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Reviews > Packs > Internal and External Framed Backpacks > Osprey Atmos AG and Aura AG 2016 > Test Report by Michael Mosack
OSPREY ATMOS 65 BACKPACK
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TESTER INFORMATION
I've been backpacking for over 30 years, doing day trips, weekenders and week-long or longer trips throughout the year. I backpack in all climates and seasons, from summer desert trips to Spring/Winter camping in Michigan, California and Grand Canyon, Arizona. I rely on my equipment constantly. I prefer to go lighter when possible and I am always trying new items. Quality and reliability of items are paramount to me over price and weight.
INITIAL REPORT
PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS
Manufacturer: Osprey Packs Inc. "Organization" This pack has a lot of pockets, both for internal and external storage. There is an adjustable stretchy mesh front pocket for external storage options for immediate and easy access to some items. There are also two zippered front pockets allowing additional internal storage options. There are sleeping pad straps that are both adjustable and removable as desired. "Flapjacket" Or "Flatjacket" as the manufacturer lists both names for the same feature (I'll call it a flap). Regardless of the specific name used, it is a fine feature as it is a fixed flap of material designed to cover the top opening to the pack. The flap remains there as a top cover when the removable floating lid is not connected. Therefore, I can still keep my gear inside the pack dry when it's raining when the lid has been removed for use as a day pack or just to reduce overall weight and bulk. "Anti-Gravity Suspension" A full frame designed to transfer the pack load away from my back and shoulders and towards my hips. "Anti-Gravity Backpanel" Top to bottom mesh that seemingly wraps for a fully ventilated fit. "Anti-Gravity Mesh Harness" Adjustable harness with a load lifter bar designed for load transfer and comfort "Anti-Gravity Fit-on-the-fly Hipbelt" Mesh wrap at the hip designed for load transfer and comfort Adjustable hipbelt Hydration compatible - A hydration bladder, although not included, can be installed and carried within the pack and supported by an internally sewn clip hook and a dedicated pocket. The hydration tube can then be routed through a centrally configured hole which can be seen in the provided photograph. It is in the black-colored section of material in the center of the photograph. INITIAL IMPRESSIONS The primary material of the pack container is Ripstop-style nylon, so it is lightweight and strong. The shoulder straps are well padded and anatomically curved to reduce pinching or uncomfortable chafing often experienced with straight shoulder straps.The hipbelt fits snugly and comfortably around my hips and it supports the weight of my pack to the point where I barely notice the added weight of my filled pack while wearing it. All of the fasteners, adjusters, zippers, cord-locks function properly. The numerous pockets also seem to take up little pack volume when empty and seem easily accessible when filled. I'll be able to more accurately identify any problems or benefits of this pack later, once the testing phase has begun. READING THE INSTRUCTIONS No instructions were included with the purchase of this pack, however, the manufacturer does provide an owner's manual online. Additionally, there are informational links for Size and Fit, Pack Care, How to Pack your Pack, and FAQs. TRYING IT OUT
Trying out the backpack, I looked over the entire pack and verified all seams were intact and all zippers zipped, all webbing adjusters and cord-locks functioned properly. This pack appears to be manufactured following high quality standards. I then filled the pack with about 30 lb (13.5 kg) of stuff to give it some bulk and tried on the pack. SUMMARY It is always a good day when I get a new piece of gear and today, it is no different. This pack, on initial inspection, appears to be a quality product. It is easily adjustable, fits comfortably, securely and does not seem to impede movement. With a filled pack, I barely noticed it was there. I hope that impression is confirmed during the testing phase which is about to start. FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
Day hike - approximately 5 miles (8 km) in the area of Eastern San Diego County, California, USA. FIELD PERFORMANCE
You probably noticed the long time since my Initial Report. I had computer issues that delayed my completing my report until now. I am hopeful that my personal situation did not negatively impact any expectations of BackpackGearTest.org or Osprey Packs Inc. The above photo shows the pack and most of my normal pieces of equipment. What isn't seen is my food, water, fleece and / or rain jacket, etc., as typically I take only enough clothes that I can comfortably wear at once through layering, depending on the situation. Your hike may differ. I generally take my full pack with me during even simple day hikes as I prefer to use every hike as additional training and to ensure I am always comfortable with my gear. The pack is comfortable to wear. Its ride feels quite stable during a casual walk or even while scrambling. The hip belt has enough range to fit a large variety of waistlines (even mine) and it keeps the pack's weight off of my shoulders. The hydration bladder pocket holds my 3 L bladder easily. I found that the side access helps me to locate items that may have moved during the day and gain access to them without having to remove everything from the pack. I found that the pack design allows my back to breathe, stay cooler, and drier throughout the day. Nothing much I hate more than to end up dripping with sweat and having my pack soaking it up. Fortunately, I don't have that problem with this pack. LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS
Two-day trip in the area near the Klamath River Recreational Area in Northern California where the conditions included clear and sunny skies with temperatures that ranged from 65 to 94 F (18 to 34 C). PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD
I am loving this pack. I have not had any issues with it during this phase. All of the zippers and fasteners work well and the straps adjustments stay put throughout the day's activities. This pack has remained as comfortable as the day I first put it on. Packing items in it is easy and retrieving items even easier with the available multiple entry points. The pack holds the load quite well and rides very nicely. I often forget it is on while walking. I have not had any issues with rubbing or hot spots while wearing this pack. This pack has a ton of pockets and yet the pack remains quite light. It wears very comfortably and is extremely stable while allowing a lot of ventilation between the pack and my back. My hiking style differs from what I believe is considered normal in that I prefer to have loops for my hands rather than using hiking poles. I still struggle with knowing I'm carrying the weight of the poles when I rarely use them for their intended purpose. I do, however, often take and use one or two poles depending on the shelter I plan to use. I really like multi-purpose uses, so if the poles can help with my tent or tarp, I'll take them. Anyway, I would like to see a better method to have the option of connecting hand loops to my shoulder straps. Maybe even a perfectly positioned clip or a sewn reinforced loop. There are two loops sewn around each of the shoulder straps already, but they are more designed for routing something through than carrying a load. I also really like the zippered access through to the side/bottom portion of the pack. I like being able to have immediate access into the pack through any opening other than just the top. It helps when looking for items that may have moved or shifted throughout the day. There is a zippered entry separating the bottom third of the main compartment. I have used this more times than I care to think about while searching for something in the pack I packed near the bottom. It has been great not having to pull everything out and just be able to enter through the closest portion of where my item is located. I've been surprised how evenly the pack's suspension spreads the load and I feel no pressure point pain. The suspension handles my pack weight up to about 40 lb (18 kg) very well. I have yet to try to load it heavier than that. SUMMARY
This is easily my most comfortable pack. I hardly even notice I have a pack on. I have not had any shoulder strap twist like I get with other packs. I think this pack ventilates very well. The hip belt adjustment allows me to get my fit right the first time and adjusting the pack is easy while wearing it. Some of my favorite features are as follows... 1. The suspension system that allows very good ventilation and weight carrying ability. I often forget I am carrying a pack because it is so comfortable. 2. That it is hydration compatible and that there are openings on both sides of the pack to allow me to route the drinking hose from either side. Additionally, inside the pack there are two hooks and a loop to allow me options of how to connect or hang the bladder. 3. The zipper opening that allows me entry into the lower portion of the pack's contents quickly and the added option to separate the pack into two separate main compartments. If I were asked, I would offer a couple of ideas to the manufacturer for future options... My "wish" list would include the following... 1. I would have liked to have been provided an extra set of buckles (side-release and friction) in case of needed replacement or repair. It's often almost impossible to find them in local retail stores as each manufacturer gets more and more unique in the designs of their own products. 2. A small repair or patch kit. 3. An included rain cover. 4. To have the removable top cover convert to a day pack. 5. The hourglass designed shape of the large stretch mesh front pocket is a little restrictive for shoving things like a jacket into it. Maybe make it just a little larger for the larger guys like me who buy the larger packs. I would like to thank Osprey Packs Inc. and BackpackGearTest.org for allowing me to test the Osprey Atmos 65 backpack. I feel very lucky to have had this experience. This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org Report Writer Version 1. Copyright 2017. All rights reserved. Read more reviews of Osprey gear Read more gear reviews by Michael Mosack Reviews > Packs > Internal and External Framed Backpacks > Osprey Atmos AG and Aura AG 2016 > Test Report by Michael Mosack |