[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This is one of the most critical pieces of gear from my 2023 Appalachian Trail thru-hike. Before I had picked any of my other gear, I knew my pack would be an Osprey. It didn't take much research to settle on the Atmos 50. This thing is a beast and could handle anything I threw at it or in it during my hike. The best feature is the one everybody already knows well: the airspace and ergonomic curvature that perfectly forms to your back. Furthermore, this distributes weight very efficiently, allowing your hips to bear more of the burden and relieve your shoulders. Other features I love include the waist pouches where I stored quick access items like my multi-tool and hand sanitizer, the included rain fly for quick rain protection, and the angular water bottle holders on each side where I had quick and convenient access to my one liter Smartwater bottles. I even made regular use of the two pockets in the brain portion. The interior dimensions are sufficient to fit a bear vault of the largest size turned sideways. There are straps on the bottom end of the pack that frequently held my tent, though you could also extend the top straps for the brain and store your tent under there too. The shoulder straps are thick and comfortable. I was able to attach a phone pouch on one and regularly attached my umbrella to the other. The materials are rugged. Despite all the use and abuse, scraping on trees and rocks, repetitive motion abrasion, weather exposure, and slinging around, the pack held up well without failure for 2,000 miles. There are probably adjustments I could have made to reduce weight, as this comes in at 4.2 lb. This while most thru-hiking packs in the ultralight category are less than half of that. With Osprey you're getting two extra pounds of comfort, in a sense. Alternatively, they do have the Exos 58 that weighs less. Also, regarding sizing, I think osprey could improve by separating them out into four: S, M, L, and XL. Other lesser known UL brands do this, so I would think osprey could handle it. This is my only real "complaint". All around, Osprey is, in my book, the best backpack maker in existence.
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