Atom+ vs Gossamer Gear G4-20

harok11a

Ultralighter
I’m looking for a ~40ltr pack for multi day hut to hut hiking in the alps. I need a little extra space over my normal 30ltr for camera gear and kit for wet weather/early season snow.

Max load will be 8.5kg, but ~1.5kg of that is a camera attached to one of the pack straps.

I’ve been considering the Atom+ and Gossamer Gear G4-20. Both look somewhat similar.

I’m tall and struggle to find packs that work for me. I’ve tried many!

Does anyone have any thoughts on either of these packs? Or any other similar options for someone tall?

Thanks
 

Odd Man

Thru Hiker
I have a G4-20 Large and I'm 191cm. I sold my Flex Capacitor which was up 21" because it was too short for me. I also have Mariposa in Large and find that GG packs work for tall bloke like me. Sorry, no experiences with Atom packs.
 

harok11a

Ultralighter
Yes I agree that GG packs generally work well for tall people.

I actually went to Ultralight Outdoor Gear last year and tried every pack they had in large. The GG packs were the best for me, but they also varied considerably between models. I do like the straps on GG packs as well. They are very comfortable.

Atom Packs I'm hopeful for as their owner is very tall!
 

Franky

Section Hiker
I used the GG years ago. Never held its shape whereas the Atom ( own 3) keeps its upright shape when fully packed… so closer to the spine…
 
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Robert P

Thru Hiker
Atom packs could do a custom build as well if the large was not sufficiently long. It is worth looking at the attachment points on the shoulder straps to see if they work for you. I think the Atom, Atom+ and Mo packs now come as standard with 2 stretch pockets on the shoulder straps (which for me are one of the best features) but only the Mo has a full length daisy chain as standard (which may be of more importance for you to attach camera gear).
 

sherpa

Section Hiker
i have a couple of HMG packs in size L - the back length on mine measure out at 56cm.

i wanted a slightly longer pack so recently ordered the Atom+ in XL - that measures 60cm so it has a genuinely longer back.

for comparison, i took my measurements from bottom of hip belt up centre of pack to where the shoulder straps are sewn in to the pack.
 

Lyrrad

Trail Blazer
Atom packs could do a custom build as well if the large was not sufficiently long. It is worth looking at the attachment points on the shoulder straps to see if they work for you. I think the Atom, Atom+ and Mo packs now come as standard with 2 stretch pockets on the shoulder straps (which for me are one of the best features) but only the Mo has a full length daisy chain as standard (which may be of more importance for you to attach camera gear).
I've got a standard returnable Mo on order so that I can find out exactly where I want to place my Peak Design Capture Clip. Atom Packs will then reinforce the chosen area (I'll lose one stretch pocket) so the Clip can be attached to the daisy chain rather than the strap itself. Hopefully all will be good for a camera/lens combo of 1.2kg. It's something they’ve done before.
 

harok11a

Ultralighter
I’m in Keswick early July so I think I’ll drop by Atom Packs and talk to them. I struggle with pack fit so I’ll ask them to measure.

It’s interesting to here about getting strap changes for a camera. I hadn’t considered that. I guess I’d need a custom order and 3 month wait for that?
 

tom

Thru Hiker
I used the GG years ago. Never held its shape whereas the Atom ( own 3) keeps its upright shape when fully packed… so closer to the spine…
Atom is definitely a step up compared to GG. They may look similar but the differences are huge IMO - carrying comfort, choice of fabrics and sizes (stiffer fabric packs better than softer) and the GGs are too heavy for what they offer...
 

harok11a

Ultralighter
I've got a standard returnable Mo on order so that I can find out exactly where I want to place my Peak Design Capture Clip. Atom Packs will then reinforce the chosen area (I'll lose one stretch pocket) so the Clip can be attached to the daisy chain rather than the strap itself. Hopefully all will be good for a camera/lens combo of 1.2kg. It's something they’ve done before.

how did this work out?

I am looking again and Atom Packs are out of the Atom+ non-custom. They do have a 50 that I might try, but boring colour and perhaps too big. Possibly worth a go though. I’m somewhat assuming the 50 isn’t really hugely bigger than the 40.
 
Hi. I was tempted my Atoms. being a UK cottage company. But, because of the wait is long and the fear of what if I did not like it, I choose others.

I brought from Ultralight Gear, a Gossamer Gear G4-20 and the six mood design Swift x and Minimalist 2.

I went with the Minimalist 2.

The GM volume wise is tight.
The 6MD Swift x had a lovely XPAC type fabric but on testing in door a loop holer on the side broke.

I like the Minimalist 2 because it has deeper side pockets and a flap with top pocket. As well as all the pockets on the straps.
 

Lyrrad

Trail Blazer
how did this work out?

I am looking again and Atom Packs are out of the Atom+ non-custom. They do have a 50 that I might try, but boring colour and perhaps too big. Possibly worth a go though. I’m somewhat assuming the 50 isn’t really hugely bigger than the 40.
Sorry for slow response. I have sent Mo back and am waiting for my custom one to be delivered. I'll update once it's arrived
 

harok11a

Ultralighter
I got an Atom+ 50L XL yesterday but I think it's unfortunately too big. I think I need the 40L and am almost certainly between L and XL for the back length. I really struggle to get packs that fit my back length and with this one the XL is perhaps just a little too long.

I got the 50L as they had one in stock and could send it straight away so definitely worth a go.

The Atom+ looks good for me though, I'm just not sure I can get one that will work perfectly and in time. I'll message them tomorrow and see what they say. I'm in the Lakes next week so may see if I can visit.

Their quoted 13 week+ delivery for custom packs is a little crazy though and way too long for me to wait so I'm not sure it'll ever work out.
 

harok11a

Ultralighter
Does anyone know how water resistant Atom packs are? I always have a liner and dry bags for the really important gear but how do their packs handle water? I’d like to avoid having to carry a pack cover and don’t want the pack to just soak up all the rain and be impossible to dry.
 

Robert P

Thru Hiker
Does anyone know how water resistant Atom packs are? I always have a liner and dry bags for the really important gear but how do their packs handle water? I’d like to avoid having to carry a pack cover and don’t want the pack to just soak up all the rain and be impossible to dry.
I have 2 Atom Packs in VX21 and found that water does get through in heavy rain. The seams are not sealed so this is not a surprise. Personally I have everything in Nylofume liner(s)
 

harok11a

Ultralighter
I have 2 Atom Packs in VX21 and found that water does get through in heavy rain. The seams are not sealed so this is not a surprise. Personally I have everything in Nylofume liner(s)

Yeah I have similar liners to use and dry bags for the critical gear. I guess I really just want to check the pack itself isn't just going to soak in all the water and be a nightmare to dry out. I hate pack covers and would like to avoid needing one.
 

Robert P

Thru Hiker
Yeah I have similar liners to use and dry bags for the critical gear. I guess I really just want to check the pack itself isn't just going to soak in all the water and be a nightmare to dry out. I hate pack covers and would like to avoid needing one.
The outer fabric can wet out a little but I've never noticed any issue in drying out. But that has never been an issue for me with any pack.
 
I got an Atom+ 50L XL yesterday but I think it's unfortunately too big. I think I need the 40L and am almost certainly between L and XL for the back length. I really struggle to get packs that fit my back length and with this one the XL is perhaps just a little too long.

I got the 50L as they had one in stock and could send it straight away so definitely worth a go.

The Atom+ looks good for me though, I'm just not sure I can get one that will work perfectly and in time. I'll message them tomorrow and see what they say. I'm in the Lakes next week so may see if I can visit.

Their quoted 13 week+ delivery for custom packs is a little crazy though and way too long for me to wait so I'm not sure it'll ever work out.
I'm a bit between sixes. Which is why I prefer packs that can be adjusted.
 

harok11a

Ultralighter
I'm a bit between sixes. Which is why I prefer packs that can be adjusted.

I have never found an adjustable pack that works for me. I'm tall and they just don't accommodate me. I really struggle to find packs that work. Last year I ended up visiting Ultralight Outdoor Gear and trying all their large size packs as they were the only place in the UK stocking a good selection. Only a couple actually worked for me. Now they don't seem to stock many large packs which is a shame and outside of them I'm not sure of anywhere in the UK stocking large size packs that are on the lighter side.

I'm in the Lakes next week so will see if I can visit Atom Packs and see if there are any workable options for me.

I'm beginning to think my body just isn't made for this hobby! I also have an extremely difficult time finding trail running shoes that fit.
 

TinTin

Thru Hiker
Does anyone know how water resistant Atom packs are? I always have a liner and dry bags for the really important gear but how do their packs handle water? I’d like to avoid having to carry a pack cover and don’t want the pack to just soak up all the rain and be impossible to dry.
They used to offer DCF liner made to fit exactly but that isn't currently in their shop. They do have nylofume liners for £3 each which look like they've been selected to be the right size.
 

harok11a

Ultralighter
I spoke to them again today. They are still firm on 13 week delivery for a custom pack which is just crazy, and way too long for me.

I'm somewhat going off the idea now as I can't even get a full daisy chain on one strap without doing a fully custom order and waiting 13 weeks.
 

Baldy

Thru Hiker
I spoke to them again today. They are still firm on 13 week delivery for a custom pack which is just crazy, and way too long for me.

I'm somewhat going off the idea now as I can't even get a full daisy chain on one strap without doing a fully custom order and waiting 13 weeks.
Does it have to be framed?
 
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