Gregory Mountain Products has been around since 1977, officially founded by Wayne Gregory.  The company has made some great backpacks over the decades.  My first backpack was a Gregory Ritter model.  This great internal frame pack was purchased about 17 years ago at a local outfitter in Denver (can’t recall the name of the retailer).  I still have this pack today…and still use it on the trails.  Even after 17 years of hiking and snowshoeing, the Ritter has held up nicely.  Hanging in my basement, next to my Ritter, is the hydration-friendly Miwok pack: A slice of legacy living next to my snowshoeing future.  Nevertheless, I fully expect to have both packs 17 years from today.

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Among my arsenal of backpacks, the High Peak Adrenaline definitely has the largest capacity – approximately 6,000 cubic inches.  This is a pack worthy of European touring.  It’s got everything a traveling outdoorsperson needs: durability, comfort and flexibility. 
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A family that hikes together has more fun than families that stay at home.  This is proven.  The Mountain Hardwear Fluid 26 backpack is what coaxed me and the “fam” out into the backcountry of Colorado this summer.  I used the Fluid 26 as a lightweight daypack combined with a hydration bladder – worked beautifully.  Even with a full three-liter bladder placed in an easy-to-access pocket, there was still room for the essentials: sunscreen, first-aid kit, binoculars, energy bars, emergency gear, and a few other items.  Even better, I let my wife carry the pack: From her reports, it’s a great fit for the ladies.  It’s comfortable, lightweight and has straps that aren’t overbearing.    

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When I think of Cortez, Colo., I now think of Osprey Packs.  Based in the small town, the company is near some of the state’s purest backcountry destinations.  Osprey is a well-known brand and manufacturer of backpacks.  Stay alert and you’ll notice fellow trailgoers sporting Osprey gear, uniquely stamped with the trademark red and gray logo.  I’m new to the Osprey brand – despite it being around since the 70s.  (“You’ll have to excuse my friend. He’s a little slow. The town is back that way.”)  After a day with the Osprey Mutant 38, I was no longer “Dumb and Dumber” … no longer a virgin to the Osprey brand.  The Mutant 38 “wined and dined” me proper.      

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With summer approaching, snow-free trails are beckoning for us to stay out longer and longer. With the increase in heat and humidity, hydration becomes increasingly important. For very long runs, a good hydration pack is often the best option.
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Over the years, I regularly receive an e-mail or a phone call from an eager snowshoer wanting advice on what kind of backpack to purchase.  Of course, I’ve tried many and have my opinions.  Where I find my opinion becomes rather fierce is the availability of a backpack engineered for snowshoers.   This is a very difficult item to find in the world.  Until now, conveniently!  This is because you’re reading Snowshoe Magazine – the only publication focusing entirely on the sport of snowshoeing.  So, I introduce to you…GV Snowshoes’ Technical Backpack for snowshoers.

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One of the ongoing challenges of snowshoeing at varying elevations is finding a functional daypack that snowshoes can quickly be strapped onto, and later removed from, as conditions change. I recently took Deuter’s Speed Lite 20 for a spin, and my search is now over. Continue reading →

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. Continue reading →

Who would have thought such a snowshoe-friendly day pack existed? The size and features of MountainSmith’s Off-Piste 20 make it a versatile and user-friendly winter pack. Continue reading →

“Hydrate or Die!” my CamelBak Snowblast proclaims, complete with embroidered skull and flames shooting out its ears. Continue reading →