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TETON Sports Scout 3400 Backpack Review
Editor’s Conclusion
The Teton Sports Scout 3400 is an affordable backpack with surprises because affordable in this case does not mean basic materials and a lack of useful features.
Three features we love are that the torso length is adjustable, the pack features a spacious sleeping bag compartment and a nice built-in rain-cover.
If you are on a budget and want a very good high performing backpack, then this is your pick. It comes from a trusted brand, it can be used in all seasons, works well for hikes covering a few days rather than just one day, and is even good for camping. This backpack is versatile and comfortable, with lots of useful customizability and features which allow for attaching extra gear.
Three features we love are that the torso length is adjustable, the pack features a spacious sleeping bag compartment and a nice built-in rain-cover.
If you are on a budget and want a very good high performing backpack, then this is your pick. It comes from a trusted brand, it can be used in all seasons, works well for hikes covering a few days rather than just one day, and is even good for camping. This backpack is versatile and comfortable, with lots of useful customizability and features which allow for attaching extra gear.
TETON Sports Scout 3400 Backpack Review Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Built-in rain-fly
50-liter capacity
Compartment for a sleeping bag
Adjustable to fit torso
Affordable
Cons
Some say a little heavy
Key Features
Size
When empty, the TETON Sports Scout 3400 weighs in at 4.5 lbs. Taking into account the use of good quality materials and the pack size, the weight is balanced and acceptable. When full, this pack is 76.2 x 43 x 30.5 inches which means a lot of capacity for carrying.
The shell is constructed from highly durable and strong polyester. With a balance of elasticity and breathability, it easily deals with knocks and scuffs and durability is very good.
Moreover, This hiking backpack features protection from the rain through a built-in rain-fly which will keep the contents dry.
Ease of Use
The built-in features are many and they all promote ease of use. The zippers are robust, durable and run very smoothly regardless of how often they are used. The backpack fits a wide torso range because it can be adjusted and this means comfort.
To avoid an uncomfortable swing while walking, a waist belt allows adjusting for stability and has hip-straps that are lockable. This is a very good feature to stop a pack swinging and putting strain on the back while walking long distances.
An adjustable chest strap is something all good backpacks should feature and this pack has it. It allows a hiker to adjust the pack to work with the chest and give very good stability and comfort.
For more target control and to maintain stability, the shoulder straps can easily be adjusted to match and position the load you are carrying.
The internal frame has aluminum stays which work in conjunction with the adjustability to the torso and this gives control no matter how much you packed. With hip padding which is breathable and built from open-cell foam materials, it allows sweat to wick away and helps to prevent rubbing or chafing.
Storage and Compartments
There's a separate compartment for the sleeping bag. This means easy access and no need to factor in having to pack the sleeping bag in one compartment with other kits.
Another built-in compartment allows you to separate your water carrying capacity and carry 3 liters, easy to access during a hot hike.
The TETON Sports Scout 3400 has very large side pockets with excellent and robust zip systems. These pockets can easily carry extra water, food/snacks such as protein bars, a smartphone and other useful items for easy access.
Just inside the lid of the backpack there's a large zippered pocket and multiple other pockets to allow you to keep items separated. This is good for so many reasons; spare clothes can be separate as can a camping stove, gas canisters etc.
The TETON Sports Scout 3400 features multiple shock cords. If the weather cools down, this cord system is very useful for holding all types of gear separately outside of the pack. Add to this more external carry power through front and side compression straps capable of holding a tent, sleeping mats, tent pegs and anything else which you prefer to carry outside of the bag compartments.
The design of this pack lets you store and carry large items outside of the main compartments and this is very useful when packing. Ideally, carrying a tent in the side or front straps and a sleeping mat in the gear loops lower down works very well.
When empty, the TETON Sports Scout 3400 weighs in at 4.5 lbs. Taking into account the use of good quality materials and the pack size, the weight is balanced and acceptable. When full, this pack is 76.2 x 43 x 30.5 inches which means a lot of capacity for carrying.
The shell is constructed from highly durable and strong polyester. With a balance of elasticity and breathability, it easily deals with knocks and scuffs and durability is very good.
Moreover, This hiking backpack features protection from the rain through a built-in rain-fly which will keep the contents dry.
Ease of Use
The built-in features are many and they all promote ease of use. The zippers are robust, durable and run very smoothly regardless of how often they are used. The backpack fits a wide torso range because it can be adjusted and this means comfort.
To avoid an uncomfortable swing while walking, a waist belt allows adjusting for stability and has hip-straps that are lockable. This is a very good feature to stop a pack swinging and putting strain on the back while walking long distances.
An adjustable chest strap is something all good backpacks should feature and this pack has it. It allows a hiker to adjust the pack to work with the chest and give very good stability and comfort.
For more target control and to maintain stability, the shoulder straps can easily be adjusted to match and position the load you are carrying.
The internal frame has aluminum stays which work in conjunction with the adjustability to the torso and this gives control no matter how much you packed. With hip padding which is breathable and built from open-cell foam materials, it allows sweat to wick away and helps to prevent rubbing or chafing.
Storage and Compartments
There's a separate compartment for the sleeping bag. This means easy access and no need to factor in having to pack the sleeping bag in one compartment with other kits.
Another built-in compartment allows you to separate your water carrying capacity and carry 3 liters, easy to access during a hot hike.
The TETON Sports Scout 3400 has very large side pockets with excellent and robust zip systems. These pockets can easily carry extra water, food/snacks such as protein bars, a smartphone and other useful items for easy access.
Just inside the lid of the backpack there's a large zippered pocket and multiple other pockets to allow you to keep items separated. This is good for so many reasons; spare clothes can be separate as can a camping stove, gas canisters etc.
The TETON Sports Scout 3400 features multiple shock cords. If the weather cools down, this cord system is very useful for holding all types of gear separately outside of the pack. Add to this more external carry power through front and side compression straps capable of holding a tent, sleeping mats, tent pegs and anything else which you prefer to carry outside of the bag compartments.
The design of this pack lets you store and carry large items outside of the main compartments and this is very useful when packing. Ideally, carrying a tent in the side or front straps and a sleeping mat in the gear loops lower down works very well.
Comparison to Similar Backpacks
The good thing about backpacks is you do have many options to choose from. Your choice will be influenced by your hiking or backpacking needs and the price you are happy to pay.
The TETON Sports Scout 3400 is a standard pack with a lot of carrying capacity because of the multiple compartments and the features which allow a large kit to be attached and carried outside the back; and if it rains, this model has a built-in rain-fly to protect all your kit.
In comparison to a good number of other standard backpacks, it does offer a lot of capacity both internally and externally, without affecting comfort and stability. However, the torso adjustment, shoulder straps and waist adjustment do ensure you can balance it for comfortable carrying. This makes the TETON Sports Scout 3400 comparatively favorable to many other models, especially since the price tag is budget-friendly.
For those looking for more capacity, consider the Kelty Coyote 80 which has a capacity to carry 60 pounds of gear and compares well in terms of quality and value.
The TETON Sports Scout 3400 is a standard pack with a lot of carrying capacity because of the multiple compartments and the features which allow a large kit to be attached and carried outside the back; and if it rains, this model has a built-in rain-fly to protect all your kit.
In comparison to a good number of other standard backpacks, it does offer a lot of capacity both internally and externally, without affecting comfort and stability. However, the torso adjustment, shoulder straps and waist adjustment do ensure you can balance it for comfortable carrying. This makes the TETON Sports Scout 3400 comparatively favorable to many other models, especially since the price tag is budget-friendly.
For those looking for more capacity, consider the Kelty Coyote 80 which has a capacity to carry 60 pounds of gear and compares well in terms of quality and value.
Verdict
The versatile TETON Sports Scout 3400 is great for those looking for a backpack that is packed with functional features for adjusting the fit, comfort and stability, as well as the ability to carry a lot of gear.
Fine for a night or two of camping, the separate sleeping bag compartment, the multiple compartments, the external capacity for carrying, the adjustability features and the built-in rain-fly make this a budget-friendly option which is exceptionally good value. Positive user reviews are overwhelming in favor of this model.
Fine for a night or two of camping, the separate sleeping bag compartment, the multiple compartments, the external capacity for carrying, the adjustability features and the built-in rain-fly make this a budget-friendly option which is exceptionally good value. Positive user reviews are overwhelming in favor of this model.
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