Our favourite day pack gets an overhaul for spring 2009.
Osprey's
Atmos
is possibly our favourite day sack of all time and it's been
significantly
overhauled
for
spring 2009.
It's always a bit of a nervous moment when you find out something you
like has been significantly changed and to be honest, in the smaller
sizes at least, the Atmos worked so well already that we're a little
wary of the new, 'improved' version. It's always had an interesting
knack of simply 'disappearing loads'.
Heft the pack in your hand and it feels heavy, put it on and the weight
magically vanishes thanks to the excellent back system.
That's where the main changes for 2009 are. Osprey has redesigned the
Airspeed back panel so the pack sits closer to the back. The old
version had an interesting space frame-type system with quite a
pronounced bow to it, the new however uses pretty much the same 3D
tensioned Airspeed breathable mesh backpanel complete with side
ventilation at the new Exos packs.
There's also the women's specific Aura version in the same 50, 35 and
25-litre sizes, but with women's-specific strap harness and straps.
The other obvious change is the addition of Osprey's neat and very
effective Stow on the Go trekking pole attachment that allows you to
stow poles quickly and neatly without the faff of taking the pack on
and off.
The rest of the pack is still very recognisably an Atmos, which means
perforated EVA foam shoulder straps and hip-belt, zip access to the
main compartment, a big stretch pocket for easy stowage on the move and
two mesh hip-belt pockets, now with pull forward closure. Finally, the
base of the pack is now made from a tough, abrasion-resistant Dura
fabric.
All of which sounds great, but the real question is will the new
version carry as well as the old one? We've got an Atmos 25 on test
right now - our favourite day pack of the past few years - and we'll be
reporting back shortly.
More information at
www.ospreypacks.com
