The Odd Man Out
Dispatch 6
Revelstoke to Vernon, BC
A simple twist of fate is all it takes to set off a chain of events sometimes. Over the past few days, I experienced one of those instances. After leaving the Sol Mountain Lodge, I got a ride from Aaron up to Revelstoke, BC, where my car was parked. Read Full Dispatch
Bird of Prey Osprey's Switch 36 Takes Hybrid Approach
ospreypacks.com
$149
3lbs. 3 oz (size medium)
S/M/L
Like its namesake, Osprey's Switch 36 snatches up the full quiver of backcountry tools with bird-of-prey-like tenacity.
The 36-liter top-loader features A-frame and diagonal ski carrying capacity and reinforced straps for attaching a snowboard vertically. It's most functional fully loaded and ergonomically bomber. But fit is what Osprey is known for.
For the meticulous packer, the Switch has a top-mounted, stretch-fit helmet pocket and a removable goggle bag. Inside there's a wet-dry gear divider—the dry side is also accessible via a side-zip panel. The wet side doubles as the probe and shovel storage. It's water reservoir ready as well and has two adequately sized waist-belt pockets to hold your stash, shades, sweat rag etc.
Boarders will have to rig something to pack their poles during the descent and ice axe storage could be a challenge. But, overall, the hybrid Switch flies alone in a large field of day touring packs.
–Mike Horn
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