| Gear Review: MountainSmith Snow Series Tracker Backpack | by Ryan Alford |
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Whoever designed the MountainSmith Snow Series Tracker is definitely a snowshoer â or at least a genius. Everything about the Tracker speaks snowshoeing: from the vertical snowshoe carry mounts to removable seat pad (Iâll explain more later). After all my snowshoeing trips throughout the years, Iâve never owned a pack thatâs more versatile and perfect for snowshoeing than the Tracker. The Tracker boasts snowshoe carry mounts with a Hypalon prong protection panel â 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 youâre 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 Iâve 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 didnât really find too many flaws with the Tracker. Itâs difficult to find anything wrong with a pack thatâs appreciated. I really didnât 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.
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