Review: OSPREY Atmos AG 65: Finally a wearable backpack

Unexpected comfort, first encountered in 25 years

"It's not something you carry on your back, it's something you wear." This is a very famous phrase that encapsulates the essence of a backpack, but in truth, I was somewhat unsure about this statement. It's true that the fit of backpacks has continued to evolve remarkably, and while I could understand this conceptually, I couldn't help but feel that there was still an insurmountable barrier to overcome in terms of the sensory shift from "wearing" to "clad."

But that was until I came across this one. It's no exaggeration to say that the Atmos AG is a backpack that truly embodies the feeling of wearing something

The Atmos series has undergone a major renewal this season, and with the adoption of the innovative "Anti-Gravity Suspension" back system, it offers unparalleled comfort among medium-sized backpacks over 50L. Aside from its shock-absorbing design, it still boasts a number of practical and thoughtful details that are typical of Osprey. Having actually used it, I noticed some issues with its sharp edges... So, let's get straight to the review

Detailed Review

Item name (reference price)

OSPREY Atmos AG 65 (List price: 31,320 yen)

front

Back

Main specifications and evaluation

This is amazing!

A unique carrying comfort

Osprey's new back system, "Anti-Gravity Suspension," as its name suggests, uses innovative technology to evenly distribute the load, providing a comfortable carrying experience that makes you forget the weight. The secret to this astonishing comfort lies in the highly elastic and flexible mesh surface (photo) that covers the entire contact area between the back, shoulders, and waist and the body

The first thing that surprises everyone who tries it on is the high resilience of the hip belt, which firmly grips the waist. Furthermore, the mesh surface from the shoulders to the waist literally wraps around the body, fitting snugly, a feeling that no one has ever experienced before. It fits snugly around the back like a soft mesh shirt, and it truly feels like you're "wearing" a backpack

Of course, the back length is adjustable, and the hip belt length is also widely adjustable, allowing for an ideal fit to suit a variety of body types

Excellent breathability and comfort

The excellent breathability, especially in the back area, further enhances the comfortable carrying experience

The shoulder straps are made of a hollowed-out sponge for breathability, and the hip belt is designed to create a comfortable fit while leaving just the right amount of space between the pack and your waist

Convenient features ideal for trekking

It's packed with convenient features that suit modern trekking styles. First of all, there's the Osprey-style attachment that makes it easy to store trekking poles

The stretch side pockets open from the top and the sides, allowing you to store water bottles of various sizes in a position and orientation that allows for easy access

It also has excellent storage capacity, with removable straps that can be used to attach sleeping pads, tents, etc

The top lid is removable, and a flap jacket is standard equipment that allows the lid to be closed even when the canopy is removed when there is only a small amount of luggage

The canopy has been removed to create a flap jacket

Lightweight and waste-free

Despite being such a highly refined and multifunctional backpack, it weighs less than 2kg, which is no surprise considering it was born in America, the country of thru-hiking

This is not so good

Stability under heavy loads

The Atmos AG offers an otherworldly comfort and allows you to carry your luggage surprisingly comfortably, but its only weakness is its stability when carrying a load close to its limit. When the packed weight reaches around 20kg, you feel like your body is constantly being pulled backward, probably because the center of gravity is further back than with other backpacks due to the space on your back. Also, even the slightest stumble causes the bag to sway sideways more strongly than with other backpacks, and it's undeniable that the heavier the load, the less stable it feels. However, there's no doubt that it's the strongest backpack for loads up to around 15kg

Mountain attachments

Since the basic concept is based on thru-hiking (long-distance, long-term hiking/trekking), which is mainstream in North America, you cannot expect to find attachments designed for the gear needed for alpine climbing (such as straps and loops that are convenient for storing climbing equipment, ropes, or snow-related gear)

Rain cover sold separately

A rain cover, which is a good value if it comes as standard, is sold separately

Summary: What activities is it recommended for?

To recap, the Atmos 65 offers exceptional fit and breathability, making it one of the most comfortable and easy-to-carry backpacks I've ever experienced. Its other high-quality features, weight, and cost make it a great choice for most hikers. These features are most useful during spring and fall, when hiking and trekking with a tent is essential. Its breathability is especially appreciated during long midsummer treks. Its simple, multifunctional, and well-balanced design makes it perfect for long-term travel and backpacking.

However, this level of comfort does not suit all climbing styles. If you are active and will be carrying a load of over 20 kg or intend to use it for serious climbing, an alpine backpack (such as Millet, Deuter or Mammut) is likely to be a better choice

This is highly recommended for hikers who are looking for a greedy style of hiking that is as lightweight as possible and that does not want to compromise on comfort, even when hiking long distances for long periods of time in mild climates and on slopes

Atmos AG 65 OS50190

OSPREY

31,320 yen

1980g

Check out this article about backpacks

• How to Choose the Right Mountaineering Backpack and 10 Recommended Backpacks for Beginners
• 10 Lightweight Backpacks for Beginners in Fastpacking
• 10 New and Recommended Daypacks for Day Hiking and Everyday Use [Classic & Unique]
• Comparison Review: Comparing the best beginner backpacks for those just starting out in mountaineering
• Comparison Review: Comparing lightweight backpacks perfect for light hiking and fastpacking

   

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