The Osprey Atmos is one of the most popular hiking backpacks, but is this product worth the hype? Our team is reviewing this best-selling daypack to form a verdict: should you invest in an Osprey Atmos?
In this Osprey Atmos review, we’ll list all the hiking backpack’s design features, including its unique AG AntiGravity™ backsystem, Fit-on-the-Fly™ hipbelt, FlapJacket™, InsideOut™ compression straps, and more. We’ll detail exactly what all these terms mean… And more importantly: how they can directly influence your hiking comfort.
We’re also highlighting 3 different models of the Osprey: the small option (62 liters), medium (65 liters), and large (68 liters). All share the same high-quality standard but differ slightly in packing volume and back panel dimensions.
The Osprey Atmos 65 AG Hiking Backpack at glance:
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Keep reading to find out if the Osprey Atmos hiking backpack for backpacking gets our expert seal of approval, and whether this model is worth the splurge:
The revolutionary AG AntiGravity™ suspension system is one of the backpack’s best features. This system, developed exclusively by Osprey, is designed to provide exception weight distribution. Or, in other words, designed to help you carry a heavy load with ease. The AG AntiGravity™ suspension system comprises of a breathable backpanel, a 3-dimensional suspension, a LightWire™ tensioned full peripheral frame, and a sternum strap. All of these elements work together in perfect harmony, evenly distributing the pack load. This optimal weight distribution reduces the strain on your back, hips, and shoulders: allowing you to move with a spring in your step. Even when carrying a stuffed hiking backpack and/or heavy loads.
Furthermore, the AG AntiGravity™ suspension system and backpanel are incorporated with a fully-ventilated Fit-on-the-Fly™ hipbelt, providing extra support. The backpanel itself also features seamless mesh and 3D cavities, allowing for airflow and ventilation, preventing you from overheating and wicking away moisture. The AG AntiGravity™ mesh backpanel has a seamless structure that contours automatically to the body. Combined, the AG AntiGravity system, backpanel, sternum strap, and hipbelt help keep you comfortable and supported, every step of the way…
Another reason the Osprey Atmos is so popular amongst hikers and backpackers is that it can be adjusted to fit all bodies. The secret to this adjustability is the backpack’s custom Fit-on-the-Fly™ Hipbelt and Fit-on-the-Fly™ Shoulder Strap system. Debuted in 2015, this system allows you to fine-tune the fit of the backpack, including torso length. The Fit-on-the-Fly™ system also allows for easy, on-the-go adjustments to the backpack’s fit. This comes in handy when, for example, you have to climb a steep hill or descend a slope and need to adjust the weight distribution of the pack. These features, combined with the Anti-Gravity suspension system, make the Atmos one of the most comfortable packs on the market.
To help stabilize the load, the Osprey Atmos features dual upper side compression straps. The hiking backpack is also equiped with lower, cross-functional compression straps that can be used to carry additional gear. The compression straps are easy to adjust in the fit by sliding the nylon straps through the slider buckle and cinching them to compress the pack.
Another bonus: the Fit-on-the-Fly™ hipbelt also comes with zippered hipbelt pockets and dual-access stretch mesh side pockets with compression straps: more storage, more convenience!
The Osprey Atmos 65L backpacking pack features a Lower zippered sleeping bag compartment with a handy drop-down, removable divider. This divider allows you to use the backpack with a single compartment, or two compartments. To use the removable divider to create a zippered sleeping bag compartment, thread the nylon connection straps through the sewn-in slider buckles.
The Osprey Atmos 65 also comes with removable sleeping pad straps, allowing you to easily attach a sleeping pad – or other gear – to the outside of your pack. If you don’t plan to use the straps on backpacking trips, you can quickly remove them to save on packing weight.
The Osprey Atmos comes with an integrated FlapJacket™ cover to protects the contents of your pack when the top lid is removed. To use the FlapJacket™ as an extra barrier to keep your belongings shielded, simply pull it out from the main compartment. You can cinch and secure the FlapJacket™ in place using the daypack’s front retention straps.
To help you stay hydrated on your hiking and backcountry adventures, the Osprey Atmos is equiped with an internal hydration sleeve compartment that fits 3L hydration sleeves (sold separately). This hydration sleeve reservoir is located in the main body of the backpack, enabling easy loading/unloading of a hydration reservoir. The internal hydration reservoir sleeve is cleverly designed to when filled, help balance your pack: ensuring you won’t suddenly keel over by the extra weight.
Another fantastic feature of the Osprey Atmos is the backpack’s clever Stow-on the-Go™ trekking pole attachment. This special attachment system, developed by Osprey, allows you to quickly attach and carry trekking poles to your pack. The Stow-on the-Go™ trekking pole attachment system is easy to use and allows you to keep your trekking pole within easy reach. The system only requires a few simple steps (guided by icon’s on your pack) – making trekking pole attachment a breeze!
The Atmos 65 AG by Osprey comes with an integrated, detachable rain cover, which is contained within the lid. This means that when bad weather strikes, you can deploy it in seconds to keep your pack and gear dry.
The Osprey Atmos 65 is ultralight, yet offers heavy-duty durability thanks to its premium materials. The backpack’s main fabric is a 100D x 630D Nylon Dobby. The bottom of the pack is made of high-quality 420HD Nylon Packcloth. Other design elements on the pack feature 210D High Tenacity Nylon: known for its tear-resistance and longevity. This daypack can be cleaned if desired, but should not be machine-washed. To rinse, simply remove the adjustable harness/hipbelt from the pack body, and gently scrub the inside and outside the compartments with a soft brush, warm water, and some mild detergent.
Every Osprey product, including the Atmos 65 backpack, is covered by the brand’s ‘All Mighty Guarantee’. This product warranty promises to repair any damage or defect to your pack free of charge, no matter if the backpack was purchased yesterday or 10 years ago. Do note that some conditions apply. For example, the All-Mighty Guarantee is valid for a lifetime, but not yours: that of your pack. This means that Osprey will cover damages for the ‘reasonable lifetime of the pack’. How long that is, is determined by an assessment of your claims case. For example, if you use the backpack on daily basis in though, challenging terrain, the ‘reasonable lifetime’ of the daypack will be less than if you only use it monthly for a leisurely camping trip. That said, Osprey is known for its excellent customer care and service, so don’t worry about the restrictions too much. Most hikers and backpackers should be eligible for the product warranty if damage occurs. For more info on the specifics of the All Might Guarantee and warranty conditions, check out ospreypacks.com.
The removable floating top lid features 2 zippered pockets with web attachment points: providing extra storage space for your hiking and backpacking essentials. You can find further storage space on the exterior of the pack, where a front stretch mesh pocket is ideal for quick access to smaller belongings like a water bottle. For example snacks.
The exterior of the Atmos 65 hiking backpack has 2 ice-tool loops, which allows you to attach an ice axe, or other mountaineering tools, with ease. Additionally, the sternum strap of the Osprey Atmos 65 Backpacking Pack has an integrated safety whistle: handy in times of emergency.
The Osprey Atmos 65 AG hiking backpack is available in 3 sizings: small, medium, and large. Though these all have a similar packing volume, they differ slightly in dimensions to match the different hikers’ bodies. To find your perfect Osprey pack sizing, following these 4 easy steps:
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The Osprey Atmos AG 65 may not be the cheapest hiking backpack on the market, but when it comes to value-for-money, this quality daypack is worth every penny. Granted, its higher pricing means you may have to save up for it, but we think it is a quality investment that will pay off in the long-term. The Osprey Atmos is build to last and comes with a limited lifetime guarantee. This means that with proper care, this high-quality backpackers pack should last you for many years to come.
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is packed with innovative features and perks. We are particularly fond of the Anti-Gravity suspension system: which helps you carry the load with ease. We have often struggled in the past with unbalanced packs, which can make any load feel even heavier – especially when hiking in terrain with elevation. The Osprey Atmos AG 65 does things differently. Not only does the AG Anti-Gravity suspension system help distribute packing weight, but it’s also fully adjustable to your specific build. This means you can easily adjust the shoulder straps, sternum straps, and other suspension elements to create a custom-fit for your body. The ergonomic fit puts less pressure on your back, shoulders, and neck, upgrading your hiking comfort substantially.
Furthermore, the Osprey Atmos AG 65 is a durable pack designed to keep your gear safe and shielded. The interior compartment is shielded from rain and dirt using a Flapjacket cover, whilst the additional rain cover protects the exterior of the pack. You can also add a hydration sleeve thanks to the designated hydration reservoir space (sleeve not included): keeping your hydration on point. Additionally, the backpack allows for easy attachment of your hiking/trekking poles, thanks to the clever Stow-On-The-Go™ Trekking Pole Attachment. The Osprey Atmos AG 65 hiking backpack has plenty of interior and exterior storage options for all your backpacking gear, including a zippered sleeping bag compartment, mesh pockets, and zippered pockets in the hipbelt. Plus, even when fully loaded, the Anti-Gravity suspension system will make it feel you’ve only packed half of your gear.
If you want maximum support and comfort, every step of the way, the Osprey Atmos 65 AG has got you – and your hiking needs – covered with its innovative design. This model gets our seal of approval!
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Tip: If the Osprey Atmos AG 65 is not a perfect match for your needs, consider one of the other premium models in the brand’s collection. Equally high-quality and innovative, the Osprey Aura AG, Atmos AG 50, or Osprey Aether could be a better fit for your hiking adventures. Give them a view, as they are great alternatives to the Atmos AG 65 model.
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