Update for September 2024, after 7 years of use: I’ve had this pack since late 2017 and it’s still my go-to for long excursions in the woods and overnight trips to the mountains.
While there are a few design improvements that can be made for my specific needs, it’s an incredibly well-built pack that is modular, light, and can carry some serious equipment. This company makes amazing hiking packs for photographers.
I was not compensated in any way for this review of the Atlas Adventure Camera Backpack. It’s also important to note that this bag is a prototype model from pre-2018 that was given to me as a gift from a photographer friend of mine, not Atlas Packs. Features in this pack may differ from the model you can buy.
In October 2017, I had the opportunity to attend PhotoPlus Expo in New York City, since my company (Automattic / WordPress.com) was sponsoring the event. At PhotoPlus, my buddy Sam Hotchkiss, met the founder of Atlas packs and received a prototype model of the Atlas Adventure pack shortly after. Earlier in 2020, Sam graciously gifted the bag to me, and here I am writing about it! Thank him for the review of the Atlas Adventure camera pack you’re about to read.
Table of Contents
Who this bag is for
This bag is primarily suited for nature photographers who like to get lost in parts unknown. It’s a lightweight internal framepack, similar to that of Osprey, but it’s tailored specifically for photographers.
I often use this bag for overnight backpacking trips through the White Mountains of New Hampshire. At 50 liters, it’s enough to carry my camera gear, food, water, a sleeping bag, and other camping accoutrements.
Related post: A trip to Zealand Hut in New Hampshire
Exterior
Durability & water resistance
The Atlas Adventure pack is suitably water resistant on its own. I’m a huge fan of the water-tight zippers for the small compartments on the exterior of the bag. Additionally, I’m thankful Atlas Packs also built a proper rain cover for this bag as well. It’s large enough to wrap around the bag when you have walking poles and a tripod strapped to the sides! Win! Truth be told, I rarely have to use it though.
I have no problem with letting this pack sit in the snow with my equipment inside, either. I’ve never seen any moisture within.
Interior
Compartments
What sets the Atlas Adventure pack apart from other ultralight frame packs is the built in camera & lens organization, which they call Origami Camera Core. The bag comes with an ample amount of adjustable velcro pads which will suit any amateur or professional photographer. In the photo above, I’ve taken a lot of the core out to make space for more cargo on top, but check their site to see the full capability.
- Hip belt: The exterior of the bag offers several quick access pouches within the hip support areas. Within each are built-in lens holder bags that tuck away when not in use.
- Side: Each side also offers flexible tripod, water bottle, or hiker pole containment.
- Bottom: There’s a small compartment to tuck the included rainfly into.
- Front: The front of the Atlas Adventure Camera bag has a very nice stretch pouch that has quick access from the top (no zipper), a small zip pouch on the very front, and a larger organization area with many spots for great organization of gear.
- Top: The entire top flap unclips, allowing the wearer to access the main compartment from the top. Within that top flap, there are two compartments. A small quick access pouch, and a larger compartment.
- Back: When removed from your back, the main compartment can be accessed. This area is where the camera gear lives.
- On the “door” portion of the bag, you can easily store charging cables, memory cards, and more. As with any camera bag worth having, the padding can be organized to fit your fit however you like!
- The two horizontal “block” looking pieces allow the camera area to expand. If you leave them down, the top part of the main compartment has more space.
- Since I often swap photo bags depending on my activity, I’ve opted to pull out the padded walls and user a modular camera cube instead.
Additional small details
There are a very pleasant surprises with the Atlas Adventure pack that I love.
- There’s a built in whistle on the sternum strap.
- They make different size shoulder straps to fit different body types more comfortably.
- Thin MOLLE / PAL compatible loops on the top of the bag allow for for quick additions.
Potential improvements
- Water transport: There’s no real well designed location for a camelbak or water bladder. I generally place my water bladder where the laptop goes, since it’s the only compartment that’s shaped remotely well enough to hold it. However, it makes things awkward with the hydration bag hose, which needs to wrap around the outside of the pack. On colder hikes, the water tends to freeze in the hose, which is a major concern for anyone who hikes with a hydration system instead of bottles.
- Waist belt lens compartments: These are magnificent for opening up carrying quick access items, such as extra lenses, cleaning clothes, or filters. My one gripe is is lack of padding. On a couple of occasions, I forgot I had a lens in there, took my pack off, and placed it down on the mountain (rock). The sound of a lens gently hitting the ground is not pleasant. Thankfully, it was okay, but I’d prefer a couple of millimeters of padding there to prevent potential damage.
- Excess strap containment: One small detail that’s missing with this bag is allowing for containment of excess strapping everywhere. After I adjust this bag properly, I generally have extra straps dangling all over the place. The Atlas Adventure would benefit from having elastic-style bands near all adjustable straps, so people can keep all the extra straps secured.
Overall thoughts
The Atlas Adventure camera pack stands up to any popular ultralight pack I’ve ever hiked with. It allows for incredible organization of a lot of gear. Furthermore, as a big guy, this pack is very comfortable on strenuous hikes.
The Atlas Adventure camera pack is also comfortable enough to use as a day pack. when partially full, the straps can reduce the overall size of the pack and make it much more manageable for walks around the city or park.
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