Review on TETON SPORTS Model Hunter Green by Brandon Plowden

I bought this backpack 8 years ago as I was preparing for my first 14 year hike in CO. My veteran backpacker buddy said I shouldn't climb 14th in CO with an airport backpack. with wheels. So I found this inexpensive backpack that fits gear for 2 nights and supports the weight on my hips. Since I had my first 14 8 years ago I have used it for 5 more 14s, 1-2 nights in the mountains per trip. , up and down Mount Kilimanjaro and about 20 hikes/climbs in Colorado and RRG. only 1-2 nights at a time (except for Kili, but that doesn't count because of the porters). It had the typical overnight camp gear plus climbing shoes, tow ropes, ropes etc. I am currently looking for a new backpack and will not be buying another Scout 3400. The price has gone up since I bought it in 2011 based on positive reviews but I think it has still a good deal for $80 or so. Would I recommend it to a friend? It depends. Will I continue to use my current Scout 3400? Yes. Will I buy another one? no That's why. From the description and pictures it can be seen that there have been no improvements to the packaging for 8 years. That's both good and bad. + The backpack is very durable! Despite 8 years of rigorous testing, it shows little to no wear.+ It has plenty of straps to pull it small and tight.+ It has multiple straps with loops to attach extra gear to the outside.+ Compartments are pretty standard for a backpack of this size so that it meets most of the needs of tourists in terms of storing and organizing supplies. - The hip belt is not tight enough. The design allows it to loosen slightly under stress. It's small and gradual. But it's a bit annoying that you have to tighten the hip belt every few kilometers. (or gradually let your shoulders carry more weight). The hip belt is below average in terms of padding and stiffness, which makes the backpack fit a little "sloppier" than better backpacks. These two downsides to the waist belt: really minor. Didn't really notice them until I've used nicer packs a few times. Beginning tourists probably won't notice or bother either. So I would advise the backpacking newbie on a budget to consider this backpack (among several others in this category). I used this backpack as luggage at the airport. All straps are taut and the hip belt wraps in the opposite direction (around the pack itself) and then buckles to keep it compact. That's a bonus for a somewhat flimsy waist belt. I will continue to use it when climbing. The hikes are mostly relatively short and I wouldn't want to beat a better backpack for my climbing gear. But now I buy a better backpack as a special multi-day backpack. What's missing from the Scout 3400 and what I need in a new backpack is access to the main compartment in the center of the backpack and a stronger hip belt that fits snugly. Good luck with your new set purchase and safe adventures!