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Reviews > Packs > Internal and External Framed Backpacks > Osprey Atmos 35 > Owner Review by Ernie ElkinsOsprey Atmos 35February 7, 2007 Reviewer Information
Name: Ernie Elkins Backpacking Background: I’ve been an avid backpacker since the late 80’s. My usual destinations are the North Carolina and Virginia mountains, and most of my trips are 2-4 days in duration. Over the last two years, I’ve been replacing my older, heavy gear with lightweight alternatives. I now rely on an ultralight tarp and bivy for shelter from the weather, and my base weight usually falls in the 10-15 pound range. Product Information
Product Description The Atmos 35 is the smallest pack in Osprey’s Atmos series, which, according to Osprey, “addresses the ultralight revolution as only Osprey could – with a suspension that really carries weight and fabrics and materials that will realistically stand up to the rigors of use.” All three packs in the series utilize Osprey’s AirSpeed suspension system, the core of which is an aluminum alloy frame with integrated titanium struts (which allow the frame to flex). “A 3D contoured mesh back panel is stretched over this ergonomic frame,” explains the owner’s manual, “creating excellent pack to body contact while maintaining superior ventilation.” The frame is visible through the back panel; when viewed straight-on its shape is most easily likened to that of an hourglass with a slightly elongated neck. When viewed in profile, though, it becomes clear that the neck of the hourglass actually bows inward, so that the center of the frame is recessed about 4.75 in. (12 cm) from the plane formed between the top and bottom portions. This creates a large cavity between the mesh back panel and pack frame, the purpose of which is to improve ventilation by allowing air to circulate between the pack and the user’s back.
The hipbelt and shoulder straps are also designed for maximum ventilation. According to Osprey, they’re constructed of “thermoformed, perforated waffle foam.” The shoulder straps incorporate load-lifter straps, an adjustable chest strap whose buckle includes an integrated emergency whistle, and loops for securing a hydration tube. The hipbelt has two zippered mesh pockets and utilizes Osprey’s Ergopull design: “The Ergopull design draws tension along the top and bottom of the belt, not through the center, so it distributes pressure more evenly over the padding and relieves direct pressure on the hipbones” (Osprey website). The Atmos 35 is a panel-loading style pack – dual, full-length zippers provide easy access to a single main compartment. A hydration reservoir pocket is attached to the internal back panel, the top of which is secured by a strip of webbing with a ladder-lock buckle. There’s also a zipper at the top of the internal backpanel that allows access to the cavity between it and the mesh external back panel, where, alternatively, you can hang a hydration bladder on the two attached clips. There are two hydration tube ports at the top of the pack.
For quick access to frequently used items, Osprey has provided a front slash pocket with a mesh interior. This pocket has both an external and an internal zipper. There are a total of three stretch fabric pockets on the body of the pack – one on the front and one on each side. Additionally, the pack features dual ice axe loops, removable sleeping pad straps, side compression straps (two per side), and two daisy chains with removable shockcord clips for attaching poles, ice axes, etc. Field Use I purchased this pack in the Spring of 2005, and I’ve used it for overnight and weekend trips in the Appalachian mountains. Although it’s not quite large enough to accommodate all of my winter gear, I’ve found that the volume is just right for solo trips during the summer and early spring and fall. The unusual frame design does make the interior space a little harder to work with, but once I became accustomed to it I had no trouble packing efficiently. I’ve found that the interior will accommodate my synthetic (i.e. bulky) sleeping bag, tarp, bivy, air mattress, first aid/emergency kit, lighweight rain gear and spare clothing, as well as most of my food. If I take my canister stove, I usually carry it in the back stretch pocket, along with a small mug for cooking and what little food wouldn’t fit in the interior of the pack (this pocket is very spacious). That leaves the side pockets for water bottles and the hipbelt pockets for snacks, a compass, and any other small items that I want to keep close at hand. I don’t carry a water reservoir, but if I did, I would have to hang it in the cavity between the external and internal back panels. Osprey recommends the Atmos 35 for loads in the 20-30 lb (9.1-13.6 kg) range. Usually, my loaded pack falls in the 20-25 lb (9.1-11.3 kg) range, and the AirSpeed suspension has handled those weights with ease. However, I haven’t attempted to carry heavier loads with my Atmos, so I haven’t tested the upper end of the spectrum. I’ve found the Atmos 35 to fit better and carry more comfortably than any other pack that I’ve owned. The AirSpeed suspension definitely makes a big difference when it comes to ventilation. I’ve always assumed that a sweaty back was an unavoidable part of the backpacking experience, but the Atmos design allows air to circulate between my back and the pack body and keeps me noticeably cooler and more comfortable. It’s quite novel (and refreshing) to feel a breeze against my back when I’m wearing a pack! The other benefit is that the mesh back panel conforms snugly to the contours of my back, so that the pack wraps itself around my body rather than pressing against it. Moreover, the titanium struts at the center of the frame really do allow it to flex ergonomically. The result is a pack that moves with me, that makes me feel light, agile, and unencumbered. A key part of this snug and comfortable fit is Osprey’s lightweight yet surprisingly comfortable ErgoPull hipbelt. I have a small waist and very little body fat, so I’m accustomed to having to frequently readjust my pack’s hipbelt both because it slips and because it makes my hips sore. However, unlike the thick, heavily padded hipbelts on previous packs that I’ve owned, the Atmos hipbelt is very pliable and conforms to my hips in a way that’s both secure and comfortable. Moreover, the ErgoPull design really does seem to eliminate pressure points by evenly distributing the pack’s weight on my hips. Therefore, I readjust it much less often than would usually be necessary. I also appreciate the waffle foam, which definitely promotes good ventilation. The shoulder straps are also lightweight yet comfortable, and they allow a nice range of adjustment. They, too, feature the ventilated waffle foam design. Finally, the Atmos 35 has proven to be a very tough and durable pack. The pack body is constructed from Cordura high tenacity nylons, which the Atmos owner’s manual refers to as “high quality but lightweight fabrics.” They suggest that the user take “extra care when using your pack to lengthen its life,” but I’ve found that it has weathered the overgrown, lightly used trails that I frequent extremely well. Even the lycra/nylon stretch pockets on the side, which are certainly the most vulnerable to tears and snags, show no noteworthy signs of wear. Likewise, Osprey warns that the pack frame could be damaged by “sitting on your pack or dropping it when loaded,” but I’ve seen no reason to be concerned about its durability. This brings me to my only complaint about the Atmos 35 – I think that it could be lighter. After all, a 35-liter pack that weighs 2.5 lb (1.1 kg) isn’t all that impressive by today’s standards. I realize, of course, that Osprey’s stated goal was to design a lightweight pack without compromising their standards for comfort and durability. Moreover, I’m well aware that their packs are aimed at a broader market than those produced by small, ultralight gear makers, and that their average buyer may demand greater durability and a richer set of features. Nonetheless, I think that it would be possible to trim the pack’s weight without too great of a compromise. For example, do the zippers for the main compartment really need to extend to within five in. (12.7 cm) of the bottom of the pack? What about replacing the regular zippers (which require flaps for weather protection) with water resistant zippers (which don’t require flaps)? Also, are the somewhat elaborate daisy chains with shock cord clips really necessary? Would a simpler, lighter solution suffice? Such changes wouldn’t lighten the pack dramatically, but even a modest reduction would certainly make the pack more enticing to lightweight backpackers.
Summary As should be clear by now, I love my Atmos 35. It’s a beautifully designed pack that has proven to be comfortable and durable. If you’re looking for a 35-liter pack for overnight or weekend excursions, I strongly recommend that you give the Atmos 35 careful consideration. Things I Like
Things I Don't Like
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