Karrimor SF is a British company that specializes in rugged gear for tactical applications. Karrimor SF is actually a spin-off company from Karrimor, which manufactures all kinds of outdoor equipment. My first hiking backpack was made by Karrimor, I still occasionally use it even though it's nearly 50 years old. So Karrimor equipment is to be noted for its durability and longevity.
The Thor 40 is an offshoot from a project that Karrimor was doing for the Danish military. As its name implies, it is a backpack with a 40 liter volume capacity. Like many modern backpacks, the Thor 40 has a large main compartment, with closable slits at the top for radio antennae, headset cables, and Camelbak hydration hoses. Access to the single main compartment is via a YKK zipper at the top/front of the pack. The top access panel also has a YKK zippered compartment for the storage of smaller items. There are pockets on the outside of the pack for waterbottles or other items, and side compression straps that could be used for skis or snowshoes. There are Molle webbing attachment points on the sides and bottom of the pack, so additional pouches can easily be added. There is Molle webbing inside the main compartment too, so a radio could be attached inside. I keep one VHF/UHF radio inside, and route a speaker mike cable through one of the access slits, then the mike can be attached on the Molle webbing on the pack straps. Another radio is attached to the external Molle webbing, and a Rawles XL Voyager knife is in another external Molle pouch.
The backpack was constructed with tactical applications in mind. The pack straps are designed to be used over body armor systems, and it's designed to be easily shed, if necessary. For a tactically inclined radio operator this is an ideal pack. It's large enough that it could be used on a multi-day excursion. The backpack is made of a Cordura like material that is water resistant and abrasion resistant, unlike many of the modern hiking backpacks which seem to be manufactured out of paper thin nylon. The Thor 40 is very well constructed with rot proof thread and bar tack sewing done in critical locations. The backpack also comes with a raincover which is stored in the main compartment. I'm guessing the empty weight to be around 4 pounds.
The only drawback with the pack is the belt is not designed to be fully weight bearing, so the pack weight is directed to the straps. I haven't found this to be an issue, as the design of pack keeps the weight well centered and distributed to your shoulders. The backpack actually molds to the contour of your back, whether you're wearing body armor or not. The pack belt mostly helps in keeping the pack closer to your spinal column, and it's also designed to be quick shedding too. Supposedly, the backpack design is such that it will be less likely to hang up on vegetation if you're bushwhacking.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the Karrimor SF Thor 40. It's large enough to carry my gear, yet small enough that I won't overload it. As I get older I find that I'm inclined to shed pack weight, and the Thor 40 hits the sweet spot for load carrying ability and comfort. All of the special features are a bonus for me!
