"Almost There" - Review of Osprey Packs Atmos 65 Pack - 3800-4200 cu in

This pack has two very redeeming features, one serious design flaw and several small pros and cons. The strong points are that it is just over three pounds and very comfortable when fully loaded. Some of this comfort is from the air flow mesh (airspeed) against your back. This air flow area also creates a great place to store a hydration pack or rain gear. Unfortunately, the airspeed frame protrudes into the main compartment and reduces the diameter by half at the middle of the pack (from 14 to 7 inches). You need to be very creative when packing, especially if you need to fit in a bear canister. I would hate to try packing up quick in a storm. Also, if you do manage to fit all your stuff around the airspeed frame it makes the two outside pockets so flat they become unusable. Not to mention trying to get water bottles into the two outside stretch pockets. Pockets on the hip belts are a nice feature but require two hands to operate. Also, the hip belts do not hang open when you pick up the pack so it requires four hands to put the pack on your back. Several small attachment/adjustment features on the pack are clever and useful. The two things you want most in a pack is lightweight and comfort. The Atmos 65 fills this bill. I think I will keep this pack and use if for long day hikes where packing efficiently is not an issue.
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