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2008 Osprey Switch 26 | Reviewed On: March 5, 2009
Gear Reviews>>Packs>>Medium>>Osprey Switch 26PRODUCT SUMMARY
By Freedom Rider
THE GOOD
-Solid construction with quality fabrics and attention to detail
-Very comfortable fit
-"Everything has a place", well thought-out design with separate wet and dry compartments.
-Easy access to back panel
-Convenient hip pockets
-Stretch-fabric helmet carry (no more swinging helmet full of snow!)
-Compression strap reduces profile for resort skiing
-Both diagonal and A-frame ski carry
-Insulated hydration sleeve really does prevent water hose freezing
THE BAD
-Difficult access to front pocket with safety gear
-Just too small for a true backcountry ski adventure (most appropriate for slackcountry)
-Problematic weight distribution (heaviest items go in outer, top compartment and lightweight apparel goes in lower back compartment)
-Back compartment is relatively small, and not accessible from top (but there is a small side zipper)
-No horizontal snowboard carry (only vertical)
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Overall, the Switch-26 is a well-constructed, comfortable, and functional pack that works great for day missions, but look towards the Switch-36's 2,400 cubic inches of volume for a more serious backcountry touring pack.
By Freedom Rider
THE GOOD
-Solid construction with quality fabrics and attention to detail
-Very comfortable fit
-"Everything has a place", well thought-out design with separate wet and dry compartments.
-Easy access to back panel
-Convenient hip pockets
-Stretch-fabric helmet carry (no more swinging helmet full of snow!)
-Compression strap reduces profile for resort skiing
-Both diagonal and A-frame ski carry
-Insulated hydration sleeve really does prevent water hose freezing
THE BAD
-Difficult access to front pocket with safety gear
-Just too small for a true backcountry ski adventure (most appropriate for slackcountry)
-Problematic weight distribution (heaviest items go in outer, top compartment and lightweight apparel goes in lower back compartment)
-Back compartment is relatively small, and not accessible from top (but there is a small side zipper)
-No horizontal snowboard carry (only vertical)
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Overall, the Switch-26 is a well-constructed, comfortable, and functional pack that works great for day missions, but look towards the Switch-36's 2,400 cubic inches of volume for a more serious backcountry touring pack.
OUR ADVICE
AVG USER ADVICE
Solid
AVG USER ADVICE
Solid
| VALUE | 3/5, more expensive than similarly sized packs but higher quality |
|---|---|
| COMFORT | 5/5, choose from three sizes so that it fits just right |
| MITTEN TEST | 5/5, smooth zippers and easy to grab zipper pulls |
| DURABILITY | 5/5, high quality fabric and reinforcements |
| ACCESS | 3/5, it would be nice to access back pocket through top entry |
| TESTING LOCATION | Tahoe |
Gear Reviews>>Packs>>Medium>>Osprey Switch 26
PRODUCT SPECS
| AVG PRICE | $128.95 |
|---|---|
| VOLUME | [S] 1500cu in (24L); [M] 1600cu in (26L); [L] 1700cu in (28L) |
| SIZE | In: 22.5x11x10.25 Cm: 57x28x26 |
| WEIGHT | [S] 2lb 14oz (1300g); [M] 3lb 1oz (1380g); [L] 3lb 4oz (1470g) |
| MATERIALS | Stretch woven nylon with Lycra, 420D Samurai diamond ripstop nylon, 300D fade-resistant polyester |
| AVAILABLE COLORS | Red, Blue, Coffee |
| SUSPENSION | Padded shoulder straps, Snowshed back panel with contoured high density polyethylene framesheet |
| WAIST-BELT | Lightly padded w/zipper pocket |
| HYDRATION | Insulated Hydro-Sleeve |
| ACCESSIBILITY | Top, back zip, side zip |
| STORAGE | 1 back, 1 split wet/dry top access, 1 stretch helmet, 1 microfleece lined goggle, 2 hip belt |
| SKI CARRY | Diagonal and A-frame |
| SNOWBOARD CARRY | Vertical |
| ICE AXE CARRY | Yes |
| BEST USE | Resort or Sidecountry skiing |
| WARRANTY | Lifetime |
SIMILAR PRODUCTS
That's Our Opinion. What's Yours?
Telemonster wrote on 03/06/09 at 10:20:08 am pst:
I recently bought a Switch 26 from Mountain Gear for $89. At this price, the value is incredible (5/5). I'd also give the access a 5/5 because I love the back entry so you never really have to open the top (unless your buddy gets burried). The size is slightly on the small side for those days when you need to bring a puffy, but overall it's a very well designed and thought-out pack specifically made for the backcountry skier.
Their Advice
Solid
Editors wrote on 03/06/09 at 2:50:37 pm pst:
@ Telemonster- Thanks for your advice!
Their Advice
