The Scout 3400 is a tough, affordable backpack that can last up to seven years. However, it does not comfortably carry heavy loads. Hikers under 6 feet tall who prioritize durability over a lightweight design tend to like this pack.
DVSS Scorecard
- DVSS Score: 87.6/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 7,873
STRENGTHS
- Material: Thick nylon ripstop withstands “bushwhacking off trail” and survives 7 years.
- Fit Adjustment: Fully adjustable torso harness perfectly fits users down to a 25-inch waist.
- Rainfly: The included rain cover is oversized, covering both the pack and externally strapped gear.
- Access: Dual access (top and bottom) allows you to reach a sleeping bag without unpacking the main body.
LIMITATIONS
- Shoulder Load: Weight distribution is poor above 30-35 pounds, resulting in “pure torture” on the shoulders.
- Sleeping Bag Compartment: The bottom opening is too small to fit standard 10°F or 0°F mummy bags.
- Small Pockets: Side mesh pockets cannot securely hold a large-diameter Nalgene bottle with one hand.
- Zipper/Stitching: Interior false-bottom zipper and small external zipper pulls fail within 3-7 months.
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Contents
Scout 3400 Maintains 87.6 Score Despite Hip Belt Fit Issues
The Scout 3400 earns a high score for its long-lasting design and good fit for smaller torsos, though it has some comfort issues. Carrying more than 35 pounds can be uncomfortable, and the hip belt does not distribute weight well. Our DVSS Methodology shows the pack’s suspension is reliable, even if some zippers fail early. With an average rating of 4.70 from many reviews, it is a proven and reliable choice.
- DVSS Score: 87.63/100
- Satisfaction Tier: Excellent
- Review Count: 7,873
- Average Rating: 4.70
- Ideal For: Youth or beginner hikers (5’11” max height) for 2–3-day trips.
Construction Materials Withstand Long-Term Abrasion
The pack is made from thick, heavy-duty nylon that stands up to tough use and off-trail hiking. The fabric is “extremely well made” and stays in good shape even after scraping against rocks and brush. One user said the material had “no holes or even scratches” after years of use. This focus on durability explains why the pack is heavier when empty.
Torso Adjustment Custom-Fits Users 5’3″ to 5’11”
The adjustable torso harness lets the Scout 3400 fit users from 5’3″ to 5’11” without discomfort. Parents say it is the “right bag” for Boy Scouts with a 25-inch waist, where other packs are too big.
You can adjust the back supports and sternum strap so smaller adults can wear the pack comfortably “above my chest.” However, people taller than 6’1″ find the torso adjustment is not long enough, so the weight ends up on their shoulders.
Shoulder Straps Struggle Above 35 Pounds of Load
The shoulder and hip straps do not distribute the weight well if you carry more than 30-35 pounds. Some users say, “no matter what I did I could not get it to stop hanging on my shoulders.”
The firm lumbar pad and hip belt can “dig into my hips,” causing discomfort on hikes longer than five hours. Over seven years, the foam in the shoulder straps also wears out, making heavy loads even less comfortable.
External Pockets Limit Carry to Narrow Water Bottles
Many users are frustrated with the two-sided mesh pockets because they only fit thin, one-liter water bottles. A wide Nalgene bottle is “impossible” to fit, and trying to force one in can tear the pocket.
As a result, people have to put water bottles in the main pouches, which makes it harder to stay organized. The side pockets are also hard to use when the main compartment is full.
Sleeping Bag Compartment is Too Small for Winter Bags
The bottom sleeping bag compartment only fits tightly packed, three-season sleeping bags. Users say that 0°F or 10°F mummy bags, even out of their stuff sacks, will “simply not fit.
The compartment can hold a 20°F compressed mummy bag with some extra space for socks, but bigger bags have to go in through the main top opening. This means you have to unzip the divider, losing the separate bottom space.
Zipper Quality is Questionable on Internal Separator
While the pack is durable, there are ongoing problems with the internal zippers and small zipper pulls. Some users received the pack with the false bottom’s “stitching … blown out on arrival.” Most external zippers are “burly,” but the small tabs on the zipper handles “fall off so easily” after just a few trips, so users often have to fix them in the field.
Integrated Rainfly Provides Full Coverage for Exterior Gear
The included rain cover is a popular feature because it keeps all your gear dry during heavy rain and storms. The rainfly is oversized and “really big,” so it covers items strapped to the outside, like tents and sleeping pads.
Users like the easy-access pocket at the bottom for storing the rainfly, but some find the bright yellow color problematic if you want to stay hidden outdoors.
Scout 3400 Secures Multi-day Backpacking Comfort
The Scout 3400 works best for 2-3 day trips with less than 30 pounds of gear for hikers of average height. The pack is easy to organize and stays comfortable for up to 10 miles on rough trails when kept light. It is too small for a week-long winter trip that needs bulky clothes and extra food.
Real-World Loadout Test
- Tech: Hydration bladder fits easily in the sleeve; one user ran the hose through the top (no dedicated outlet).
- Gear: Fits a full sleeping mat and tent, with straps through the exterior bottom loops; a Marmot Trestles 15F sleeping bag requires maximum compression to fit.
- Result: The Scout 3400 can hold everything you need for a 3-day trip, but there is not much extra space left in the main compartment.
Quick-Fit Assessment
✓ You’re a Great Fit:
- Your total packed weight stays below 30 pounds.
- Your torso is between 15.5 inches and 19 inches.
- You are a beginner seeking durability over minimal weight.
✗ Skip This If You:
- Carry loads over 35 pounds for multi-day hikes.
- Need quick-access pockets (snacks, phone) on the hip belt.
- Are taller than 6’1″ and require maximum torso length.
- Look for a pack with a more advanced hip belt system instead.
Scout 3400 for Petite Hiker (5’4″-5’11”) Seeking Durability
This pack is best for people with shorter frames, as the adjustable harness fits down to a 25-inch waist. If adjusted for a larger adult, it can be comfortable for 35-mile hikes on tough trails. The main risk is that the pack can feel heavy and bulky unless you use ultralight gear.
Scout 3400 for Budget-First Beginner Who Needs Pocket Access
The pack’s sturdy build and many pockets make it a great “starter backpack” for anyone not ready to buy expensive gear. There are seven outside pockets for things like fire-starting tools, rope, and snacks, which helps keep everything organized. The main downside is that the zippers are low-quality and may break or tear within a few months, so you might need to make minor repairs.
Scout 3400 Excels for Three-Day Bush Craft Use
The Scout 3400 is best for tough, multi-day bushcraft trips where strength matters more than being lightweight. The thick nylon will “absolutely not tear” when bushwhacking or carrying heavy firewood. However, it is not good for carrying more than 30 pounds over long distances, as this gets uncomfortable. This pack is for people who need strong material and are not bothered by some comfort issues.
Size Selection Guide: Scout 3400 (45L, 55L, 65L)
The Scout 3400 comes in three sizes. Users say the right size depends on how long your trip is and how much gear you have, not on comfort. The frame and fit are the same for all three sizes.
45L (The Fast Packer)
- Ideal For: Minimalist hikers focused on 1–2 day, fair-weather trips or those using ultralight, compressed gear.
- Reported Limit: Fits a full weekend loadout if all gear (tent, pad, bag) is strapped externally; space is tight otherwise.
55L (The Standard Choice)
- Ideal For: The average beginner or scout undertaking 2–3 day trips requiring standard three-season gear and extra food/water.
- Reported Limit: This is the ideal balance; users with traditional sleeping bags must use the main compartment, which consumes significant internal space.
65L (The Gear Carrier)
- Ideal For: Group organizers, winter campers, or those carrying bulky/older gear, where volume is prioritized over weight management.
- Reported Limit: Easily holds heavy loads (up to 50 lbs) and multiple layers, but exacerbates the shoulder strap pressure on long treks.
Ready to secure a highly durable pack for your next multi-day trip? Check the price and availability of the Scout 3400 and explore the Best Multi-Day Backpacks (55L-74L).
