Osprey Switch 36 Ski Pack

By brad chapman Ranked #1279 - Winter Packs March 5, 2009

After listening to my ski buddies rave about their Switch 40+5 ski packs the past couple of years I decided to retire my trusty Arc'teryx Bora 50 and try an Osprey Switch.
This review is based on a recent 4-day trip out of a backcountry lodge near Revelstoke BC.
First impression upon picking up the new Switch 36 was: way too small! How could I possibly fit all by backcountry gear including an XL sized helmet in this thing? After hearing the store's return policy would allow its return should the gear in my Bora 50 not fit the Switch 36 I took it home for the pre-trip test.
I was pleasantly surprised all my junk did fit and the list is as follows: XL helmet & goggles (tight fit in the stretchy top helmet pocket), shovel (tele-handle), probe, snow saw, full 3 L hydration bladder, 1/2 L thermos, hooded down parka, extra gloves & hat, 130 mm skins, plastic food container, bag of snacks, basic 1st aid bag, GPS, digital camera, bag w. spare parts, headlamp, multi-tool, flagging tape, lighter, etc & heavy weight undershirt. There was still room for more junk as well - probably could have stuffed in my emergency bivi-bag but left it at the lodge.
Conclusion: great design, very ergo and easy to wear on climbs & especially while turning or in the air. So is this a true ski mountaineering pack?
The Switch 36 will make a great 'light duty' ski mountaineering pack for me since I can get my skis on it, carry my axe & strap on a snow picket or 2 on the back with enough rope for glacier travel. I even could find a spot for my ski crampons within the pack and in a pinch strap my boot crampons on the back. The pack would look a bit busy but the harness system is ergo & robust enough to handle the extra mass.
Pros: Comfortable even after 9 hours use (sometimes forgot to take the pack off before my skis), great hip belt pockets for camera (easy access & secure) & GPS plus snacks.
Cons: Had to put my shovel handle & probe in the 'main' part of the pack to allow effiencient helmet/goggle stowage. Could use 1 small-med sized, zippered, exterior pocket - for 'stuff' one always seems to remember last minute!

View Details: Osprey Packs Switch 36 Winter Pack - 2000-2400cu in

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