Osprey Atmos 50 Review

"Picked up this pack after about 260 miles on the AT, when my REI pack started to rip. I absolutely love this pack. It carries so close to your body that, when packed right, you can barely feel it even with 35-40 lbs packed. The shoulder straps and hip belt are extremely comfortable even when wearing against your skin in hot "shirtless" weather. The medium has only 3000ci of space, so if you pack bulky, you may want to look at other packs, but I found that I actually had tons of extra room with the way I pack. I've put about 500 miles on this pack so far, and it is holding up pretty well. The side pocket's elastic started to rip away from the pocket material, but that was nothing that couldn't be fixed with a little stitching on the trail, and it has been fine since. Just remember to fill the side pockets before you pack the main pack compartment, and you'll have no problems, or just be careful when putting things in the pockets. Overall, a great pack, and well worth the moderate price."

"This is a superb pack for a lightweight pack. The back system works well and pack is more stable that I would have thought. The back system does mean that you have to take a little care over packing, but this is worth it.

I was probably most surprised by the effectiveness of the cut-down hip belt and shoulder straps.

The pack compresses down very well. The 50 is so light that I wonder why anyone would buy the 35 litre. I have been using the 50 for day walks, for short hut treks and for trips to the Supermarket.

This is a light pack and so is made of materials that are not the strongest. But the basic pack material seems to be pretty bombproof, it is the straps and zips that I suspect will be more vulnerable to wear.

This pack will take quite a lot of weight but there is no doubt that performance tails off with too much weight. You do become aware that the pack is beginning to want to move away from the body and the shoulder straps become a little uncomfortable.

For anything short of longish, tent-based treks, this pack is ideal."

"After a 30 mile hike in northwestern Yellowstone, I found that the Atmos 50 is best suited for 35lbs or less. On the hike in I carried 39 lbs (cold weather). Because of the bow of the back panel, it was difficult to keep heavy items packed against my back and the pack tended to pull back. And at that weight the waist belt padding wasn't sufficient. On the hike out I carried 34 lbs and the pack performed great. Well thought out with pockets and waistbelt pouches. I would buy this pack again, but for 35 lb or less loads."