Update: Tramping Equipment: Osprey Atmos 50 AG pack, 2018-

More new tramping gear for 2018...

This post was first published back in 2018 but I have recently updated it with some photos of my Atmos 50 pack in use from 2018 till the present...

Here I am heading back from Lake Daniell in July 2021...

This post was originally about more weight lightening going on with the gear I take on my outdoor adventures. Back in early 2018 I brought a new multi-day pack for my short trips of 1-4 nights. I needed something lighter than my 75l Vaude Ascent pack and Osprey 75l Volt but with more capacity than my 50l Vaude Brenta pack. 

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. 

Z-Packs Arc Haul: 62L, 700gms but $299 USD ($420 NZD + postage)

After much consideration I went with the American Osprey brand who have a solid niche following in the thru hiking community both here and internationally.

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

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.

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. 

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.

Osprey Atmos 50 AG: you can buy pack covers for these packs

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.

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.

Osprey Atmos 50 AG: view inside the pack

The Atmos 50 AG in use:

In 2018 I took the pack up to Carrington Hut at the head of the Waimakiriri river for an overnight trip 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.

The Atmos 50 inside Anti Crow Hut, February 2018

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.

Me wearing the Atmos while crossing Turkey Flat, Waimakiriri River Valley

 
My Vaude Breta 50 is now being used by folk who come tramping with me like my daughter Georgia or my partner Karen before she brought her own pack. While not perfect for other people it will suffice until they decide to buy a pack specially tailored to there size and frame.

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 don't need to carry a tent or sleeping pad internally. Since 2018 I have used it on the Routeburn, Kepler, Rakuira and Paparoa Great Walks. 

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.

An Update from the future: September 2021...

I have been using the Osprey Atmos 50 for nearly four years now and it has become my go to pack for use on short overnighters, Great Walks and any tramp under four nights. I just love this pack...it has all the features you might need, it is lite, well constructed and great to carry. 

Carrying Andy the Atmos on the Kepler Track in March 2021

So far the pack has been to every corner of the South Island, Rakuira/Stewart Island and even up to the North Island for a trip. I should really have brought a second pack and stored it as they are now out of stock here in New Zealand. 

I would absolutely buy this pack again...

The Atmos is my most useful pack...here at Hawdon Hut in 2019

Here are a couple of my most recent outings with the Atmos 50 AG...

Here is Andy up the Hawdon Valley in September 2019

Day two of the Rakuira Track back in early 2020

Up in Abel Tasman NP in August 2020

Outside the Cobb Tent Camp en-route to Fenella Hut in October 2020

Upper Pororairi River Bridge, Paparoa Great Walk in December 2020

Here we are at Rainbow Reach at the end of the Kepler back in March 2021

...Lakehead Track, Nelson Lakes NP in July 2021...

I have trips planned for myself and Andy the Atmos to Kahurangi NP, Able Tasman NP, Angelus Hut, Routeburn Track and Greenstone-Caples Track over the coming year so it is fully in the game as they say...