Osprey Atmos AG 50 Review | Ultimate Travel Backpack

Last Updated on 20/02/2023

Osprey Atmos AG 50 Review

As a backpacker for over 5 years, I have done my fair share of wilderness expeditions, hiking adventures and numerous long distance trails. Along the way, I have used several backpacks, but none of them ever worked as well as the Osprey Atmos AG 50. Osprey is well known as one of the best backpacking brands out there but they have nailed the ventilation and comfort with this pack. If you are looking for something a little bigger then take a look at our Osprey Kestrel 68 review here.

Designed using the flagship ‘Anti-Gravity’ technology, the pack suspends most of the weight and pressure points away from crucial parts of the body. This allows air to circulate over your entire back, improves weight distribution, and is one of the comfiest packs I have ever owned. Even the hip belt is ventilated!

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Features – Osprey Atmos AG 50 Review

Weight: 4 lbs 6 oz / 1.99 kg (size medium)
Maximum dimensions: (cm) 80 (l) x 35 (w) x 40 (d)
Main Fabric: 100D X 630D Nylon Dobby
Accent Fabric: 210D High Tenacity Nylon
Bottom Fabric: 420HD Nylon Packcloth
AntiGravity™ 3D suspended mesh back panel/hip belt
Lightweight peripheral frame
Top drawstring entry
Base zip entry
Adjustable and removable top lid
ExoForm™/ BioStretch™ harness with load lifter bar
Adjustable AirSpeed™ trampoline suspended mesh back system
FlapJacket™ simple top cover for use without lid
Twin zippered hip belt pockets
Sleeping bag base compartment with internal divider
Twin ice axe loops
Stow-on-the-Go™ trekking pole attachment
Stretch mesh front and side pockets – side pockets have two entry points for easy access of water bottles
Internal top load compression strap
Lower compression converts into sleeping pad straps
Sternum strap with emergency whistle (I almost left this out as it is a lovely surprise when you first notice it)
Integrated & detachable rain cover
Fit-on-the-Fly™ adjustable hip belt
Compatible with Hydraulics™ Reservoir

As you can see, the Osprey Atmos AG 50 is loaded with features that work in unison to give you superior comfort and ventilation, with the capability to haul heavier loads.

Detachable Top Lid

Boasting two zippered pockets, where the bottom pocket is larger and can be used to store a pair of extra gloves or snow goggles. The top pocket is slightly smaller and can be used to store additional accessories, like GPS, a compass, or a personal beacon.

The top lid is of floating type and can be raised above the main compartment, which allows you to wedge more gear midst the main compartment and the lid. Basically, the additional storage is ideal for a rope or a sleeping pad if the lower straps are being used to carry something else, like a tent.

The top lid of the Atmos AG 50 is also detachable, and well, it reduces the pack weight by 5.5 ounces if removed. However, if you do decide to take it off, you don’t need to worry about the rain seeping into the main storage. An alternative Flap Jacket pulls out to cover the top opening and prevent rain from getting in. The integrated rain cover is included but can be detached if you want to shave off a few more grams.

Comfort

Because the pack is lifted away from the body, the suspension really comes into its own and disperses the weight evenly. All these factors make the Osprey Atmos AG 50 incredibly well-balanced to hike with and one of the comfiest backpacks to take backpacking.

Weight

Weighing over 4 lbs 6 oz / 1.99 kg (size medium), the Osprey Atmos AG 50 outshines the ultralight 2 lbs packs when hauling a heavier load, owing to the ‘Anti-Gravity’ design. It is designed to hold up to 40 pounds of weight, and believe me, during an 8-hour trek, with almost a full 40 pounds on my back, it still felt like a breeze.

The weight is dispersed away from your shoulders and onto your hips using a combination of suspension mechanisms which lends to carrying heavier loads. This is by no means a super lightweight backpack, but when compared to other backpacks with similar features, the weight is very respectable. Click here to learn more about reducing the weight of your pack.

Packing

With top and bottom entry points, you can fairly easily organize your gear and get to it without having to pull everything out. The removable lid, front, and side pockets offer great storage for fast-access items like waterproofs and water bottles, while the hip belt pockets are great for phones, keys, and penknife.

There is a divider inside to separate your sleeping equipment, muddy boots, or wood-burning stove from your main gear, and as mentioned previously, you can really load this rucksack up.

The twin ice axe loops and Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachments are great if you use them, and there are also other handy places to hang things from. For example, the lower compression straps convert into a sleeping pad or tent straps, and the top lid extends to allow something long to lay parallel at the top as well.

While 50 liters of storage space is just about enough for most of my trips, this backpack is also available in a 65-liter version.

Anti-Gravity Suspension

The primary selling feature of this pack from Osprey is its flagship Anti-Gravity suspension technology. This technology equips the Atmos AG 50 with an efficient weight-carrying mechanism, breathable fabric, and a fit that feels like the pack is a part of your body. Because the bulk of the pack sits away from your body, the stretchy mesh feels like your whole back reaps the benefits of the AG system.

Also, everything is very adjustable to adapt to different pack weights and physical activities, allowing you to control how the pack feels and get a custom fit.

Ventilation

The breathability and Osprey Atmos AG 50 are, in my opinion, unrivaled and are no doubt where Osprey have spent much of their attention. Without sacrificing any other features, the way the suspension and ventilation work together actually improves the overall functionality. Even in places like South America or South Asia, the ventilation allows your back to breathe instead of leaving a big sweat mark the full length of your shirt.

The wire-framed concave cavity behind your back lets air flow freely, and even the waistband is ventilated with mesh – one of the first of its kind. 10 out of 10 for ventilation and breathability.

Ease of use

Even though this backpack is loaded with features and new technology, it is easy to use and incorporates suggestions from hiking industry experts. Things like the two-way entry side pockets let you store and access water bottles without taking your bag off, or if you prefer a hydration system like the Platypus Big Zip Hydration Pack then you can use the internal reservoir sleeve with tube portal.

The adjustability of the back, waist, and shoulder straps is spot on and the multiple outer pockets mean you don’t have to keep anything in your trouser/short pockets.

Pros

Adjustable hip size with hip belt pockets
Removable top lid and fold out FlapJacket™ cover
Trekking Pole Attachments which can be used for other tools as well
Internal Reservoir Sleeves for keeping flight documents
Dual stretch side pockets with easy access because I’m always thirsty
Innovative aluminum frame and AG technology for simply the best ventilation and suspension

Cons

Slightly heavy, at nearly 2 kg it is less about being lightweight and all about comfort and breathability
The main compartment is only accessible from the top – a side zip would be nice
While the adjustable straps are great and perfectly necessary, they do make the bag seem slightly cluttered

Verdict

If you are looking for a comfortable backpack around the 50-liter mark to go traveling with, then this is the pack for you. The concave wireframe really lifts the pack away from your body, adding to the impressive suspension and allowing air to circulate behind the mesh.

The side mesh pockets are great for easy access to water bottles, and the front mesh pocket is perfect for your waterproofs. The adjustable waistband is well padded, and ventilated and feels like a pure luxury, with pockets on either side to keep your valuables. I would certainly take this pack over any other pack I have tested to date.

I would certainly choose the Osprey Atmos AG 50 over any other backpack I have tested for trips to hotter climates. The ventilation features of the Anti-Gravity technology put this bag into a league of its own and go hand in hand with the suspension system. The benefits are obvious and the only real downside for me is the weight.

If you are thinking about getting a backpack for traveling, that can carry a heavy load, then look no further and just buy the Osprey Atmos AG 50; you won’t regret it.