Overview:
The Karrimor SF Sabre Delta 25 pack from Grey Ghost Gear has been a bittersweet pack to review. It has some incredible features that make it a great pack as well as some unfortunate design oversights. The fit, finish, construction, and material are flawless. It’s well made, tough, resilient, and modular. It is definitely a tactical application pack, but at the same time doesn’t scream “sheepdog”. It’s small enough to carry every day, and large enough for an overnight backpacking trip. On the down side it’s not a one size fits all pack, it was built for small men and possibly women. It also has limited organizational capabilities which leaves something to be desired in a pack of this size and type.
This pack is built right, and built tough. Fabric is 1000 Denier Nylon coated with a Silicone/PU elastomer for improved tear strength and flex resistance. The 1,000D nylon gives it the perfect balance of strength and light weight. It’s also coated with fluorocarbon to make it water resistant. They’ve used a great addition of mesh in the side pockets and waist strap to further streamline the design as well as minimal loops and Molle attachment points only where you need them. Limiting the amount of Molle attachment points and external loops allows the pack to stay low-viz. This is important so you’re not announcing to the world that you’re a second amendment supporter with a gun, thereby defeating the purpose of your concealed carry. This pack in the coyote color scheme looks enough like a hiking pack to stay just under the radar. The clips, buckles, zippers, loops, and straps are all the highest quality as well as being color matched. The shock cord lacing system on the back is an excellent external storage tie down point for things like bed rolls. The pack features a quick access map pocket on the back (I use for gloves, zip ties, and TQ), as well as side water bottle pouches, and an ice axe loop that works well with a Bone Hawk.
With a volume of approximately 1,525 cubic inches, this pack is about what I would consider to be an average sized backpack. That being said, it has only two pockets and an internal divider, with no internal organization system of any kind. This means one would either have to just carry everything loosely in the pack, or use smaller organizational pouches. If you use smaller organizational pouches this pack fills up quickly.
The first week I had this pack in for testing I loaded it up and set out to do the workout known as “Murph”, something I generally do about once a month. Murph is a hero workout completed in remembrance of fallen SEAL Michael Murphy (6/28/2005). It consists of a 1 mile Run, 100 Pull-ups, 200 Push-ups, 300 Squats, and another 1 mile Run to be completed for time with a 20lb plate carrier, vest, or rucksack. It also happens to be the way I test new packs. This pack failed this test for me miserably. Because I’m a muscular guy I couldn’t wear the sternum strap without it badly restricting my breathing at its largest setting. This means I had to choose between heavily labored breathing, or my pack bouncing around… not cool. The waist straps are not as bad but are definitely not designed for men who wear over a 36” waist. If you do have a waist over 36” you’ll probably need to remove the straps from their keeper’s. This is not a major issue. It put me on the border, but it would be uncomfortable for the average American. The padding on the back is an awesome design that actually slightly massages the muscles of the back while keeping weight off the spine, creating a channel for airflow and reducing body temperature.
We recommend this pack for anyone with a 34” waist or smaller, slight to medium build, who wants a pack to carry daily that doesn’t scream “I have a gun”.
Pros:
Tough, well-made, clever design features.
Cons:
Not designed for large men, limited internal organizational capabilities.
Rating:
Seven out of ten bones.
Specs:
Description:
With the Coolmesh windtunnel back system the Delta 25 allows moisture to evaporate and be carried away from your back. Mesh side pockets are included for drinks as well as an easy access map pocket on the front.
Main fabric: KS100e
KS100e is a 1000 Denier Nylon fabric coated with a Silicone/PU elastomer for improved tear strength and flex resistance. Finished with a fluorocarbon durable water repellent (DWR) that improves the water resistance of the fabric. Camouflage models are manufactured from 500D Infra-Red Reflective (IRR) fabric.
Dimensions:
Height: 48cm
Width: 30cm
Depth: 24cm
Weight: 1.1kg (Multicam 1kg)
Features:
● Coolmesh Windtunnel back system
● S-shaped shoulder harness (fits your torso perfectly, maintaining balance)
● Sternum strap (removable & adjustable with buckle)
● One main compartment
● Mesh side pockets
● Hydration system compatible
● Compression straps
● Shock cord carry system
● Crampon loops
● Ice axe holder
● Map pocket
● Rotproof thread
● Reinforced with bartacks
● Durable water repellent (DWR)
● YKK zips