Backcountry Gear: Osprey Switch 55+5 Review

www.OspreyPacks.com
The Switch 55+5 is the second pack I've owned from Osprey. Osprey is a Colorado based company with excellent product and support. I also own a Switch 25+5, which I use everytime I go out into the backcountry. It is last years model and is showing some wear and tear. Osprey encourages owners to warranty thier gear if they have problems due to wear or defect - this helps them improve next years design. I've heard the warranty and exchange program is top notch. I'll report back as I might try and send in my 25.The Switch series is designed for snow fun, and it is designed right! Store all your over night gear, stoves, gas, laterns, sleeping bag, thermal pad, and still have room for plenty of food and snow safety gear. I find the real beauty of this pack is the easy access to my snow science gear and Avalanche rescue gear. I store my BCA shovel, probe, and Link Link snow saw in the outer pocket. The pack is actually 2 packs in one, with a main base camp pack of 43 liters and a detachable outter pocket (700 cubic inch) which can be used for day trips from camp or short hikes.

The hydration system is interchangable between the larger pack and the day pack. Also, another great benefit is my bladder from the Switch 25+5 fits perfectly in the Switch 55+5. Options for A-Frame ski carry, diagnol ski carry, vertical snowboard carry and horizontal snowboard carry come standard. The design of the main pocket storage area allows you to place the pack in deep snow and open from the back allowing easy access to the contents inside and keeping snow out. The pack has a really nice suspension system placing most of the weight on your hip. Allowing for extended slogging and hiking with less fatigue.

This is my new hut-to-hut and multi-night backcountry snowboard pack. I'm very happy.

"True innovation sometimes looks, well, weird. But don't be daunted by this pack's nonconformist features. Once you get accustomed to the unique backside zippered access (difficult to overstuff) and the myriad straps, you'll enjoy the payoff--three packs in one, plus an integrated hydration system that's in a class by itself." -backpacker.com - 2004 Editors Choice Winner