I'm "not UL" and bought a Mo 40 that I brought for a 15-day hike + another 4-day hike. So far, I love it! but I think I should have maybe gone for the M length instead of the L length even if I followed the sizing guide.
I used my "original" Palante v1 for most of my hikes in the last years. Its basically the inspiration for the Atom. But if i will ever do a big hike again i might buy a Atom since the Palante is pretty used up. The straps on the Palante are inferior to the Atom since theyre straight.
I have the custom 35l atom - also in vx07 - but with no hip belt and dyneema stretch side pockets (same material as bottom and front stretch pockets). I've used in on a lot of hikes across the UK and Europe and recently thru hiking Te Araroa in New Zealand. I'd say I have about 4000 miles on it. Really I can't fault it, absolutely the best pack I've ever owned. The only repairs I've made are to the shoulder pockets which got a couple of tiny holes over the last 5 years. I actually also have the Nanu and the Roo - both of which I really love. The Nanu is my goto day sack - basically a 25l atom with a padded laptop sleeve built in. Oh nice review, and channel - subscribed :)
I have the exact same pack (minus hipbelt) in the same fabrics. I agree with all your points. It is a very well thought out and executed pack for sure. I had Tom make a couple other changes for me (back when they did custom packs): Tiny neodymium magnets for the roll top closure - which I love. A smaller stretchy pocket above the side pocket - originally for avocados, but more often for sunnies. All in all, its a great pack which can handle around 4 days food comfortably. My base weight for one week trips here in the European Alps hovers around 4kg/8lbs.
Great review. I have the Atom plus 50, and have just received my Atom 40. Great packs and great company, their customer service and communication is top notch.
Dan, love your videos. Question: What size pack did you get, and what is your torso size? Atom Packs won't add the belt customization like you have on yours; I need to order an Atom +, which has a frame and therefore an additional 2 inches to the torso - if you catch my drift... Working out sizing on a pack that comes over the big pond can be tricky. Thanks!
Awesome review, especially since we've seen you using it in some serious terrain. I'm looking for a smaller, lighter pack, and will be checking this one out. Also, I was wondering if you know what pack Armstrong had for the Super Sierra High Route? That one looked interesting, too, but I couldn't spot a label on it.
Hi Dan. Curious to hear if a hipbelt-less gridstop version would get such a glowing review. Would those changes impact your opinion of the pack considerably?
It wouldn’t be my preference but it would still have most of what makes the pack great- the awesome shoulder straps (which maybe I didn’t stress enough in the vid), and the excellently designed shoulder and bottom pockets. I have no issues with gridstop, but I’d be curious to try one of the epx200 packs
I've been using a Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40 (no longer made, replaced by Gorilla 50). I especially like the huge stretchy front pocket. Do you have any experience with the Gorilla that would enable you to talk about pros and cons vs the Atom 40? Btw, your fantastic video of the Wind River High Route inspired me to do a 3-day trip to the Cirque of the Tower this past August. Thank you for that!!!
Happy to hear you got out to the Cirque! Such an amazing place. Interesting that Gossamer upped the capacity of the Gorilla. Probably makes more sense to compare it to the framed Atom+ 50. I have tried several GG packs, though not the Gorilla. I wasn't a fan of the more J shaped straps but otherwise they are solid packs. The front pocket will probably stretch and hold more on the Gorilla, but I can still fit a lot in the Atom's. I'm able to fit my 1L pot, some snacks, and a rain jacket. With the Atom+ you'd save around 6oz, gain shoulder and bottom pockets, and a waterproof fabric for the main pack body (epx200). For me that's enough to tip the scales toward the Atom+. But the Gorilla has hipbelt pockets, top pocket, and webbing compression straps instead of shock cord (better and more durable for lashing bulky stuff to pack). Both should carry up to around 30lb, so I would choose based on the features you want!
You struck gold with the padded hip belt on the lighter Atom model. Was that an add-on they used to offer but now they have removed? I'm still torn between the Atom and the Atom+
It used to be a standard customization but now only comes on the Atom+. If you email them they might still do a padded belt on the Atom. If not, the Atom+ stripped down is only a few oz heavier so not such a bad thing for a more versatile pack.
I have two Atom packs and also a LiteAF. They are very very similar. But tend to like the LiteAF a bit more cause of the many customisation options they offer. Also their stretchy shoulder pockets are slightly bigger and fit my 1L water bottle better. But both are awesome packs.
I haven’t owned either of those, but I did get a chance to try my friend’s NUL sundown on the SHR. I thought it was nice, but a little heavy when stripped and nothing really made the pack stand out to me. LiteAF packs being fully seam taped is a nice touch, but otherwise can’t comment.
@@DanStenziano Thanks - I enjoy your channel. Should do some more bike stuff. Probably doing the GDMBR this yr so maybe I'l hold off on a new pack until next yr.
Have you tried an atom pack? What’s your favorite pack?
Yeap I have the Mo50 and hike around Peru and Chile. Insane pack.
i have an atom35 and it's great. the shoulder pockets are aces.
I'm "not UL" and bought a Mo 40 that I brought for a 15-day hike + another 4-day hike. So far, I love it! but I think I should have maybe gone for the M length instead of the L length even if I followed the sizing guide.
@@eric_festinger Ah I’ve been in that situation. Always tough without being able to try it out first
I used my "original" Palante v1 for most of my hikes in the last years. Its basically the inspiration for the Atom. But if i will ever do a big hike again i might buy a Atom since the Palante is pretty used up.
The straps on the Palante are inferior to the Atom since theyre straight.
I was looking for information about ease of warer bottle use. Thanks for covering this a lot of folks skipped that
I have the custom 35l atom - also in vx07 - but with no hip belt and dyneema stretch side pockets (same material as bottom and front stretch pockets). I've used in on a lot of hikes across the UK and Europe and recently thru hiking Te Araroa in New Zealand. I'd say I have about 4000 miles on it. Really I can't fault it, absolutely the best pack I've ever owned. The only repairs I've made are to the shoulder pockets which got a couple of tiny holes over the last 5 years. I actually also have the Nanu and the Roo - both of which I really love. The Nanu is my goto day sack - basically a 25l atom with a padded laptop sleeve built in. Oh nice review, and channel - subscribed :)
I have the exact same pack (minus hipbelt) in the same fabrics. I agree with all your points. It is a very well thought out and executed pack for sure.
I had Tom make a couple other changes for me (back when they did custom packs):
Tiny neodymium magnets for the roll top closure - which I love.
A smaller stretchy pocket above the side pocket - originally for avocados, but more often for sunnies.
All in all, its a great pack which can handle around 4 days food comfortably. My base weight for one week trips here in the European Alps hovers around 4kg/8lbs.
I do appreciate your dedication to carrying avocados.
I hope so much that I will love my atom pack as well. It just made it trough customs yesterday so I will get mine this week 😁
Great review. I have the Atom plus 50, and have just received my Atom 40. Great packs and great company, their customer service and communication is top notch.
Have you used your 50 with a large bear can?
Yes it fits fine.
Dan. Thanks again for another interesting, informative video. Great good job
How would this pack compare to the Waymark packs? Have you tested any of them?
Absolutely gorgeous review my friend, this was explained so nicely! 🔥🔥
Great review, Dan! Love that pocket on the bottom of the pack... Nice feature 👍
Great review Dan, always good to have a shout-out for British cottage brands. My atom+ was perfect on the PCT :-)
Dan, love your videos. Question: What size pack did you get, and what is your torso size? Atom Packs won't add the belt customization like you have on yours; I need to order an Atom +, which has a frame and therefore an additional 2 inches to the torso - if you catch my drift... Working out sizing on a pack that comes over the big pond can be tricky. Thanks!
Hey! My atom has the same torso sizing as an atom+ because it has a padded belt. My torso is about 19” and a medium fits great.
Great video! Thanks!
Awesome review, especially since we've seen you using it in some serious terrain. I'm looking for a smaller, lighter pack, and will be checking this one out. Also, I was wondering if you know what pack Armstrong had for the Super Sierra High Route? That one looked interesting, too, but I couldn't spot a label on it.
He was using a Zpacks Arc Haul. It’s pretty nice, great load hauler for around 22oz
@@DanStenziano Thanks!
i found loosening the shoulder strap allowed that few millimeters needed to get to the water bottles. way easier than dislocating my shoulder....
If it’s a choice between loosening the strap or your shoulder, I guess the strap is preferable
Nice one, Dan, glad you like them as much as I do. Smashed that like button.
Thanks Russell! Love my Atom
Can the top be made small as 30 liter backpack by rolling up? Is that doable?
Totally. It’s actually only 35L internal anyway. I frequently use it as a daypack rolled down
@@DanStenziano Thank you!
Doh! Heading to the pct in 3 weeks time. Just not enough time to get a custom pack made up unfortunately. Looks great! Plenty of pockets
There’s always next thruhike :)
Got a Mo40 custom, due to arrive 1-23-2023!
Hi Dan. Curious to hear if a hipbelt-less gridstop version would get such a glowing review. Would those changes impact your opinion of the pack considerably?
It wouldn’t be my preference but it would still have most of what makes the pack great- the awesome shoulder straps (which maybe I didn’t stress enough in the vid), and the excellently designed shoulder and bottom pockets. I have no issues with gridstop, but I’d be curious to try one of the epx200 packs
I've been using a Gossamer Gear Gorilla 40 (no longer made, replaced by Gorilla 50). I especially like the huge stretchy front pocket. Do you have any experience with the Gorilla that would enable you to talk about pros and cons vs the Atom 40?
Btw, your fantastic video of the Wind River High Route inspired me to do a 3-day trip to the Cirque of the Tower this past August. Thank you for that!!!
Happy to hear you got out to the Cirque! Such an amazing place. Interesting that Gossamer upped the capacity of the Gorilla. Probably makes more sense to compare it to the framed Atom+ 50. I have tried several GG packs, though not the Gorilla. I wasn't a fan of the more J shaped straps but otherwise they are solid packs. The front pocket will probably stretch and hold more on the Gorilla, but I can still fit a lot in the Atom's. I'm able to fit my 1L pot, some snacks, and a rain jacket.
With the Atom+ you'd save around 6oz, gain shoulder and bottom pockets, and a waterproof fabric for the main pack body (epx200). For me that's enough to tip the scales toward the Atom+. But the Gorilla has hipbelt pockets, top pocket, and webbing compression straps instead of shock cord (better and more durable for lashing bulky stuff to pack). Both should carry up to around 30lb, so I would choose based on the features you want!
@@DanStenziano Thanks Dan! Very helpful!
Thanks!
You struck gold with the padded hip belt on the lighter Atom model. Was that an add-on they used to offer but now they have removed? I'm still torn between the Atom and the Atom+
It used to be a standard customization but now only comes on the Atom+. If you email them they might still do a padded belt on the Atom. If not, the Atom+ stripped down is only a few oz heavier so not such a bad thing for a more versatile pack.
How does this pack do with water resistance?
Pretty good. The fabric is waterproof minus the back panel but the seams are not taped so I still use a pack liner.
Hi Dan thanks for the review,could you tell what’s the size of your atom pack?
I have a size medium
Hi Dan, will you buy this pack for Christmas? Thanks. I do not have a bear canister regularly. I like to attract the bears.
Will I buy this pack for Christmas? For me? Yes. For you… ehhh
Curious if in your travels (ie packs you returned or not reviewed yet) you tried an NUL or LiteAF pack.
Looking at all three of these. Thanks.
I have two Atom packs and also a LiteAF. They are very very similar. But tend to like the LiteAF a bit more cause of the many customisation options they offer. Also their stretchy shoulder pockets are slightly bigger and fit my 1L water bottle better. But both are awesome packs.
I haven’t owned either of those, but I did get a chance to try my friend’s NUL sundown on the SHR. I thought it was nice, but a little heavy when stripped and nothing really made the pack stand out to me.
LiteAF packs being fully seam taped is a nice touch, but otherwise can’t comment.
@@DanStenziano Thanks - I enjoy your channel. Should do some more bike stuff.
Probably doing the GDMBR this yr so maybe I'l hold off on a new pack until next yr.