Atom Packs custom 60L Mo - initial impressions & possible future feedback

old-skool-lite said:
Good to know. My main pack for last few decades had a buckle so this method is new to me. @Andrew Cooke's comment about his toggle pinging out gave me pause for thought. My plan is for a similar but beefed up option.
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I'm using a lightweight version of the original that I used on my old climbing packs. That was exactly the same set up, but with thicker shock cord and beefier cord locks. My walking and backpacking packs don't take anywhere near the abuse that my climbing packs did though, and skinny shock cord with mini cord locks have been sufficient for several years now.
 
None that I could go & try or British made AFAIK. The length of time I plan to have this pack makes bleeding edge fabric less relevant. Beside a few, mostly unsuccessful, short dalliances with modern packs I've come from a Cordura pack. 😀
 
Therry said:
I wish they would add new fabric options. More and more companies are changing to Ultra fabrics (Ultraweave, Ultragrid) which are lighter and tougher than the fabrics used by Atomspacks.
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I agree it might be nice to have some Ultra options from Atom packs, but I wonder if the advantages are always that meaningful (and there are potential downsides). Atom Packs did post very positively about Ultra 200 some time ago but haven’t introduced it – presumably there is a reason.

I don’t have a strong view one way or the other: obviously there is a weight advantage (though often that doesn’t make too much difference on a pack), but the value of the toughness could be debated.

Firstly, I suspect the standard fabrics used by Atom packs will have more than adequate toughness for the average user. I have a heavily used 2019 Atom+ in X-Pac VX21, and the fabric shows no signs of wear; very impressive, just a little bit of surface ‘furring/fuzziness’ on the bottom panel. I suspect my Gossamer Gear packs would have been severely worn under the same conditions.

Secondly, while strength and abrasion resistance of Ultraweave are particularly valuable for some uses, they are not the only determinants of how durable / tough a pack will be. The strength of seams is probably at least as important for pack longevity. Early versions of Ultra 200 had reports of delamination; and since the film backer has a role in stabilising the woven ultra with its slippery UHMWPE fibres, this could allow separation of fibres and some loss of seam integrity. Hopefully this has largely been addressed by improvements in the fabric and experience in construction of packs using the material

https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/17skk5f
https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/pfh1ol

Personally I’d be happy to use an Ultraweave pack but I don’t feel I need the extra fabric strength to justify any additional cost. I can see why Atom Packs have kept their fabric selection as a balanced choice with plenty of options for customisation.
 
A mini review of sorts.

I got a mo60 in February - second hand but pretty much new.

Have used it for just over 50 days now so enough time to cast my wizzzdom.

What do I like about it?

Everything really.

Main thing - Comfortable, the little lumbar pad keeps the pack sat where it should be - a problem I've had with most packs over the last 10 yrs is my back sweats alot so the pack slips down - more weight on shoulders - spine compressed. Ouch. Not anymore tho!
Amazingly tough pack considering it's 970grms.

Quibbles - well. I suppose the outside stretch pocket could be more stretchy. But a banana in there and it's a gone'r.
Pack makers and volume.... I do wish they'd just say what the main compartment is and use that as it's size. It is big enough but ain't 60ltrs. Let's face it including side pockets as volume is daft.
No inside pocket.... I took out my ula wallet pocket and attached it with some cord through the two hose ports. Works a treat.
The back material isn't as waterproof as the other fabric. Not really a problem just double bag as usual.

Overall very happy indeed- probably see me out.. Not sure what I think about that!
 
Too early for me to really give a proper review yet but agree about the lumbar pad. Just right for me. I can carry the pack away from my back by flicking the top tensioners & easily cinch it tight when needed. Hip belt very secure & stable.
 
Old style sternum straps can be had from Atom for same price as new ones via email. They are considering a redesign.
 
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Those with the mo how do you find it carries? With what sort of weights? And are the volumes accurate? Only reason I ask that is my curve 35l internal is much larger than the atom 40 I had,

I'm thinking I need just a bit more volume for winter,
 
Regarding volume, the main compartments of my two Atom packs do seem smaller than other packs I've had with the same nominal capacity (after taking into account how different manufacturers calculate volumes, including pockets etc). Mine are from 2019/2020 so I can't be sure of current packs.

For example, my Zerk 40 (main compartment 40L) will take a lot more than Atom+ 40 (main compartment 35L); it doesn't seem too much less than my Mo 60 (main compartment 55L).
 
I'd say my Mo60 is small compared to similar sized Golite packs
I've never thought the Golite liters were 'big' - compared to Osprey liters (which seem to stray into the "bragging rights" league).
 
Thanks guys,

It's what I thought, I'll look elsewhere, I love my liteaf, but it's USA order only for a larger version.
 
They measuring method seems accurate to me. They document their method on their site. My 60 is much like my old Lowe 60. Bit smaller but then need to add the external pocket volume
 
I’ve got the Mo 50 and it has been a slow burn for me. I really like that I can cram my waste into that bottom pocket And I’m happy with much of the pack. It does everything I need. If I’m being picky, I found the belt pouches a bit meagre & I intensely dislike the chest pockets that come as standard because I don’t buy bottled water and my standard flasks need 2 hands to get them in. I use it for winter walks. (I think I’d prefer an Atom+ 40 for summer walks) I walked kungsleden last year with 10 days food and weighed 14kg at the airport. I think Atompacks could offer a bag without chest pockets as an option. I can’t see the need to pay a customisation price to have a bag without pockets on the chest straps.
I was gifted a Kakwa 40 and I don’t think there’s not a lot of difference volume wise. If the Kakwa had the side clips like the atompacks that help fasten the roll top down it would be a great pack. I’m still making up my mind on the Kakwa. I need a framed pack that’s relatively light. I tried an atom+ and sold it. I regret that now 😂
 
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Dickybeau said:
I’ve got the Mo 50 and it has been a slow burn for me. I really like that I can cram my waste into that bottom pocket And I’m happy with much of the pack. It does everything I need. If I’m being picky, I found the belt pouches a bit meagre & I intensely dislike the chest pockets that come as standard because I don’t buy bottled water and my standard flasks need 2 hands to get them in. I use it for winter walks. (I think I’d prefer an Atom+ 40 for summer walks) I walked kungsleden last year with 10 days food and weighed 14kg at the airport. I think Atompacks could offer a bag without chest pockets as an option. I can’t see the need to pay a customisation price to have a bag without pockets on the chest straps.
I was gifted a Kakwa 40 and I don’t think there’s not a lot of difference volume wise. If the Kakwa had the side clips like the atompacks that help fasten the roll top down it would be a great pack. I’m still making up my mind on the Kakwa. I need a framed pack that’s relatively light. I tried an atom+ and sold it. I regret that now 😂
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Cracking pack for sub 9k
 
If you can't get a winter set up in a 60L Mo/Prospector I'd be very surprised. It's also designed to carry up to 19kg.

You've not got on with any Atom Packs pack in the past so not sure why it's even bring considered.
 
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Bit of both really

Screenshot_20240831-213115.png

They recommend 9kg for comfort

I've just weighed the bag for weekend, fully loaded it's 8.1kg (water/food)

This includes my winter Vado sleep clothes, and a -3 bag,

After this for colder winter I have :

-9 sleeping bag adds 200g
Rab xenon coat adds 400g

So I'm on the cusp
 
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