I like bags, I'm a "collector" of bags...
My wife hates my well curated collection. I don’t believe I am unique in this fact. I’m always in pursuit of the PERFECT bag. The bag that checks all the boxes. The bag that will solve all my problems, well gear carrying problems… This has resulted in several bags collecting dust in the storage room, hence my wife’s lack of love for my bags.
About the pack
Enter the Atlas Adventure backpack. The backpack is described as an adventure and travel photography backpack for those who need a reliable and spacious pack to carry their camping and photography gear. With its rugged construction and thoughtful design, the Atlas Adventure Backpack is a top choice for anyone who wants to explore the world with confidence and comfort. Now fair disclosure, I am an Atlas Pack affiliate now. Since I enjoyed the bag so much, I reached out to Atlas Packs and they provided me an affiliate link.
First let’s talk size. In the 30 liter size (smallest it can be with a frame), the pack is 23in (58.5cm) tall, 11.25in (28cm) wide and 9in (23cm) deep. In the 60 liter setup (fully loaded), the pack expands to 26.5in (67cm) tall, 11.25in (28cm) wide, and 13.5in (34cm) deep. There is a removable frame in the rear panel that can be removed. This saved a couple inches and allowed the pack to be pressed down. I’ve flown with the bag as my carry-on and as the bag to go under my seat several times and have not had problems. That being said, it’s nice to know I can take the frame out if I need to stuff the bag into a smaller overhead panel.
Will this bag let you carry all your gear?
If you’re like me and have a gear acquisition problem, probably not. BUT this backpack is large enough to hold all of your essentials, but not so big that it becomes unwieldy. The pack is designed to maximize camping and camera storage space, with multiple pockets, compartments, and attachment points for gear. The main camera compartment is spacious and features an “origami camera core” to give flexibility and protection. The origami style dividers require no internal camera units (ICU) or camera cubes. Instead, the camera area can be increased or decreased by pushing or pulling the internal dividers to increase/decrease camera space. One of the big selling points for me was the fact this bag requires no internal camera units (ICU) or packing cubes. Overall I have been happy with loading out the pack. I carried a Sony 400mm f2.8 on an A9II and a Sony 200-600mm f6.3 on a A7IV. I also had a rain jacket, snacks, bug nets, batteries, memory cards and first aid kit packed at the same time.
In addition to its main features, the Atlas Adventure Backpack also includes several thoughtful details that make it a standout choice for travelers and adventurers. These include a hydration bladder sleeve, trekking pole attachment points, and a removable hip belt that allows you to customize the fit and feel of the pack. This is a good time to discuss sizing. I’m 5’11” and opted for the large, it fits well. They have guidance on measurements and sizes that can be found here.
Comfort?
Yes, it's comfortable. The pack is designed to distribute weight evenly, with padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel that provide cushioning and support. The back panel is also designed to allow for air flow, reducing heat and sweat buildup during hot and humid weather. I carried this is in Alaska during rain and I’ve carried it in the summer. I still tend to have some sweat build up in the upper back area, but it’s minimal.
The Atlas Adventure Backpack is designed for durability. Made from high-quality materials, this pack is built to withstand the rigors of travel and outdoor adventure. The exterior is made from tough, water-resistant fabric that can stand up to rain, snow, and other elements. There is an included rain fly that packs away in a front lower pocket. I’ll testify that the rain cover is very weather resistant. In Alaska, I took a wrong step and went in to waist deep water. The rain cover needed to be emptied, but there was no water in the bag. I thought for sure the camera gear was a goner after that!
The zippers are all heavy duty and built to last. I will point out one of my “worry points”, the straps are attached to the back of the swing out pack. This means the weight is distributed across the panel and zippers then to the straps. Meaning, if the zippers fail, the bag will swing open and empty your contents onto the ground. I have not experienced any issues, but it is something that I am watching.
Storage
There are several pockets on the front, sides, and top of the pack. In the front, there is a zippered area for stowing the rain cover. Above that there is an expandable pocket, I’ve treated this as a stuff pouch for my rain jacket, gloves, kids coat, etc. There is also a small zippered pocket on the stow pouch, I keep hand wipes and a plastic bag in there so they’re easy to access. The hand wipes are self explanatory but the plastic bag is used for picking up trash. This also stores nicely in the stuff pouch on the front.
and more storage
Behind the flap there are more pockets to keep chargers, extra batteries, cards, bug nets, etc. The laptop storage is found in a separate, padded pocket between the previously mentioned flap and internal camera storage area. I do find that I have to unbuckle the top flap to access the laptop area, but I have not found this to be a big deal. I do enjoy being able to access the laptop without opening up the entire back panel like some of my other bags. This saves me from , displaying all my camera gear when traveling and also allows the pack to stand up next to my working area. There is also storage in the upper flap. I toss light items and snacks in there.
Cost
This pack is going to run you $465 US. That includes a hip belt that can be ordered in various waist sizes. I opted for the adventure belt. It does a good job of supporting the pack and alleviating shoulder stress. Atlas Packs also offers a traveler style hip belt that is lower profile and able to be stowed.
If you often find yourself in the backcountry with camping and camera gear, the Atlas Adventure Backpack is a pack worth looking into. It is a well-designed and well-made backpack that is ideal for anyone who wants a reliable and spacious pack for travel, hiking, or other outdoor adventures with camera gear. With its capacity, comfort, and durability, this backpack is a top choice for anyone who wants to explore the world with confidence and comfort. Please consider purchasing the pack through my affiliate link, it helps me continue to bring content to you.
