You have your bug-out bag, right? Is it fully loaded? Ok, take it out of the closet and call in your kids. Can they carry it? Are they able to even pick it up? Can you? The Teton Sports Scout 3400 might be a good solution for your bug-out bag size issue.
Let’s look a little more closely.
Imagine that it’s time to go and your teen can’t get the pack on his or her shoulders.
Even if you help get it on, it throws him or her so off balance that keeping up with you is impossible. It’s a nightmare scenario, one you need to avoid at all costs.
Weight is going to be an issue for your teens. You can’t sacrifice supplies.
However, you can get a pack better suited for the size of your teens.
If it’s you who’s petite, we have an answer.
What Is the Teton Sports Scout 3400 and How Does It Work?
Teton Sports Scout 3400 is an internal frame backpack intended for light backpackers and youth.
But don’t let that fool you. It’s a durable hiking pack with lots of pockets and gear loops.
It measures 30" x 17" x 12” and gives you about 3400 cubic inches of space. It weighs about four and a half pounds on its own.
Additionally, there are compression straps located on the front, sides, top, and bottom for things like a small sleeping bag or tent. The torso adjusts to several different body types. And torso lengths so that you can get just the right fit for your teen. The shell is 600-denier ripstop polyester.
Ripstop is a durable fabric that resists tearing and is moisture resistant. It provides lumbar support through a mesh design.
Plus it adjusts across your hips to distribute the weight evenly. It’s comfortable for most body types because you can get in there and adjust most of the components. Both the waist and shoulders are padded.
It also includes an integrated rain fly that stows away when you don’t need it. The inside has a removable divider for more control over how you organize things.
It’s compatible with hydration devices. And also has exterior pockets for smaller gear that you’d need to reach quickly.
It’s intended to be a weekend bag. Which gives you space to pack for at least a few days’ worth of walking. It suits those of smaller stature. However, anyone over 5’9 is going to have trouble getting the pack to fit correctly.
What Makes Teton Sports Scout 3400 Unique?
A few things set the Teton Sports Scout 3400 apart from other packs of a similar class.
Firstly, it just doesn’t tip over. Furthermore, it’s so annoying when the pack doesn’t stand upright on its own. Backpacks walk a fine line between internal space and balance. Although most that err on the side of roominess become top heavy and topple once you start getting things packed inside.
This one is well balanced, standing up (for the most part) even when it’s full.
Also, the internal frame structure provides enough balance and weight distribution that it stands up on level ground.
Many petite preppers and preppers with children complain that they can’t find packs suitable for their (or their children’s) frames.
This pack isn’t going to perform well for anyone over 5’9. The straps adjust from 15 to 19 or so inches. So smaller preppers now have a bag better suited for their stature.
The way it’s engineered gives you a lot of usable space for a pack on the smaller side. It’s a weekend bag, and you really can get everything you’d need for a few days.
The compression straps on the outside add even more gear storage space. The attached rain-fly is another unique feature. It folds out from the bottom of the back and completely covers everything. Except gear on the sides and top in the compression straps.
The outside material is water resistant. And this adds another helpful layer in addition to the rain-fly. It’s compatible with hydration systems despite its small size.
It accommodates water bladders of up to three liters with access to the tubing. Furthermore, it also has molded channels between the pack and your body to increase airflow. Because sweat just isn't comfortable.
Additionally, it can cause irritation that makes it difficult to support your pack long term.
Pricing
The pack retails anywhere between $65 and $75.
It’s an affordable option for a smaller backpack. Additionally, it still gives you enough space to pack everything you’d need to get out of a bad situation.
If you want to install the hydration system. Then you’ll need to pick one up yourself. (It’s not included.) There are some excellent systems out there. And anything up to three liters will work. Expect to spend about $12 to $25 or so on a water bladder to slip into the bag.Public Perception (Other Teton Sports Scout 3400 Reviews)
The public reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Many people are glad to find a pack that better fits a small frame. It’s even got four and a half stars from Amazon after close to 2000 reviews.
This pack is small and narrow, plus it’s adjustable for even shorter users.
The internal frame helps it keep shape even when packed. Which is something fans have appreciated. People also appreciate just how much usable space is available in the pack despite its narrow frame.
The inside of the bag has a removable divider. So you can choose how to pack your gear. Many people have commented that it’s deceivingly roomy.
Also, there are lots of pockets and gear hooks for storage. Another little thing people have appreciated. Is that there are tiny trekking pole loops on the outside of the pack. It’s a lot easier than trying to stick them in the backpack when you aren’t using them.
A few complaints, though. The pack itself is on the heavy side, which is mitigated by adjustable straps and hip support. Some people also mentioned that while it’s easy to wash.
However, there are small threads that appear towards the bottom after multiple washes. It doesn’t seem to be a significant structural defect. But keep an eye on them to make sure that tears don’t appear later.
Water bottles seem to be ill-placed for most users too. Many users pointed out that the hip pockets, intended for water bottle storage, are too low to reach comfortably.
One reviewer mentioned that she kept having to ask her partner to reach her bottle for her. Not ideal. Overall, fans have said that the bag is well thought out and durable. It gives you a lot of options and reviewers think it’s a quality weekend bag.
How It Compares
One significant alternative mentioned across preparedness circles is the 5.11 Tactical RUSH 12 Backpack.
It’s a multipurpose bag that fulfills a few different types of roles including hunting gear and a go-bag. It has 16 different compartments. Plus gear loops for extra storage.
It also offers hydration routing. And has adjustable straps for a better fit.
The material is 1050 denier nylon, a heavy-duty material that resists tearing and is highly water resistant. It’s one of the best tactical bags on the market for petites. It has precisely the type of storage and organization you’d need for a bug-out bag. The only downside is the expense.
A great low cost alternative is the Teton Sports Scout 3400. It’s rugged enough to withstand some harsh weather elements although the Rush 12 has it beat in that area. Both bags are equipped with enough organized storage to make accessing everything you need comfortable.
Although with the notable exception of the Teton’s hip pockets. The Rush 12 looks more like a tactical pack, honestly, with its square design. The Teton takes its inspiration from weekend hiking packs.
As far as aesthetics go, both are organized well, and a lot will depend on your taste.
We recommend trying both on if you can to see which one fits your frame (or your teen’s frame). With slightly different shapes. They’re going to distribute weight in somewhat different ways across the hips, shoulders, and back. Go with the more comfortable version.
What We Think
We were impressed with the Teton Sports Scout 3400 and all its available space.
For a smaller sized, internal frame pack. It does offer a lot more storage options than what we initially thought. It also stands on its own. Which impressed us.
Most bags have to trade between roominess and balance. Even when this pack is full, it holds its shape well and doesn’t get top heavy. If you’re setting your bag on the ground every so often. It’s going to last longer standing upright.
Also, it’s inconvenient to pack when things keep falling over. However, we have two significant issues with the design.
First, the water reservoir isn’t a dedicated pocket. Instead, there’s a pocket on the inside of the pack. If the bag is packed full. You can feel the water sloshing around against your back. And you might have to remove some gear to get to the bladder in the first place.
This design isn’t the most convenient (and something the Rush12 above gets right). The constant jostling of the water without appropriate support might be enough to throw off your balance. And also enough to cause some pain with long-term hiking.
Another small complaint we had is the fact that the sleeping bag compartment is a little too small. You can squeeze a tiny sleeping bag into the chamber. However, we’d recommend using that space for something else.
Use the compression straps to attach a better sleeping bag to the outside. However, it’ll be exposed to the elements then.
What impressed us was the quality of the bag versus the price. They did cut a few corners with the material. But overall the polyester ripstop is a durable choice of fabric without being too expensive.
In fact, this is going to be one of the most economical weekend packs you’ll find that isn’t a complete beginner’s pack. It distributes weight well for petite users, an essential part of its usability. Many petite people have had difficulty finding a bag that fits.
Bags that are too big don’t distribute weight well. Even if a larger backpack weighs a comparable amount to a smaller bag, it’s going to feel heavier. The straps won’t hit the right part of the shoulders and back. And the hip strap will be in the wrong place, negating its purpose.
It comes in three different colors, but we found that the hunter green shows the least amount of wear over time. The orange and tan versions are stylish but show dirt and small tears a lot more than the green. Additionally, the green just blends better into your environment.
Pros
Cons
Coupons and Deals
Amazon currently has the lowest price available.
If you purchase directly through Teton, however. You can use a unique code from their list of adventurers. And they will donate to the charity of that particular adventurer’s choice.
You can find a list of the charities and codes here. Many of them protect our outdoor spaces.
Our Recommendation
Finally, we think this is an excellent choice for kids and teens who need their own bug out bags.
It's critical that the pack fit them correctly, and the Teton Sports Scout 3400 is an economical choice. It's got everything we'd want for a go-bag at an excellent price point.
You can stop worrying that your teen isn't ready or that your bug out bag will be too bulky for you when SHTF.
What's your plan to prepare your teens? Let us know in the comments below!
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