I'm very happy with this bag. I like the layout and space. I ended up with this over the smaller EDC packs because I wanted space for a layer or rain jacket.
I love having the adjustable torso. The padding on the back and straps is very comfortable. I've only used it in cool weather so far but I know the breathable mesh will help when it gets hot.
I got gray to be as non-descript as possible). I think the gray has a touch of green in it, which I like. I mean, I'd rather have green but felt military green would stand out in the city too much.
There are plenty of reviews that go over the features, so I won't go nuts with that, but I want to highlight the belt tunnel. I love that feature. I won't use a belt on my commute often, but I happen to have an "Adventure" belt from Atlas packs, and it fits perfectly in the Switchblade (and others, by extension). That belt is one of the best I've used; my camera backpack is the Atlas Athlete and that belt lets me carry heavy gear for miles (even with my bad back) without a problem.
My Kinesis C850 telephoto lens case fits inside nicely.
I don't recall reading any reviews that talk about the padding on the side walls, but that can help protect contents and helps it retain shape.
I can see myself day-hiking and traveling with it, easily.
The loop-lined interior is great. I added a fade pouch and used velcro to hold in the tech pockets when not needed (not allowed to bring tech into my work area).
I hope the main zipper will "break in"; that's a bit stiff turning the corners.
If Eberlestock ever wants to update this pack, I will make the following suggestions:
- add vertical daisy chains on the front; lots of EDC pack use it and it doesn't make a pack look tactical.
- I'd like a forest green option.
- My wife would go nuts for a teal option.
- I'd like the molle 10 on the outside without the morale patch (the patch makes it look more tactical than anything else, I think).
- add more gatekeeper loops top and bottom, just in case.
- update the standard hipbelt colors to match all the color options.
- a way to stiffen the back panel for hiking, maybe. Or maybe I'll just get a Freefall for the more serious hikes.