Osprey Packs Switch 25+5 - 1500cu in - 2006 BCS

This is the perfect size pack for an all day tour and is versatile enough with the removable hydration pack to do a couple quick laps. The pack fits your shovel, probe, and skins in a very nice outside pack. This pack also has a nice design for access to your extra clothing. The only draw back to this pack is that the waste buckle is a little to small to work with thick gloves or mittens. It's still a 5 star in my mind.

I've had this pack a couple seasons now and I love it. It takes a little getting used to, dealing with the removable hydration pack can be tricky and the zipper access to the main compartment can be awkward, but after a couple tours you figure it out. It's just the right size for day trips and everything has its place: skins, shovels, probe, food, sunscreen, keys. When you have to boot pack, it carries skis exceptionally well. It's very comfortable and durable, mine still looks new. My only complaint is that it smells weird, kind of a new car/chemically/skunky smell that I thought would have faded away by now, but it hasn't.

I don't really care for this pack mainly because it is quite complicated. When I say complicated I mean it's just to many little things to deal with while wearing gloves. Even to just to get inside the main gear compartment of your pack you have to unclip and unzip too many little things. The zipper to get into the main compartment of the pack seems to snag often. Part of the reason this seems to happen is the strange bungee (which does not seem to be adjustable) that is around the outside of the zipper. I'm also not so crazy about the hydration system. It could be nice to have a hydration system that you can remove and just wear, but so far I have not found any reason to do this. I realize that's where the term Switch comes from, but it seems pointless. Also the velcro-y system that holds the hydration pack to the main pack is a pain when trying to fill up the hydration bladder. Not only that, but when the bladder is full, the amount of gear you can carry is greatly reduced. I just don't feel this pack is all the hype it was talked up to be.

I've used this pack several times on day hikes (and even one overnighter) and I really enjoy it. Despite its small size I can fit a ton of stuff in it. It is really comfortable as far as weight distribution but also really hot on the back.

I've spent too many years digging in my pack for things I need. With the Switch everything is right were I need it. No need to take off gloves. No mess/no fuss. Just align the zippers to one side and there's no need to unclip from the shoulder straps to open the main compartment. Spent last weekend boot packing up steep slopes in 50 mile per hour winds. The diagonal ski carry was quick and easy use minimizing time spent trying to get skis on in scary places. Love this pack.

This pack fits tall people like a glove (I'm 6'4"). The burrito-type compression system is great for quickly shedding a shell and tucking it on the pack when skinning up and removing it for going down. I have never used the hydration system by itself and it is too small to hold a 100oz bladder but a 100 fits in the pack well.

I want to love this pack, but I just can't. Sure, for lugging your skis up the slope it's the best—the fit is exceptional, skis are solidly held, and it’s super comfortable. Unfortunately, you can't fit a damn thing in it. If you like carrying your boots in your bag you can't even fit one in (and the 2500 is no different). The only thing I can really get in it is a pair of hiking boots, fleece and an extra pair of gloves and it's stuffed. While it doesn't hold very much, it still feels cumbersome enough that I'd rather not ski with it at the resort—and usually I don't. Maybe I'm just looking for perfection in a pack, but than again, at this much for a one-dimensional ski pack shouldn't you get perfection? All that being said, if you're a super-light packer, you cannot beat the construction and fit of this pack, it's far and away the best I've seen. The quality of Osprey packs is truly unmatched.

Osprey asked me what I wanted in a backcountry ski pack. I told them what I wanted and they made this pack. If you tour and you yo-yo and are about organization this is the best ski pack out there period. It handles all your gear and seperates like no pack out there. Trust me I'm the Head Buyer here.