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The Teton Sports Scout 3400 falls under our budget backpacking backpack review category, but far underperformed others we tested. But at less than half the price of most of the products in this review — and far less than most other backpacks — it still holds value for backpackers on a budget. This is the choice for you if you want a functional bag at the absolute lowest cost. We took this pack on several overnight trips, and while there are things that we didn't like about it, the bottom line is that it works. Its craftsmanship reflects its low price, but it's a capable overnight pack with all of the necessary features.
REASONS TO BUY
Very affordable
Durable fabric
REASONS TO AVOID
Rough fabric
Bulky straps and buckles
Difficult to use pockets
Our Analysis and Test Results
Minor Updates to the Teton Scout
The Teton Scout 3400 that we tested has since been replaced by the very-similar Scout 55L. The Scout 55L lacks the bungee in the zipper guard over the sleeping bag compartment, has a few cosmetic updates, and comes in new colors. All other features are the same between these two models. This is our review of the Scout 3400.
We tested the previous version, the Scout 3400 (left). The Scout 55L (right) is the latest version of this pack and has a few mostly superficial updates.
The excellent price of the Teton Sports Scout 3400 is a major draw for this pack. During our testing, we found that this low cost translates into a less comfortable and less intuitive user experience relative to other packs we tested. It has rougher materials, less supportive suspension, and some difficult-to-open pockets, resulting in a slightly below-average overall performance. But it still worked well enough to support us on our shorter overnight trips and features outstanding affordability.
Performance Comparison
The Teton Scout gets the job done on a budget, though it sacrifices some comfort and usability that frequent backpackers will want.
Credit: Ben Skach
Comfort
The suspension on this pack is basic, with foam against the upper and lower back as well as around the hips and shoulders. We felt that the foam on the lower back was less comfortable than many other packs, and the waist belt was stiff and straight. This meant that the pack and straps did not contour as well to our hips, and the weight didn't feel evenly distributed. We noticed this discomfort during our longer days with the pack, especially with heavier loads.
The shoulder straps were decently comfortable, but they are covered in some abrasive fabric. When putting on and taking off the pack, the fabric would scrape against our skin, which we felt significantly decreased the comfort of this pack. Most other packs we tested use smoother fabric that is much more pleasant on bare skin. We certainly couldn't wear this pack without at least a T-shirt, and we wouldn't recommend it for anyone looking to hike in a tank top or sleeveless shirt.
The Scout straps are covered with abrasive materials, and its suspension is less effective, making it less ideal for heavy loads and long trips.
Credit: Ben Skach
Ease of Use
The Scout has the features that we find necessary in a pack, but nothing above and beyond. We found some features to be difficult to use and others not particularly helpful. It takes a familiar design with a slightly retro look.
The main compartment has standard access from the top, but we felt that the bottom zipper was poorly executed. The elastic flap covering the zipper got in the way and made it hard to open. Additionally, the opening was too narrow to easily access gear. Similarly, the top lid of the pack wasn't our favorite to use. Because it is sewn onto the top of the pack, it is not removable or adjustable for storing extra gear underneath it. It also has a tendency to lay crookedly on top of an overstuffed pack. The pocket on the lid also has a rather narrow opening, making it difficult to access its contents.
Each side of the pack has two pockets; one elastic pocket on the bottom and one zippered pocket on the top. Both of these are just large enough for a 1-liter Nalgene bottle, but it was no easy task to fit the bottle in, and the rough fabric had a tendency to scrape our fingers. The upper pockets are nice for other items that you want access to, especially since the waist belt does not have any pockets on it. We were able to attach gear on the outside of the pack fairly easily. The lower straps are great for attaching a sleeping pad or tent, and the pack has ice axe loops as well. There is a mesh pocket on the back of the pack, though it's not as large as many others we've tested, and couldn't even hold a rain jacket. It was good for storing things like a compass and map, though.
Each of the side pockets can fit a 1-liter nalgene, but just barely. It was quite difficult to fit the bottles in these pockets.
Credit: Ben Skach
There are elastic drawstrings on both the rear of the pack and the top of the lid. The one on the back is large and made it easy to store a fleece or jacket. The elastic on the top of the pack was less useful, however, because it made the lid even more difficult to access. While it didn't hurt the pack's performance, we felt that this top attachment doesn't add anything to it either.
Weight-to-Volume Ratio
This pack is among the heaviest packs in our budget backpack review. It weighs 4.5 pounds, which is quite heavy for such a small pack. The Scout 3400 does include a rain cover, but it doesn't weigh very much at all.
The Scout has an advertised capacity of 55 liters, which is pretty on par with the rest of the packs we tested. Even considering this volume, the Scout offers a very high weight-to-volume ratio (higher is worse). Since the price of the pack is so low, it's understandable that the weight-to-size ratio is higher, but this probably isn't the pack for you if you're looking for the lightest budget backpack you can find.
The elastic drawstring on the top of the lid is not the most helpful feature. When in use, it makes it challenging to access the pocket on the lid, and its long tails frequently dangled in the way.
Credit: Ben Skach
Adjustability
This pack is adjustable to some degree. The shoulder straps can be moved along the torso via a Velcro release system that is fairly easy to use, so it fits a range of torso sizes from 15 to 19.5 inches. We appreciate the adjustability here, but we're disappointed at this overall low maximum torso length compared to many other packs.
The hip belt accommodates a huge range of hip circumferences, from 26 to 60 inches. However, it is difficult to cinch down because, unlike all of our other packs, it does not feature a reverse pull-tightening system. Many of the other straps also feel stiff and are harder to tighten than we would like — especially in cold weather.
The pack is a good pick in terms of value. At an unbeatable price, you will get a pack that allows you to carry all of your gear for shorter backpacking trips.
Credit: Ben Skach
Should You Buy the Teton Sports Scout 3400?
This is a high-value but lower-quality pack. Within the budget backpacks category, there are better packs available from other brands. But if you're on a very tight budget or only plan to backpack very infrequently, this low-cost option will get you there for less.
What Other Budget Backpacking Packs Should You Consider?
If you want a high-quality backpacking pack that performs as well as a premium pack but doesn't cost too much more than this one, we recommend the Decathlon Forclaz MT500 Air 50+10. If you're looking for an affordable pack with great adjustability that fits a wide variety of bodies, check out the REI Co-op Trailmade 60. In general, if you plan to make backpacking a habit, we recommend spending a little bit more to get more comfort and usability out of your pack. But if this is something you do only once every few years, the inexpensive Teton Scout may be just the pack for you.
