Sign in Pro
Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack
Editor’s Conclusion
Osprey has a bit of a cult following - and with good reason. They’ve been creating backpacks of all sorts since 1974. The Atmos AG 65 backpack is a great addition to a long line of impressive products.
The Atmos AG is spacious, easily organized, and surprisingly comfortable. The antigravity technology mixed with the sternum strap and padded hip belt evenly distributes the weight of your gear. While it is heavier than I would prefer for backpacking and hiking, there are plenty of characteristics that make the few extra pounds tolerable.
The Atmos AG is spacious, easily organized, and surprisingly comfortable. The antigravity technology mixed with the sternum strap and padded hip belt evenly distributes the weight of your gear. While it is heavier than I would prefer for backpacking and hiking, there are plenty of characteristics that make the few extra pounds tolerable.
Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
Great ventilation
Mesh back panel contours to your body
Holds 30-50 pounds of gear
11 pockets plus the main pocket
Interior hydration sleeve
Lifetime warranty
Cons
Heavy
Difficult to throw on your back quickly
Hip belt pockets usually require two hands to open and close
Not waterproof
Key Features
Portability
What good would a backpack be if it weren’t portable? This item weighs 4.56 pounds. While this is far from a lightweight backpack, the features of the bag make it bearable. You can pack and carry between 30 and 50 pounds of gear. However, once you start nearing fifty pounds, the comfort features are much less efficient and not ideal for long journeys.
Comfort
This is where the Osprey Atmos 65 really shines. From the top of the back panel down and around to the hip belt, it is lined with antigravity trampoline mesh. Not only does this provide great ventilation for hot days, but it also contours to your body providing incredible comfort.
This antigravity suspension system also helps to lighten the feeling of your load. Additionally, there is a sternum strap (with an attached whistle) and a padded hip belt. The hip belt is slightly wide and can interfere with the swing of your arms if you’re a flailer. These same “wings” make it slightly difficult to hoist the bag onto your back alone. The tension from the trampoline mesh pulls them inward/behind your back.
There are three different sizes of this bag to choose from. You can choose a small (62 liters), medium (65 liters), or large (68 liters). However, the size you choose should correlate with your body size. If the size is not correct, you will not be able to take advantage of the aforementioned comfort features. Also, each hip belt is adjustable by six inches. If you are in-between sizes, it is best to size down. If the hip belt is too big, it will not help to carry any of the weight.
The LightWire peripheral frame is comfortable for almost everyone. However, for a select few, it just doesn’t fit quite right. It pokes here, rubs there… I recommend that you wear this bag around your home for a few hours (weighed down, of course) before fully committing to it.
Features
The Atmos 65 has eleven pockets plus the main compartment. One of these compartments is meant for a sleeping bag. On the exterior of this compartment, there are removable straps that you can attach your sleeping pad with. There is even a dedicated space to store your trekking poles or ice tools. You’ll also find upper and lower-side compression straps. I like that these straps are only on the sides so that I can still access most pockets of the bag without unclipping them.
On the hip belt, or the “wings”, there are also two zippered pockets. These pockets are great for items you want to access quickly, such as your phone, compass, or sunscreen. However, these pockets aren’t all that easy to access. It often requires two hands to get the zipper open and closed.
On the front of the bag, there is a large stretch mesh pocket. This is also a great place to store easy-to-access items, such as extra layers or a rain jacket. There are also two mesh side pockets that you can store a water bottle(or other items) in vertically or angled forward.
The top of the bag is outfitted with what some people call a “floating top” and others call the “brain.” Either way, this section is removable and has two zippered pockets. I like to use this part to keep important items near me while I camp.
If you do remove the brain, you might worry about the contents of your bag being exposed, but there is no need. There is a flap jacket (or floating lid) here that protects your gear from falling out. To save weight, you can travel without the brain completely.
Another great feature is the built-in hydration sleeve. It can accommodate up to a three-liter reservoir. This reservoir is not included with the backpack.
Lastly, the color options. It is available in Rigby red, abyss gray, or unity blue. In any color, it’s a great-looking bag. On the brain, you’ll find the Osprey logo and on the lower portion of the bag the model is displayed- Atmos AG 65.
Durability
Drag this pack through the dirt, drop it down a steep incline, and bang it against a tree- it will still be in good condition. The main area of the bag is made from 100d x 630d nylon dobby. The accent panels are made from 210d high tenacity nylon. The bottom is reinforced with 420hd nylon packcloth.
All of this nylon provides an impressive amount of durability and weather resistance. It is important to note that this bag is not waterproof. You’ll be fine in a small shower, but you should use caution when crossing a river.
You can always buy an Osprey with confidence knowing that each backpack comes with a lifetime guarantee. If you need a part replacement, they will help you. If you need a pack repair, they will help you. If for some reason they can not fix the issue, they will replace the item.
What good would a backpack be if it weren’t portable? This item weighs 4.56 pounds. While this is far from a lightweight backpack, the features of the bag make it bearable. You can pack and carry between 30 and 50 pounds of gear. However, once you start nearing fifty pounds, the comfort features are much less efficient and not ideal for long journeys.
Comfort
This is where the Osprey Atmos 65 really shines. From the top of the back panel down and around to the hip belt, it is lined with antigravity trampoline mesh. Not only does this provide great ventilation for hot days, but it also contours to your body providing incredible comfort.
This antigravity suspension system also helps to lighten the feeling of your load. Additionally, there is a sternum strap (with an attached whistle) and a padded hip belt. The hip belt is slightly wide and can interfere with the swing of your arms if you’re a flailer. These same “wings” make it slightly difficult to hoist the bag onto your back alone. The tension from the trampoline mesh pulls them inward/behind your back.
There are three different sizes of this bag to choose from. You can choose a small (62 liters), medium (65 liters), or large (68 liters). However, the size you choose should correlate with your body size. If the size is not correct, you will not be able to take advantage of the aforementioned comfort features. Also, each hip belt is adjustable by six inches. If you are in-between sizes, it is best to size down. If the hip belt is too big, it will not help to carry any of the weight.
The LightWire peripheral frame is comfortable for almost everyone. However, for a select few, it just doesn’t fit quite right. It pokes here, rubs there… I recommend that you wear this bag around your home for a few hours (weighed down, of course) before fully committing to it.
Features
The Atmos 65 has eleven pockets plus the main compartment. One of these compartments is meant for a sleeping bag. On the exterior of this compartment, there are removable straps that you can attach your sleeping pad with. There is even a dedicated space to store your trekking poles or ice tools. You’ll also find upper and lower-side compression straps. I like that these straps are only on the sides so that I can still access most pockets of the bag without unclipping them.
On the hip belt, or the “wings”, there are also two zippered pockets. These pockets are great for items you want to access quickly, such as your phone, compass, or sunscreen. However, these pockets aren’t all that easy to access. It often requires two hands to get the zipper open and closed.
On the front of the bag, there is a large stretch mesh pocket. This is also a great place to store easy-to-access items, such as extra layers or a rain jacket. There are also two mesh side pockets that you can store a water bottle(or other items) in vertically or angled forward.
The top of the bag is outfitted with what some people call a “floating top” and others call the “brain.” Either way, this section is removable and has two zippered pockets. I like to use this part to keep important items near me while I camp.
If you do remove the brain, you might worry about the contents of your bag being exposed, but there is no need. There is a flap jacket (or floating lid) here that protects your gear from falling out. To save weight, you can travel without the brain completely.
Another great feature is the built-in hydration sleeve. It can accommodate up to a three-liter reservoir. This reservoir is not included with the backpack.
Lastly, the color options. It is available in Rigby red, abyss gray, or unity blue. In any color, it’s a great-looking bag. On the brain, you’ll find the Osprey logo and on the lower portion of the bag the model is displayed- Atmos AG 65.
Durability
Drag this pack through the dirt, drop it down a steep incline, and bang it against a tree- it will still be in good condition. The main area of the bag is made from 100d x 630d nylon dobby. The accent panels are made from 210d high tenacity nylon. The bottom is reinforced with 420hd nylon packcloth.
All of this nylon provides an impressive amount of durability and weather resistance. It is important to note that this bag is not waterproof. You’ll be fine in a small shower, but you should use caution when crossing a river.
You can always buy an Osprey with confidence knowing that each backpack comes with a lifetime guarantee. If you need a part replacement, they will help you. If you need a pack repair, they will help you. If for some reason they can not fix the issue, they will replace the item.
Comparison to Similar Backpacks
The Kelty Coyote 65 is another great, similar, choice. It weighs only a few ounces more than the Atmos and also has designated spots for a sleeping bag, trekking poles, or an ice pick. The torso is adjustable but it is a one-size-fits-all, meaning that it doesn’t allow you to get as personalized of a fit like the Osprey does. One major benefit of this option is that it is significantly cheaper than the Osprey.
The North Face Terra 65 is slightly cheaper than the Osprey and weighs a few ounces less. In my opinion, it is not as aesthetically pleasing, but it’s not ugly either. One major difference is that the Terra has a full J-zipper that allows you to easily access items at the bottom of your bag without unpacking all of your gear. It is hydration compatible and comes with a lifetime warranty.
The North Face Terra 65 is slightly cheaper than the Osprey and weighs a few ounces less. In my opinion, it is not as aesthetically pleasing, but it’s not ugly either. One major difference is that the Terra has a full J-zipper that allows you to easily access items at the bottom of your bag without unpacking all of your gear. It is hydration compatible and comes with a lifetime warranty.
Verdict
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is great for all seasons, but especially summer. The trampoline mesh back and hip belt provide unprecedented ventilation. It is heavier than I would like but I don’t see anywhere Osprey could have cut back to change this. You can always remove the brain if you’re looking to shed a pound.
While this backpack is expensive, it has many impressive features, is very comfortable, and comes with a lifetime warranty. As an added bonus, Osprey is known for having great customer service. If you are a person who can’t find a compromise between packing less and overall comfort, the Atmos allows you both.
While this backpack is expensive, it has many impressive features, is very comfortable, and comes with a lifetime warranty. As an added bonus, Osprey is known for having great customer service. If you are a person who can’t find a compromise between packing less and overall comfort, the Atmos allows you both.
See Deal 
