Gear Review: MountainSmith Snow Series Tracker Backpack

Whoever designed the MountainSmith Snow Series Tracker is definitely a snowshoer – or at least a genius. Everything about the Tracker speaks snowshoeing: from the vertical snowshoe carry mounts to removable seat pad (I’ll explain more later). After all my snowshoeing trips throughout the years, I’ve never owned a pack that’s more versatile and perfect for snowshoeing than the Tracker.

The Tracker boasts snowshoe carry mounts with a Hypalon prong protection panel – all designed to help you transport your snowshoes. All in all, the Tracker works well as a daypack. In fact, I keep my snowshoes strapped to the Tracker for spur-of-the-moment trips (along with other essential snowshoeing gear).

The inside of the Tracker has plenty of room, including an insulated bottle holder with side access. The bottle holder is a padded, tough Velcro holder that keeps your water from freezing and spilling. Not a bad feature if you’re more inclined to use a bottle than a hydration system. But, if you use a hydration system, the Tracker has a hydro-stash pocket to keep the valve from freezing or developing frost. It also has a large hydration system pocket.

My favorite feature of the Tracker is the removable seat pad, which is stored behind the main compartment. This is a feature I’ve never seen on a pack before. And, it really did come in handy. I used the seat pad when resting; I packed-down some snow around me and sat on the seat pad to prevent my backside from becoming too cold. Excellent!
I didn’t really find too many flaws with the Tracker. It’s difficult to find anything wrong with a pack that’s appreciated. I really didn’t have a problem with the Tracker, no matter the situation.

Here are more Tracker features:

*Large main compartment with 2 mesh pockets
*Insulated bottle holder with external side access
*1.5″ waist belt with digital camera pocket and flat mesh pocket
*Front panel ice tool loop
*Headphone exit port
*2 external side bellows pockets
*Strap tuck-away ports

For more information on the MountainSmith Tracker, visit http://www.mountainsmith.com/products.asp?productId=128&categoryId=14&subCategoryId=10&subCategory2Id=0.