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Backcountry Access Tracker Avalanche Transceiver
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Backcountry Access Tracker Avalanche Transceiver

Item # 717163

$229.99$289.95*

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Backcountry Access Tracker's new harness system and user-friendly tracking system speeds up the response time of finding those caught in an avalanche.

  • Two units are required for use; each person in a party should carry a unit for the best chance of rescue in the event of an avalanche
  • Tracker DTS transceiver uses a multi-dimensional antenna system to locate buried transmitters, eliminating user signal-interpretation errors
  • Lights indicate the direction of the signal; simply rotate like a compass and proceed as arrow lights indicate
  • Numeric distance display shows approximate distance to buried transmitter; pinpoint search loudspeaker provides reinforcement to visual clues
  • Holster harness system allows the unit to be easily removed; lanyard ensures unit won't be lost
  • Operates on 457 kHz frequency and is fully compatible with other 457 kHz units; functions as a transmitter and receiver
  • Unit performs automatic performance diagnostic—testing lights, transmit and receive functions and battery level—each time it's turned on
  • Oversized buttons are easy to operate with gloves on; buttons, full gasket around battery box and unit protect against wet-weather conditions
  • Uses three AAA-size alkaline batteries (included) which provide a minimum life of 250 hours in transmit mode; 50 hours in receive mode

Made in USA.

Item 717163

Backcountry Access Tracker Avalanche Transceiver Specs

Specification

Description

Weight298 grams
Dimensions5.75 x 3.27 x 1.26 inches
RangeUp to 40 meters
TypeDigital
Average transmit time250 hours
Average receive time50 hours

Backcountry Access Tracker Avalanche Transceiver Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Backcountry Access Tracker Avalanche Transceiver
 
4.8

(based on 8 reviews)

88%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Rugged (4)
  • Easy to use (3)
  • Lightweight (3)

Cons

  • Bulky (4)

Best Uses

  • Backcountry skiing (3)
  • Reviewer Profile:
  • Avid climber (4)

Reviewed by 8 customers

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Jan

31

2008

(10 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

Great Beacon

By Axel Bridges

from Los Angeles, CA

About Me Avid Climber

Site Member

Pros

  • Highly Adjustable
  • Lightweight
  • Rugged

Cons

  • Bulky
  • Multiple Burial

Best Uses

  • BC Skiing
  • Mountaineering
  • Ski Mountaineering

Comments about Backcountry Access Tracker Avalanche Transceiver:

Any of the avy beacons on the market are good IF YOU PRACTIVE WITH THEM. They're only as good as how well you know how to use them.

That said, I like the Tracker for a variety of reasons: it's the least expensive on the market, it's one of the toughest and most reliable, it's simple and intuitive to use, and it has one of the best harness systems. It's a little bulky, but Í prefer bulky to fragile.

It's multiple burial function is a little bit weak, but those are overrated in effectiveness anyway. In a multiple burial situation, the time involved digging people out is the limiting factor, not finding them with the beacon.

And most importantly, no matter what beacon you get, get to know your terrain and conditions so you don't get caught in the first place, then practice with your beacon, practice with your probe, practice with your shovel. Know how to do it so well that it's instinctive reflex and you don't have to think about it.

Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

(10 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

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Nov

28

2008

(6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

 
5.0

function before fashion

By bluebuddha

from Bend, OR

About Me Avid Climber

Site Member

Pros

  • Rugged
  • Simple

Cons

  • Bulky

Best Uses

    Comments about Backcountry Access Tracker Avalanche Transceiver:

    This is, without a doubt, the easiest transceiver I've used. I am consistently the first to find the "victim" when doing beacon practice with friends and during classes. In addition, it's the sherman tank of beacons. Some reviews were more concerned about how it made them look ("pregnant"), but personally I'd rather it be reliable to save my life or that of a friend. I don't care if it's hot pink and is the size of a dictionary (neither of which are accurate) as long as it does what it needs to do. Buy this beacon, deal with the bulk (it's not even that bulky!), PRACTICE USING IT, and ride safe.

    • Gift:
    • No

    Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

    (6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

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    Sep

    12

    2007

    (6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    NEVER GO INTO THE BACKCOUNTRY WITHOUT IT

    By ak907

    from ALASKA

    About Me experienced

    Pros

    • Comfortable
    • Lightweight
    • Weather Resistant

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Backcountry Skiing
      • Backcountry Snowboarding

      Comments about Backcountry Access Tracker Avalanche Transceiver:

      THIS TRANSCEIVER IS VERY RELIABLE. THE DIRECTIONAL SYSTEM TAKES PRACTICE TO GET USED TO, BUT ONCE YOU FIGURE IT OUT IT IS QUICK TO FOLLOW. ALWAYS PRACTICE RESCUES!!!

      Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

      (6 of 6 customers found this review helpful)

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      Dec

      4

      2007

      (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      better than u expect

      By sanches

      from rigby, id

      About Me Avid Climber

      Pros

      • Comfortable
      • Highly Adjustable
      • Lightweight
      • Rugged

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Outdoor

        Comments about Backcountry Access Tracker Avalanche Transceiver:

        it is the easiest beacon i have ever used

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

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        Nov

        17

        2007

        (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Easy to use

        By EdinCO

        from Denver CO

        About Me Avid Climber, Avid snowboarder

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Easy to use
        • Less expensive

        Cons

        • Bulky

        Best Uses

        • Backcountry skiing
        • Backcountry snowboarding

        Comments about Backcountry Access Tracker Avalanche Transceiver:

        Great beacon for the price. Great beacon overall. could stand to be a little slimer for comfort. THis ia all you need and easy to use.

        Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

        (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

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        Sep

        18

        2007

        (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        Easy to use

        By Will in Denver

        from Denver

        About Me Avid Skier

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Intuitive

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • BACKCOUNTRY

          Comments about Backcountry Access Tracker Avalanche Transceiver:

          Easiest transceiver to use of any I have seen. Multiple burial function can be a little confusing, but as with any transceiver practice, practice and then practice some more!

          Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

          (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

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          Mar

          6

          2009

          (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Redefines easy to use

          By asrjb25

          from Alaska

          About Me Advanced

          Site Member

          Pros

          • Easy To Use
          • Tough

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Icy Conditions
            • Powder
            • Slushy Conditions
            • White Out Conditions

            Comments about Backcountry Access Tracker Avalanche Transceiver:

            I did an experiment with this beacon when I got it for Christmas. I hid my old beacon in a kitchen drawer (Ortovox F2). I went upstairs and I handed my wife this beacon. To give you an idea of her experience, she has never seen an avalanche beacon in person before, let alone ever used one. I didn't even tell her how to turn it on, let alone use it, and she was within 3 feet of my hidden beacon downstairs within 3 minutes.

            No joke, this is an amazingly easy to use beacon, simple buttons, easy to use, uncomplicated. If I was buried in an avalanche (I've been close) I would want my rescuers using this beacon to find me.

            Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend

            (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

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            Mar

            14

            2008

            (2 of 26 customers found this review helpful)

             
            3.0

            Easy to use, but TOO BULKY

            By Freeheeler

            from Boise, Idaho

            About Me Casual/ Recreational

            Pros

            • Easy to use
            • Rugged

            Cons

            • Bulky
            • Not Adjustable
            • Weird harness design

            Best Uses

            • Backcountry skiing
            • Winter snow sports

            Comments about Backcountry Access Tracker Avalanche Transceiver:

            The Tracker is really, really easy to use and a great backcountry beacon. I feel pretty petty about slamming it on this one thing, but....it's really bulky, and the harness design isn't that adjustable. Funtionally, it's bulky enough that my clothes don't fit over it, and that lets cold air seep in and makes me uncomfortable. (Did I mention that I'm 5'2"? I don't have much torso length to spare here.) Ultimately, it also makes me look pregnant, and that [*] me off. Backcountry Access, are you listening? If so, design your gear for WOMEN, please! I'd love to keep this Tracker around, but I might just take it back, keep my old analog Pieps, and hope like [*] that my spouse never needs that extra minute of time that the BA might have provided in return for hours of backcountry warmth and comfort. If you're short and female, avoid the Tracker.

            Bottom Line No, I would not recommend this to a friend

            (2 of 26 customers found this review helpful)

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