User Review: JanSport Scout

I have been using a very comfortable internal frame backpack for 4 years, but always wondered what it would be like to try an external frame pack.

This pack was the one that adjusted best to my short 15" torso and it was inexpensive and fairly light weight. I purchased this pack new in 2010 from Campmor's online store.

There are lots of adjustments that can be made to this pack for growing youngsters. My current profile picture is me with this pack on and fully loaded, from a backpack trip last week.

The padded belt was comfy and had ample length for my wider waist. The only thing I missed from my internal frame pack was the extra comfy shoulder pads, however this one provided enough comfort to please me during a 10 mile round trip hike.

My favorite thing about the pack is how EASY it is to pack and find things in! There is no flap on the top, like all the other packs I've seen. And I have only used the "rucksack" top-loading models prior to this.

The pack frame holds a nice shape like a cabinet that unloads from the front rather than the top. A compressed sleeping bag fits nicely in the lower compartment. There is plenty of space on the outside to tie or buckle on a large pad, tent and more.

Another thing I really liked is how I could walk more upright than with my internal frame pack. Everything seems more compact and stable. I kind of missed my hydration hose, but that's always a love/hate relationship with me. I could have attached one somehow if I really wanted.

I am a Boy Scout leader and from this trial run, I plan to recommend this pack to all our incoming scouts as affordable, smaller sized, easy to pack and carry for beginners.

The weight of the unloaded pack is 3 lbs, 11 oz.