Prepping on $40 a Week - Bug Out Backpack

Before we dive into building a bug out bag, we've gotta have an actual bag. And I'll be honest, we're going to dip into the "bank" we've built over the previous two weeks by running under budget. A bag isn't somewhere that you want to cut too many corners on, and we've found a pretty solid budget-minded, 3400 cubic-inch pack that runs around $58 on Amazon--the Teton Scout 3400. EDIT: As of August, they've jacked the price up to $89 on this model. The bigger 4000 cubic inch model is still a deal at just under $65.

Ooo....aaahh...

Before we dive into a run down this particular pack, let's go through a few things that I look for in a bug out bag:

• Over 3000 cubic inches, plus ability to strap/attach bulky items like sleeping bags or large stuff sacks to the exterior. You can go smaller, but it becomes very hard to pack 3 days worth of food, shelter, etc.
• Sturdy construction - not overly thin or rip-prone materials.
• Good suspension - aluminum stays, good shoulder straps and waist belts. It doesn't need to be able to haul 100 pounds comfortably, but does need to be able to haul 30-45 pounds without discomfort.
• Suspension should be adjustable to get a good fit.
• Some level of additional organization/pockets or ability to add 'em
• Subdued color scheme, but not a straight out of the military look

This pack hits all of those criteria, for under $60. There are other solid choices to be sure--the ALICE pack being a classic choice--but I wanted to go a different route for this series. The Scout 3400 has really impressed me in terms of value for the dollar.

The tale of the tape and full rundown are after the jump, plus tips for the many who have a pack they're happy with.

The Scout 3400's suspension is very adjustable, and
also completely removable.

• Top-loader design with storm collar
• 3400 cubic inches
• 4.5 pounds pack weight
• Internal frame, with aluminum stays.
• Adjustable suspension -- if you're over 6 foot, you may not be able to get enough height out of the suspension. I'm 5'11 and it's borderline.
• Removable shoulder straps and waist belt -- potential for an upgrade down the road
• Built in rain cover/fly, though it's in bright yellow.
• Tons of additional external attachment points--sleeping bag/sleeping pad straps, two bungie areas (top of pack and face of pack), front mesh pocket, wand pockets on either side, ice axe loops, and two elastic webbing loops on either side, plus storage space under the top-loader lid.
• Hydration sleeve
• Separate sleeping bag compartment, though it will only fit a light weight/backpacking size bag.
• Nalgene-sized zip pockets on either side
• Zip pockets on the outside and inside of the lid

Yep, that's a ton of features. It actually blows away the older REI Lookout packs we've had for a while, in every dimension except for materials and craftsmanship. The Scout 3400 is a good quality, tough feeling pack, but it's a bit rough around the edges. It's all off brand materials--hardware, nylon, webbing--they're not on the same level as you'll find with a more expensive pack. The zippers, for example, are sturdy but a bit tough to close. It's not as "nice" as a pack three or four times its price, but it works. 

If you're into serious backpacking, you'll probably want something a bit nicer, but if the bag is going to serve closet-duty with the occasional camping trip thrown in, the Scout 3400 should serve well. For a budget bug out bag, the Scout is a great pack for the money. I'll be interested to see how it stacks up against the spendy Kifaru Longhunter I've got coming in the mail.

If you think you'll need more than 3400 cubic inches, Teton has a similar pack in 4000 cubic inches for a few bucks more. 3400 cubic inches is a decent size for a light-ish load for 3 days; with winter gear, it's more of an overnighter size.

Cost: $57.98 on Amazon.

Bank: $23.55 leftover from the past weeks, minus the $17.98 we went over budget this month, leaving us with $5.57.

A few more pictures of the pack's features below. Scroll to the end for "todos" if your pack is squared away.

Underneath the lid, the storm collar closes up tight. The lid is a good
place to strap a bedroll or sleeping pad.

The built in rainfly.

A shot of the side of the pack - the zipper pockets
will fit a Nalgene-sized bottle snugly.

If you've already got a good bug out bag...

• Bust out the scale and start weighing things. Where can you shave off a few ounces?
• Check your zippers and buckles. 
• Get some spare buckles--REI sells replacements, and there's always the internet. ITW Nexus is the best quality when it comes to plastic hardware. I lost my waistbelt's buckle on a hike once...that wasn't fun.
• Do you have a way to rain-proof you pack if needed? What if you needed to float it across a stream/river? Contractor weight garbage bags and drum liners can solve both of these problems.
• Get outside and get your pack on the trails!