How to Choose a Backpack

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Starting with a dreamlike Osprey suspension, the Osprey Atmos AG 50 pack carries gear easily in 7 external pockets, enhancing mobility and comfort while toting heavier loads through the backcountry.
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View the Osprey Atmos Product LineView all Osprey Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
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Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Material(s) | 100-denier x 630-denier nylon dobby/420HD nylon packcloth |
Frame Material | LightWire |
Number of Stays | 1 peripheral hoop |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Suspended Mesh Back Panel | Yes |
Pack Access | Top/bottom |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 7 |
Sleeping Bag Compartment | Yes |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Gender | Unisex |
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Bought this pack a few months ago to get back into backpacking. Several years as a light infantry soldier took out any fun I had for camping and backpacking. This was my first true backpack and I wanted to make sure I did my research and got the best for the value. I think I nailed it with the Atmos 50. My wife and I decided to hike a section of the AT during the hottest weekend of the year which was a bit unforeseen when long term planning. Nonetheless the suspension system gave plenty of room to breathe. The pack had more than enough room for a 3-5 day hike. A couple points of improvement would be to have loopholes on the pack cover. We have a solar charger and wish we could have strapped it to the top like other packs have. We also decided to overcome the long waist straps by making our own strap fasteners with some elastic banding material from a craft store. Worked just fine and we are now low drag. I do agree the waist pockets could be a little deeper. I know the Atmos 65 has more bells and whistles that my 50, but I wanted to keep it light and simple. I am very content with my purchase.
Just did a 5-day backpacking trip with this pack. It is shockingly comfortable and enjoyable to hike with. I agree with another reviewer that the straps are way too long -- but hey, cut them. I think it's the perfect size for 3-5 day backpacking trips. I even had to take a bear canister and it handled it fine. The entire trip I kept congratulating myself for the purchase. I was also looking at the Exos 58. Really glad I bought this instead. Not all of my gear is ultralight and at 30-40 lbs the Atmos suspension system feels effortless.
I have never owned a "real" back pack, so It's safe to say I had no clue what I was doing. Because of the suspension, REI recommend the Atmos 50. I use this for back packing trips with the Boy Scouts. I thought the 50 would be too small, and it's not. The first time I used it, I had the tent, sleeping bag, bed roll, way to much other stuff packed in. Could barely lift it. But when I had it on, the suspension does everything they say it will do. There are still a few straps and buckles I am trying to figure out but I use osprey for hydration for MTB biking, and there stuff is just awesome. If you go with the 65, its not a bad choice. One thing to not forget is the cover for heavy rain. You can either use a garbage bag, or the cover fits on one of the straps, and when you need it, it's nice to have.
Like I needed another pack? This one is a game changer though. My first Osprey was an Aether 70, used for Rainier, Adams, Baker and other mountaineering efforts. Then one of the original Exos 48's, and some other various day packs. They're all still with me, rebuilt a number of times, but still original. Love that warranty. The new AG is ridiculously comfortable. I took in my typical (19#) base weight in my Exos to an Osprey fitting at the flagship store and loaded one up after being sized by an Osprey rep there for the event. He tweaked it for me, and I'm not looking back. Most comfortable thing EVER. I will carry it this summer on multiple week long trips, and plan on using it for my upcoming AT thru in 2018. Bomber gear, great innovation, and a forever warranty? #winning
I used my dividend to upgrade my pack this year. I was particularly interested in the suspension system after having read some great reviews on it. I have to say that it lives up to its billing - this is easily the best carrying pack that I have put on. The pack seems very well built and designed. I would have given this pack 5 stars except for 3 items: 1. The waist belt pockets are so small/difficult to access that they are almost unusable. I could not even get my headlamp in and out easily. 2. The long side pockets on either side of the main pack area are really too long/shaped poorly to make packing them very functional. MY only solution was to use small stuff sacks for anything I put in them. 3. No outside hooks for beaners/outside gear. Other than a loop for a walking stick, there is not anywhere to easily attack thinks like ropes. All in all a great pack and I would highly recommend.
I purchased this pack in February of this year and it has definitely lived up to the hype. I'm a big guy, so I was skeptical about how it would fit me, but even at 6'6" the large fit me like a glove. I'm also very hot-natured, and the ventilation system works even better than I had hoped. This is not a pack that you can fit a weeks worth of gear in, however, it works great for overnights and weekend adventures. The only thing that kept me from giving it 5 stars are the hip belt pockets...they aren't very big and are tricky to get in and out of. However, you can still get a headlamp/snack in and out with ease. Just not anything more than that. I am going to exchange this for the 65L version strictly because I like to carry a lot with me, and need the extra room. I would suggest this pack to anyone, beginners or lifers. Great Pack!
THIS is the pack that my back and gear have been waiting for. Kudos Osprey, for designing a near-perfect pack. The 50L model serves nicely for those fortunate enough to be working with all UL gear, or as a large day pack for folks who like to take longer hikes in survival mode. Lets break this bad boy down... The removable top flap was a brilliant idea that quickly turns this pack from a 50L trekker to a 45L(ish) day tripper. The little flap underneath works perfectly when used in bad weather and can be tucked away when not needed. the additional rainfly pocket with the key clip was a great idea as well. We were suddenly hit with bad weather on my last hike and having the integrated rainfly (which I'm now being told wasn't included in all models...?) was very quick to deploy and fit the pack perfectly thanks to its simple bungee cord drawstring. While I'm slightly worried about the durability of the mesh that covers the back panel and inside of the shoulder straps, its held up brilliantly so far. Its very breathable and dries fast. The whole seamless design of the suspension system has far exceeded my expectations once fit properly (this took a 3 minute call to Osprey's amazing customer support team). The side pockets were clearly designed by somebody who finally gets it. They easily accommodate a wide variety of water bottles in either a vertical or forward-canted position. If you prefer to hike with larger bottles, IE., a 48oz Nalgene or I dunno... a Smartwater bottle or something you may experience a little elbow rubbing. Simple fix: Slide the bottle through the other opening so it stands vertically. The inside of the pack was also very well designed. I was able to fit two hydration bladders into the sleeve (one 100oz, one 70oz) and a two-person UL tent, my sleeping pad, sleeping bag, a change of clothes, and plenty of food and other goodies into the main compartment(s). I had to pluralize "main compartments" because if you're like me and actually use the sleeping bag divider, it makes things easier to set up camp enroute and charlie-mike with a lighter pack without having to waste a bunch of time rummaging through gear. The outer stretch pocket brings my one and only gripe. While its plenty large enough to accommodate things you'll need quick access to... rain jacket, gloves, hat, map case, or a combination of all of those, the rubbery ribbed stuff in the oval that appears to have been added for aesthetic purposes began peeling off after one trip. The pack is fine without them, but their presence left me scratching my head since they don't appear to structurally enhance anything and aren't reflective as far as I can tell. Overall there's plenty of loops and other fasteners on this pack to accommodate a variety of gear. While a few of the straps are a little longer than necessary, I actually appreciate them being designed this way because its make them easier to grab when tighten the load down; less raw fingers on cold hikes. If you don't like them, simply roll them up and put a rubber band or a piece of duct tape around them to keep them out of the way. All in all, this is now my absolute favorite piece of equipment and I'd love to have a beer or three and pick the brain of the folks behind this one. Thanks for designing this, and keep up the good work!
The atmos 50 is a great pack, plain and simple. Very comfortable, and well ventilated. My only qualm is the lack of sleeping pad straps as compared to the atmos 65.
I've not had this pack a long time, but I've put some miles on it. I first had an REI Traverse 48, and it was a great bag with a well thought out setup. I personally found the pockets and layout in the Traverse 48 better, but it wasn't completely comfortable on my back. Using REI's awesome return policy, I changed to this pack, and was truly impressed. Loaded with about 25lbs (I normally do 25 - 30lbs on a backpack trip), this thing felt like it was half the weight of the other packs. Not really sure what witchcraft Osprey used, but the "AG" designation is legitimate. Storage on the hip pockets are the biggest I've encountered so far, and the back mesh stretchy pocket is very useful. I like the quick store/deploy trekking pole holder, and the brain bag is spacious, and detachable. It's not a terribly small pack, but if I remove the Brain bag, and use the flap to secure the top, I can cut down bulk and should have no problems taking this as a airline carry on, it will fit in the top storage bin. The reason for 4 stars is that I think it should come with a raincover (another $25-$30), and I just haven't had it long enough to post a comprehensive review. But at this point, it's a 5 Star considering. Overall, I look forward to plenty of journeys with this pack, which appears very well made, has a cavernous interior, and just plain feels super-light to carry.
Supidly, I backed over my pack with a car. I've enjoyed this comfortable pack for eight years and thought it was a goner. The frame was bent up a bit and snapped at a junction. The rest of the pack is fine. Osprey is replacing the frame and sending it out today ( the same day I called). I couldn't ask for better than that. Thank you Osprey!