Review of the Atlas Athlete backpack

Note that I buy all of my own gear.  I paid for the pack myself.  I received no incentive or compensation for taking the time to write this review.

After years of searching for the right backpack for hiking with photography gear, I recently bought an Atlas Athlete camera backpack.  I stumbled onto mention of it in a photography forum while searching for unicorns... I mean, good hiking packs that would fit camera gear.

Atlas is a fairly new company, started by a couple of guys who were frustrated by the lack of a good hiking camera backpack on the market. Very simply put, they thought about what they liked in a good hiking pack and added a good camera compartment with easy access.  A couple of iterations later, they have two models, the smaller (but not tiny) Athlete, and the larger Adventure pack.  Both packs have space for camera and non-camera gear, and balance those two needs very well.

The Athlete expands from about 20L to 40L.  The larger Adventure is a 50L pack that expands to 70L.  They have similar suspensions and design features so the model you get depends mostly on the size you need.

As per usual, I read every review about the Atlas packs I could find. I found an overwhelming majority of raves.  I contacted Atlas, and Allan, the General Manager, got back to me quickly and answered all of my questions. By that time, I was excited and very hopeful that this would finally be the pack for me. We talked via text for a bit and then Allan invited me to meet him at conference near me.  Allan spent about 2 hours showing me the features of both packs and how they fit.  Atlas' Customer service is easily in the top 1% in my experience.

The suspension of both packs fit me better than any other camera backpack I've tried.  Way better.  The fit of each is on par with good hiking packs, and the suspension is better than most hiking packs I've tried.  I ordered the Athlete that evening and had it 2 days later.

Features

• Adjustable "origami" camera core size
• Available in different torso sizes
• Removable hipbelt
• You can select the hipbelt size/style you need!
• Removable internal frame
• Load lifters
• Ripstop nylon shell
• Rear camera opening (gear is secure while you wear it).
• Deep dual side stretch pockets (water bottles or tripod legs can fit)
• Front stretch pocket
• Top loading section for non-camera gear
• Lightly padded laptop sleeve inside the top section behind the camera core
• Expandable
• Very thin profile when not expanded; fits under airline seat.
• Side compression straps
• Side water bladder compartment
• Thin pockets inside the camera door
• Top lid has 3 pockets; one is very large, one has a keyclip.
• Thin front zipper pocket
• Attachment points on the top pocket and front for extra gear
• Included tethered rain cover in dedicated pocket
• Emergency whistle on the chest strap
• Hipbelt pockets have pull-out pockets for medium-sized lenses or other items

So how well does this pack fit?

A few things come into play for the good fit:

• Torso size
• Torso shape
• Hipbelt
• Load lifters

Atlas makes different pack sizes to fit different torsos, which is something usually only found in hiking packs.  Both packs also have removable hipbelts that come in different sizes.  So the first step is finding the right torso and belt (Allan has made custom fits for folks who fall outside the usual sizes).

The backs of the Atlas packs have just the right amount of curvature (not obvious until you feel it) for me with a good lumbar pad.  The backs are nicely padded and breathe.

Given my back problems, I asked Allan if I could have the heavier duty hipbelt from the Adventure pack on the smaller Athlete.  He customized the belt to fit for me.  And Atlas is now offering your choice of hipbelt style for the Athlete... need a smaller one, thicker one, wider one?  You get to pick now.  I have the "retro" adventure style belt.  It is the heaviest duty hipbelt they offer.

The 'retro adventure' hipbelt is made with stiff material on the outside and thick padding that goes against your hips.  The shape is just perfect for me.  The shoulder straps are likewise thickly padded, but in this case, you won't use the shoulder straps for much except to keep the pack held against you... the weight is all very nicely directed to the hips.  The shape and fit let me move naturally. I feel no restriction at all while I'm wearing the pack.  The hipbelts are attached through a slot behind the lumbar pad and held by velcro, rather than sewn onto the sides.  This design means the pack won't sag and pull on your shoulders, and you won't over-tighten the hipbelt.

To demonstrate just how well the hipbelt could handle weight, Allan had me put all my gear in the Athlete, then had me over-tighten the hipbelt so that no weight rested on my shoulders.  It rested easily on my hips.  The balance and weight distribution are amazing.

Allan said the retro adventure hipbelt can support 65 lbs.  They say "overbuilt suspension" and they aren't kidding.  They make most other hipbelts look like cheap toys.

The height of both packs is also sufficient for the load lifters to come into play better than short packs.  The large Athlete is 23" tall.

load lifter

How about the gear/access?

The Athlete pack is designed for smaller kits... mirrorless and small DSLRs.  The camera compartment is shallow.  My 6" macro lens has to lay flat, for example.  If you have a larger kit or many lenses, the Athlete isn't the right pack; the Adventure will suit your needs better.  My 100-400 fits mounted to the camera in the Athlete, with room for more lenses on the side. If I carry the 100-400, it has to be mounted.  The Athlete works well for me as a landscape kit, or a small tele kit, but not both. It doesn't quite have enough room for all of my lenses at once, forcing me to pick a subset.

Another interesting innovation, and first, with the Atlas packs is what they call their "origami" core.  You can "push in" the core at the top for more space for gear.  Or, if you have a smaller kit and/or need more space for non-camera gear above, you can "pull out" the core.  In general I think most landscape shooters will be fine with the smaller configuration.  It lets you optimize the balance between your camera gear and non-camera gear.

Origami core "pushed in" for more camera gear

Origami core "pulled out" 

Fuji X-T3 with L-bracket laying in landscape orientation

Fuji X-T3 with L-bracket in vertical orientation

The padding on the outside of the camera core is very thick and quite rigid; this adds to the stability of the pack.  The padded dividers are of medium thickness, soft and flexible.  They can mold around your gear.  The Athlete came with 3 long dividers, 2 medium dividers and several small dividers.  The dividers can attach to each other to provide more length as needed.

The zippers for the main back panel are side-mounted, so they don't have to work as hard going around the curved top of the panel.  This design also leaves more surface area on the back panel.  The zippers are smooth and easy to use; easier than most zippers.

When you need to get into the top section, the pack stands up on flat surfaces, even when the top lid pocket is full. Most packs can't do that.  The top section is a drawstring open/close mechanism, very common on hiking packs.  It works quickly and easily.  The top/front section expand greatly; you can fit items about 2 feet tall inside.

Thin profile, thick padding

top loading front section

I can reach my water bottles in the side pockets while wearing it.  There is no need to remove the pack.  I have a tall, thin 24 oz water bottle that is held nicely without falling out (only the very top sticks out from the pockets).

If you carry a laptop, keep in mind that the height of the padded laptop section isn't quite enough to completely protect most laptops.  My intended use is hiking and I don't carry a laptop while hiking, but for those who would use it as a travel pack and carry a laptop, I suggest adding a layer next to it for extra padding.

When my daughter got tired of carrying her volleyball, we found the Athlete's top loading non-camera gear section expands just fine to fit it, and the pack really didn't appear much bigger.

When I hike with my dog, I can attach a water dish on the outside via carabiner, keeping the interior totally clean.  Yes, many other packs can do that too; but it is a nice touch that I appreciate.

The hipbelt pockets contain hidden pull-out pockets in which you can fit items you want at the ready... up to medium-sized lenses will fit.  These side pockets can serve the function of allowing lens changes while standing anywhere, or hold water bottles, filter cases, etc.  It's a neat idea, but I also wish I could fit a cell phone in the hipbelt pocket without pulling out the hidden pocket.  Maybe Atlas will make the hidden pockets removable in a future iteration.

In the largest of the 3 top lid pockets, I can fit my gloves, hat, flashlight, multi-tool, lip balm, snacks, neck gaiter and even a pair of small notebooks, and still have room for more.  This isn't unusual for a hiking pack, but pretty rare for a camera pack.

It holds so much stuff that it's like having a Tardis (a geeky Dr. Who reference), which is bigger on the inside.

large top lid pocket

top

underside of the top lid

Color

The Athlete currently comes in a bright yellow or plain black color.  I love the yellow but picked black on the assumption it would be less obvious to wildlife.

In Use

As of writing this, I've used the Athlete a few times. I've carried my camera gear, snacks, water, first aid, rain jacket, flashlight, etc, over 5 miles of up and down trails on very hot days.  The verdict is... I barely notice it on my back.  Being hot and working hard going uphill, I did get sweaty where the pack touched me, but it is the most comfortable camera backpack I've carried by far.  The fit and comfort is right in line with the best hiking packs I've tried.  The hipbelt fits nicely; I never needed to over-tighten it.  It never dug into my hips or hit my legs while climbing. The weight stayed on my hips. I never had the shoulder straps dig into me; the pack doesn't slip down my back like most camera bags.  My back, hips, and shoulders all felt fine after hiking.  For once, I don't feel like someone beat me up after a hike.

It looks so much like a typical hiking pack that people have been surprised when they realized I was carrying a camera system.

Pros

• Outstanding fit and comfort.
• Quick, easy access to camera gear (the zippers are easier to use than most packs).
• Large top lid pocket.
• Rear access to gear means the straps don't get dirty.
• Dual, deep side water bottle pockets (my bottles never fall out).
• Adjustable "origami" camera core.
• Nicely made.
• Thin profile.
• Nice separation between camera and non-camera gear.
• Nice organization.
• Very expandable/collapsible.
• Looks like an ordinary hiking backpack.
• It stands up on the bottom, doesn't fall over unless very top-heavy.
• Lots of extra attachment points

Cons/Tweaks I'd make

• Pricey (but not out of line vs other camera packs).
• I would add mesh to the shoulder straps and lumbar area to further improve airflow.
• The laptop sleeve is a bit short due to the design of the origami camera core (can't think of any way around it except to make a bigger camera core).
• I would like bigger hipbelt pockets, make the pull-out pockets removable, or maybe have molle/pals webbing on one or both sides of the belt so I could add a camera clip or my own pouches.
• Small mesh pockets on the shoulder straps would be nice.
• I'd add loops on the sides for gatekeeper straps for still more lashing options.

Compared to the larger Atlas Adventure

The two packs have a similar fit.  The Adventure pack is larger (taller and deeper) and a better option for those who need to carry larger lenses, or more of them (I am weaning myself off of that habit).  The Adventure can adjust the torso size a bit and is potentially a better fit for some people.  The entire back of the Adventure unzips and swings open to the side, making gear access even easier.  The Adventure only comes in black. It was tempting but in the end I wanted a smaller pack to force myself to carry less gear.

Compared to the F-stop Loka 37L

F-stop doesn't make any bag with different torso sizes.  If you need a 40L pack, they only have one size.  The Loka doesn't expand. It doesn't have mesh and gets sweaty. The straps are thinner vs the Atlas.  The hipbelt is thin, too flexible, and sewn on the sides, allowing sag.  The shape of the Loka doesn't fit me well compared to the Athlete.  In fact, most hiking packs fit better than the Loka. It doesn't carry weight nearly as well as the Atlas packs. The water bottle pockets of the Loka are too short and my bottles fall out when I set the bag down.  I like the Loka design concept.  I like the exchangeable ICU concept used by the F-stop mountain series packs, however the separation between camera and non-camera gear on the Atlas is better.  With some tweaks, F-stop could make a much better pack but I doubt they will ever do it.  I sold my Loka after using the Athlete a few times.  The difference in fit is just night and day.

Compared to the Mindshift/Thinktank Backlight 26L

The Backlight is very well made, nicely padded with good mesh.  It has easy access and plenty of space for camera gear, more so than the Atlas Athlete. Non-camera gear storage is very limited with the Backlight and difficult to access, with very little expansion. The Backlight hipbelts are nicely padded and stiffer than the Loka, but still sewn onto the sides and it doesn't carry weight nearly as well as the Atlas packs.  It lacks load lifters, lacks the torso length I need for a good fit, sags over time and eventually hurts my shoulders.  By about 4 miles, I find it uncomfortable.  In contrast, my first outing with the Atlas was 5 miles and I never had any of those comfort issues. 

Compared to ski packs

The Gregory Targhee 45 was the only ski pack (rear access) I tried that fit me well enough to consider.  And the Targhee fit me extremely well. It lacks water bottle pockets by design, lacks mesh for breathability (by design, it's a snow pack), and I found the zippers difficult to use, so after fiddling with it, I returned it.  I also looked at the Mammut Trion 50, Osprey Kamber 42, and Deuter Freerider packs but none fit me as well as the Targhee. 

Compared to hiking/day packs

I looked at so many hiking/day packs that I lost track.  I spent a lot of time in REI and Jax.  The Gregory Zulu series stood out for the panel access and good fit. However, there were many straps and snaps in the way of the panel, and then I'd have to find an insert that fit and unzip that as well... Camera access is slow and annoying.  So I passed on the Zulu.

The Mountainsmith Apex 60 (it seems more like a 45L pack) has an incredible harness and good fit.  It is one of the very few I tried that fits me and supports weight as well as the Atlas packs.  But with the front panel access and straps and snaps, I felt the camera access would be a burden, like my Seek Outside Exposure.  And for some reason, none of the current Mountainsmith camera-specific packs have good harnesses.  I tried the Borealis and had shoulder pain within half a block!  I'll mention that the discontinued Mountainsmith Paragon is much loved by a photographer friend of mine; he has 2 extras for when his current pack wears out.  I haven't tried his pack.

Summary

Before I found Atlas, I got so frustrated with both camera and hiking backpacks that I was seriously looking into how to make my own pack.

The Athlete is an extremely well-designed pack. It ticks all the boxes for me. There isn't much I would change.  The more I use it, the more I appreciate the design.

Atlas packs are one of the only camera packs on the market available in different torso sizes to fit different people.

It fits like a good hiking pack, carries my camera gear well, and is easy to use.

This pack is worthy of the best from any hiking backpack company.  I think the hipbelt beats 99% of the best from the top hiking companies.  No, I haven't tried them all.  Yes, that was a made-up statistic.  But in a nutshell, it's a keeper.

If you need a good hiking pack that can carry fragile gear well, take a look.  If you need a camera bag that carries well for long distances, take a look. If you think that there is no such thing as a camera backpack that fits well, take a look.  If you use a hiking pack with a jury-rigged insert for the previous reason, take a look.

It is no longer true that camera backpacks don't carry well.  Atlas balanced both needs extremely well.

One of the reasons these packs are so good is Atlas listens to feedback.  If you get one and have ideas to improve it, talk to Allan about it.  They aren't done improving their packs by any means.  I've provided Allan with plenty of feedback and he listened closely, asked questions, and I'm pretty sure he'll make another version that's even better.

The Athlete is now my primary pack.  I've sold my Loka and Exposure 5000.  I'm debating on the Backlight since it can hold more camera gear and works well out of a car.

I will add more images of the Athlete in the field... when I can remember.  I seriously keep forgetting because I pay more attention to the world around me than the pack.  I forget I'm wearing it.  That means the pack is doing it's job.

I highly recommend Atlas.

Lake Isabelle, Indian Peaks Wilderness, Colorado