Gear Guide 2012: Osprey Atmos 65 Backpack

Following my last comment about the Eberlestock Skycrane, if you like big bullet proof military style backpacks but actually built by intelligent people : Kifaru KU3700 (or bigger).

Almost 600$. Thats even more expensive than the 11 pounds train wagon you suggested. And weight 2 pounds 9 oz only.

And just a general comment : The Granite Gear Blaze 60 is not in your choices or neither in your "testers other picks". I wont argue but the Blaze 60 won the "gear of the year award" on your own website. Just saying.

To the guy who talk about the Eberlestock Skycrane II (sept 18) ...

The backpack you talk about weight more than 11 pounds.

There is a word for using such a heavy bag for leisure hiking : Absurd.

Just like owning a Hummer for the grocery once a week.

Deployed soldiers might need this bag (I doubt, honestly, but maybe).

(ps : I know a guy who doesnt know anything about photography who bought a 3000k+ Nikon with bazooka lens. He called me so I can show him how to use it. I setted everything to full automatic and he take family pictures with it. Absurd also apply here.)

Oh, I'm 6', 235 and can carry 100 lbs in this pack, all day, NO PROBLEM!

The most impressive pack I've seen so far is the Eberlestock Skycrane II. I looked at Osprey pretty thoroughly, but they couldn't beat the versatility, superior design and ruggedness of the Skycrane or Skycrane II. Their Warhammer is also a very nice scalable, very adjustable pack. It's more expensive than an Osprey but, you get what you pay for. Don't get me wrong, Osprey makes a fine pack, but for my money I'll take the Eberlestock.

The REI Crestrail does not even have a trampoline back. It is not a comparable pack. By the way, when I was trying on packs at REI, the REI employees themselves shyed me away from the REI packs, saying that they were more about hitting a certain price point.

I got an Atmos 65 after a ton of research and trying on a ton of packs. If it fits you and you want a great performing hiking pack, I don't think you can get any better. The 2012 model is extremely light without being a flimsy ultralight pack, and the air speed trampoline system is great. Osprey is on the cutting edge. You can see all the other pack makers following their lead, but Osprey always seems to have a step or two on them. The one thing I will say is that I have seen reviews where people say that the pack felt good at first but went downhill after extended use. I hope that doesn't happen with mine. Most of the reviews say it is a great pack though.

To same some money while getting a great and adjustable fit at about the same weight and with the same (or more) features be sure to compare this to the REI Crestrail 70L

To same some money while getting a great and adjustable fit at about the same weight and with the same (or more) features be sure to compare this to the REI Crestrail 70L