List Price : $99.99 Price :
Previously sold as the Wilderness55, the Scout 3400 is perfectly sized for youth and the light backpacker. Complete with adjustable height shoulder straps, a rainfly compartment and rainfly, the Scout 3400 also features a padded water bladder pocket. Two side zippered pockets, side and front mesh pockets, and a top zippered pocket provide plenty of room for smaller accessories. A top-loading main compartment and a sleeping bag compartment complete the pack. Includes attached rain fly and is hydration system ready. Note that some product may say Scout 3400 while others will say Wilderness55, these are otherwise identical bags.
Boasting a compact main compartment that measures a mere 3400 cubic inches, the Teton Wilderness 55 internal frame backpack is ideally sized for the light backpacker or young camper. Comfort-wise, the Wilderness 55 is outfitted with dual aluminum stays that adjust to the shape of your back, along with contoured shoulder, lumbar, and waist pads. In addition, the height of the shoulder straps is adjustable, helping the pack accommodate a wide range of torso lengths. The upshot is a well-fitting, lightweight pack (4.5 pounds without gear) that won't put undue stress on your back and shoulders even after a full day of hiking.
On the interior, the pack holds a modest amount of gear in its top-loading main compartment and distinct sleeping bag compartment. Also present are several smaller pouches--a pair of side zippered pockets, side and mesh front pockets, and a top zippered pocket, to be precise--for storing such items as Swiss Army knives, snacks, and mini flashlights. And as with any good hiking pack, the Wilderness 55 has a padded pocket for your trail hydration water bladder (not included). The design concludes with a rain fly that keeps your gear dry in wet conditions.
Amazon.com Backpack Guide
Finding the Right Backpack
For extended trips into the backcountry, there's no getting around the fact that you'll have to carry life-sustaining supplies on your back. Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a backpack:
Internal vs. External
Up until late 1970's, external frame packs--which consist of an exposed, lightweight metal frame attached to a fabric pack-bag--were the only thing going. In recent years, though, packs that place the support structure of the pack inside the pack, known as internal frame packs, have boomed in popularity.
The good news about internal frame packs is that they hold the weight of your load close to your body, making it easier to maintain your balance on uneven terrain. Meanwhile, internals provide stiffness and support, but they are not completely rigid, which makes them more flexible when you're doing active sports. With the added flexibility comes a high degree of compressibility, meaning you can use the pack's compression straps to cinch down your load and keep items from shifting and throwing you off balance. Internals also sport slimmer shapes that allow for more arm movement in all directions--another big plus for off-trail bushwhackers, skiers and climbers. Last but not least, internal frame packs offer a greater range of adjustability in the shoulder harness and hip-belt than external frame packs.
There are some negatives for internals. First, once packed, it can be difficult to grab needed items out of them quickly. And because internal frame packs consolidate the load into a single, body-hugging unit, proper packing is very important. To distribute the weight properly, you should pack your heaviest items close to your back and in the middle portion of the pack-bag. Plan on getting a sweaty back with an internal, too, given the fact that they are pressed right against you. Finally, internal frame packs are priced higher than external models.
External frame packs are very good at focusing the weight of a load directly to the right place: your load-loving hips. While internals, when properly packed, do this effectively, too, you can always rest assured that an external will distribute the load evenly, no matter how unevenly packed it may be. Externals also offer easy access to your gear via multiple, easily-accessible compartments. Plus, because externals don't situate the load directly against your back, you'll enjoy far more air flow. Finally, if you're on a budget, or you're buying for a growing child, externals are more affordable.
If you plan on hiking on easy to moderate trails and you don't need a lot of body movement, you'll probably be fine with an external. But because externals are so rigid and inflexible, challenging trails or any kind of off-trail pursuit can become painful and frustrating. Also know that your balance is far more compromised with an external frame pack during activities like stream crossings and hops through talus fields.
Packs for Shorter Trips
In addition to backpacks designed for overnight trips, rucksacks are great for day-trips, warm-weather one-nighters, single-day ski trips, or fast alpine assaults. Some rucksacks blur the line between backpack and rucksack with integrated internal supports and sophisticated hip belts and shoulder harnesses. Choose a pack in this category based on your intended use. Short day hikers don't need an internal frame, while climbers and skiers with heavier loads likely do.
Sizes and Capacities
Packs in the 3,000 cubic inches and lower category are good for day hikes or overnighters in warm weather with minimal gear. Packs in the 3,000 to 4,000 cubic inch range are good for one- or two-night trips in colder weather. If you're going to be out for up to three days, look for a pack in the sub-4,000 cubic inch range. Choose a pack with 5,000-6,000 cubic inches for week-long outings. And finally, for trips lasting a week or more, you'll need something in the 6,000-plus cubic inch category. Keep in mind, though, that bigger packs weigh more, and since every ounce counts, you'll want to choose a pack that offers just enough space for your outings and no more.
| 134 of 137 people found the following review helpful By Rowe Rowe "floydian" (PTown) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase( What's this?) This review is from: TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack (Hunter Green) (Sports) this pack is overall a good quality pack. It has tons of pockets and loops to hook many things on. I have walkies, knives, shoes and much more dangling from mine.It's lightweight and the pack has lots of customization options. If you are a large person (6' 0" and up) this pack can conform to you! I like the options, including the sleeping bag pouch. My sleeping bag barely fit though...It was a challenge to stuff my bag and get it zipped, let me tell you! Afterwards, I was able to place a tent, 4 days of food and clothes, a stove, lantern, pillow, pad, cups, walkies and so much more. Fully loaded for a summer hike kept me <29lbs! This pack is very comfortable as well. The padding is very generous and again, the adjustment options are plenty! I felt very balanced when wearing this pack and I feel it will last for many years when I examined the stitching and build quality. The only reason I am not giving it 5 stars is that I specifically... Read more 57 of 61 people found the following review helpful By Amazon Verified Purchase( What's this?) This review is from: TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack (Hunter Green) (Sports) I will qualify this review by saying that I am not an expert backpacker. I got this pack for a three-day trip in the Smoky Mountains. We started out the trip on a rainy day. The built in rain cover worked really well, although it was not big enough to cover the pack AND a sleeping pad I had attached to the outside of the pack. As a result, my sleeping bag, which was at the bottom of my pack, the region left partially exposed, did get a little damp. It actually didn't get as wet as I'd expected, though ... it was pouring that first day. Had I been a bit more experienced a backpacker, I would have put my sleeping bag in a waterproof bag. All this to say that the rain cover works well for the bag, but won't necessarily accommodate extra things attached to the outside.The bag has a compartment in the lower section for a sleeping bag. I was eager to try this out (to avoid unpacking my entire bag every night), however, my sleeping bag did not fit through the opening. It... Read more 36 of 37 people found the following review helpful By This review is from: TETON Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack (Hunter Green) (Sports) I am female, 5'6", and bought this as a replacement for my last pack. For the price, this was a better purchase than my 200-some-odd-dollar old pack. I travel for long periods at a time and needed something that could carry all my gear. The quality of the pack amazed me and it has all the buckles and pockets I could ask for. I easily fit my sleeping bag, tent, camera, tools, and a week's worth of clothes into the pack. *Please note* - I pack very light by male and female standards.The sleeping bag pocket is definitely made for a legit 'backpacking' bag. You probably won't be about to fit something that you pick up at Target for $20. With the my backpacking sleeping bag, I was also able to squeeze a mallet and tent stakes in with it. If you do have a standard 30-40 degree bag, try putting it in from the top. There is a zipper at the very bottom of the pack that I almost missed while exploring my new toy. Actually, the only reason this pack warrants the half star... Read more |