Osprey launches new range of ski packs for safety

23 August 2006 16:21 GMT / By Chris Hall

Osprey’s new range of Switch snowsports packs have been designed to accommodate safety equipment for the more adventurous skiier and boarder out there.

The Ski Club of Great Britain advises everyone who goes off-piste to have an avalanche transceiver, a shovel and a probe - and helmets have become something of an en vogue item.

Osprey’s range of Switch packs come in three different sizes and were created with the help of snow professionals who have pushed for features they feel are the key to a good pack. They include:

Wet and Dry compartments: one for food and kit the other for safety equipment. Keep dry things dry.

Insulated Hydration system: the hydration infrastructure has been developed to eliminate risk of freezing. The hydration pipe passes through the insulated shoulder harness keeping it usable. It emerges through a zipped opening and can be zipped away when not-in-use ensuring the bite valve doesn’t freeze.

Helmet pocket: with more snow users wearing helmets this is going to be a popular feature and appears on two of the three packs (Switch 26 and Switch 36) where helmets can be stored in the stretchy pack lid.

No snow pick up: keep light and fast. SnowShed fabric has been used instead of mesh resulting in no snow pick up. With mesh, snow accumulates and is only removable by melting.

Other handy features: large pockets on the hip belt; microfleece-lined goggle pocket for no-scratch storage; Straight jacket for compression and snowboard carry.

The Switch 16 (no helmet storage) retails at around £70; the Switch 26 at £90 and the Switch 36, SRP £100. For those who are wondering, the number is the capacity.

Full tags

Sports Fitness, Skiing And Snowboarding, Sports Fitness equipment, Osprey, Audio accessories, Audio