More new tramping gear for 2018...
....more weight lightening going on here. I brought a new multi-day pack for my short trips of 1-3 nights. I needed something lighter than my current 75l Vaude Ascent pack but with more capacity than my 50l Vaude Brenta pack.
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| My Vaude Brenta 50 on the Nina Hut Track in 2017 |
I would love to buy an ultra-lite pack from one of the US based manufacturers (like Z-Packs) but those run to $600-$800 NZD and I just cant afford that. After much consideration I went with the Osprey brand who have a solid niche following in the thru hiking community.
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| Z-Packs Arc Haul: 62L, 700gms but $299 USD ($420 NZD + postage) |
Osprey Atmos 50 AG pack
Osprey have built a good reputation with hikers over the years. While their gear is not ultra-lite they have taken notice of that movement and have begun to gradually lighten all of their packs.
I went with the Osprey Atmos 50 AG, specifications for the pack are:
Weight:1.4-1.6? kg (I have seen three different weights quoted)
Capacity: 53+ litres (I think it is closer to 55-58 myself)
Harness: Size specific (S/M/L)
Material:210D Nylon, poly coating inside
Cost: $297 NZ dollars in the Bivouac summer sale
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| Osprey Atmos 50 AG: left hand front view |
I heard good things about the harness system on Osprey packs and they were right. The harness is light, breathable but sturdy. The hip belt is excellent, it is firm around the waist and holds the pack very steady. The mesh back section dissipates heat more effectively than the more solid/rigid type.
The backpack looks unusual but the bottom section is actually the generously sized pockets (one on each side). It is shaped almost like a climbers pack (curved), this is a feature of most Osprey packs.
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| Osprey Atmos 50 AG: view from the side |
Osprey packs tend to use size specific harnesses, this bag has a degree of adjustment range but is tailored for people with a long to over long frame like myself. There are also small and medium sized packs in the range.
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| Osprey Atmos 50 AG: detail of the harness system |
The pack has an orange pack cover, I will probably discard this as I use a pack liner and the pack has a polyurethane coating on the inside. Your average pack cover can weigh up to 300 gms so this is not an insignificant amount of weight to lose.
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| Osprey Atmos 50 AG: the integrated pack cover |
The Atmos is only available in two colours the absinthe green and a dark grey colour (graphite). I went with the green as I think it will stand out a bit better than the grey in your typical beech forest.
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| Osprey Atmos 50 AG: the alternate color- graphite |
If required you can remove the top lid compartment and close the bag using a handy integrated fold away flap. This allows you to use the lid as a day pack or to lighten the main bag even further. There is a pouch and a strap for hanging a hydration bladder, the port for the hydration tube is centrally located.
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| Osprey Atmos 50 AG: view inside the pack |
The Atmos 50 AG in use:
I took the pack up to Carrington Hut at the head of the Waimakiriri river over the weekend and it performed very well. The weight, fit and comfort of the pack are awesome, and I managed to get all my gear into the bag with room to spare.
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| The Atmos 50 inside Anti Crow Hut, February 2018 |
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| The new Osprey on the Carrington Hut veranda, February 2018 |
If I use it for a multi-day tramp my tent will need to ride on the outside but I see no reason why this bag couldn't easily carry 3-7 days worth of gear.
My Vaude Breta 50 is now being used by my daughter Georgia as we have started going on some tramping trips together. While not perfect for her, it will suffice until I can afford to buy her a pack specially tailored to her size and frame.
I used the Atmos on the Milford Track in 2018, it is just the right size for a 3-4 day Great Walk because you dont need to carry a tent or sleeping pad internally.
I will add some more photos as I use the Atmos over the next couple of years.
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| Me wearing the Atmos while crossing Turkey Flat, Waimakiriri River Valley |
My Vaude Breta 50 is now being used by my daughter Georgia as we have started going on some tramping trips together. While not perfect for her, it will suffice until I can afford to buy her a pack specially tailored to her size and frame.
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| Georgia checking out a side stream while wearing my Vaude Brenta pack |
I used the Atmos on the Milford Track in 2018, it is just the right size for a 3-4 day Great Walk because you dont need to carry a tent or sleeping pad internally.
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| The Atmos 50 on the Milford Track, December 2018 |
I will add some more photos as I use the Atmos over the next couple of years.
