Product Description
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Built for whatever you throw at it, the Scout3400 Internal Frame
Backpack, by TETON Sports is thoughtfully designed with your
comfort in mind. The padded back panel is channeled for air flow
and padded shoulder straps are adjustable for maximum comfort. In
fact, the Scout is fully adjustable in the torso, waist, chest,
and shoulders. Get the perfect fit for your next adventure into
the backcountry with the Scout3400.
.com
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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 up 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 a of gear in its
top-loading main compartment and distinct ing 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.
.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.