Jes Neauahus Wearing the Ortovox Switchback 32L Backpack while Ski Touring | Photo Tianse Mountain Weekly News
The Ortovox 32L Switchback Backpack just about ticks all the boxes on what I need when splitboarding in the backcountry. I took the Ortovox Switchback 32 out on a day touring on Teton Pass and found this bag to be as comfortable as it is practical, allowing me to move through the mountains with ease.
Compartments for Avalanche Gear and More
It securely holds in my shovel and probe in a separate compartment that is just the right size, and has plenty of storage for all my other backcountry essentials to be organized and easy to access. The side and top pocket hold my radio, snacks, first aid, and goggles, while the hip and chest pocket make the perfect storing location for chapstick, a small tub of zinc, compass, and a small tool. I love how this keeps all of these things from being loose or overcrowded in another compartment of the backpack where they could be damaged or get lost.
How’s the Pack Wears?
The Ortovox Switchback 32L was surprisingly light and low profile for a 32L pack. I personally love having 32L of space, but often feel a bit clunky, especially if I am just doing a quick lap. When It comes down to it though, I hate to feel like my backpack is bursting at the seams. Ans although I don’t always need 32L, the adjustable side straps make it easy to tuck this pack in when it isn’t fully loaded, but also give me the option to load up on extra layers, a thermos of hot tea, extra parts for my splitboard, or any other extra gear I might need for the day.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
This backpack honestly rocks! Absolutely love the fit and feel and how beautifully organized it is. Ortovox offers plenty of colorways, and I personally feel like 32L is the ideal size for ski touring. Huge fan!
Cons:
As a splitboarder I would love to see a board carry option! This pack features diagonal carry which is awesome, and still compatible for a splitboard in split mode, but if I am trying to get after a bootpack, I definitely prefer to have my board strapped to my backpack in a board carry format.
Overall Impression
The size and fit of this Ortovox Backpack are perfect for me. I am 5’6 and found that this backpack matched up quite well on the length of my spine. The back is a bit firm which makes me feel more supported and helps to evenly distribute the weight of the pack between the hip and chest straps. The Ortovox Switchback 32L ($220.00) has adjustable straps all around too, so you can dial it in just right to your body size.
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Very helpful review Jess!!! And yes I agree that vertical snowboard carry straps are an essential feature for those times when you want to secure your solid board on you pack while hiking. I also like when the helmet holder allows you to stow your helmet on top of the bag so it doesn’t interfere with the vertical snowboard carry on the back. The waistband on ortovox packs feels so comfy!
Glad this was helpful Sarah! Great point on the helmet carry too..for a quick bootpack I have enough space inside the main compartment for my helmet, but for a longer day with a more loaded pack, I would love to have a top carry option for my helmet. I reckon it would be pretty rad to see a snowboard specific bag from Orthovox!