Hatka 12L backpack

Hatka 12L is a lightweight, compact and simple daypack, yet extremely multifunctional and modular. Use it as a small straightforward daypack for everyday carry, hiking or short trips, or attach it to a larger backpack as a quick access or “grab and go” daypack.

At first glance the Hatka 12L may look like just a roll-top bag with shoulder straps, but there is a lot going on when you take a closer look. This design was conceived as part of a special military load carrying system, which needed a small daypack that could easily be attached to a larger backpack.

Details and features

On the outside you have four PALS webbing rows. These can be used to attach pouches, bungee cords and buckles for quickly attaching/detaching the Hatka to a larger backpack. The four webbing loops on the bottom can be used for elastic cords, allowing you to carry stuff beneath the pack.

Two long internal compartments are there to organize smaller stuff, and the D-ring offers a point for securing small valuables. The large external compartment against your back is big enough for a hydration reservoir or tarp.

The simple 25 mm webbing shoulder straps are attached to D-rings and completely removable and thus can be replaced with the Kahakka backpack harness for more comfort when carrying heavier loads. The webbing straps can also be setup as a single diagonal shoulder strap. These are designed as lightweight, packable, and easy to stow away for the purpose of attaching the Hatka onto larger packs.

Modding tips and modularity

Turn Hatka into a grab and go daypack

Clip and strap it on a larger pack for use as a ”grab and go” daypack. This can be done by stuffing it under the lid or by using pack straps. The really awesome way is to attach the Hatka to the side compression or lid straps by using G-hooks or PALS-mounted SR buckles. You will need four of these to securely attach the Hatka 12L to the back of your Jääkäri M, L, XL, or Kantamus 40L and 60L . Please note that these attachment buckles ARE NOT INCLUDED with the pack.

Add gear to the outside

When needed you can add a lot of gear to the outside of this otherwise quite small pack. The PALS webbing allows you to attach pouches, but it (and the four webbing loops on the bottom) can also be used to thread elastic cord to carry rainwear, tarps etc.

Upgrade the shoulder straps for heavier loads

As the Hatka is in many ways a spiritual successor of the venerable 202 daypack, it too features very rudimentary shoulder straps. This cuts down weight and bulk which is great when carrying it strapped to a larger pack. If needed, you can easily replace these with more advanced padded options like the Kahakka backpack harness.

Pack smart

Although there are not too many compartments going on you can still make great use of these when packing smartly. The main compartment is of course where you stuff your big things, the two small internal compartments can fit all sorts of small stuff and even water bottles. The D-ring can be used to clip-on or tie small valuables securely in place. The external compartment against your back can be used to carry a closed cell foam pad or Sitting pad as a framesheet, or to carry a tarp or hydration bladder.

Learn Finnish with Savotta

”Hatka” is a peculiar Finnish word, it is used solely in the phrase ”ottaa hatkat” which means ”to escape” or ”to sort of hastily take your leave”. The Hatka pack was conceived whilst prototyping small, quick-detachable escape-and-evade sort of survival packs for a military project, so you now you know how this peculiar name makes perfect sense.