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Ruck & Bag
Review:

Medic Pack 18L by SAVOTTA

02/12/2025By Hubert

In emergency medicine, the transport of equipment is crucial and a major challenge. The Finnish company SAVOTTA has developed the Medic Pack 18 L to ensure the transport and accommodation of the vital M20 Medic Pack of the Finnish Defense Forces (FDF). The Medic Pack 18 L is designed to ensure the most efficient and uncomplicated transportation of equipment. 

 

Specifications

The capacity is approximately 18 liters, including the upper and lower compartments. The dimensions are 50 x 25 x 15 cm, weighing 1220 grams. The outer material is made of 1000D and 500D Cordura, which is 100% polyamide.

The webbing used is 100% polyester, known for its durability and water resistance. They also have high UV resistance, although they are usually heavier than alternative options.

SAVOTTA uses 2M SR buckles made of Acetal for its products. Acetal is a thermoplastic, semi-crystalline material known for its high strength and hardness with optimal dimensional stability.

The D-rings and ladder buckle on the shoulder straps are made of steel.

All outer zippers have two sliders and all zippers have large cord loops, making them quiet and usable even with thick gloves.

As the Medic Pack 18 L is specifically designed for first aid, there are no compartments for hydration bladders, hose connections, or cables. 

The focus of SAVOTTA's material selection is to meet the demanding technical requirements of the FDF, which is attributed to the company's close working relationship with the Finnish Army. SAVOTTA offers a wide range of equipment distinguished by a variety of colors and applications. Compliance with specific NIR reflection requirements is essential in this context. 

Main Compartment

The Medic Pack 18 L features a large main compartment (approximately 25 x 38 x 12 cm) that opens fully in clamshell style with a zipper. This design allows easy access to the contents of the main compartment.

The back wall of the main compartment has a Velcro area where up to three of the newly developed and separately available SAVOTTA Med Organizers with a size of 25 cm x 12 cm can be placed. Two drainage holes are present for moisture drainage.

The front zipper flap has two flat zippered mesh pockets. Colored cords on the zipper sliders facilitate identification and operation even with thick gloves. The mesh pockets allow for quick identification of contents, even in tactical red light or diffused lighting conditions.

Bottom Compartment

The bottom compartment of the Medic Pack 18 L has a zipper and compression straps. There are no internal pockets or organizational options. When not in use, it can be slid flat against the bottom of the backpack and compressed.

The bottom compartment can accommodate a large amount of medical equipment.

At the bottom of the backpack, there are two compression straps attached with SR buckles. Two drainage eyelets allow moisture to escape outwardly.

A sleeping bag or a foldable evacuation sheet such as the TES-1 ZEKON from SKALA can be attached and carried on these compression straps.

Exterior

The front flap is equipped with a large zippered pocket accessible from the outside. The pocket has a depth of approximately 30 millimeters. This design simplifies searching compared to a completely flat design.

Beneath the patch area in the outer compartment, triage cards, the block, and 9-liner cards found an ideal place.

The lower part of the flat outer pocket is suitable for storing other flat items. In our case, the stethoscope found a good place.

The hook and loop area for patches with the contrasting medical cross signifies a new development. The entire 15 x 10 cm area can be used for attachment.

The present hook and loop area not only serves as patch attachment but also proves very useful in practice. In the application shown here, a Trinket Pouch from Savotta is secured with first aid gloves for accelerated access during treatment.

The foam pad used as a back cushion can also be used as a seat or knee pad.

Furthermore, in the pocket, flat first aid material like SAM splint splints can be stored. Since the pocket is not lockable, the contents can be quickly accessed.

The detachable, adjustable chest strap is equipped with a 2M SR buckle, allowing easy adjustment to the wearer's individual needs and ensuring optimal freedom of movement.

The Medic Pack 18 L is equipped with several PALS webbing rows, located on the sides and front, designed for attaching MOLLE/PALS compatible pouches and accessories. 

The backpack has two side compression straps with SR buckles which can be stored in the back cushion compartment. They enhance comfort and prevent loose items from dangling on the backpack. Additional items can be attached to the compression straps.

Shoulder Straps

The Medic Pack 18 L is characterized by its ergonomically contoured shoulder straps equipped with D-ring attachments allowing easy detachment.

The shoulder straps can be stored in the aforementioned back compartment.

The shoulder straps are equipped with D-ring attachments both at the top and bottom.

Accessories

An Elastic Cord Kit offers a wide range of applications, including attaching elastic zigzag tape to the outside of a Medic Pack 18 L. 

The included 400 cm long cord and four cord stoppers should be sufficient to quickly attach various items such as a tarp, mat, or poncho. In this case, we attached an eight-meter long carrying/rescue strap to the outside of the backpack. This strap is quick to access and use.

The Tourniquet Pouch measures 50 x 150 x 40 mm and is made of polyester. It features elastic pen/glow stick loops on the sides and has a belt-compatible attachment system called "One-Wrap". 

This system allows horizontal attachment to the belt, chest rig, plate carrier, or Medic Pack 18 L. The adjustment options via the top flap allow for use with tourniquets of various lengths, such as SOF, CAT Gen. 7, SAM-XT, and similar models.

The

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