Askare hip pack
Large, multifunctional hip pack suitable for a various specialized jobs and tasks. Versatile internal organization and numerous external attachment points. Quick-attachable to backpacks in a variety of ways, enabling you to use the Askare as a part of a modular, scalable backpack system.
Size option:
- In stock - usually dispatched within 1-3 weekdays and delivered within 4-10 weekdays - usually dispatched within 1-3 weekdays and delivered within 4-10 weekdays



















MAIN FEATURES
- Capacity ca. 7 litres
- 40 mm SR buckle belt attached to stabilizing wings
- Belt adjustment range: approx. 70–144 cm
- Flat open sided compartment on the body side for stowing the belt
- Thin closed cell foam padding on the body side for shape retention and comfort
- Single large compartment with zipper closure
- Two small flat internal compartments
- Numerous elastic loops for internal organization
- Two tie-down points on the inside for dummy cords and carabiners
- 35 x 10 cm loop surface on the interior for hook backed organizers
- 2 x 2 PALS webbing on both sides
- Numerous 25 mm webbing loops for elastic cord and pack attachment buckles
- 15 x 10 cm loop surface on the outside for patches and identifiers
- Water drainage grommet on the bottom
- NSN: 8465-58-002-0197
- All colour options offer good NIR performance (read more)
- 5 year material and workmanship warranty (read more)
- Made in Finland/Estonia/Poland (read more)
TECHNICAL SPECS
- Weight: 445 g
- Dimensions: 35 x 20 x 9 cm (W x H x D)
- Main fabric: 500D Cordura (100% polyamide)
- Webbing: 100% polyester
FULL PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
”Askare” is Finnish for ”task” of ”chore”, simple as that. This pack was originally designed for sniper teams to carry various shooter/spotter related equipment but has during its development been found to be a great asset for all sorts of tasks both within and beyond its military origins. The large seven litre capacity plus numerous external attachment options make this a very versatile general purpose bag.
Internally the bag features a number of options for organizing your gear: elastic webbing loops of various size, flat compartments, tie-down loops and a loop surface for attaching hook-backed organizers.
The rear wall has two rows of 50 mm elastic webbing sewn onto it, forming loops of various size. The lower row is sewn into two large, ca. 17 cm wide, loops (designed for .50 cal Barrett magazines). The upper row is sewn into three smaller, ca. 12 cm wide, loops (designed for HK417 magazines). Each end of the bag has one elastic loop for smaller items.
The front wall has two flat compartments, with tie-down loops on top. A 35 x 10 cm loop surface on the inside of the front all allows you attachment of all sorts of hook-backed organizers etc.
A large, open-ended flat compartment on the back of the pack has a removable closed cell foam pad inside and allows you to stow the waist strap away if needed. This open-ended compartment can also be used as a huge belt loop if you want to carry the Askare on a belt or the hip belt of a backpack.
PALS webbing on the sides allows you to attach small pouches and accessories to the outside of the pack. The horizontal webbing on the front of the pack can be used to attach small pouches such as our Multitool pouch, Tourniquet pouch and Zipped GP pouch 2x2, or elastic cord loops. The numerous webbing loops around the sides of the pack can be used to attach elastic cord to carry all kinds of gear on the bottom and front of the bag, tourniquets, ponchos, tarps, whatever.
Carry options
Due to the large size the Askare carries best on your lower back, just twist it to your front for easy access. The belt is also long enough to carry the bag like a sling pack on your back. The belt is attached to large triangular wings for stability.
For longer movements with a backpack, you can quick-attach the Askare to your backpack side compression straps. To do this you will need to add four suitable buckles (2M WB SR PALS mount or split-bar female buckles) or use G-hooks. No quick-attachment buckles are included with the bag. You can also quick-attach the Askare to the side of your pack by simply looping the packs side compression straps through the large webbing loops on the front of the bag.
The belt can be stoved away inside the open-ended compartment on the body side of the bag when carried on your pack. Drop your pack, unclip the Askare, dig out the belt, don the ready packed bag and you’re ready for work.
You can request a hip belt modification through our repair service, that increases the adjustment length.
SHIPPING AND DELIVERY
- We ship from Karstula, Finland to mainland Finland and EU countries
- Orders are usually dispatched within 1–3 weekdays
- Most packages usually arrive within 7 weekdays after dispatch
- Please note that orders cannot be delivered to military bases
- Delivery terms
Orders are usually dispatched within 1-3 weekdays
Usually orders are dispatched within 1–3 weekdays and arrive within 4-10 weekdays after dispatch. For more information see our Delivery terms.
Packed in Karstula, delivered all over the EU
We ship from Karstula, which is right in the middle of Finland, to mainland Finland and EU countries.
Shipping via Posti
We ship domestic orders with Posti. Shipping starts from 4,90 € for parcels under 10 kg delivered to service points and 11,90 € for parcels under 15 kg delivered to your home.

Made by Savotta
- All quality control is done at our headquarters in Karstula, Finland
- 100% of our products are made in the European Union
- 97% of our materials come from the European Union
SUPPLEMENTARY PRODUCTS

Trinket Pouch, hook back

2M WB SR PALS-mount, 25 mm, female

Elastic organizer

GITD patch kit

Multitool pouch

Zipped GP pouch 2x2

Cult of Savotta patch

Savotta logo 1990's patch
We publish every review we receive
Straight from the people who put Savotta gear through the toughest places. These reviews come directly from our customers.
Featured articles

Savotta backpack guide by Joe Price
Read what Savotta backpack size is best for one day hikes, two day trips or longer 3 day expeditions according to wilderness instructor Joe Price and get the full kit list.

Serious gear for serious use
Savotta’s approach comes straight from Finland’s cold, wet and unforgiving conditions. Decades of making gear for demanding users have taught to keep things sensible, rugged and easy to use even at –30°C with gloves on. No gimmicks, no nonsense, just gear that works when it matters.

Versatility, adaptability and modularity
Savotta gear is built for versatility and modularity, letting users tailor packs and accessories to different tasks, environments, and personal preferences.

Savotta, a trusted supplier of the FDF
Savotta has equipped the Finnish Defence Forces since the 1960s, delivering durable, field‑proven gear that supports Finland’s security of supply and wartime readiness.

Kahakka backpack origins
The Kahakka backpack was born from FDF M20 design heritage and frontline feedback from Ukraine, creating a pragmatic, durable combat pack for real-world use.

The full history of a backpack factory
Read the history of the rugged outdoor gear manufacturer Savotta, outlining the company’s Finnish origins, decades of gear development, and long tradition of manufacturing durable outdoor and military equipment.

Equipment maintenance
Learn how to maintain your Savotta gear for long-lasting performance. Find tips on cleaning, drying, and maintenance to keep your equipment adventure ready.

Made to endure
Since 1955, Savotta’s Made to Endure philosophy has meant durable, repairable, EU‑made gear tested in real conditions.

Made by Savotta
Savotta manufactures its gear in Finland and Estonia with 97% EU materials, ensuring durable, reliable equipment through in‑house production and strict quality control.

Our history - the short version
Founded in 1955, Savotta grew from a small leather workshop into a trusted maker of rugged outdoor and military gear.

Infrared reflectance and Savotta gear
Most of Savotta’s gear offers top‑of‑the‑line NIR signature reduction performance. Savotta manufactures equipment in various colours and for a wide range of uses. Read more about Savotta’s IR‑reflective gear.

Old Savotta catalogs
See some of our old catalogs since 1968.



