Osprey Atmos AG 50: The Best Trekking Backpack

When I decided to get into trekking one of the main purchases was a new backpack. Its first test would be the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal and be a long-term investment for many more treks. Part of Backpacker’s Mentality is to have a rucksack to carry everything so it’s an important piece of kit for trekkers, hikers and backpackers a like. Every outdoor equipment company sells various backpacking backpacks with different volumes and selling points. My criteria based on research was for a 45L to 60L backpack capacity with a budget of under £200. I have owned many Osprey bags in the past so this was my natural going-in point. But I considered all the big brands and options to make the best choice which was the Osprey Atmos AG 50 backpack.

Introducing: Osprey Atmos AG 50

After much research, I chose the Osprey Atmos AG 50 (buy here) because of the class-leading comfort and all-around capability thanks to the Anti-gravity (AG) suspension and features. This model is a best-seller among backpackers and the latest model proves as desired as ever. I was lucky enough to find the Red Atmos AG 50 on sale for a bargain £125 down from £280! This helped my decision between the Atmos 50 instead of the Osprey Kestrel 58L or Osprey Exos 48. The fantastic ventilation, removable lid and amount of adjustable storage were some of the key selling points. The Osprey Atmos 50 is one of the best all-rounder trekking backpacks and you can’t go wrong with this pick! I bought the 2021 model, whereas the new 2022 version has additional side zips for more storage.

The Osprey Atmos AG 50L is a classic design for trekking backpacks with top-loading access. Osprey offers 2 variants, the Atmos for Men and the Aura for Women in 50L or 65L options for both. I chose the 50L option as I prefer to travel minimalist and lightweight. My friend Sam has the Atmos AG 65 and we’ve used both Atmos on camping trips and Dolomite Treks. The Osprey Atmos 50 has become the backbone of my Ultimate Trekking List and has never failed me so far. The backpack is offered in S/M and X/XL sizes so check which fit’s your body best before buying! You can now buy the Atmos 50 in Black, Mythical Green or Venturi Blue. The Osprey has the Atmos LT (£235) which is a streamlined and lighter version designed for technical backpacking.

Key Features

• DWR rain cover– The neon rain cover provides great water protection and packs into the lid-zipped pocket.
• Floating top lid – The detachable lid is a handy feature for lighter-day hiking and clips in easily on the back.
• Fabric-reinforced front shove-it pocket – The elasticated Kangaroo pocket is one of my favourite features and is handy for storing snacks, food and even jackets.
• Tall dual-access side water bottle pockets – The two-sided pockets allow easy access to water bottles when on the trail with one per side.
• Dual upper/lower side compression straps – The combination of adjustable straps allows flexibility and stability.
• Dual-zippered hip belt pockets – Some people criticise the size of these however they fit phones, wallets, snacks and quick-to-get items with a good opening-sized zip.
• Dual ice axe loops – The loops secures trekking poles effectively but I can not comment on the ice axe attachment.
• Zippered sleeping bag compartment – A great feature when on a trek is to keep all the sleeping equipment in a divided compartment.
• Removable sleeping pad straps – Since using an inflatable sleeping pad, I haven’t attached a roll mat yet
• Internal hydration reservoir sleeve – A large-sized bladder sleeve to fit up to 3L but one annoyance is the metal bar to push past when loading it in and going to refill. The bladder hose loops are useful on the shoulder straps.
• Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment system – An Osprey feature I’ve only used in Nepal that works consistently and doesn’t impact arm swing.

Osprey Atmos 50: What I love

• Comfort & AG system – The primary reason to buy this pack is the incredible anti-gravity suspension and all-day comfort. The AG system spreads the weight across the body and creates great ventilation using a suspended mesh panel. This means you barely feel the pack’s load over multiple days of trekking and it eases the burden when doing ascents. The curved design of hip straps secures your waist like a hug and the cushioned shoulder straps create amazing on-trail comfort. It’s a very ergonomic design once you’ve adjusted the back panel and shoulder straps.
• Versatile Pockets – The Atmos has a great variety of pockets in smart locations to help best divide up your gear. As listed above there are so many different attachments and pockets that make organisation much easier. I like the removable lid which offers an option as a carry-alone items or to lightweight the pack for fast work.
• Adjustability – This bag seems to have too many straps until you fill it and realise it helps stability. The Fit-On-The-Fly system allows the curved hip straps to adjust easily for the optimum fit. The clever loop placement means poles and items on the exterior can be attached. As well as some carabiners and climbing kit attachments. This backpack has been engineered to focus on ergonomics and comfort with effective results.
• Durability – After many trips with this backpack, it doesn’t look like it’s done multiple treks. The materials aren’t crazy lightweight but that means it’s more robust on the trail. And you don’t have to worry about it on planes, coaches or other transport to get damaged. It manages to stretch when packing gear into it and doesn’t feel fragile.

Osprey Atmos 50: Worth knowing

• Weight to capacity ratio – For carrying larger loads, a better backpack is the Aether 55. The Atmos 50 is very capable up to 20kg from experience but it is better carrying loads below 18kg. The AG system makes the bag feel several kilograms lighter than it is but does have a limit.
  
  Tip: The general rule of thumb for pack weight is around 20-25% of your body weight.
• Price – This premium backpack is priced according to the competition and you get a lot of backpacks for the money. Osprey has a reputation for high-quality backpacks and this best seller proves people are willing to splash the cash for the model. The end-of-season sales are the best time to grab a bargain or when new versions are being launched for a deal.
• Noise – A slightly odd nuisance to pick up on but the trampoline-style AG system can creak and be loud if not properly adjusted. I sometimes zone it out but other people have commented on it however in my opinion it’s a small price to pay for incredible comfort and support.

Kit Rating

Category	Weighting	Score
Comfort	25%	9
Features	25%	9
Weight to Volume	20%	8
Value & Versatility	15%	7
Durability	15%	8
Overall Rating (/10)	8.4	Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Final Thoughts

My decision to buy the Osprey Atmos AG 50 has been justified on every trek, trip and training hike done. It has the perfect capacity to not over-pack and gives sufficient space for clothes, tech, camping equipment, sleeping system and all the miscellaneous items. The pack has scaled Via Ferrata in the Dolomites, road-tripped in Canada, trekked the Annapurna Circuit in the Himalayas and will be joining me in Patagonia shortly. This backpack can do it all from 1-night wild camping hikes to full-on back-country trips. The vibrant red colour is easily spotted on a mountain and I love the style of the backpack which doesn’t look oversized in pictures. You’ll see the Atmos 50 being used on most treks for a good reason and it would be hard to top the balance of weight, comfort and features in a trekking backpack.

What is the best trekking backpack in your opinion? And if you own an Osprey Atmos or Aura backpack, what are your thoughts on it? Please share this post with other backpackers, hikers and trekkers looking to buy a new backpack.