The Osprey Atmos AG 65 is designed to carry heavy loads comfortably, making it an excellent choice for backpackers. It boasts ample pockets that simplify organization, and the included rain cover means your backpack’s contents will remain dry and protected.
- Very comfortable to carry
- Lots of storage options
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- Not suitable to carry more than 18kg / 40 lbs
- Water pockets are not easy to use
This is an excellent all-round backpack for hikers. Its adjustable fit and effective weight distribution using Osprey’s AG (anti-gravity) suspension system make the load easy to carry. The backpack’s thick padding on the shoulder straps, hip belt, and back enhances comfort during prolonged use. Additionally, it offers extensive storage options, including nine pockets, various straps, and loops to accommodate your gear. It’s easy to see why the Osprey Atmos AG 65 is one of the most popular backpacks, and we recommend it as the best hiking backpack for men in our best waterproof hiking backpacks round up.
Compare to Similar Products:
Product | Osprey Atmos AG 65 | Osprey Kestrel 48 | Osprey Aether Plus 70 | Gregory Paragon 58 | Gregory Baltoro 65 | Big Agnes Parkview 63 | Osprey Aether 65 | Granite Gear Blaze 60 Women | The North Face Women's Terra 55 | Dueter Air Contact Core 60+10 |
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Buying Options | ||||||||||
Our Award | Best for Men | Best Lighter Backpack for Men | Best Large Capacity Backpack for Men | Best for Women | Best Lighter Backpack for Women | Best Large Capacity Backpack for Women | ||||
Size | S/M - L/XL | S/M - L/XL | S/M - L/XL | S/M - M/L | S - M - L | M - L | S/M - L/XL | WS - UL | XS/S - M/L | W - Regular |
Weight | 2 - 2.2 kg | 1.9 - 2.1 kg | 2.5 - 2.8 kg | 1.5 - 1.6 kg | 2.1 - 2.4 kg | 1.6 - 1.8 kg | 2.2 - 2.3 kg | 1.3 - 1.4 kg | 1.6 - 1.7 kg | 2.1 - 2.3 kg |
Capacity | 65 - 68 liters | 46 - 48 litres | 68 - 70 liters | 58 litres | 65 litres | 63 + 10 liters | 65 - 68 liters | 60 liters | 55 litres | 60 + 10 liters |
Load | 13.6 – 18 kg | 9.1 – 15.9 kg | 14 – 27 kg | 22.7 kg | 22.7 kg | 22.7 kg | 14 - 27 kg | 22.7 kg | N/A | 15 - 20 kg |
Pockets | 9 | 10 | 8 | 6 | 10 | 8 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 8 |
Torso Lengths | 43 - 58.9 | 40.5 - 58.5 cm | 43 - 58.5 cm | 38 - 60 cm | 40.6 - 55.9 cm | 46 - 56 cm | 43 - 58.5 cm | 38.1 - 60.9 cm | 35.5 - 47.7 cm | 35 - 62 cm |
Rain Cover | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
Editor’s note: This article is part of our buyers guide to waterproof hiking backpacks. See other articles in this series:
- Best Waterproof Hiking Backpacks
- How to Choose The Right Waterproof Backpack For Your Hike
- How We Tested Waterproof Hiking Backpacks
- Compare Waterproof Hiking Backpacks
- Water Resistant vs Waterproof vs Water Repellent – What is the Difference
Looking for other waterproof gear? Check out our buyers guides on:
Analysis and Test Results
The Osprey AG 65 has all the features any hiker could need. There are nine pockets, making organizing and packing your gear simple. There are plenty of straps and loops available if you need extra storage. The pockets are easy to access, and most are zippered. The water bottle pockets are Osprey’s dual access design, which can be fiddly to use.
The fit of this backpack offers lots of adjustability to accommodate a large range of sizes. The Anti-Gravity system works well to make it easy to carry a full load, and plenty of padding helps make this an extremely comfortable backpack. It’s easy to adjust the fit to get it exactly right to fit your individual frame. The backpack weighs a bit more than comparable models. However, few users complain since the extra weight is due to the extra storage and the padding that makes it comfortable to carry. The maximum load for this backpack is 18kg / 40 lbs, and although you will probably have space for more than that amount, it does not perform as well if you overload it. This is a well-designed backpack that is difficult to find fault with.
See the Osprey Atmos AG 65 in more detail:
Performance Comparison
Material
The main body uses recycled 210 denier honeycomb nylon, with the base made of tougher recycled 500 denier high tenacity nylon. The frame is composed of 4 mm powder-coated LightWire aluminum alloy.
Breathability
Thanks to the design of the AG system, this backpack has excellent breathability. The integrated back panel with open mesh ExoForm helps to create good airflow around your back.
Waterproofing
The nylon that composes this backpack has a PFC/PFAS-free DWR coating that helps to make it water-resistant. However, if you find yourself hiking in the rain, a fitted rain cover is supplied to ensure your rucksack’s contents stay dry. The rain cover is located in a pocket at the very bottom of the backpack.
Dimensions
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 comes in two sizes – small/medium and large/extra-large. There is a woman’s version called Aura. There is also an LT version of the Atmos 65 AG that is lighter but has less storage.
Sizes | Capacity | Weight | Load | Measurements |
Small/Medium | 65 liters
3967 cubic inches | 2.23 kg
4.9 lbs
| 14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 lbs | 80 x 40 x 28 cm
31.5 x 15.7 x 11 inches
|
Large/Extra Large | 68 liters
4,150 cubic inches
| 2.3 kg
4.95 lbs
| 14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 lbs
| 85 x 40 x 28 cm
33.5 x 15.7 x 11 inches |
Fit
This backpack has Osprey’s Custom Fit-on-the-Fly system on the shoulder straps and hip belt. This means you can release the Velcro fastenings and move the padding to the position that suits you. This system also means you can alter the angle of the hip belt. The shoulder harness can easily be slid up and down to fit your torso length. The hip belt uses the Crossbody ErgoPull to tighten the hip belt. The shoulder straps and load lifters are also simple to adjust.
Torso Length | |
Small/ Medium | 43 - 53 cm
17 – 21 inches
|
Large/ Extra Large | 48 - 58.5 cm
19 - 23 inches
|
Storage
There is no shortage of storage options on this backpack. The main compartment is a good size with an extra section at the bottom that can be separated with a zippered divider. As well as being accessed the traditional way through the top, there is a long zip on each side to make it easy to reach the bottom of the pack without digging through from the top. The lid has two zippered pockets, and there are two long zippered pockets on each side of the front panel. The front panel has a reinforced fabric shove pocket. On each side, there are dual-access water bottle pockets. On the hip belt are two more generously sized pockets with zips.
Comfort
Hikers who own this backpack can’t wait to tell you how comfortable it is. The Anti-Gravity system has a suspended mesh back panel that seamlessly transitions from the top to the hip belt, promoting air circulation and minimizing contact with your back. The flexible peripheral frame efficiently transfers the load to the hip belt, ensuring a stable and balanced carrying experience, while the adjustable harness enhances the overall fit and load control. There’s plenty of padding on the straps where needed, and the hip belt snugly envelops you.
Features
Inside the pack, you’ll find a designated pocket tailored for a water reservoir with a central back exit port. This pocket can accommodate a three-liter water bladder, but there isn’t one included.
The floating lid can be removed if needed and has lash points for attaching gear. You can also use the dual upper and lower side compression straps to secure items as well as to tighten and stabilize the load. In addition, there are removable sleeping pad straps at the bottom of the front panel.
You can find Osprey’s Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment system on the shoulder straps. The pack has dual ice axe loops with upper compression strap captures and bungee tie-offs. Inside the main compartment is a compression strap to increase load stability.
There is an adjustable sternum strap to assist in keeping the shoulder straps in place. The sternum strap has an integrated safety whistle. The shoulder harness is secured with ladder locks.
Durability
You can be confident that this backpack will cope with anything the trail throws at you. The extra tough nylon on the base and the high standard of the workmanship and materials mean this is a very durable piece of equipment.
Osprey’s All Mighty Guarantee is a warranty that assures the quality of their backpacks. If your Osprey backpack ever experiences damage or a defect, they will repair it free of charge, no matter when you purchased it. While it doesn’t cover wear and tear, accidents, or abuse, the warranty does offer substantial coverage. If your backpack is not reparable, they will replace it or offer an appropriate substitute.
Sustainability
Osprey’s commitment to sustainability is evident through their partnerships with organizations such as the European Outdoor Conservation Association (EOCA) and the National Parks Foundation. They use eco-friendly and recycled materials in their backpacks to reduce their ecological footprint. This backpack uses Bluesign-approved, recycled materials, and PFC/PFAS-free DWR coatings. Water and energy efficiency are prioritized in their production processes, helping to reduce carbon emissions. The company extends the life of its products through repair services, boosting durability and reducing waste.
Conclusion
The Osprey Atmos AG 65 backpack is a great all-rounder. It gives you plenty of pockets that are generous in size and easy to access. Its biggest selling point is how comfortable it is to carry with the AG system, ensuring you won’t notice the weight. The multiple points of adjustability and the ample padding add to the comfort. Including a rain cover and the abundant straps and loops increase this backpack’s versatility, making it suitable for a wide range of hiking adventures.
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