Atom Packs
- Thread starter theoctagon
- Start date
High five to Atompack users! I could use some friendly discussion about my future? pack!
For background I've been long time user of Osprey Talon 44L, which have served me pretty well, but has really been just too big in recent trips. As I have managed to lighten my baseweight to about 3-6kg (without backpack and depending on season gear). Okey lets be honest, last 4 day trip to finnish lapland in about -5´C gear loadout with food and everything took 12kg.
But now I'm interested about atompack models to best suit for my needs and I just can't decide. My first option has been the Prospector, as my baseweight still is and propably will stay about what it has been at best.
What I love about Talon44 is big back meshpocket, but atompack models all have that, and what I've hated and missed is proper shoulder pockets(for katadyn befree 0.6L and other small water bottle and usable hipbelt pockets to cover that talon44 lid usage) For summer gear I have managed to use my 20l military pack with little room for food, but it is little this and that and that pack is just too heavy.
I have really liked my hipbelts and somekind of frames for serious outnighters as my back aint young and strong anymore
Any thoughts about pack choice and options and especially size would be appreciated.
For background I've been long time user of Osprey Talon 44L, which have served me pretty well, but has really been just too big in recent trips. As I have managed to lighten my baseweight to about 3-6kg (without backpack and depending on season gear). Okey lets be honest, last 4 day trip to finnish lapland in about -5´C gear loadout with food and everything took 12kg.
But now I'm interested about atompack models to best suit for my needs and I just can't decide. My first option has been the Prospector, as my baseweight still is and propably will stay about what it has been at best.
What I love about Talon44 is big back meshpocket, but atompack models all have that, and what I've hated and missed is proper shoulder pockets(for katadyn befree 0.6L and other small water bottle and usable hipbelt pockets to cover that talon44 lid usage) For summer gear I have managed to use my 20l military pack with little room for food, but it is little this and that and that pack is just too heavy.
I have really liked my hipbelts and somekind of frames for serious outnighters as my back aint young and strong anymore
Any thoughts about pack choice and options and especially size would be appreciated.
ZenTrekker
Section Hiker
sporangiophore
Backpacker
I think everyone knows that's an option. Tom is very busy and mostly unresponsive, and people might want to get help from others developing their ideas before taking the step of approaching the guy.
ZenTrekker
Section Hiker
OUCH!
Yes he is very busy but not "mostly" unresponsive. I only have experience of a Prospector special he made for me (45 litre sans pockets) and not his other packs, therefore I can't comment on what would be the best Atom pack in these circumstances.
Chris2901
Section Hiker
@sporangiophore : If you can´t say one thing about Tom is that he´s unresponsive.I hardly know a cottage manufacturer who takes you by the hand during planning and discussion as Tom does.
@Azasel :I´d go for a Prospector. But honestly:The ÜLA-solution for bottle transport is much better...
@Azasel :I´d go for a Prospector. But honestly:The ÜLA-solution for bottle transport is much better...
Clare
Thru Hiker
Sounds like a 40l Prospector with hip belt pockets would work for you. The shoulder straps have the option for mesh pockets too. As to the frame, Tom is offering various versions at the moment. @JKM and @ZenTrekker have carbon struts with a foam pad (I think). Tom has just made me one with a nylon Delrin hoop (as used in an ULA Ohm apparently) and a foam pad held within a pocket. He also offers an internal pocket, which helps with internal organisation, or you can just hang a pocket inside with kitten hooks on sticky squares from Treadlite gear. I had hoped to have it by now as I've got a few days in the Lakes starting tomorrow but unfortunately I think it's going to arrive while I'm away, but I can report on the Delrin hoop set up when I get back and take it for a walk around my local park.
ZenTrekker
Section Hiker
sporangiophore
Backpacker
Maybe after you've made an order, but not before
Clare
Thru Hiker
Not really as I'll be walking with a different pack and don't want to carry an extra packs around. I'm travelling by train not car, so not very flexible.
Clare
Thru Hiker
He used to be very responsive before as well, must be because he has become so crazy busy.
Chris2901
Section Hiker
@sporangiophore : We talked for about 1,5 hrs on a Monday evening before I placed an order.
ZenTrekker
Section Hiker
I think I have to disagree with you @sporangiophore . I found Tom to be really helpful, you do need to be patient though as he's a one man band
WilliamC
Thru Hiker
A little late probably: I'd forgotten about this post about a MYOG Arc Blast until I saw this post on BPL today, which lists a UK retailer for flexible CF flat stays. (The retailer is here, in case you want a shortcut.) I doubt it would fit the Prospector's guides but it looks the perfect solution for support with flexibility if you can find a work around.
Clare
Thru Hiker
So, this is the 40litre prospector with a Delrin hoop for load transfer. At my request, the straps are 2.5" instead of 3" and are placed 2.75" instead of 3" apart at the top.
It is immediately very comfortable. The narrower straps make a huge difference for me. The length of the back and the double webbing on the waist belt make for a very good fit indeed. It just feels good and right.
The delrin hoop feels good. It is stiff, not flexible until just below the shoulder strap fixing and then there is flex at the top.
Tom suggested using press-stud buttons instead of velcro on the top closure. I'm not sure about this but will see how it goes. I think I prefer a more secure sealing before rolling, especially if the pack is full.
The mesh pockets on the shoulder straps seem useful. Sunglasses feel secure. My iPhone Plus fits securely in the other. I would kind of prefer them to sit a little lower down the strap for ease of accessing the top, but I guess that if they were lower then the stored object would get in the way of arm swing.
The mesh outer pocket holds my wet notch. I would prefer slightly more generous mesh here, but a bit of a shove and it's okay.
In the pictures it is packed with my tent, quilt, mat, most of my clothes. Just need to add my warm layer, cook pot, bag of technology, sun hat and wash kit. There is plenty of room for food and other stuff, including probably my home made chair.
I really like it a lot. Astute observers will notice that my sit mat is orange and my water bottle is blue - perfectly accessorised with the pack colour scheme! This is honestly a complete co-incidence!
750g including y-strap and side-closure straps. The side closure straps are overkill really. VX07 - which seems plenty sturdy to me. Sturdier than I imagined.
Are there any changes I would make? Probably ask for a bit more fabric on the mesh front and maybe more fixing loops down the side in case I want to add an external mesh pocket to store my cook pot or wind jacket as per the Arc Haul.
It is immediately very comfortable. The narrower straps make a huge difference for me. The length of the back and the double webbing on the waist belt make for a very good fit indeed. It just feels good and right.
The delrin hoop feels good. It is stiff, not flexible until just below the shoulder strap fixing and then there is flex at the top.
Tom suggested using press-stud buttons instead of velcro on the top closure. I'm not sure about this but will see how it goes. I think I prefer a more secure sealing before rolling, especially if the pack is full.
The mesh pockets on the shoulder straps seem useful. Sunglasses feel secure. My iPhone Plus fits securely in the other. I would kind of prefer them to sit a little lower down the strap for ease of accessing the top, but I guess that if they were lower then the stored object would get in the way of arm swing.
The mesh outer pocket holds my wet notch. I would prefer slightly more generous mesh here, but a bit of a shove and it's okay.
In the pictures it is packed with my tent, quilt, mat, most of my clothes. Just need to add my warm layer, cook pot, bag of technology, sun hat and wash kit. There is plenty of room for food and other stuff, including probably my home made chair.
I really like it a lot. Astute observers will notice that my sit mat is orange and my water bottle is blue - perfectly accessorised with the pack colour scheme! This is honestly a complete co-incidence!
750g including y-strap and side-closure straps. The side closure straps are overkill really. VX07 - which seems plenty sturdy to me. Sturdier than I imagined.
Are there any changes I would make? Probably ask for a bit more fabric on the mesh front and maybe more fixing loops down the side in case I want to add an external mesh pocket to store my cook pot or wind jacket as per the Arc Haul.
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Ooh, very nice.
ZenTrekker
Section Hiker
I popped in to see Tom yesterday (Wednesday) and he told me he had sent your pack off. Glad you’re pleased
Maxplosive
Summit Camper
Getting a little worried if I'm going to get my bag before my trip.... I'd been told that there would be no problem to get my bag early to mid July and I'm leaving home next Thursday. Does anyone know how he goes through the orders? Because I know that he shipped order 10077 last Friday while my order is 10079 and he said yesterday that he should be getting to work work on mine within the next seven days......
Maxplosive
Summit Camper
Well I'm sure he will finish it this month but when you factor in shipping times as well... I don't have another pack so I'm pretty nervous about it not arriving in time for my train.
Clare
Thru Hiker
Just ask him and explain the problem rather than worrying yourself. If he says he can’t meet your deadline someone will probably lend you a pack. What size are you? Back length?
Maxplosive
Summit Camper
I've said multiple times when I need it and he has said it should be no problem at all. I contacted him 36 hours ago to remind him that I would need it next week but no answer yet. If I'm told that he won't be able to meet the deadline I think I'll have to cancel and order a Hyberg pack instead.
Maxplosive
Summit Camper
Gonna thru hike the Kungsleden in northern Sweden! Going to be the first hike with UL gear. Last time I carried 23kg for only six days haha.