Osprey Packs Switch 26 Pack - 1500-1700cu in

After having used the Osprey Switch 26 for just a few days, I have to say that I could not be more pleased with this backpack! For me, being more than 6ft tall, I have never carried a backpack this size more fitted to a tall person. And there are plenty of great details as well. This is a "must have" for a skiing person who needs a backpack for 1-day trips. GREAT!

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Great pack. Lots of storage compartments and the water pouch is GREAT. Plus the tube comes up and through the strap, so there's nothing flailing all around while you're on the slopes. My biggest complaint is that the main pouch is a bit smaller than I had hoped, but it's a 26, and perfect for a big ski resort or a day of backcountry skiing where you just want to carry a couple more layers, some snacks, and a first aid kit.

One of the best-made packs out there!! Osprey clearly cares about quality... and function to boot! Fabric and stiching quiality is well above any other pack I've owned. Well thought out and functional pack. Love the way every zipper pull is easily worked with a gloved hand.

I think Osprey packs are one of the finest out there and the switch 26 is no exception. This is a well thought out winter day/skiing pack. I’ve used this pack about 6 times. It’s the perfect size for a day trip in the back country or some resort skiing. I’ve carried my skis diagonally once without any issues. Haven’t carried them A-frame style yet, except to test the setup, but they feel even more secure that way so I’m not expecting any issues there either. It has a top loading front pocket for your shovel and probe. I think the rear panel access for your lunch or an extra layer of clothing is a great feature. It opens completely for easy access to anything stored there and it works well to keep the snow out of that compartment. Also, if your resort skiing and don’t have a lot of gear in the pack, the straight jacket style cinch straps work great to compress the pack and hold contents in place. This pack is hydration bladder compatible and is insulated. I haven’t had the tube on my bladder freeze yet. I also really like the two zippered pockets on the waist belt. They work perfectly for my camera and a snack. The top pocket works well too. My helmet actually fits as advertised along with my goggles. I’m 5’9” and the medium size fits me perfectly. I highly recommend this pack.

If you want a pack that's comfortable, compact, top-loading, and can carry virtually all the winter gear you'd need in a day, this is the pack for you. For anyone wondering, this pack will fit a pair of 10x36" snowshoes on the back with relative ease. My only gripe is that there's no water bottle pockets, though I see the reasoning since it's a winter pack. Carabiner those nalgenes in the OR water bottle parka on the outside and you're good to go. I would even argue for this pack's use in the summer. It's versatile enough to get the job done.

I'm normally in love with Osprey packs, they are superlight and functional (the pockets for probe and beacon for example are awesome). the snowboard carry on this needs help though. it's vertical carry only, which by itself isn't an issue. but when you don't pack the snot out of it and stuff a helmet in the helmet pouch, it points the baord into your calfs. you can fix this by strapping the board high on the pack, but then it's top heavy. they need horizontal carry, or the helmet pouch needs to be on the bottom.

Had alot of packs of all varieties over the years for backpacking, hiking, skiing.....and this one by far is not only the most easy to use, but the most comfortable ever. Never knew a pack could be so comfortable--and haul alot of stuff. Easy in---easy out----you'll want to use it for alot more than skiing!

Compared to an older Dakine Heli pack, which is the most recent pack I've been using-this rules. Very user friendly with all the stashes you need. I now consider hydration compatibility a necessity in a pack. I also love the pockets on the waist belt and the soft goggle pocket. The size is also just right as it doesn't allow me to pack too much crap, just the essentials.

Of all the items I've purchased this year, this is my favorite. This pack has so many features that I can't believe any other packs don't have them. First off, the helmet pocket on top is sick. No more clipping your helmet onto your pack, and having it dangle around hitting stuff, and getting caught on things. Inside the stretchable helmet pocket is a goggle pocket, so your goggles are safe inside your helmet. It's hydration compatible which is awesome. The pockets on the hip belt are so handy, from anything from a camera, to small snack, to your cell phone. You can carry your skis either diagonally or A-Frame style..... however you prefer. The main compartment is split into two (a wet side and dry side). You can keep your shovel in one side, and not worry about your other things (cloths, blanket, etc) getting wet. It's AWESOME. Whether you rock day trips in the BC, or just around the resort, This is a great pack. GET ONE!

The pack has several great features, however I found it not ready for prime time. My biggest complaint was the external gear straps and snaps are difficult to use for ski mountaineering or technical backcountry skiing. I had to rig extra straps for attaching probe, ice axe, crampons and skis, which made it even more difficult to access this equipment.