This Switchblade is legal everywhere

I've used the Eberlestock Switchblade backpack for over 4 years now, and it remains my #1 go-to pack for year 'round use for almost anything. Travel, hiking, hunting, the gym, anything.

If you're like me, and buy more outdoor gear than any human actually needs, you probably own multiple backpacks. I have packs from Eberlestock (obviously), Badlands (the Superday - 2 of them), and multiple packs from Mystery Ranch. Each of them are solid. But I find that I constantly keeping grabbing the Switchblade when I head out the door.

I like it for a few key reasons:

• The size is great for day trips. Not too big, and enough space for enough stuff
• The pack unzips completely providing access to everything inside. See pics below.
• I carry a pistol almost everywhere I go, so the conceal carry pouch with the magnetic closure is awesome. My Glock 20 (10mm) is there all the time.
• The top pouch/pocket is great for headlamps, keys, extra mags, gloves, etc.
• Hydration slot (although I wish it had hydration slots on both sides...maybe the newer models do...not sure)
• It's never been uncomfortable, even when stuffed
• It doesn't have a hip belt, which for the way I use the Switchblade is great...it doesn't get in the way for every day use. Hip belts are vital for my other packs, not this one.

Ok - so here are a few pics of some key features, starting with the conceal carry slot, which is shaped like a funnel inside, so the pistol muzzle falls nicely downward, keeping the handle upright for when you want/need to grab your gun.

The way that the pack completely unzips is great:

Room for hydration, with a handy clip to keep your water bladder in place. I wish we had the option to choose which side, right or left, for the hydration tube to come out, but ehh - not that big a deal.

The top pocket/pouch is handy for storing all kinds of things that are super easy to access when you need them, like headlamps, keys, wallet, mags (including AR mags - the elastic cords on the velcro keepers stretch perfectly to hold AR mags nicely), snacks, whatever.

The Switchblade is also adjustable to fit your torso length. I didn't have to adjust this at all - fit perfectly when I got it. But you can easily move the shoulder straps up or down to get a solid fit using the adjustable strap system on the back.

The grab handle is key - I use this all the time when carrying the pack (when not on my back), getting it out of the truck and whatnot. It's a solid little grip handle and padded, which you appreciate more when the pack is heavy.

Lots of good exterior / side pockets for carrying water bottles (btw - the Grayl is awesome...carry it everywhere when hiking), trekking poles, bear spray, flip flops, etc.

The pack also has lash points everywhere, so you can grab a carabiner and connect stuff - like mugs, or in my case, a Zoleo satellite device (there's zero cell coverage in most of the places I hunt/hike/fish in Montana, so you want to be connected in case of emergency and to keep friends/family in the loop when you're out of touch for extended periods).

If you're not the hiking or hunting type, first - I'm sorry. But the Switchblade is also great for an everyday pack and the internal tech pocket (I don't know if that's what it's actually called...) fits my 16" MacBook Pro perfectly.

Overall, the Eberlestock Switchblade pack is a solid, go-to backpack that I highly recommend. It's durable (I've abused this thing), comfy and roomy. Even if you already own a bunch of packs, grab you one of these. You won't be sorry you did.