Ed the Ted
Ultralighter
I wonder if that's ingress or soggy gear dripping a bit inside.
Atom Packs
- Thread starter theoctagon
- Start date
I wonder if that's ingress or soggy gear dripping a bit inside.
Mine doesn't have any holes but then I've not had an issue with water pooling.
rigby
Hiker
here's a good review on the 35L with follow up article
this was the guy that discovered Tom's measurements were out volume-wise & has apparently he's since changed them.
so if you're evaluating your needs with a friends pre-summer 2020 pack it's probably smaller than they will be now.
in my experience vx21 doesn't really outperform vx7 in any meaningful real world way and the sooner they drop the X pattern the better (don't hold your breath as it seems to be a marketing thing)
if you do want the vx21 outer fabric but not the weight.. x21rc is the same weight as vx07 but i'm not sure Atom stock that (lots of other bag companies do though).
woven dyneema is the dream product for me.
this was the guy that discovered Tom's measurements were out volume-wise & has apparently he's since changed them.
so if you're evaluating your needs with a friends pre-summer 2020 pack it's probably smaller than they will be now.
in my experience vx21 doesn't really outperform vx7 in any meaningful real world way and the sooner they drop the X pattern the better (don't hold your breath as it seems to be a marketing thing)
if you do want the vx21 outer fabric but not the weight.. x21rc is the same weight as vx07 but i'm not sure Atom stock that (lots of other bag companies do though).
woven dyneema is the dream product for me.
fqjiopjq28fq
Ultralighter
I just ordered my first Atompack (and first real ultralight pack). Retail therapy works.
Swayndo
Summit Camper
Is this the one in Canada? Otherwise couldn't find it. Link please.
Dr Zarkov
Section Hiker
"[WTS] CLOSET CLEANOUT: Atompacks Custom Atom NEW (20.oz), Borah Cuben Bug Bivy (5.2oz), Outdoor Research Sun Shirts (x2) NWT (5.2oz), CNOC Vecto 2L LIKE NEW (2.5oz), Platypus 2L bladder (3.6oz): ULgeartrade" https://www.reddit.com/r/ULgeartrade/comments/mpoan1/wts_closet_cleanout_atompacks_custom_atom_new/
simplerandomwalk
Trail Blazer
Bit of an odd question, but has anyone managed to fit some kind of BPA-free bottle in the shoulder pockets of their Atom pack?
I have one and have fitted PET bottles so far but I'd prefer to use BPA-free ones going forward, which unfortunately tend to be thicker and for example the Nalgene HDPE 500ml doesn't fit.
About the BPA-free choice: I have looked at papers on the subject and I know there have been studies that supposedly ruled out any problems (like the FDA one) but overall I'm not convinced and since it doesn't really cost me much to make the safer choice, I prefer to do so. So unless you have final evidence that BPAs are fine, please let's not turn this thread into a pro/versus BPA debate..
I've been looking at the Salomon new soft flasks 500ml as they seem to have a rather small diameter (6cm?) but wondered if they'd be a PITA to put in the pocket. I could obviously buy them and try but I thought I'd ask here first in case someone has already found an option..
I have one and have fitted PET bottles so far but I'd prefer to use BPA-free ones going forward, which unfortunately tend to be thicker and for example the Nalgene HDPE 500ml doesn't fit.
About the BPA-free choice: I have looked at papers on the subject and I know there have been studies that supposedly ruled out any problems (like the FDA one) but overall I'm not convinced and since it doesn't really cost me much to make the safer choice, I prefer to do so. So unless you have final evidence that BPAs are fine, please let's not turn this thread into a pro/versus BPA debate..
I've been looking at the Salomon new soft flasks 500ml as they seem to have a rather small diameter (6cm?) but wondered if they'd be a PITA to put in the pocket. I could obviously buy them and try but I thought I'd ask here first in case someone has already found an option..
Only bottles I've put in mine are the 600ml smart ones, not quite the info you want.
If you ask Tom will make you larger stretch pockets.
tom
Thru Hiker
Solan de Cabras bottles (750ml / 1lt) fit easily with space to squeeze something like a 1lt foldable liquidator bottle next to it when extra overnight water is needed.
I never use Nalgene bottles (too heavy + bulky for me) but I'm pretty sure they'd fit into side pockets of my 40lt Atom+
fqjiopjq28fq
Ultralighter
Just want to say I love my new Atom. Even after a few weeks I still stroke it like a cat sometimes.
Swayndo
Summit Camper
How quickly did it arrive after order? Pics please.
fqjiopjq28fq
Ultralighter
I will post pics later.
It took about 7.5 weeks to arrive after ordering I think, including some discussion via email, it's a customised Atom. Well within the 10 week lead time they stated when I ordered. Or was it 12? No I think 10.
simplerandomwalk
Trail Blazer
I'll answer myself in case someone browses this thread in the future: in the end I got the Solomon soft flask Speed 42 500ml and it fits very well, sliding easily in and out!
turkeyphant
Section Hiker
On a similar note, can anyone recommend any other bottles to go in the shoulder pockets? Hard bottles preferred.
I'm looking for two criteria: the largest volume bottle that still fits easily and any bottles with sports tops.
So far 500ml seems to be the max I can comfortably fit but maybe there are narrow and long 750ml bottles that would work? 600ml smart water are said to fit but I can never find them.
As for sports caps I can only find bottles that are too large. I splashed out two quid on a lucozade bottle that looked promising but the membrane thing inside the mouthpiece means that air cannot get in and it's hard to drink and the bottle ends up crushed.
I'm looking for two criteria: the largest volume bottle that still fits easily and any bottles with sports tops.
So far 500ml seems to be the max I can comfortably fit but maybe there are narrow and long 750ml bottles that would work? 600ml smart water are said to fit but I can never find them.
As for sports caps I can only find bottles that are too large. I splashed out two quid on a lucozade bottle that looked promising but the membrane thing inside the mouthpiece means that air cannot get in and it's hard to drink and the bottle ends up crushed.
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turkeyphant
Section Hiker
Looks promising! Any tips on where to find them, never heard of it before.
Tescos or Holland & Barrett are fairly good bets. Some Sainsburys stock them and I've seen them on Amazon.
Odd Man
Thru Hiker
Their website has a list of stockists. I got mine from Ocado at the time.
turkeyphant
Section Hiker
Also looks good. Any idea of weight?
Baldy
Thru Hiker
Sorry no. Not the lightest but nice to the touch and a nifty twisting sports cap.
fqjiopjq28fq
Ultralighter
The 30 Mile Review of my (Custom) Atom 35l
Options chosen:
Atom 35l (base model, not plus so frameless and no hip belt)
Black Robic 210d Extreema (Rather have the better durability over Xpac, not concerned the water proof PU coating will eventually wear off as need a pack liner because seems aren't taped / sealed anyway, it does weigh a little more though)
2 x shoulder pockets (phone + sweets)
Bullet mesh back pocket (Bigger holes so more breathable than stretchy mesh so better for drying out wet stuff, more durable, but not stretchy)
Customisations:
Cordura 500d bottom panel (durability reasons, was free)
'Logo strip' This is the strip of material underneath the back pocket and the bottom panel which has the Atompacks logo. (To separate the mesh from the ground a bit and hopefully reduce abrasion of the mesh, this is standard on Atompacks' other models)
Slightly wider set shoulder straps
Shock cord web on the back for holding a sit pad (comfort)
I got the idea for much of this from this man's pack:
Mine is very similar to his, I even have the same colours as you can see below.
Why get this very expensive backpack?
To use a pack of this size for a long-distance hike, something in which you'd need camping gear you'd probably need a serious ultralight setup: DCF tent, fancy sleeping pad, titanium cooking set, sawn-off toothbrush, etc. Also you'd probably need to be somewhere with less wind and rain than the UK. It's just not big enough or able to carry the load comfortably otherwise. I don't have a full set of serious ultralight gear and have no intention of buying it so why did I spend this much? I'm planning on combining the Camino Le Puy and the Norte. So Le Puy > SJPDP > Irun > Santiago > Finisterre. If you don't know Caminos are essentially a series of day hikes with a hostel at each end. You take 2 sets of baselayers, underwear, socks, bottoms and then outerwear, bedding and toiletries. Even though there's no need to carry camping gear, cooking gear, significant amounts of water or food, the route I'm planning is still about 1000 miles so weight matters. And I wanted enough space to do it any time of year.
What do I think of the pack after 30 miles?
It seems very nice. Solidly built, every little part seems of good quality, and there's not much that isn't needed. Comfortable to carry, really like the shoulder straps. The shoulder pockets with the clever elastic shape hold my phone in securely. The side pockets are at the right height for me to access easily (unlike my Osprey Talons). It's exactly what I asked for and I look forward to using it in France and Spain some day.
Design changes I might make if I could would be to make the shoulder pockets actual pockets with a shock cord + toggle closure. Just for durability and to hold things more securely. Similarly I'd make the back pocket close with shock cord + toggle (like the side pockets) more for durability. I think the elastic edge will be a weak point and more difficult to repair or replace. Just a guess, and a minor point at most. Also, the fancy new material from Challenge Fabrics offers the liklihood in the near future that backpacks will be made with the weight and water resistance of DCF but with hugely increased durability. But who knows when they will come out, what customisations will be available on those packs if any, and there may be issues with the material. And they will be expensive, even more so if importing from the US (if Atompacks or someone else doesn't make them here).
Options chosen:
Atom 35l (base model, not plus so frameless and no hip belt)
Black Robic 210d Extreema (Rather have the better durability over Xpac, not concerned the water proof PU coating will eventually wear off as need a pack liner because seems aren't taped / sealed anyway, it does weigh a little more though)
2 x shoulder pockets (phone + sweets)
Bullet mesh back pocket (Bigger holes so more breathable than stretchy mesh so better for drying out wet stuff, more durable, but not stretchy)
Customisations:
Cordura 500d bottom panel (durability reasons, was free)
'Logo strip' This is the strip of material underneath the back pocket and the bottom panel which has the Atompacks logo. (To separate the mesh from the ground a bit and hopefully reduce abrasion of the mesh, this is standard on Atompacks' other models)
Slightly wider set shoulder straps
Shock cord web on the back for holding a sit pad (comfort)
I got the idea for much of this from this man's pack:
Why get this very expensive backpack?
To use a pack of this size for a long-distance hike, something in which you'd need camping gear you'd probably need a serious ultralight setup: DCF tent, fancy sleeping pad, titanium cooking set, sawn-off toothbrush, etc. Also you'd probably need to be somewhere with less wind and rain than the UK. It's just not big enough or able to carry the load comfortably otherwise. I don't have a full set of serious ultralight gear and have no intention of buying it so why did I spend this much? I'm planning on combining the Camino Le Puy and the Norte. So Le Puy > SJPDP > Irun > Santiago > Finisterre. If you don't know Caminos are essentially a series of day hikes with a hostel at each end. You take 2 sets of baselayers, underwear, socks, bottoms and then outerwear, bedding and toiletries. Even though there's no need to carry camping gear, cooking gear, significant amounts of water or food, the route I'm planning is still about 1000 miles so weight matters. And I wanted enough space to do it any time of year.
What do I think of the pack after 30 miles?
It seems very nice. Solidly built, every little part seems of good quality, and there's not much that isn't needed. Comfortable to carry, really like the shoulder straps. The shoulder pockets with the clever elastic shape hold my phone in securely. The side pockets are at the right height for me to access easily (unlike my Osprey Talons). It's exactly what I asked for and I look forward to using it in France and Spain some day.
Design changes I might make if I could would be to make the shoulder pockets actual pockets with a shock cord + toggle closure. Just for durability and to hold things more securely. Similarly I'd make the back pocket close with shock cord + toggle (like the side pockets) more for durability. I think the elastic edge will be a weak point and more difficult to repair or replace. Just a guess, and a minor point at most. Also, the fancy new material from Challenge Fabrics offers the liklihood in the near future that backpacks will be made with the weight and water resistance of DCF but with hugely increased durability. But who knows when they will come out, what customisations will be available on those packs if any, and there may be issues with the material. And they will be expensive, even more so if importing from the US (if Atompacks or someone else doesn't make them here).
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