave
20-03-2010, 21:27
glad you like the review
youll love the pack
Would it be possible to fix these new side pockets to the back of the Predator by the MOLLE webbing and have two standard PLCE pockets on the sides. The new pockets only give 5L and the standard ones 15L which would be a loss of 20L
man_of_tanith
20-03-2010, 22:21
Would it be possible to fix these new side pockets to the back of the Predator by the MOLLE webbing and have two standard PLCE pockets on the sides. The new pockets only give 5L and the standard ones 15L which would be a loss of 20L
could probably be done with a bit of strapping i should imagine
I've never had an external frame so i couldnt comment on if it is gimmicky but i figured as i was expending a fair whack of cash and probably retiring my other pack i decided to get the bigger of the two.
i intend to experiment with the bergen i had prior to this with the predator side pockets to see if i can still have the bigger pack to hold buky winter sleeping bags but the ocd friendly kit organising side pockets
Diamond Dave
20-03-2010, 22:46
could probably be done with a bit of strapping i should imagine
I've never had an external frame so i couldnt comment on if it is gimmicky but i figured as i was expending a fair whack of cash and probably retiring my other pack i decided to get the bigger of the two.
i intend to experiment with the bergen i had prior to this with the predator side pockets to see if i can still have the bigger pack to hold buky winter sleeping bags but the ocd friendly kit organising side pockets
Thanks for the reply. I'm hoping to receive mine on Monday and looking for the best combination:You_Rock_
Diamond Dave
22-03-2010, 19:39
As advised by Lurch (Mark from Lakeland) the Predator arrived today. Great service Mark thank you.
man_of_tanith
06-04-2010, 21:25
bit of a resurrection here
today i tried fitting the side pockets from my webtex bergen and they fit beautifully so i shall be able to pick n choose a bit more
another bonus that :)
Nice review, and thanks for the bump as I missed it the first time round after seeing your initial posts on the bag.
I like the look of the side pouches especially and although I initially balked at the price of them, I'll see how I feel pay day :D
man_of_tanith
07-04-2010, 12:57
the side pouches on their own are really useful, they allow a lot more organisation to gear rather than rooting around for stuff thats fallen down the bottom of the pouch, also allows stuff to have its own pocket for easy access,
m.durston
07-04-2010, 20:08
i bagged meself one of these second hand off an airsoft forum for the princely sum of 35 quid posted!
my rucksack is the bowman radio carrier which is basically the same as the tecmac 50 but with a different lid and minus the molle loops.
Considering the vertical distance from the waist belt to the shoulder-strap attachment point, this bag must have been designed for someone the height of an oompa-lumpa???
Looking at the photos, the waist belt is too far above the hips to be effective and the shoulder-strap is way down the back whereas it should be level with the top of the shoulder. Even the Sabre 45 with it's limited back length isn't as bad as that!
I'd be interested (from anyone who finds it comfortable) why such a short back is preferrable? (my apologies if I've inadvertently offended any oompa-lumpas reading... :) )
It's designed for the military and is high so you can wear combat webbing with it.
Considering the vertical distance from the waist belt to the shoulder-strap attachment point, this bag must have been designed for someone the height of an oompa-lumpa???
Looking at the photos, the waist belt is too far above the hips to be effective and the shoulder-strap is way down the back whereas it should be level with the top of the shoulder. Even the Sabre 45 with it's limited back length isn't as bad as that!
I'd be interested (from anyone who finds it comfortable) why such a short back is preferrable? (my apologies if I've inadvertently offended any oompa-lumpas reading... :) )
That is what I'm asking I guess - if it is not worn as intended (ie with webbing), how comfortable is it? (assuming the wearer is of average height)
Personally i find rucks like that comfortable, probably because i'm used to wearing webbing. Even though, i prefer a high riding pack to a low riding one when just out hiking and not yomping.
That is what I'm asking I guess - if it is not worn as intended (ie with webbing), how comfortable is it? (assuming the wearer is of average height)
If you fill it with a full load of outdoor kit and add on a pair of PLCE pouches that'll be approx 80 ltrs of kit ( 50 ltr pack with 2x 15 ltr side pockets)
I agree if you have a average or long back the waist belt will have minimal value so you'd be carrying the weight on your shoulders.. .
It depends how far and over what terrain you're carrying the weight...
Thanks chaps :)
I saw this pack in a shop in Exeter last week, it looked great but I think I will have to go with a Sabre 75 to make sure I get the right size back.
Very handy to see the photos here as I didn't try it on in the shop, so thanks again!
I saw this pack in a shop in Exeter last week,
Which shop in Exeter??
man_of_tanith
08-04-2010, 15:11
whilst not quite oompa loompa in height i find where the belt is quite comfortable, never used webbing just where i like the belt to sit
Sam
Diamond Dave
08-04-2010, 21:48
Off wild camping next week for a couple of days and will be taking my Predator 50L for the first time. Started packing and found that the original side pouches didn't hold enough stuff, so I changed them back to the PLCE side pockets off my Sabre.
I must say that it does sit comfortably on the back and the belt seems in the right place for me....................
Which shop in Exeter??
This one http://www.kitshoponline.co.uk/ but they don't appear to have a piccie on the website, although they have them in stock (in that neutral/non-too-obvious-mil-looking coyote brown colour that most prefer), they have an incredible selection of rucksacks and after-market military gear in general (I hope I'm not guilty of advertising for them!)
Was worth the drive down there as I popped in to two other outdoor shops and Endicotts surplus all in the same street. Treated myself to a wool blanket, water bottle and metal mug from the surplus shop, but other things in there I found of of interest was their military (Swedish I think he said?) cooksets and a hooped DPM bivvy, the first was a little too heavy and the latter was a little too... err... hoopy?
Off wild camping next week for a couple of days and will be taking my Predator 50L for the first time. Started packing and found that the original side pouches didn't hold enough stuff, so I changed them back to the PLCE side pockets off my Sabre.
I must say that it does sit comfortably on the back and the belt seems in the right place for me....................
That's good to hear Dave. On you does the waist belt sit just above your hips or is it a bit higher and more around your stomach??
Have a good trip:)
Diamond Dave
09-04-2010, 08:37
That's good to hear Dave. On you does the waist belt sit just above your hips or is it a bit higher and more around your stomach??
Have a good trip:)
The belt fits just above my waistline and the belt circumnavigates across my belly........:)
However, it does feel more comfortable than my Sabre 45 but after the outing I will let you know.
The belt fits just above my waistline and the belt circumnavigates across my belly........:)
However, it does feel more comfortable than my Sabre 45 but after the outing I will let you know.
Hi thanks for that sounds like it's in the same general position as the image of the waistbelt in the OP's review...
Have a good trip..
Guys slightly embarrassing query but how large is the hip belt? I'm on the slightly larger side and do prefer to use the hip belt when out and about. Further, I take it the side pouches do not come as standard? Finally anyone used PRI to buy stuff from?
Diamond Dave
10-04-2010, 13:32
Guys slightly embarrassing query but how large is the hip belt? I'm on the slightly larger side and do prefer to use the hip belt when out and about. Further, I take it the side pouches do not come as standard? Finally anyone used PRI to buy stuff from?
Hi Scoman
1) The hip belt from end to end measures 52"
2) Side pouches are extra. I bought a pair of the new pouches but prefer the standard PLCE models
3) The general public cannot buy direct from PRI you have to be a registered dealer
Hope this helps
Dave you're a Diamond geezer(sorry I couldn't resist it)
Dave by the way if you are looking at passing the new pouches could I have first dibs if the price is right.
Diamond Dave
10-04-2010, 14:01
Dave by the way if you are looking at passing the new pouches could I have first dibs if the price is right.
If I do decide to let them go you will certainly get first shout.....
Diamond Dave
11-04-2010, 18:36
Can anyone tell me why the Predator has a removable lid and elasticated lid sides.....:confused:
Why did you bought the tecmac and not the patrol? For what are you using the Adjustable equipment carriage?
Diamond Dave
13-04-2010, 11:36
Hi twdi
I only bought the Tecmac because it was 50L. I am not using the removable equipment carriage at all.
man_of_tanith
13-04-2010, 11:40
Hi twdi
I only bought the Tecmac because it was 50L. I am not using the removable equipment carriage at all.
same reason to me but i am sure at some point it will get used for something
aha oke. I'm considering the Patrol 45. It's 5 litre less so I don't think I would notice that. It's still not to be delivered here in the netherlands. Hopefully it will be soon or I have to order it unvisible from the UK.
It seems a great bag and the olive green also seems to be a good militair color (I'm a member of the dutch national guard). I have some doubts about the UK DPM and how it compares to dutch woodland
Diamond Dave
13-04-2010, 12:56
same reason to me but i am sure at some point it will get used for something
Have been out with it for the past couple of nights and the 50L with the standard PLCE pockets seem to give me the right carry space. If I knew what the removable carriage did perhaps I could think of using it....:)
Well.. I think it's design to carry a military radio into the field.
Could you carry a laptop in it?
Is the removable carriage located insite the main compartment? I cannot see exactly where it connects to the bagpack. If it can carry a laptop and removed if it's not needed, it could be great for holidays too when i carry my photo equipment with me....
Is the tecmac small enough to carry as hand luggage in an airplane? (Just due to the laptop question.... )?
Diamond Dave
13-04-2010, 14:38
The main compartment is zipped on to the backpack and it also has snap fasteners and velco fasteners on the bottom. I cannot see why a laptop could not be carried.
I believe you could use the rucksack without the side pouches as hand luggage on a plane.
aha en you can still use the bagpack without the removable carriage if you don't need it?
Sound great also for phototravelling :)
Pablo's knocked up another good video review of the 45 ...
http://woodlife.ning.com/video/karrimor-predator-patrol-45
I've bought the patrol 45 last week. It's a great bag!
:)
I bought the side pockets off DiamondDave for my Rocketpak and service Bergen. Primarily they are to help me arrange my kit as previously remarked by someone else earlier in the thread. Useful to keep things at hand I have the following as contents;
Waterproof trousers
First Aid
Brew kit
24hr rations
Crusader, Honey Stove, possibles
I have half a mind to replace my tarm as a few grommets are showing signs of coming away and the aussie hootchie on sale in SASS claims to fit into a single ammo pouch. Here it is.
Apologies pictures should have been rotated and I'm thinking of changing my tarp not tarm.
No problem, I just totated my laptop :)
but they look nice on your bag
man_of_tanith
12-05-2010, 20:32
The side pockets hold a suprising amount dont they!
and with them being three seperate sections it allows a lot of personal items that you want to be easily accessed without having to root around in a pocket searching for one item. specially when its miserable weather and all you want it waterproofs.
i'm still playing around with layout for my pockets but i am still well impressed with them.
`Yes, but I have the two normal side pockets. The 12,5 ltr versions
Diamond Dave
13-05-2010, 08:37
The Predator side pockets are well designed and well made, however, they are limited to total carry space (5Ltrs) which to my mind makes them unsuitable for bushcrafting. I much prefer the original PLCE pockets.
Yes that's why I didn't bought them. They are great for military usage to carry more magazines which the pockets are designed for.
If it is the separation of stored items you want, would the medic's plce side pouch not do as good?
http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/shop/army-surplus-uk/plce-army-webbing/used-grade-1-large-plce-dpm-medical-351194.html
You can add as many more mesh bags as you want.
Happy trails...torc.
man_of_tanith
14-05-2010, 10:34
I've looked at the medics side pouch before for my old bergen but the small stuff i want to keep organised isnt that small, its stuff like waterproofs torch and brew kit
The Lord Poncho
02-06-2010, 14:41
To me it looks like the current british army issue bowman radio daysack, slightly modified with a differently designed lid pocket and with MOLLE tape added. Karrimor (well, PRI) make that item, and it's pretty good. The only drawbacks i've found is that unladen its incredibly heavy for such a modestly proportioned sack, and that the press stud arrangement at the base of the sack allows small items to fall out of it (like incredibly overpriced bowman ancills!). Not sure if the press studs are backed up with a zip in this version?
I'm taking a bit of convincing to like the MOLLE arrangement- it just seems to add extra weight in two key ways- firstly the not insignificant weight of the tape itself (which gets even heavier when it absorbs water, and further breaches any waterproof nature of the pack fabric by covering it in stitching), and secondly by massively increasing the weight of the pouches themselves. Although i can appreciate the usefulness of being able to rearrange the type and location of external pouches for particular applications...
Be interested to know how much the pack weighs?
2.95kg and the Predator Patrol 45 is 2.75kg
I have the patrol 45 so our bags are from the same material. Have you used it in rain? Should I use a waterproof stuff sac inside it and in the side pouches?
man_of_tanith
08-06-2010, 19:57
i used it through the course i attended a couple of weeks ago there was drizzle one day but everything was nicec and dry
mind you i always make sure all my stuff is nice and secure from water anyway
http://www.arrse.co.uk/qms-clothing-equipment/140783-new-issue-daysack-herrick.html
Some talk about the new Karrimor bag.
Happy trails..torc.
Woodcutter
19-10-2010, 21:01
Taken delivery today of the Patrol 45, for much the same reason as the first post, was using a long back bergan, 100 litres, plus side pouches adding another 30. Found myself taking everything for the sake of it, so opted for the 45 to try and reduce what I take, first impressions very pleased, not as comfy to wear as other bergan, but it's brand new and needs a bit of breaking in I suspect. Have packed it with essentials, tarp, bivy bag, sleeping bag, ranger shirt etc, room left for food, camera etc. I have added one side pouch which will be for Billy can, food and water. Will post some pics of first run out and contents.
man_of_tanith
19-10-2010, 22:05
they are great packs
mine's been on the woodlore fundamental course earlier this year and every excursion i've done. i have only just swapped to winter bergen cause sleeping bag is too bulky until i get an upgrade in december then it shall be back to the predator.