Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack Review

Replacing the hugely popular Osprey Atmos 65, the AG 65’s “anti-gravity” (that’s where the AG comes in, by the way!) conforms to your back and transfers almost all the pack weight to your lower body.

However, the Atmos AG 65 is best known for its ventilation capabilities. But does all these technical gubbins make this a good backpack? Read on to find out…

Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack TL:DR Review

Osprey Atmos AG 65 Backpack Full Review

Designed to keep your back dry during hot weather, the Osprey Atmos AG 65 is the ideal rucksack for multi-day backpacking trips. With its Anti-Gravity suspension system, removable floating tops, and internal hydration reservoir sleeve (to name but just a few neat features), this is a standout performer in just about every category.

Maximizing comfort where you need it most, the Osprey Atmos AG65 distributes your load evenly. It’s a big bag that’s ideal for hikers, backpackers, and everyone else. While the AG 65 is perfect for just about anyone, it’s not ideal for everyone.

One of Osprey’s most technical backpacks, the Aether 70, was built with the same ventilation features in mind, but because comfort was more of a concern there, there isn’t really a bag out there that offers the kind of ventilation you’ll find in the Atmos 65!

So how does it fare on the trail? We gave the AG 65 a run for its money, and let’s just say that we definitely weren’t disappointed with how it performed out on the trail.

Read our in-depth review to find out if this is the right backpack for you!

In-Depth Atmos AG 65 Rucksack Review

Tough, durable, and bearing the All-Mighty Guarantee makes Osprey packs no-brainer picks. Yet each Osprey backpack is different was is suitable for specific uses.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering if the Atmos AG 65 is the right backpack for you. With this Osprey Atmos AG 65 review, we’ll help you decide.

With its sternum strap, removable top lid, “fit-On-The-Fly” hip belt, and “Stow-On-The-Go” trekking pole attachment, this bag is excellent for everyone from beginner backpackers to seasoned veterans! It has a sleeping bag compartment yes, and more than enough space to store your water bottles.

We’ve done a pretty concise review of this bag’s specs, capabilities, and how it performs in a real-world scenario, giving you all the info you’ll need to decide whether or not it’s the right pack for you and your needs.

Specifications

Let’s take a look at the most useful specs in our Osprey Atmos AG 65 review.

This bag comes available in three sizes: small, medium, and large, each with its own volume, weight, and dimensions, so we’ll break down the specs for each size.

This lifetime guarantee from Osprey covers you for anything and everything, which is a HUGE plus. If something on your pack breaks or malfunctions, Osprey will fix it at no charge as long as you pay the postage. You simply cannot ignore the peace of mind and added value that this lifetime guarantee adds to the pack.

Yet another reason why the Osprey Atmos AG 65 – and any other Osprey pack for that matter – is an excellent choice for any backpacker or hiker.

Getting Started

What we really love about the Atmos AG 65 from Osprey is the fact that it comes with what seems to be an endless number of cool features. Let’s dive into some of the most impressive specs.

All Osprey bags generally come with great hip belts, and the AG 65 is no exception to that rule. Robust, durable, and easy to adjust, this hip belt effortlessly blends comfort and efficiency.

Another notable feature: dual access side pockets! Got more than one water bottle?No problem! Made with mesh, these aren’t your average side pockets. These side pockets are super easy to access and make it effortless to take out your water bottle without having to take your pack off for a sip of water.

We also dig the compression straps, which can really come in handy when you’re trying to reduce the overall amount of mass or just make your pack smaller to carry. Osprey’s dual compression strap means it’s easier than ever to compress your bag without breaking out a sweat.

Then there’s the internal reservoir sleeve that holds a 3L pouch of water. With a pack that keeps you hydrated on the go, there’s no excuse to get dehydrated. This, just like the compression straps, is more important for hikers than travelers, but it can still come in handy!

With that being said, let’s explore some other aspects of the Osprey Atmos AG 65 in detail…

Fit and Adjustability

As mentioned earlier, the Osprey Atmos AG 65 comes available in three different sizes: small, medium, and large. This Osprey bag conforms to the wearer’s back and adjusting the shoulder straps requires nothing more than a quick slide up or down along the back panel. Because the hip belt is fitted with light foam padding, it can also be adjusted to maximize fit, weight distribution, and wearing comfort.

You already know that fit is critical, and to ensure you get it right with the AG 65, there are three basic things to keep in mind. First: basic physics (which includes measuring your torso length). Second: your torso measurements. And lastly: a few personal adjustments on your Osprey bag.

The weight of your Osprey bag has to rest on the structure of your hips. While the shoulder straps should hold the pack close to your body, that’s not where the brunt of the load should be resting. Osprey has a nifty torso sizing tool that can help you find the right bag. The device can identify your torso size to ensure the hip belt is correctly aligned at the midpoint of your hips for optimal fit. Thanks to the torso adjustment system, you can also fine-tune the length of your backpack.

If you’re going to the store (and not buying online), it’s a good idea to load the Osprey backpack with some weight and wear it around for a while. Not only will this help you decide whether to go for a S, M, or L, but it’ll also help you ensure the Atmos 65 is indeed the right pack for you.

If, however, you don’t have access to an in-store fitting tool or don’t plan on physically heading into a store, you can always make use of the Osprey online measuring recommendations here.

Comfort

Even though the anti-gravity suspension is what sets the AG 65 apart from its predecessor, it’s not really this pack’s most appealing feature. What is, though, is the fantastic comfort that comes when it’s properly adjusted!

Not only is the Osprey Atmos AG 65 aesthetically appealing, but you can also literally feel the great quality and technology while wearing it!

With its mesh-like padding and innovative back panel, this bag provides superior ventilation that also extends into the shoulder straps. Overall, the Atmos AG 65 offers great suspension and transfers the weight off your back, which is the secret ingredient for a winning comfort recipe!

Durability

Even though the Atmos AG 65 contains a lot of mesh to provide better ventilation, it doesn’t compromise the rest of the bag at all. Like all other Osprey packs, the AG 65 screams quality and can easily haul a multi-day load with ease with its 100d x 630d quality materials.

It’s made with durable materials: high tenacity nylon. This means the chance of wear or ripping is very unlikely. We also like the fact that the buckles on the straps are rugged.

As mentioned earlier, the Osprey Atmos AG 65 comes with the All Mighty Guarantee. If your bag turns out to be less durable than you thought and anything breaks, just post it to Osprey, and they’ll repair it at no charge!

As with all Osprey bags, investing once almost definitely means it’s the last time you’ll be paying for a hiking bag because these bags are all super durable and come with lifetime guarantees.

Packability and How to pack the Osprey Atmos AG 65

Packing the Atmos AG 65 is super easy because it features plenty of zippered pockets and storage options. It also provides you with easy access to your gear. We’ve found that it’s easiest to start by loading the heaviest weight in the center of our bag and then radiate outward. This keeps your heavy items close to your body and the load directed to your frame. In short, it eliminates the risk of you swinging around while you’re walking.

After that, use your outer compartments or zippered pockets for lighter items you need at hand. If you’ve got trekking poles or an ice axe, you can attach them to the exterior loops. Here’s a look at an approach we like to use:

• Top Lid – Keys, headlamp, sunglasses, electronics. Any small items can be stored in the top lid.
• Lower Lid – lunch, socks, gloves, hat.
• Main Compartment – Food, sleeping bag or tent, clothes, all your heavy items.
• Outer Pockets – rain gear, maps, tent poles if you need them.
• Bottom Compartment – sleeping bag or tent.
• Hipbelt Pockets – snacks, pocketknife, compass.

The Osprey AG 65 is a classic top-loading, well-ventilated bag that also features bottom access zippers. It also sports an exterior shovel pocket that’s great for carrying quick access items like your rain fly and wet items.

This backpack is all about packability. With a huge chute, sleeping bag compartment (or a sleeping pad storage space), hip belt pockets, lid pocket, space for your trekking poles, and two large separate external pockets, the Osprey Atmos AG 65 is easy to bag and find gear in.

On The Trail

There seems to be somewhat of a disagreement whether the AG 65 is better suited for hiking or traveling. We won’t deny it, it’s one of the best hiking backpacks ever designed. Without a doubt, we give it 5 stars for real-life performance!

With a ton of excellent features designed to help hikers and trekkers, this bag was, technically, intended to be a hiking backpack and not a traveling pack. These features include a reservoir pack, mesh pockets, trekking pole attachments, a lower zippered sleeping bag compartment, mesh side pockets, a huge main compartment, and removable sleep pad straps.

That being said, the Atmos AG 65 can still be used as a travel pack, even though that’s not exactly what it was designed for. The only downfall of the AG 65 as a travel backpack is that it’s a top loader, so it doesn’t open like a suitcase.

The Atmos AG 65 is a standout pick as far as quality, features, and comfort are concerned. Sure, you can easily find a 65L pack at a lower price point, but we doubt if the comfort factor will be comparable. If you’re serious about spending time outdoors and looking for value that can’t be beaten, this might be your best purchase ever!

The Atmos 65 isn’t waterproof, but like most other packs in Osprey’s lineup, it is water-resistant. The difference between waterproof and water-resistant is HUGE, so if you generally hike in very wet conditions, this is something you might want to keep in mind.

The hip belt moves with the hiker instead of limiting mobility. Even when navigating challenging terrain, the pack doesn’t prevent you from performing full limb extensions when you need it most.

The Atmos 65 is easy to load with gear since it features a base compartment, main compartment, and external body pockets. Because it comes with compression straps, it works just as well when it’s only partially loaded.

This pack gives you the option to raise the lid or remove it entirely and just use the extra flap to cover the main compartment, but that means losing a valuable lid pocket.

All in all, the AG 65 is very comfortable in just about any condition. Thanks to full-body ventilation, sweat build-up will likely only happen when you’re hiking with rain gear.

Other Stuff

Capacity

In addition to the 65-Liter (medium size, Osprey also manufactures the Atmos in a slightly smaller 50-liter version. When compared to the Osprey Atmos 65 AG, the Atmos AG 50 costs and weighs a little less.

The AG 50 still has all the storage capacity you can expect to find in the Atmos AG 65, though. It also sports the same items like the Anti-Gravity mesh back panel, removable lid, sleeping bag compartment, and padded hip belt and shoulder straps.

Are you looking for something female-specific?

There are female-specific packs that may be more comfortable for a woman’s frame. These packs are narrower and have a shoulder strap made with a woman’s chest in mind. The hip belts on these are also thinner.

The Osprey Atmos AG 65 comes available in a women’s version too, called the Aura AG. The female version of the Osprey Atmos 65 AG is also available in 50 or 65-liter capacities but offers female-specific fit and a variety of color options. If you’re considering a different brand altogether, the Gregory Deva 60 might be a great starting point.

Front Access

Many of the Osprey packs offer full-width front-opening options, something that the Osprey Atmos 65 AG doesn’t have. The primary access to this bag is located at the top, which may or may not make packing and accessing your gear a little tricky at times. What we like about the top-opening feature is that it saves on weight and eliminates the risk of your bag becoming unusable if the zipper breaks.

The pack has a small front-facing opening at the bottom, which can be used for a sleeping pad. This little compartment can also be separated from the main body. You can also detach the flap between this compartment and the main body on the Osprey Atmos 65 AG to create even more room inside your pack.

Suitability for backpacking, hiking, and thru-hikes

The Atmos AG 65 makes for a decent travel backpack. It is comfortable when you’re carrying heavier loads, and with its wide range of pockets, it’s really a great all-rounder.

Keep in mind that the Osprey Atmos 65 AG is too large to take as a carry-on, and even if it’s just half-full, you won’t be able to squeeze it down to size because it has a rigid back.

The Osprey Atmos is perfect for multi-day hikes of up to a week. Because the AG 65 offers decent volume and a decent number of pouches, you can easily pack more than just a day’s worth of gear into this backpack.

Even though the Osprey Atmos AG 65 is exceptionally comfortable, it isn’t really an option for thru-hikes. Even if you remove the lid, this pack is double the weight of a standard ultra-light pack, which immediately becomes a limiting factor if you consider carrying it around for weeks on end.

Summary

We’ve just shown you what one of the best hiking backpacks the market looks like and how it performs out on the trail. We hope that our Osprey Atmos AG 65 review has given you clarity and a sense of direction. Regardless of whether you like light hiking or you’re a multi-day hiker, this can be the best investment you’ll ever make.

There’s a good reason why the Osprey Atmos AG 65 is one of the most popular packs out there. Sure, it’s probably not the most rugged, and it’s also not waterproof, but it’s a great all-rounder for hiking and backpacking.

It’s durable, extremely comfortable, well-ventilated, and comes with more than enough extras. It’s definitely not your cheapest option, but it does come with a full lifetime warranty, so if you invest in the Osprey Atmos AG, it’ll be for life, and we’re pretty sure you won’t regret it!

This is Osprey Atmos. This is quality. And this thing was built to last!