Osprey Switch 25 + 5 (2006)

I previously owned the bigger 40+5 model in '06 and I hated that pack and literally relegated it to Laundry Bag duties before selling it on eBay. Now this X-Mas I get this smaller 25 + 5 model from my brother (who must be laughing at me somewhere). Gift or not, this pack was en route to eBay the day after X-Mas but I decided to hold onto to it and spend sometime analyzing what was wrong with these good looking Switch packs.

Besides the odd rear-entry into the main compartment, the copious amounts of useless heavy strapping, and the unique taco shell load system that is tricky to load-compress, I realized the reason I hated these packs so much is that they are downright uncomfortable and NOT fun to use when carrying heavier loads. Last friday I went to my local outfitter and bought some webbing and clips and stitched an internal load compressor strap like you see on the older Dana Design packs) on the inside wall of the main rear compartment. This was done to compress and secure the main load against my back (where as before the load in the main compartment would just flop about regardless of the outer compression straps).
Now the load is stabilized and much more easy to carry during scrambles. I also removed all the extra heavy strapping for the skiis on the sides and this pack is closer to perfection.

The Hipbelt is not removable on the 25+5 model. But you can replace the shoulder straps/hydration pack combo set up with basic webbing by modifying the ends of the webbing with connector clips and clip it into the pack. Doing this is fairly cheap and easy and shaves about 2lbs off this 4 lb monster daypack if you want to go really light and quick. In the end I liked this pack better than the bigger model, because it was easy to cut the extra junk off and modify it into a true alpine ascent or snowsports pack (without taking away from the descent-based design for all you snowboarders).

Next modification: will be cutting out the separation membrane between the smaller front pocket and main rear compartment so you can access the main compartment directly from the front, without having to take off the pack and remove the shoulder straps (which sucks every time you gotta do that). Also planning on putting lighter 0.75 inch webbing or prussiks (which is much better than the thick bulky factory straps) on the sides to carry rope, skis, ski poles, etc...

PROS: Cut all the useless junk strapping off and you got a decent pack. Much better than the bigger models from that year and the newer models from later years.

CONS: Out the box this is a miserable pack to use and heave up any hill. Even snowboarding or skiing downhill sucks since the rear load just flops around inside and detracts from your natural gait and balance. VERY heavy for a daypack and also for what is does-Backcountry Snow Travel. Mandatory rear entry into main compartments still sucks, but you can modify that with scissors and get in there thru the front pocket


BOTTOM LINE:
1 star before modification/4 stars after modification