The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is one of the best-selling backpacks on the market. If you take any well-trodden trekking trail, you are likely to come across at least a few people using this bad boy. But as is the case with many things, popular doesn't always mean good. So I got out there and logged some miles with this pack in order to see what it's truly capable of.
Now, back when I was a guide, I did actually use an Osprey backpack. But that was a few years ago, and I have found many new loves since then, so I figured it was time to revisit the brand, try out this specific pack, and let you know my honest opinions. Is the Atmos AG 65 right for you? Let's get into it, starting with the specs.
Is the Osprey Atmos AG 65L Backpack comfortable?
The Atmos 65 is one of the best-fitting, most ventilated, and comfortable backpack ever made for traditional backpacking trips (up to a week or more in duration). The innovative Anti-Gravity suspension makes it feel like you're carrying less weight, and seamlessly wraps around your body, which means you'll enjoy every mile more than ever.
From easy to use stretch-mesh side-pockets, Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment, and flap-jacket for lidless use, the Atmos AG 65 is still the top contender – backed by our almighty guarantee, forever!
About the Osprey Atmos AG
The Osprey Atmos AG has a number of features. There is a removable floating top lid with dual zippered pockets and web attachment points. The Atmos has an adjustable harness and Fit-on-the-Fly hip belt to dial in the perfect fit. There is an internal hydration reservoir sleeve that accommodates up to a 3-liter reservoir. There are front stretch-mesh pockets for rain gear or other easy access items.
Dual upper and lower side compression straps mobilize loads and maintain a streamlined profile. Zippered hipbelt pockets to keep snacks and smaller items close at hand. There is a lower zippered sleeping bag compartment with a removable divider. The Osprey Atmos AG has dual ice tool loops and removable sleeping pad straps. There is a sternum strap with an integrated safety whistle.
Price: $300 (USD)
Weight: 4 lbs. 10 oz to 4 lbs. 13 oz (2.1 – 2.2 kg)
Capacity: S/M: 65L; L/XL: 68L
Is the Osprey Atmos backpack easy to organize?
When scouting a new backpack, I like to look for organization potential and ease-of-access – things that will constantly present themselves on the trail. In the case of the Osprey Atmos AG 65, I appreciated the two front zippered-pockets, which allowed for some compartmentalization, rather than just having to stuff everything into a single chamber. I ended up using these for my water filter and a spare rain jacket.
Hip belt pockets are also important for this reason. A lot of backpacks have these, but it's still worth noting in Osprey's pro column. Being able to pop my phone and a few energy bars in a place that I can instantly access always makes trekking a smoother experience.
One the other hand, once I got further into my sojourn, I realized that the Atmos lacked middle access points. It's good to pack more substantial food lower down (since it's heavier), but that meant that I had to take a lot of things out of the pack, just to reach the good stuff. When trekking bags are configured like this, I find that unpacking and repacking them can be so cumbersome that I debate skipping needed fuel stops, or gear swaps, altogether.
How does the Osprey Atmos backpack fit?
On the classic A through F grading scale, I would give the Atmos AG 65 a B for the fitting process. I wasn't a huge fan of the cantilevers that adjust the torso length. It was a little tricky to get at and manipulate them. It's certainly not a bad system; I have simply come across more intuitive setups that don't require as much finger strength or finagling.
As for the Fit-on-the-Fly system, I did think that the hip belt was comfortable, but I would have gone with a different name to describe it. You have to wrestle with the straps in order to free them from some pretty sturdy Velcro. And in order to do that, you have to take the pack off.
This isn't a huge deal, since setting the hip belt is something that should really just be done once or twice throughout the day – it's just not something that will happen “on the fly.”
In terms of alignment, after my first half-mile, I could tell that the curved design was great for keeping the whole pack close to my body, which reduced the perception of weight, and minimized the strain that tends to build up across an average day. Although, the one drawback to this approach is how it made the top lid sit uncomfortably close to the back of my head. I kept getting the urge to push it back and clear some space, but I had to remind myself that this was part of Osprey's vision.
Further into the hike, I came to appreciate the supportive mesh-backing. It worked beautifully to absorb the body's protuberances (hips, shoulders, spine, etc.), and prevent them from creating friction hotspots. The airflow was also excellent. I slogged up some significant elevation after leaving the parking lot. I didn't develop any back sweat, which is a big win for me!
And finally, in terms of stability, the Atmos 65 nails it! When I moved, the pack moved in unison. Everything just felt locked-in, which can't be said for many packs out there.
How much weight can the Osprey Atmos 65 carry?
Osprey recommends a load range of 30 – 40 pounds for the Atmos AG 65. This was revised down from 50 pounds, which some sources still state for this backpack. As a photographer, this meant I had to scale back a bit. With my camera equipment on top of the usual gear and food for a 2 day trip, I was pretty much at max capacity.
If I ditched the superfluous stuff, I think I could have gotten another 2 days worth of food in there. But that's still a bit off Osprey's stated capability for this bag of “up to a week or more in duration.” Some further streamlining or planned supply stops might be necessary if that's what you have in mind. ‘ stated capability for this bag of “up to a week or more in duration.” Some further streamlining or planned supply stops might be necessary if that's what you have in mind.
Does Osprey Atmos have a rain cover?
Newer versions of the Atmos AG 65 come with a raincover that is made with PFC/PFAS-free DWR (durable water-repellent finish) and bluesign approved materials.
What does the AG stand for with Osprey?
This refers to the Anti-Gravity suspension system, which is a combination of the pack's back panel, harness, and hip belt. They work together to automatically contour to the body while in motion, thereby distributing the weight more evenly and improving the fit.
Where do hiking poles go on an Osprey pack?
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 has a Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment on the lower-left side of the pack. This can be used to stash or grab your trekking poles while on the move.
Is the Osprey Atmos 65 worth buying?
Available for around $300 USD (at the time of this review some sites had it listed for a bit less, while several had it for more). I think the Osprey Atmos AG 65 is a really high-value backpack. This places the Osprey Atmos 65 in the mid-range, in terms of price, for the backpack market, but I think that it appeals to a broad audience. A huge boost to value for any of Osprey's backpacks is that they are backed by a lifetime guarantee. So if anything blows out, Osprey will have you covered.
In terms of who the Atmos 65 is for, I think this would definitely be a great starter pack. I know that intermediate hikers will do well with it too. People who may want to look elsewhere would include photographers, climbers, or anyone with more intensive missions. I found that this was a difficult backpack to carry extra gear with. Despite Osprey's week or more pitch, I think this is a 4-day trip (max) kind of bag.
So while not a perfect pack, the Osprey Atmos AG 65 has a lot to offer. I hope this review helped you wade through the thicket and get a sense as to if this bag is right for you.
If you want to compare with other similar-size trekking bags I've reviewed, check out these other backpack reviews.
Have fun out there!
