Mammut Neon Smart Backpack

You might not think you need a climbing-specific backpack. And the truth is, you might not need one, and any old pack will do. However, after checking out the features of Mammut’s Neon Smart backpack, don’t be surprised if you start salivating, at least a little bit. 

The main draw of this pack is that it zips open—and we’re talking open. The entire pack unfolds like a nylon Transformer: there are several internal pockets for your harness, shoes, etc., loops for clipping carabiners and organizing your quickdraws, a removable rope tarp, and even a tiny little carpet (picture a zip-out welcome mat) to wipe off unwanted dirt. 

For a 35-liter pack, the Neon Smart fits a surprising amount of gear, and our testers were able to stuff 10 quickdraws, a rope, harness, and a helmet inside while still having plenty of room for snacks, water, and an extra layer. There’s a beautiful utility of this pack—every piece of gear has it’s place. 

Bottom Line: We live in the “smart” world. Smart phones, smart cars, smart houses, the list goes on. Mammut’s managed to make a truly smart backpack without equipping it with bluetooth.