"After 960 AT Miles"...And THAT folks is how you do a review! Put some miles and months on something, then review it with some real world experience. Thanks Steve.
thanks a lot for the video, finally someone who explains how the hell to adjust the torso length. even osprey support couldnt tell me precisely how to adjust it. you saved my day and made my year, thanks again 💯
Hey Big Bird, I am so happy to see you posting again. I'll be watching your adventure this year! Thank you for being such an inspiration! Awesome gear reviews.
I just bought the newest version of this pack. Videos like this helped to persuade me. I've probably watched a hundred videos about a dozen different packs. Good video and very helpful, four years later.
I took my 65AG to a tailor/seamstress shop - I had her cut slits in both of the 2 side vertical pockets to allow access to the main compartment of the bag through those side pockets. She reinforced the edges of the slits and added velcro to allow me to close/open the slits. Now the bag is perfect because I can reach items mid-way or at the bottom of the bag without having to dig from the top down.
Steve, thanks for making gear reviews and for all of your helpful and informative videos. you pointed out a lot of cons hear IMO that would outweigh any pros for me personally; some of the same things other people have pointed out about the Osprey packs it makes me wonder how/why a company would have obvious issues (that people are talking about in public forums) with otherwise awesome products and not address them???
Nice pack review. Similar to the Osprey I hiked Philmont with this summer (before I watched your hike and others last year and learned more about going light). Great packs. Very sturdy and reliable.
Good review ! It's a Solid pack worth the money , mine lasted till NH where the plastic adjuster started poking me in my back , other than that it's comfortable that's for sure !
Great to see you again . look forward to following you again . Nice video and info . I just bought the 2017 osprey ether 70 AG. I love it . maybe you can do a video of how you pack your pack . ttyl my friend .
Great review. I now have 30 miles on mine. So far, the most comfortable pack I have ever had. I agree with the front pocket issue. If the had the compression strap at the back side of the pocket moved up to the start of the zipper, when the strap is tight, you could easily pull the zipper closed. I only have 3 other person preferences. 1. The sleeping bag bottom pocket is small. I wish it was larger. 2. It seems they could have found away to cover the back pocket so rain does soak it. 3. and this is just a person preference, I wish the brain zippers were on the other side. I am sure as I get closer to 960 miles, I will probably feel differently. The wicking of water from fog was seen first hand. The back is also very noisy as stated. Overall though, great pack.
This is a very comfortable pack. The squeaking (after 200ish miles) was irritating but eventually settled down. The biggest "problem" you might encounter is when it get soaked in a rain and you go to cinch down the belt, the Velcro adjustment tends to give way - it was the left side for me. When I started out, I was at full extension, so no problem, but as I lost weight (50ish) pounds, I had to take in the belt and that is when the problems started. Also, you can remove the divider between the sleeping bag compartment and the upper portion of the pack to make more room for a larger bag in colder weather. The bag will carry the weight well if you need to go heavy (extra water and food are no problem). Enjoy the pack.
That is a good and very useful review, thank you. I was a fan of Osprey packs but I found the loud squeaking that developed after only sixty miles on my Atmos 50 was too much. I was saddened to learn that I had only a few hundred miles to go before the problem disappears .Pity I’ve thrown it the bin.
great review based on experience. Will be interested to see how the ULA works for you as I am considering the circuit as a replacement for my well worn nd very old Sierra designs external frame pack. looking forward to watching you pick your journey back up.
I do believe the bottom orange straps need to be right and then the hip pockets open and close easily. The orange compression straps connect to backside of the hip pockets. Great review. Thanks. Just picked one up today.
Chris Turnbull That makes sense. The zipper thing isn’t a big deal for me, I reach over with both hands to close when I can’t get the angle right. But snugging up the orange straps properly would help keep those zippers straight. Also I’ve never had an issue with the side pocket size. But at the same time I’ve never had high expectations for them either, because of all of the review complaints I watched before purchasing. That being said I was able to carry 2 Clif Bars, 2 pieces of jerky, a monocular, a Leatherman Wave, a USGI compass, and a map evenly dispersed between both pockets. It was snug enough to keep everything in place, but not so tight that I couldn’t get anything out. Large enough to have what I wanted, but small enough that it didn’t interfere with my walking.
I have the atmos 50 ag, after having some lighter packs with no organization i decided to get the osprey which is heavier. Very well made and i carry about 27lbs in it. The pack fits like a glove and is nice looking. Im on the fence about it though, I need to put more miles on it. I got the 50 because most of my gear is ultra light and it would force me to limit what I take.
Steve, i have been using a ULA catalyst for 2 years.. you will really like it.. took me a little while to get past not having all the pocket options but the weight savings is awesome.. ULA makes a great pack...
It’s an unbelievable pack for the price. It’s bombproof. I’ve been using it for 3 years and I can’t find any cons with it. People are way too picky if they have cons with this pack.
Since you have a lot of experience with it too, I was wondering if you ever had problems with the velcro, that holds the hip belt adjustment, slipping when it is soaked from the rain? It seemed to only happen on the left side on mine
Comprehensive and well-thought out review, aptly based on mile-munching usage. Still not sure whether to buy one. The material should be waterproof and larger hip pockets.
You can fix those straps by folding them in half an inch increments until desired lenght, And then use very small rubber bands to secure them so they won't roll off again. That's how we were taught in the military, we would get in deep trouble if our straps were hanging out, and it stuck with me once I got out. It's been 5 years and I still do it to all my packs.
Tyson Ogloff haha I guess people’s brains have adapted to liking things fast; I, personally, like to slowly process and think about what’s being said and it helps me feel calm and absorb everything; all the super fast talking on vids irritates me 😂 diff strokes for diff folks 👍🏼😊 (fyi: this is totally hypocritical coming from an innately fast talker 🤷🏼♀️)
Enjoyed this video. You mentioned my biggest gripe with the pack. I love the comfort but those pockets drive me crazy. Literally 1 Clif Bar takes up the pocket depth and, because of the way the belt conforms, a lot of snacks end up in the U-shape of belt. I also have a really hard time closing the pockets and usually have to reach my other hand over and contort to get them closed. Curious if you got a lot of comments on the AT with a 4lb pack or if you personally found it heavier than you would have liked. I've been on a few section hikes and always seems like true Ultralighters have a fit and feel the need to comment negatively. I also have an Arc Haul but the Osprey is just so comfortable. Anyway, thanks for the video. I plan on attempting a thru-hike so it was nice to see
The 65 AG is a very common pack and very popular. In 2016, I didn't see many Zpack or hyperlinks packs. Those going ultralight were using Osprey 48 or 58 liter packs. In 2017 there was an explosion of zpack tents and packs. Most of the gear talk seems to happen the first 200 miles then it settles down. If it starts to irritate you just tell people to hike their own hike
I’m so close to buying this pack. I’m trying to find out how much this pack weighs without the brain no one seems to want to answer . You gave an excellent review so thanks for that.
I estimate the brain at about 4 oz. When I switched out for the ULA Catalyst, the brain is what I missed not having the most. I liked putting my food for the day up there (the hip belt pockets were useless as they are currently designed). But now that I have hiked without a brain, I would probably remove it to save the weight and bulk.
Steve Walker thank you for responding. And thank you for your honesty. If you were to do an AT thru-hike again would you use this pack or something different? Reason asking is I plan my AT thru-hike February/March 2020 don’t want to by ten packs to find the right one. I own several packs but they are all heavy except for my Day packs.
To be honest, no i would not. I loved the pack for the most part, it handled the extra weight I started out with until I learned to go lighter. The AG suspension, while comfortable, also pushed the weight away from my back and caused me to lean further forward when I hike. I was 260lbs when I started and a 42 inch waist so this packs hip belt system was a big draw for me plus it was the most popular pack on the AT. As I started losing weight and had to take the waist adjustments in, that is when I had the biggest issue with the pack. When the velcro got wet (from rain or sweat) it would just let lose, especially when cinching it up. You should check out the ULA packs. They are lighter and well built. They offer customization for your body type
Steve Walker thanks again for your honesty I have decided not to get the pack because of what you said about having to lean in to your hike. I’m 6’5” 268 lbs I know that would not be comfortable. Not being able to have good posture while hiking will lead to fatigue in shoulders and lower back. May not be noticeable until you take the pack off .but would not want to take the chance. Plus the pack is a bit heavy empty which was part of the reason I had not bought it originally. So again thanks for answering my questions. I may try the ULA though it says that it is 3 lbs empty
My friend is a gear nut and let me try on his gossamer gear pack and his zpack pack. I didn't like how the gossamer fit my larger body. Neither of us liked the hip belt. As far as his arc haul it was ok. All the straps seemed flimsy to me. It is an external frame using carbon fiber braces and doesn't like to be overloaded. He liked my ULA hip belt so much he ordered one and had it sewn on his gossamer gear pack. One thing I like about the ULA setup is you order your hip belt separately and as you lose weight on a thru hike you can go down a size and order on one the trail. It is easy to install by just pulling apart a Velcro sleeve, 3 min swap out. I don't mind the 48oz for the catalyst since I am not an ultralight hiker. I am in the light weight category and happy with it. I didn't got with the circuit because all the thru hikers I saw using them seemed to not have enough space for their gear so they had a lot strapped on the outside. I know, decisions, decisions. The big three are the hardest to figure out and the most costly especially if not satisfied.
Excellent review! I watched your ULA review as well and a lot of great information there as well. I was wondering if you had a recommendation for maximum weight to carry for Atmos? Also, I am planning on hiking the JMT and I recently bought the Osprey Atmos 65 AG because my ULA catalyst was causing shoulder pain. Unfortunately the Atmos gives me the same problem. I have tried various torso settings with no luck. I have a large chest so I am sure that has something to do with it. Do you have any suggestions or tips? Thanks Steve.
The 65 ag will haul 50lbs but it struggles. It fit me like a glove when I carried under 35lbs. As far as shoulder pain, make contact with Chris at ULA. He will have you put blankets and towels in your ULA and put on a white t-shirt and take some front and side pictures. He will help you set up the pack and may recommend changing out the should straps (for longer ones or the S straps)
Had the same Osprey pack, and before I used it, I realized the same (3) concerns, weight, waist pockets useless, and adjustability system flawed. Returned to REI, ordered the ULA Circuit, custom fit to my body. I look forward to your review of your ULA.
Thank You for your Review, I have been reading up on this very pack and have lots of questions. Right now my top 2 questions, The front "stretchy" pocket, how would you rate the durability, does it have good memory or does it get really loose,baggy over time? The 2nd question is I don't understand the absorbing moisture while sitting in the tent, that really concerns me, maybe moreso the physics of that to happen. Great Review!
The front pocket stayed stretchy and didn't sag. Getting wet in high humidity will happen to a lot of material, just seemed like it picked up more - the pack is not waterproof at all - a pack liner is a must - don't rely on a rain as they tend to just filter the rain water on its was to your pack
I think that's a great review, Steve! I have the same pack, but perhaps a year later than yours. No squeaking on mine, knock on wood! But what you said about the hip belt "pockets" are spot on. I also find that getting to my water bottles is a little tough, so I get my girlfriend to get mine! She has the Osprey 50 lady's version and her water-bottle access is also hard for her to reach. On a side note, and a bit of a personal question, we are probably near the same age and I was wondering if you had retired early to thru hike or did you strike it rich early and cash out? hahaha I've toyed with the idea of a thru hike at some point, but at 60, I think I'll be working right up to about a half hour before my funeral!
I am 59. Retired from the USAF in 2011 after 28 years. Was going to go for 30 but President Obama decided to do a selective early retirement on 50% of the '82, '83, and 84 year group. I was in the '83. So my wife and I started a business and we finally got it to be almost self sustaining so she let me take off to thru-hike in 2016, but illness took me off the trail after 931 miles, then I started where I left off in 2017 with the intent of finishing but got injured in PA and then again in NJ (rocks of course) and I am still working to get healed. Have physical therapy starting on the 3rd. Hope to get back out and finish, maybe May.
That's awesome, Steve! (The successful business and your opportunities to thru hike, NOT your health issues!) If you liked hiking and sleeping on the ground, you joined the wrong branch of the service! Marines get to "thru-hike" all the time and with the world's worst gear!
@@soaringeagleoutdoors thanks for the reply.. Tried that, knife is the Ontario Knife Company RAT 5, and is a bit large for the shoulder strap area.. appreciate the suggestion though.
Hello, are the side zippered pockets big enough to fit a polar tek fleece jacket in one pocket and a 800 fill power down jacket in the other for fast access to layer up or down? Thanks!
The zippered pockets are a little small. When I hammock, I can get the tarp in (barely). I think you could get a down jacket in if it compresses well. As for the fleece, I think it will be too bulky. You could put it under the brain, or the flap when the brain is off.
I just got his pack and right out of the box it makes that creaking sound! It's going back to Amazon for another one! The ones I tried on REI made no where near that amount of noise if any at all.
I just bought this back and have yet to test it. I have not noticed the squeaking you showed. How much weight should I put in the pack before it starts squeaking? Given the cons you mentioned, would you recommend another pack? A pack that is in the A to A+ range?
It seemed like the squeaking started around the 300 mile mark and lasted to around 600 miles. Not so much associated with weight. I have had others tell me that it has squeaked right out of the box. Honestly, it is a great pack. The only con that gave me lasting problems was the velcro in the hip belt adjustment featured that would slip when it was wet (hiking in the rain). My next back was the ULA Catalyst. I hiked 450 miles with it in 2017 and it worked great. I had it modified after the hike to switch out the shoulder straps but haven't had a chance to try it yet.
Hello Steve , in your opinion is the Atmos 50 large enough for a thru hike? I'm taking it out for a week on the AT this year and hope to thru hike one day.
I do see a few osprey 58 liter packs on the trail. Most are starting after 1 April at springer, they usually don't use a cook stove. Some don't carry a tent or use a simple tarp tent and prefer shelter camping.
The Osprey does come in three sizes and it also has an adjustment feature for the torso so it can be fine tuned. I believe I ended up with a medium with the torso adjustment all the way to the top. ULA-equipment has a good video on the proper way to measure your torso.
This was the color scheme around 2015/2016 then they went to a burnt orange for a few years. Not sure the color now. I have converted over to the ULA packs now. I like them better for under 35 lbs total weight. The osprey isnstill superior for weight over 35#
damn , that moisture wickking issue might be th biggest con , i candeal with the suspension goin to the max setting but the wickking from fog and sweat .... yikes ... this bag as in my amazon cart lol
Yes, but it took a while to get limber enough to get them out without taking the pack off it you put them in vertical. You also have the option of putting them in at a 45 deg angle, which makes it really easy to get out, BUT it irritated my when my elbows would hike the caps as a I walked - now that was using 1 Liter bottles, so if you used the 20oz ones, they would not hit your elbows
OMG🤠thank you so much for the torso length adjustment, forget Osprey for anything practical. Like it would kill them to make their "how-to" videos long enough to actually show ...how-to. Shooting for AT in 2024. Training with the Atmos, will continue to look for maybe something lighter. Agree the on-the-fly velcrow does not stay in place.
I have switched over to ULA. Used the Catalyst for 450 miles in 2017 on the AT and the circuit in 2020 and 2021 on the Colorado trail section hikes. Lovin them.
As said the others, "An excellent review." One observation, though: "That's the cleanest looking pack I've seen after a hundred miles of use.....let alone over 900 miles. Looks new!" What's your technique?
Just the same, still looks new! Received my Osprey 65 Atmos AG a couple of days ago for my beginning the AT this coming Spring. Appreciate very much your thorough review.
Those zippers on the hip belt drive me crazy mine seem to unzip by themselves so the pockets are useless to me ( never can zip them up without taking your pack off)
Perils of the Wallet First you need to measure from your C7 vertebrae (the one that sticks out when you look down) to the top of your hip. This will tell you what size bag you need to get (S,M,L). Once you buy the bag, loosen all the straps and starting with the hip belt tighten it so the bag sits on your hips (obviously easier to do with the bag empty. Then working your way up the bag adjust where the shoulders connect to the back suspension system (what are called torso adjusters in this video). Then you need to adjust the load bearers on the top of the shoulder. Then you should be good.
It started after a few hundred miles. It was loud enough to announce your arrival into camp. No sneaking up on wild life. It eventually went away, seemed like it took 300 miles. It is a very comfortable pack, even with the cons.
Love it! Only downside is when it is new it makes a lot of noise. Others around you will complain until it gets broken in. I understand the new ones aren’t as bad at first. I would not let it deter you. Only 12oz and the size of. Nalgene bottle. I just can’t sleep on the closed cell foam pads
It squeaks really bad no matter what you do. Twist the hip pads and you can hear it squeaking. Best backpacking company in the world can't figure that out before they sell the pack or just let it go some people just deal with it.
My simple dream is to have a gift from a bag of Osprey osprey atmos 50 ag Dream Dream Dream Dream Dream I want to own one but I do not have money I love you osprey
