TETON 55L Scout Internal Frame Backpack for Hiking, Camping, Backpacking, Rain Cover Included

Hi everyone and thank you for reading my review. I want everyone to know I have a ton of packs in my shed and the only reason I purchased this is because of my skinny son and all of the other reviews from “scout” parents.First, I didn’t need this. But I did and here’s why.My son crossed over from cub scouts to Boy Scouts and needed a pack. Not 1 pack fit his waist. At the time, 23”. I preplanned a long time ago and purchased all these super cool ones. Nope: too big. My son is now a 26 1/2 waist (3 months after crossing over) and this pack fit him like butter to include the torso. I believe the website states the waist belt is 26” at the smallest, but I do think it goes as low as 25”. Completely sold on this element alone. For the price point and the size, not having to go woman’s bag or over $200 this is the right bag.Second, quality. The bag is decent quality. Not top of the line. Factor price point and what this bag has to offer for the average 11 year old learning values in life, this product is of excellent quality. Having said that: parents: upon arrival, pre check every thread, button, snap, drawstring, zipper prior to use. I’m just saying.Seller: you need to get with BSA and market this exact product for them. I’ve been a leader for 5 years and and a frequent shopper at the scout shops. We need products like this. At least give it a try.Just a slight FYI: for the boys out there who may have a mild dose of scoliosis or have not hit that 1 critical growth spurt yet-this is it. I’m NOT a doctor, but if you’re going to put a pack on you child-this is the one.I do see this pack lasting a long time in scouts based on quality and versatility. The straps are in the right places too!!! For a 55L pack, the exterior space is just as valuable. Thank you for such a well thought out product.Note: I did recieve this product in excellent packaging (excellent) but 1 button was damaged (manufacturing flaw). And I’m not exchanging it. I’m that impressed to still rate it 5 stars. And, you boosted my sons ego with this pack.Full disclosure: this is a scout mom review!!!! There is plenty of room for EVERYTHING to include the “mom care kit”.

I got this backpack after weeks of researching all the different kinds. I went on a three day, 28 mile hike at Myakka River State Park, in Sarasota, Florida. This was my first hike, so I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a pack. The pack has plenty of room in it. I packed way to much because of it. In one of the side pockets I put all of my smaller stuff, mp3 player, fire starter, lighter, headlamp, and digital camera. And in the other I managed to fit 1.5 lbs of trail mix and a large package of beef jerky. In the top there are two pockets one on the outside and one on the inside. On the outside pocket I put my poncho, and first aid kit, and a pack of cigs. It has two mesh pockets on the side they are plenty big I put a 1 liter water bottle in each. They held fine and didn't fall out at all. The sleeping bag compartment is small but you can fit regular sleeping bag in it. I don't know if you could fit one of the winter bags. It is a tight fit but if you push, pull and zip enough you can get it in there. The zippers appear to be of high quality. The main part is very large, I fit 5 liters of water, two large cans of beef stew, and three days worth of clothes. I attached my tent and fold up stool on the bottom loops on the outside of the sleeping bag pouch. My pack weighed about 45 lbs when it was all packed. It was my first trip and I learned a lot like, don't wear boots, and don't pack to heavy. The only thing I have to say negative about this pack is the shoulder straps don't really have the padding I would prefer. My friend had a Coleman Hiking pack, his shoulder straps had/ a lot more cushioning on it. And the things holding on the chest straps are always falling off and I had to slide the chest connector up the shoulder straps every time I took my pack off. I can think of nothing else negative to say about it. Overall excellent pack, for a steal of a price.

I have used this pack on several hiking trips now and have to say that it is the most comfortable pack I have used yet. It keeps the load close to the body and caries everything I have to have with some room to spare. Most of the trips I have taken have been two day hammock camping trips.I don't use ultralight gear but I do try to take compact gear. It holds the hammock sleeping pad, sleeping bag, snugpak blanket, a wind proof jacket, rain poncho, one set of extra cloths, food for two days , my stove and cookware,and camping hardware. My winter camping weight is 35 pounds. I have used the same load in a more tactical pack and hated the way it carried. This pack feels pounds lighter with the same load . It is well made and has weather some tough abuse without any failures. It is everything I need with room to spare. I would and will buy another. Update......I have used this pack every weekend with a few exceptions now. I have hiked over a hundred miles with this pack with no problems. I am 5' 11" and 170 pounds. The pack can be adjusted to fit perfectly. I Cary about 40 pounds in it for winter camping and 25 pounds of gear for summer camping. My Hammock fits the lower pouch with room for my flip flops . The main compartment holds my sleeping bag , sleeping mat, full set of cloths, cooking gear, and rain suit. The side pockets hold my water filter and assorted essential small gear. The Pocket made for the watter blater is used rather for my hygiene gear. The top pockets in the cover will hold enough food for a week. Even in the winter I have some room to spare with this pack. I bought 2 of these . One for me and the other for my wife. She loves hers as much as I do mine. Well made and durable.