Dave, sorry this is so late.

I've strapped a prolite3 under it as well as a prolite with a blue foamy, and it fit....kinda. I've done two prolites which fit better. Based on that, if your looking to strap just a zlite which I know are pretty bulky, you might run into trouble. Rollable is key for this pack.

They're both great packs from great companies. Even though you may have seen some bad things about both, they've both got some great features. One thing that you can't really adjust to is the fit of the pack and thus, I'd recommend you go with what fits you best. You can invent new ways of packing/accessing things to adjust to your needs. If they fit equally well (which does not sound to be the case) I'd go for the Osprey, but only because its what I use and I'm partial. Its been a great pack for about 5 years now!

I had the Osprey Atmos also but returned it. I tried it on a 9 mile trek and back in the Rockies and the weight was not focused on my hips at all. It made the trek terrible. My friend let me try on his Baltoro and wow, my hips felt fine with it. Now I'm looking at this bc the Baltoro is a little big for my needs.

My results with the Atmos 65 were a little different. I didn't feel that the ATmos put the load on my hips as well as other packs I have used. In fact, I find myself with a 33 to 35 lb load re-adjusting too much in an attempt to alieviate excessive shoulder pressure. I think the reason for this is because the ATmos doesn't have a complete wrap-around hip belt, but instead uses the back mesh of the pack as part of its hip belt. (NOT to push the Z65,.. but it does have a complete hip belt, and that's why it weights just a little more) I also have found that I must cinch up the load lifter straps to keep the pack from bouncing. AFter listening/reading all the rave reviews on the ATmos, I'm considering returning it and trying the Z65.

Write your answer here...I haven't tried the z65 but the Osprey atmos 65 fits like a dream and I am using it for extended trips on the AT. Weight distribution is the best I have ever felt, carrying most on my hips. I tried other packs with approximately the weight I carry in the store and then walked around for 20 minutes with the atmos. I could tell that I had weight but the balance was beautiful! I could bend, sway, stoop and bend over to pick up objects with no problems. I am 66 and have hiked for many decades around the US and this is the best pack i have ever used!

yeah, it's a good idea. Unfortunately, if you like to use the front access zipper to quickly get into your pack, then trash bags will be annoying (but will do the job) and you will have to undo all of the straps to go in from the top of the bag.

Definetly! in a downpour your pack is gonna get wet in a drizzle it should be fine. If you wanted to you could just use a big trash bag and make it work if your short on cash, but if you have the money I'd say buy it because it helps to be able to hike in the rain and keep your pack and your gear dry!!