Ortovox Switchback 30 S Ski Backpack Review
The well-rounded Ortovox Switchback 30 S ($240) should check a lot of boxes for a lot of backcountry skiing enthusiasts. This pack is comfortable, thoughtfully organized, and surprisingly supportive despite not having a frame. A clever ski carry system adds a twist in a gear category that usually doesn’t see a ton of innovation, and the Switchback excels on outings that run the gamut from meadow hopping to rope heavy. It has a couple of less-than-stellar design elements, and it's a bit expensive for its size, but this is one of our favorite overall packs in the category.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Versatility
Durability
Weight
Sustainability
Weight
2 lb. 5 oz.
Capacities
30L (25L, 27L, 32L)
Avalanche tool pocket
Yes
Fabric(s)
420D Cordura, 100D nylon
Pros
Cons
Ortovox Switchback 30 S
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Backpacks.
The Ortovox Switchback 30 S lacks an internal frame, unlike some competitors, such as the Osprey Soelden 32 and the Raide LF 30L. However, its molded foam backpanel is an attractive blend of stiff, supportive, and cushioned, and it kept the pack from sagging or shifting, even when I loaded it up with about 30 pounds. (That’s a big step up from the comparably floppy Mammut Nirvana 28.) There’s just enough padding to cushion the load without adding bulk, and the backpanel is also surprisingly breathable: I stayed cool during bootpacks and warm spring skins.
On descents, the Ortovox Switchback 30 S feels snug and streamlined—it didn’t bounce or shift, and it centered my load so that the pack didn’t interfere with movement. The pack remained stable during fast downhills and in variable snow, something that I can’t say about the Nirvana or the similarly slouchy Black Diamond Cirque 35. The Switchback also boasts a low-profile design that stays tight to your back and doesn’t feel top-heavy, even when you’re making hop turns in steep terrain. That’s an essential quality in a pack that’s designed to help you get up and down ski mountaineering routes as well as low-angle tours, and I think that the Switchback is one of the few ski backpacks that blends comfort and performance this seamlessly.
The Switchback’s pocket layout is one of its standout features. The main compartment is accessible only through the backpanel, which may sound limiting at first, but in practice, it works beautifully. Even with skis mounted A-frame style, I was able to unzip the backpanel and access all my gear quickly without removing the skis or rummaging through my gear. Inside, there’s a dedicated sleeve for a hydration bladder and plenty of room for layers, a repair kit, and food. A soft-lined goggle pocket at the top is generously sized and perfect for quick-access essentials. One zippered hipbelt pocket holds sunscreen or snacks, and there’s a nifty, tall pocket on the right-hand side that’s a great place to stash a water bottle or crampons. Additionally, the Switchback features a stretchy pocket on the left shoulder strap—a design more commonly found in daypacks—in which you can store a soft flask, bars, or your phone.
The thing that prevents the Ortovox Switchback 30 S from having a higher score in this category is its avalanche tool pocket. It has the attributes I'm accustomed to in a ski backpack, including internal sleeves for both a probe and a shovel handle, space for a shovel blade, and a color-coded zipper for quick recognition. However, when I tried to fit my BCA Dozer Shovel and 2-meter probe inside, I found the compartment to be a very tight squeeze. I had to flip the blade upside down to make it fit, which complicated assembly. Larger avy tools may not fit at all, so it’s something you’ll want to test in advance. (That said, if your avy gear is on the smaller side, the layout works fine, and the separate emergency gear storage is a clear upgrade from stuff-it-all-in-one models such as the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol 15.)
Ski carry is another area in which the Ortovox Switchback 30 S stands out. The pack includes standard diagonal and A-frame carry options, both of which are easy to operate with gloves on (the same applies to the vertical snowboard carry). The A-frame straps are adjustable to accommodate different ski widths and help maintain balance when the pack is fully loaded. The upper diagonal carry strap tucks flush against the shoulder strap when not in use and can be deployed or tightened with one hand, which is a thoughtful and well-executed design touch. Notably, Ortovox also included a unique vertical ski carry option that allows you to quickly stow your skis on the left side of the pack without removing them—a smart solution for short bootpacks or steep transitions. Throw in helmet carry, dual ice axe carry, and a rope strap on top, and this pack is ready for just about any single-day mission.
This ski pack was clearly built for ski touring in its many forms. On single-day skins with moderate elevation gain, it allowed me to carry everything I needed—food, water, layers, safety gear—without ever feeling overloaded. The pack’s sleek shape, relatively low weight, and comfortable backpanel make it a pleasure to wear for everything from mellow powder laps to more technical bootpacks. I even found myself grabbing it for resort days that involved exiting the gates for backcountry runs, where its quick-access avalanche tool pockets are a necessity, and its streamlined profile came in handy for taking on chairlifts.
That said, the Switchback’s fixed 30-liter (or 32L) capacity puts a ceiling on how much gear you can bring, especially if your day involves ropework, glacier travel, or overnight objectives. Compared to roll-top models like the Raide LF 30 or the Black Diamond Cirque 35, the Switchback offers less flexibility in terms of volume. You’ll also want to consider the avy pocket limitation if you’re running larger tools. But if your ski days generally fall in that 4-to-8-hour range, and you’re not hauling gear for two, this pack threads the needle beautifully between simplicity and technical function. It’s versatile, yet targeted.
The Ortovox Switchback 30 S is primarily made with 420-denier Cordura nylon and has sections of 100-denier polyester on the sides. This construction offers a decent balance of durability and weight savings without feeling too flimsy. After multiple tours that included skiing through tight trees and carrying skis in all configurations, the fabric has held up well. All of the pack’s zippers and buckles feel sturdy, and I haven’t noticed any fraying or snags despite the thinness of the polyester panels. The plastic hardware has worked fine so far, though I’d still be cautious when using the pack in very cold conditions or when pulling hard on frozen straps.
Still, I’d stop short of calling this a rugged pack. If you're bushwhacking regularly or skiing in abrasive alpine terrain, the polyester sections may wear more quickly than heavier-duty alternatives like those used on the Raide or Soelden. (In fact, 100-denier is the thinnest ski pack material Better Trail has seen so far.) I’ve also noticed some light cosmetic staining on the lighter-colored fabric, which won’t affect performance but may be aesthetically displeasing. Overall, the Switchback has nailed durability expectations given its weight, and I wouldn’t hesitate to use it as my daily driver for seasons to come—especially if you’re careful with how and where you use it.
The Switchback compromises a bit on durability, but the tradeoff is a relatively lightweight build. At 2 pounds 5 ounces for its capacity, it’s slightly lighter than average—Osprey’s Soelden 32 weighs 2 pounds 8 ounces, and Black Diamond’s Cirque 35 clocks in at 2 pounds 6.1 ounces. You can shave even more weight with a pared-down model like Hyperlite’s Aspect 32 (1 lb. 11.3 oz.), but that’s best suited for fast-and-light or highly technical objectives. For most users, the Switchback strikes a solid balance between weight and capability.
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Longevity
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PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
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Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
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Annual Impact Report
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Ortovox usually provides two sizes for its ski packs, one of which is a smaller version that’s typically 2 liters or so smaller. Because I have an 18-inch torso, I tested the “30 S” version of the Switchback, and it fit like a glove. The torso length felt dialed in right from the start, and the waistbelt tightened easily and stayed in place. Load lifters are integrated into the shoulder straps, which helped me fine-tune the fit for both uphill and downhill performance. There were no pressure points and no shifting; just a close, centered feel that stayed balanced when I was on the move.
Osprey Soelden 32 ($190): Less Cash, Comparable Performance
If you’re looking for a versatile, high-performing ski pack similar to the Switchback, the Soelden 32 (women’s Sopris) is a worthy runner-up. It doesn’t have quite the same focus on technical organization the Switchback has—there’s no rope carry, only one axe holder, and no convenient side pocket—but you probably won’t miss any of that on an average day in the skin track. The Soelden carries weight wonderfully thanks to a wire perimeter frame and a hard plastic framesheet (both of which the Switchback lacks), although overloading it can cause some lower back discomfort. New for this year, this pack also features a beefed-up 420-denier fabric throughout, so it gets the durability edge over the Switchback. To learn more, check out our Soelden 32 review.
Raide LF 30L ($399): More Durable, More Technical, Mo’ Money
If you want a pack that’s even more dialed for routes that might require roping up, the LF 30L is the clear progression from the Switchback. Let’s get this out of the way first, though: This pack is extremely expensive, and you probably shouldn’t purchase it unless you spend a lot of time in crampons and “névé” is part of your vocabulary. If that applies to you, what you get is a pack that will withstand almost anything you throw at it thanks to UHMWPE construction, as well as an innovative (and safety-promoting) system for storing your probe and shovel. The LF’s storage is even better for ropes, axes, crampons, and the like, and its removable aluminum frame is a step up from the Switchback’s hard foam backpanel. This is a great ski pack—but if you don’t want to pay almost double the Switchback’s price, the latter model won’t disappoint. For more, read our review of the LF 30L.
The Switchback is one of the most well-rounded ski packs we’ve tested. It’s sized just right for run-of-the-mill single-day tours, but it has a feature set that can handle more vertical endeavors. There are a couple of design quirks, though, and some competitors cost less.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Versatility
Durability
Weight
Sustainability
The Soelden (women’s Sopris) has held a treasured place in the minds—and gear closets—of backcountry enthusiasts for years. It’s a great fit (both figuratively and literally) for the majority of skiers and riders, and it just received a welcome update. Some small design drawbacks persist, though.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Versatility
Durability
Weight
Sustainability
Raide is relatively new to the scene, but it hasn’t wasted any time jumping to the front of the pack. The LF 30L leverages ultra-premium UHMPWE fabric, innovative storage solutions, and oodles of features into a fantastic package. If only the price weren’t as scary as a persistent weak layer.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Versatility
Durability
Weight
Sustainability
Is the Switchback 30 S for You?
If you’re a backcountry skier looking for a ski pack that balances comfort, downhill performance, and slick features without pushing into mountaineering-overkill territory (or suffering from a sky-high price), the Ortovox Switchback 30 S is one of the best options out there. It’s supportive without being bulky, intuitive without feeling cluttered, and light without feeling too fragile. The small avalanche tool pocket is a notable caveat—you’ll want to test fit your shovel and probe—but otherwise, the Switchback excels in its “one pack for all” mission. Whether you’re lapping powder or linking up couloirs, it feels like an extension of your body in the best way.
powder to the people
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