Jansport Scout External Frame Backpack

Comments about Jansport Scout External Frame Backpack:

Bought this for my 12 year old Son - just crossed into boy Scouts. Pack seems well made (haven't hit the trail yet), we have done some "conditioning runs" of about 5 miles each with it, and it did well. Fair amount of adjustability, good zippers, ample storage. All in all, a good value - it would have been a better value if I'd have caught it on sale, but the pack itself is well done.

Comments about Jansport Scout External Frame Backpack:

I have had 85lbs of gear and supplies pack in this bag and had no problems. It was used for a 5 day backpacker with the boyscouts.

Comments about Jansport Scout External Frame Backpack:

Have purchased two of these for my sons, each as they crossed over into Boy Scouts. That would have been when they were around 11 years old. My oldest scout is now 15-1/2...same pack still fits & still going strong. When they first got the packs, I would guess they were MAYBE around 5' tall. The older boy is now at least 5'10", and he took this pack on a 10-day Philmont backpacking trip over the summer...no problems. These packs are very adjustable!

For some reason, the Jansport name doesn't seem to be as "popular" when you look at the pack lines out on the trails. I am very happy with their quality, however, and would buy them again. (I have a Jansport internal frame of my own, in addition to the 2 scout packs.)

When you compare the weight of these packs, consider the large volume capacity, and add in the great price (even better when they update to a new model each season)...these packs can't be beat!

I still give them a 5-star because of the excellent value, but you should note a few things they don't have that some more expensive packs might:
-No load-lifter straps
-No 'cinch straps' to tighten up loose space in the pack

If you adjust the pack CORRECTLY, both of my boys (currently at least 6" difference in their heights), say their packs are very comfortable. If you have a light, small load, it can shift & shake around in the pack. Our solution has been to pack bulky items such as clothing, very loosely, on shorter trips, in order to fill up the empty space, and keep the pack contents from shifting.

Lots of pockets. Lots of space. Great value.

Comments about Jansport Scout External Frame Backpack:

My son has had his scout pack for about 4 years, since he started backpacking with his Boy Scout troop. It served him very well especially in the beginning. He's outgrown me now, so I recently adjusted my old external frame pack (a different, classic brand) for him and I took his scout on an overnight trip. So I can relate both his experience and mine (50 y.o. female with many years' experience on short backpacking trips and a few long ones).

Pros: The shoulder strap attachment and chest strap are quite adjustable to fit a range of heights and girths. It will grow with a child for quite a while.
The panel loading style is very easy to pack in an organized way and it's easy to get things in and out. The side pockets are handy. Items such as sleeping bags, pad, and wet shoes can easily be attached on the top, on the bottom, or on the daisy chains on the back. The bag holds a surprisingly large amount, though there's no opening between top and bottom. I found it well-balanced and easy to adjust while hiking -- to shift the weight among shoulders, chest, and hips as needed.
As is generally the case with external frame packs, there's very good ventilation across the back, which keeps you cool on warmer days.
Campmor's price on this pack makes it very affordable, and it weighs in the lightweight range.

Cons: The bar that the shoulder straps attach to is held in place by two aluminum bolts that work by tension. This allows continuous adjustment, but one bolt came off during a hike and my son's shoulders were quite sore. He didn't realize what the problem was until I later discovered the missing bolt. Jansport sent a replacement bolt and a spare quickly -- but these bolts should be checked before and during every trip and a child should be taught to check these himself or herself. If you have a spare, carry it in the pack.
The top bar is also held by pins instead of being welded, so overall the frame is not as sturdy as a welded frame.
On a 13-mile hike I got pretty sore in the shoulders and a bit at the hips from padding thinner than I'm used to. I used extra clothes for hip padding, which helped a lot. This didn't bother my son so much, so this is probably somewhat age related! (His dad and I also need thicker ground pads than he does . . . .)

On the whole I highly recommend this pack, especially at Campmor's price, for a beginning backpacker, especially a young one who's certain to outgrow that first pack. Just do check the size adjustment and the security of bolts and pins. For adults, even if you prefer an external frame, I'd probably recommend a sturdier and better-padded pack if you're going to be using it more than very occasionally. I'd look for a wider hip belt and shoulder straps that attach lower on the back with a second adjusting strap above the shoulder that pulls the pack closer to the back or lets it out.

This is a good pack for youth organizations such as scout troops to have available for beginners to borrow, also.

Comments about Jansport Scout External Frame Backpack:

I purchased the pack for my granddaughters first backpack trip. I was amazed at how well she handled her pack.

Comments about Jansport Scout External Frame Backpack:

For scouts to borrow if needed for day-hikes to 50-milers.

Comments about Jansport Scout External Frame Backpack:

My son uses this product for his hiking requirement at school. He absolutely loves it. It is light and big enough to hold all of his gear. He used it for a 1 day a 3 day and a week long hike. I would recommend this product to anyone who loves hiking who needs a like and sturdy pack.