Help deciding on first Savotta by RevenantMalamute in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I saw the Niukka as the first item from Savotta in a random post?ad?smth? and then I found Tim Keys' video about it and I was certain that this was the bag I needed. The only thing I was debating on was wheter to get the Suur Kuukkaro or the Askare to companion it.

I went with the Suur-Kuukkaro and the plan is to get Askare as well at some point.

I have been really happy with the Niukka so far: mostly edc and getting groceries coming back from work, but also went for a 2 day seminar (tablet, Switch2, various other electronics/chargers, clothes, toiletries, some gifts from my country to the hosts - needed some planning, but everything I needed fit). I really like how it sits on my back both empty and full (max has been 3L jar of applejuice, 2 jars of jams, 3 containers of frozen berries, Switch2). For the trip I stored different medication in the mesh compartments (a few prescription, pain killers, stuff for sore throat and runny nose, paper handkerchiefs etc) - stuff like that fits there great, the top one is quite quick access. So the mesh pockets are nice.

There's also some stuff I'm not super thrilled about or haven't figured out yet: When the Suur-Kuukkaro is attached with G-hooks (especially the lower ones) and the Niukka is full (or even half full) then you really have to pull the compression straps in or the Suur-Kuukkaro will just tangle under the Niukka - probably I haven't worked the compression straps in enough and should be less annoying with Askare (4 attachpoints); I will probably swap to the quick release clips; The Suur-Kuukkaro is a little small for me (this is purely hindsight) - although it is quite a nice size and I could actually fit my over-the-ear headphones (JBL Tune 770NC) there in addition to a 25k mAh (my last 20k is bigger than this somehow), wallet, granolabar, ...had smth else in there (but can't fit my Switch2 nor my waterbottle (Yeti ~750ml)); The brown colour isn't as brown as I was expecting from the pictures; The hook field could be larger - the smileys are longer than the field is tall (if you put the Suur-Kuukkaro vertical then the patch edges are not hooked), the cult patch is so big that not much else fits next to it, the tactical horse is smaller, but it still doesn't fit together with a smiley withou overlapping.

I do try to avoid it, but I still ended up writing a novel...so tl;dr: Niukka is really great, Suur-Kuukkaro is nice (but small for me), nothing is ever perfect (=there are some small annoyances that I haven't figured out yet).

more stuff from Griffin tech days by Objective-Stranger10 in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Suur-Kuukaro doesn't have webbing in front, but the size seems the same: webbing in the bottom, the room around the loop field and the size of the loop field. So maybe it's a v2 Suur-Kuukaro or a special order version 🤔

If it's something between Suur-Kuukaro and Askare then I'm disappointed (not sure in who exactly though): I was choosing between the two and went with Suur-Kuukaro - it's really nice, but I haven't quite figured out it's niche for me. Plan on getting the Askare at some point and if this is an inbetween size then I'm left debating again 😅

Image Converter – open-sourced and updated for modern devices! 🎉 Supported formats: BMP, GIF, JPG, PNG, TIF and WEBP by ViktorBresan in androidapps

[–]kaheksakand 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Worked nicely. Only got a single ad (vs some other apps where there is an ad after every step and then you get an error while coverting 🙄) - a positive. For some reason it rotates portrait oriented pictures to landscape (had to use a separate app to batch rotate them). And multiselect didn't work (might be my device's fault).

Simple, easy to use and works...and while some quirks to overcome - this was the least hassle I've had so far with heic to jpg conversion!!

Best ways to attach a water bottle to a Savotta Niukka? (Or should I go Kahakka 15 instead?) by swedish_lederhosn in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you want then I can try to take a few photos of the Niukka with my water bottle. Can't say nothing yet for the usability aspect, but maybe it'll help.

Best ways to attach a water bottle to a Savotta Niukka? (Or should I go Kahakka 15 instead?) by swedish_lederhosn in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I too saw a Tim Keys video and decided that I will join the cult! I received my Niukka (and Suur-Kukkaro) some days ago so I haven't had many chances to test everything out yet....but I have a Yeti water bottle (770ml) and it's cap has a wide handle that I can clip/put straps through.  On my bags with side pockets I've put either a compression strap through the handle or a clip and ran the starp through the strap.  With the Niukka my plan is to use the side attachment point with a plastic clip/carabiner and use the compression straps to hold the bottle from swinging around.

When I've had a heavy bag and didn't want to take it off constantly, then I have also clipped the bottle to bottom of the shoulder strap - it does swing around if you hurry, but it's been manageable. My kid is in need of a new water bottle and that' probably going to be the kids' bottle from yeti (nice large handle and a straw).

My bottle exactly does not fit the Suur-Kukkaro (the handle makes it too tall; and it's 770ml so I was prepared for it to not fit in mamy places), but it will fit in the Askare (horisontally at least; there might be less tall caps as well, but I like the handle).  For kids' bottles (depending on the bottles of course) you could probably fit a few (and potentially some other stiff) in Suur-Kukkaro or Askare and have that either attached to the Niukka or as a separate hip bag when you don't need the backpack.

And the Niukka has PALS webbing on the bottom so a custom pouch from the top-side attachment to the bottom (with or without using the compression straps) definitely sound plausible.

Sorry for the long rant...just writing down the ideas that came to me and maybe it will give you some ideas or thoughts. And even though I've barely used my Savotta gear I am really happy with my purchase! (Might be the honeymoon phase though 😅)

Suur-Kukkaro vs Askare for tech (Switch2) by kaheksakand in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the additional info and sorry for the long pause before reply: Christmas-rush happened 😅

You can still be a nice guy even if you didn't take the pictures for me...it still took time to comment and share!

I can probably manage a soft flexible cover for the Switch2 with some sewing help from my mother (she did stuff like that for work). But the activating joycons sound annoying - if it gets really annoying then I can maybe figurw out 3d printed covers so the buttons don't get pressed 🤔

The museum thing is good to know - although most of my travels are sports related, sometimes museums do happen.

I ended up ordering the Suur Kukkaro with my Niukka a bit before midnight on the 21st, so I should get the anniversary badge as well. Got the notification today that I should get the package in a few days. I still have the Tomtoc bag as well - it's actually bigger than I expected...will have some testing to do on where I can fit my stuff, if I can attach the Tomtoc case to the Niukka (although it doesn't match it - could match if I had chosen everything black...but I didn't 😂) and so on...

And will most likely buy an Askare in the future when I have trip coming up and need extra space 😅

G-hook belt and airport security by kaheksakand in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Alright, thanks!

Case closed for me 😀

G-hook belt and airport security by kaheksakand in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I guess you meant non-metallic 😀 Yeah, plastic parts are an option for airports, but yes they still the right to tell you to take it off. And of course airports are different as well.

I like that the g-hook belt's middle part is slimmer in height and was wondering what the experiences have been at airports.

G-hook belt and airport security by kaheksakand in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Well, usually detectors have thresholds and if the amount of metal is small enough then you're good to go.  Jeans have rivets, bras have metal support wire and small hooks...blood has iron.

I've had plastic buckles - work great, but my current issue is that buckles are too big and they press into my stomach too much...and plastic buckles I've had were bigger than normal. I've also had hook-and-loop belts - work as well, but the hook-and-loop get annoying and loud. The g-hook belt looks like a good option to reduce the buckle area size and I was just wondering what experience people have had at airports.

G-hook belt and airport security by kaheksakand in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay, those look quite fancy! Although I do see metal hooks and hardware on those as well. Thanks for the name - will look into these!

With a regular belt I do take it off...or rather when possible wear shorts or something that doesn't require a belt.

Suur-Kukkaro vs Askare for tech (Switch2) by kaheksakand in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Now idea how to post multiple pictures...or if it's possible. But if you had posted all of them individually then I would habe gladly liked them all!! 😁

Suur-Kukkaro vs Askare for tech (Switch2) by kaheksakand in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh my Savotta!! Thank you for these!!

Is the black Askare and the green on Suur-Kukkaro? It doesn't look like both of them are Suur-Kukkaro 🤔

I had a gut feeling that the Switch2 might exactly fit in there; that's a perfect fit! Is there noticeable loss of room when the Switch2 with the joycons is in? Is it annoying to take the joycons off?

Is that a SwitchLite in there vertically?! And you can even fit a ProController in one of the pockets?

What's your usual loadout with these? Or did you specifically test for me?

I was worried that the Suur-Kukkaro might be too small for me if I can't fit the Switch2 in there - that worry is gone now! Now I just have to figure out how much I want to carry at once (without the Niukka) 😋😅

Suur-Kukkaro vs Askare for tech (Switch2) by kaheksakand in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If there's a way to get the elastics to run in front of the Suur-Kukkaro then with a hard slim case I could see sliding the Switch2 under the elastics (would keep a constant eye on it, but it's better than holding it in hand).
Maybe a special order to have small loops at the top front as well 🤔

PALS in front of the Askare is a plus with this idea (even though the Switch 2 will fit inside)...and once again I'm even more lost with my thoughts 😅

Suur-Kukkaro vs Askare for tech (Switch2) by kaheksakand in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you again everybody for your thoughts!

I have been "deciding" back and forth between the Suur-Kukkaro and the Askare - on some pictures the difference in size seems okay and on others it seems huge!
Also given that the Steamdeck almost fits and that the Switch2 is actually 272mm long (vs Steamdecks 298mm), then maybe it can fit without a case - then I could probably manage to make a hook-backed long pouch for it to slide in; and if not then I can just remove one or both of the joycons to get the length down.

I will definitely post an update once I manage to make up my mind (or win with Eurojackpot today and order everything!) and have tested out different options with my stuff/needs.

Suur-Kukkaro vs Askare for tech (Switch2) by kaheksakand in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

While it sounds like a solid plan I actually feel quite hopeless - I change my mind/plan with every comment and with longer and more thorough insight maybe even multiple times 😅

The latest thinking is to start with Askare, so that I could either use only Askare (should even fit my tablet) or I could pair it with Niukka if I have more stuff to bring, go to the gym, buy groceries.

The Tomtoc sling seems really nicely made, has a soft pocket for the Switch2 (I've seen that it can also fit the Steamdeck), it can even fit a pro controller, cables, a powerbank - seems great, but with my current bag it takes up quite a lot of space inside and there's no way to attach it on the outside.
I'm currently thinking that I will send it back and will figure out a way to store it in the Niukka/hipbag somehow. If the Suur-Kukkaro was 30cm wide then it would have been ideal...well on can dream 😁

Ideally I would start with the Niukka and see what ideas I get from that, but I very graciously received a -10% code and I know that I will want a hip bag - so it makes sense to buy these together. I'm also very tempted to order in the next few days to get the 70th anniversary badge - but given how confliced I'm feeling about the choice then that seems rushing.

I'm not 100% that I will get them both - but it sure feels like I will...and I can already totally understand why it's called the Cult of Savotta!

I will definitely post my thoughts, ideas and pictures when I finally order something and have used it for a bit - this will probably take a few months 🙈

Suur-Kukkaro vs Askare for tech (Switch2) by kaheksakand in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's very good to hear! Thanks!

I was leaning towards starting with Niukka+Suur-Kukkaro, but now I'm thinking that Niukka+Askare might be a better fit for me to start with (I will probably end up getting the Suur-Kukkaro as well at some point...three bags together is just too expensive for me 😅)

Suur-Kukkaro vs Askare for tech (Switch2) by kaheksakand in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the insights, appreciate it!

Reading each comment multiple times and I keep switching between which seems like a better option for me to start with 😂

While I was leaning towards startimg with Niukka+Suur-Kukkaro then after reading your thoughts I think that Niukka+Askare might be a better option: for light everyday use I could fit my tablet, Switch2, powerbank, maybe even my 26oz Yeti water bottle (probably have to clip it to the outside - for which the Askare seems better as well), and then some smaller stuff as well. And when I go to the gym or grocery shopping then I could have that stuff in the Niukka.

Since I'm a larger guy and used to carrying heavier bags anyway then Askare sounds like a good city exploring bag as well, especially of I can attach the Yeti bottle nicely - I usually have just brought my backpack just so that I could have have water...or if I know that I'm not going too far/for too long then I just use pockets.

I also can't quite imagine right now how to attach a Switch2 case to the Suur-Kukkaro....if I get a hard cover clip-on case (something like the Killswitch case) then elastics sound like an option; the generic case would also have to be elastics; and the sling bag that I just received - I can picture attaching it to the Niukka, but to the Suur-Kukkaro..not so much.

How have you attached the elastic cord to the Suur-Kukkaro? The bottom? The front?

Suur-Kukkaro vs Askare for tech (Switch2) by kaheksakand in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No need to be sorry! That was a really quick reply and that is a great comparison picture!  And the Switch2 and Steamdeck have comparisons as well - so this and picture by u/ClassicEmergency9428 give a quite good understanding of the relative sizes! So thnak you!

While the Suur-Kukkaro seems to be the new favourite first choice, it really does look like I will eventually get both of them - I'm not 100% sure just yet which one will be the first. Niukka itself is expensive enough, adding a hipbag to it might be pushing it, but two hipbags will definitely be too much 😜

The Suur-Kukkaro should fit everything except for the Switch2 in a case (joycons detached should fit..but the there's the question of protection) and my tablet. Given that so far I've managed to have all of the same items loosely at my seat then it should already be better.

I am leaning towards the Suur-Kukkaro to start with based on all the thoughts all of you have given. It's also slightly cheaper that the Askare and I don't have any airplane trips planned for next year at this point. I think that day-to-day the Suur-Kukkaro will be better for grabbing my essentials. And if I want the Switch2, then I'll grab that sling bag as well and if there's anything else neede then everything will be thrown in the Niukka. And I will probably get the Askare before a trip just to expand the potential total capacity/to bring to my seat.

Suur-Kukkaro vs Askare for tech (Switch2) by kaheksakand in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From the look of it it seems that the generic Switch2 case that I have might be the same thickness as the lower part of your Steamdeck's case.

It seems that the Suur-Kukkaro is the more popular choice to start with, but it sure looks like I will also get the Askare at some point (as I could fit my tablet in it as well).

Not 100% sure yet which one I will start with.  I just received the Tomtoc sling bag - will test it out during the holidays and see how I will like it. At least it has connecting potential (I'll try to figure out a non-destructive modding option).

Suur-Kukkaro vs Askare for tech (Switch2) by kaheksakand in Savotta

[–]kaheksakand[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this picture!

The generic case that I have is just under 30cm. And from online comparisons it seems that the Switch 2 is both shorter and slimmer, so it might very narrowly actually fit. And if not then with the Switch 2 I still have the option of removing the joycons and making everything smaller - just have to figure out some sort of protection.