Ortovox Switchback 32
Like a good skintrack, our testers agreed the Switchback was easy to use on the ascent. “My favorite part was a roomy small top pocket that was easily accessible,” said one tester. “It has a side-pocket that I can unzip and pull stuff from with it on, which is super handy,” noted another tester who used the feature for skins, water bottles and food. Additional storage includes diagonal and A-frame carries, two ice ax slots and a rope attachment point. The 136-grams-per-square-meter, PFC-free, 100D polyamide fabric stood the test of Vermont bushwacking and airport travel. Fit was more contentious. While descending, the 3D foam back panel sat close to both testers’ backs. As for length, a small lady called the women’s version short, while a tall man praised the adjustable sizing. They agreed on the main drawback: “The shovel/probe pocket doesn’t fit bigger shovels,” warned the man.
Where to buy
Ortovox Switchback 32
Deuter Freecline 15
“Minimalist, yet functional,” said our tester of Deuter’s new Freecline pack. “I admire the streamlined design for its simplicity.” Made from durable, water resistant, lightweight 600D polyester polyamide, 50% of which is recycled, the Freecline comes in a compact, rugged package. At just 15 liters and weighing just under 700 grams, this pack is small, but, per our tester, that didn’t limit its capability. “It’s boxy, though compartmented, internal design feels spacious,” she found after fitting in extra layers, avy gear and snacks. Features include a fleece-lined goggle pocket, avy sleeve, main and front compartments, a bladder pocket, ski and board carries, and ice axe attachments. After being impressed by the minimalist helmet carry design and ease of access to her gear, our tester reflected, “This pack had me reconsidering what I thought essentials needed to look like.” It’s price tag doesn’t hurt, either.
Where to buy
Deuter Freecline 15
Head CX 30+ Backpack
“Awesome pack for anyone who wants to keep it simple,” said our tester of Head’s new CX 30+ pack. Made from 70% nylon/30% polyester, she especially appreciated the rolltop, which gives the pack capacity over 30 liters, and the small, zippered mesh pocket inside the outer goggle pocket. “Great for car keys, inReach and sunscreen,” she raved. Other features include an avy pocket with two sleeves, helmet carry, a large compartment accessible via the rolltop and a zippered back panel, a bladder pouch, hip pocket and carabiner loop. “Just the right amount of storage for a solid day on the skintrack,” she found. Our tester was also a fan of the diagonal carry straps that pop out from two pockets and the A-frame setup, though the lower slots, which don’t unbuckle, barely fit the 121-millimeter tail on her 104-waisted skis. She also found the back panel a bit malleable, but overall, quite comfortable.
Where to buy
Head CX 30+ Backpack
Osprey Firn 28
“This is a super purpose-driven pack. If you’re looking to get your local FKT or rack up massive mileage in a day, this is for you,” said a Teton-based tester. “Every feature is geared towards constant motion.” The two most notable of those features are the vest-style shoulder straps and the diagonal ski carry system. Of the first, our tester dug the organization of multiple pockets—both zippered and drop style—where she could stash her cell phone, snacks and even a headlamp mid-dawn patrol. As for the ski carry, our tester suggests spending some time practicing attaching skis in the comfort of your own home. “Tricky to get anything but flat tails into the lower loop while keeping the pack on. Limber up first,” she suggested, adding that the bungee at the top was a bit too stretchy: “Fine for short bootpacks, but not comfortable for an all-day carry.”
Where to buy
Osprey Firn 28
These reviews were originally published in Issue No. 160. To read more, pick up a copy, or subscribe to read our gear reviews earlier when they are published in print.
*Affiliate link disclaimer:
At Backcountry Magazine, we are committed to providing you with honest and informative gear coverage. To support our work and continue delivering quality content, we are including affiliate links in our reviews. Partnerships with retailers are separate from coverage, ensuring that our reviews remain unbiased. These links help us earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them, at no additional cost to you.
Related posts: