Osprey Switch 26 or 36?

[Dug]

Wanted to get a wookey sundog but liquidmoonsports.com doesn't have any more ski carry straps.

Anyway, trying to decide between the switch 26 or 36. Looking for a pack for mostly slackcountry but also fine for the occasional day tour.

I would go with the 36 but I don't want a big foppish wind bag for days when I'm not packing much and doing laps. It seems most people on this board have the 26 but for those who have the larger size, how well does it compress down and how well does it carry skis when compressed? None of the local shops around here are carrying the packs so if anyone has been able to compare the two in person, please post!

[XtrPickels]

the 36 compresses well because there are two extra clips on the side of the bag for the compression straps. As they are originally, with the straps between the two "wing" things, it doesn't compress well, but by clipping them all the way to the side of the bag you can shrink it flat.

Diagonal carry still works fine when the bag is compressed.

I like my quite a bit. I have not stuffed a 26 with anything, so I'm not sure how much it carries. It might be okay for a BC day if you are a light packer, but the 36 will work for sure.

[oftpiste]

I can get everything I need for a BC day in my 26.

[Meadow Skipper]

I have both, and I like the design of the 26 better because I like having a lid on the top that I can stuff things under. I use the 26 more for normal bc days, and it sounds to me like the one you should consider. I only use the 36 for big days where I'm carrying a lot of shit.

They both compress great and carry really well and all that, it's just that the design of the 26 gives you more options other than the thing about less volume.

[~mikey b]

wife's got a 26

I'll probably try a 36

I wish I could get at 46 - I carry a lot of shit at work

[curtisvill]

I just bought the 26. I felt the 36 was a bit large for my needs.

[petecz]

My SO used the 36 on a weeklong hut trip last winter. Of course, she didn't carry much food or sleeping bag (provided at hut), but the 36 had enough room for clothes and avy gear and such for a cold week in the Tetons.

I agree about the compression straps all the way across the pack. They really do collapse it well with not much filling it. I have several of the old Swicth series myself. petecz

[Spark]

I have the 36 and I love it. For a 36 L pack I think its pretty light and a 26 would be too small for a BC day when you want to put extra layers in, your gear, lunch and a thermos, sunglasses, first aid kit, skins, probe, shovel, etc. Here's a more thorough review about the 36 from mtnbikerskierchick:

The Osprey Switch 36 makes a great day long touring pack. That's what I bought it for and that's what I love it for! I have a medium sized pack... I am short, only 5'2", but I have a longer torso and short legs. I particularly like the top pocket which is made of expandable fabric so that you can stuff your helmet in there. That pocket also has a pocket inside intended to store your goggles. The pack opens at the top and divides into 2 compartments. People can get bugged by these a bit until you learn how you store your stuff in them. I've shown people how to do it and they are much happier once they learn. The outter compartment is meant for all your snow stuff, like shovel and probe and snow tools. If you put the blade of your shovel facing down with the top of it toward the inside of the pack, then you can open that up and you have a perfect space for your crampons or your skins. I like that the pack is meant to carry your skis diagonally OR A-frame. But, if you carry them diagonally, note that Osprey has it set up that you're supposed to use the two back straps as well to stabilize your skis... so you put your skis through the bottom loop and the diagonal strap up top, but then put the straps on the back of the pack around your skis too. Trust me, you need to do this. When carrying A-frame if you have a big helmet, that can pose a problem sometimes if you have your helmet in the top pouch. There are two things I don't like about the pack. I would like the pack to open 3/4 around, instead of just on top (there is a side zipper on one side but it's practially useless) like they do in the Switch 26. I also don't like the fact that you have to change the upper strap to convert the pack between A-frame and diagonal ski carry. This can be a pain if it's cold or windy out b/c you can't do it with gloves on. Easy fix though, just order an extra strap from Osprey (hypolon reinforced so they're good) or make one yourself!

[mtnbikerskierchick]

Thanks Spark!

The 36 does compress pretty well. It also carries weight better than the 26. I still find my 36 getting pretty full when I don't suspect it to do so! IMHO a 26 would be great for lap days, but you'll have much greater flexibility with the 36. It just gives you more options.

There are features of the 26 that are better... how it opens is a lot more user friendly. You can get into everything inside the pack really easily.

Either way, I think you'll be happy with what you get!