Savotta Niukka 20L Backpack

Streamlined, nearly minimalistic, 20 L daypack with a clamshell zipper. Three smaller zippered compartments and numerous external attachment points provide ample space and organization for most daily carry needs.

• Capacity c. 20 L
• Large main compartment with a clamshell zipper opening
• One large exterior zippered compartment
• Two internal zippered mesh compartments
• Hydration bladder compartment and tube ports
• Two side compression straps with G-hooks on each side
• PALS webbing on the bottom for extra gear
• Exterior back pad compartment with a hook-and-loop closure
• Closed-cell foam back pad/support, usable as a sitting/kneeling pad
• Padded, contoured shoulder straps with D-ring attachment
• Movable and removable sternum strap with an SR buckle
• Top carry handle
• 15 x 10 cm (6” x 4”) loop surface for patches/identifiers
• All color options offer good NIR performance
• 5-year material and workmanship warranty
• Made in Finland/Estonia

”Niukka” is Finnish for “meager”, but not exclusively in a negative sense. Compared to other Savotta packs in this size range, the Niukka 20L is streamlined and almost minimalistic. Compact and neat, yet fully functional and capable of scaling up with multiple external attachment options.

In addition to the full clamshell opening main compartment, the Niukka 20L has a large zippered exterior compartment, two smaller internal mesh pockets, and a hydration bladder compartment. The possibility to attach extra gear to the bottom, front, and compression straps enables you to scale up the pack with moderate external loads.

Details and features

The main compartment features a full clamshell zipper opening, providing unrestricted access to every corner of the pack. The clamshell opening can be restricted by keeping the lower compression straps closed. Inside, you’ll find a hydration bladder compartment with two tie-down loops and a hydration bladder attachment webbing tab on the top. There is a tube port on both sides of the pack.

Two smaller zippered mesh compartments inside the main compartment allow you to organize smaller items; the top one has a D-ring for securing valuables.

The zippered compartment on the front covers the full size of the front and is approximately 3 cm deep. It’s good for bigger stuff, such as a jacket or poncho.

All zippers feature generous cord loops to reduce noise and facilitate easy use with thick gloves. 

Two side compression straps, featuring G-hooks on either side of the pack, offer both compression and a means of quickly securing extra gear. You can also use them to add extra pouches/bags to the front of the pack. The webbing loops above the compression straps can be used to secure gear with cord, carabiners, or packing straps.

The PALS webbing on the bottom allows the attachment of extra gear using elastic cord or packing straps. The webbing loops for the side compression strap G-hooks can be used to add elastic cord to the front of the pack.

The back is padded and supported by a thick, stiff closed-cell foam pad, placed in an external compartment with hook-and-loop fasteners. The pad can be removed and used as a sitting/kneeling pad, and the compartment can be used for flat-packed gear such as tarps.

The padded, contoured shoulder straps attach to steel D-rings, which allow the shoulder straps to turn and conform to various body shapes. The shoulder straps can be removed and replaced if needed. The sternum strap is removable and can be moved up and down the shoulder straps as desired.

Modding tips

Although the Niukka 20L is a streamlined pack with not too much going on, there are still several possibilities for customization:

• Add elastic cord or packing straps to the bottom to carry rolled-up clothing, gear, or a sleeping pad.
• Add an elastic cord to the G-hook attachment loops on the front of the pack to carry lightweight gear such as tarps, ponchos, or jackets.
• Add a hip pack or pouch to the front of the pack by simply hooking it onto the G-hooks of the side compression straps.
• Use the side compression straps and webbing loops on the top of the sides to secure gear to the sides of the pack.
• Replace the standard back pad with our Sitting pad.
• Swap out the G-hooks on the side compression straps for split-bar Side Release or Ladderlock buckles if desired.