sweaty back vs atmos 50?

Hi Robert,

Comparing the Ghost to the Atmos 35, I’ll confirm your notion that the Atmos design ventilates much better and is more comfortable on a hot day. The myriad pockets are nice too.

Ultimately, whether it’s worth the extra weight making the switch probably hinges on getting a great fit in the Atmos 50 (especially for those non-sweaty days). If you can test one, loaded, at a store, you might be able to answer the question before plunking down your hard-earned money.

Good luck!

Throwing in a positive review of the Atmos. I have lighter packs, (Golite Jam, homemade GG Whisper clone) but I really like the ventilation and pockets on the Atmos.

I agree with the previous posts, I have an atmos 25 and a 50, and like them both. Very comfortable. To me the extra weight is worth it.

My Atmos 50 has been great. I have always hated SBS (sweaty back syndrome). As with anything though, it isn’t perfect. Downsides are weight (3 lb), no chimney effect i.e there is ventilation but no thru-flo, and it’s a bit weird to pack since the stays arch into the bag.

If you use any kind of internal frame backpack or any kind of frameless rucksack, a sweaty back is “just part of backpacking.” Light pack…or heavy pack.

Ah the memories…backpacking in the middle of winter, wearing wool shirts and other uncomfortable clothing. Humping up and down one mountain after another. All day long. Then you stop for a break and when you take your pack off, you notice a whole bunch of steam comes off your back and off the back of your pack. The steam off your back tends to blend in (sorta) with the AM mist and fog in the mountain bottoms.

Such fond memories…ahhhhhhhhh

Seriously if a sweaty back is a big issue for you, external frame packs might be the ticket for you. They are heavier than all the ultra-light packs, but they do keep your back a lot cooler. Kelty is about the only company I know of that still makes good traditional type external frame packs.

Vlad

GAH! We just missed out on $90 Atmos 50’s from Steep and Cheap. Doh!

As I stated in my review here, the Atmos 50’s Airspeed suspension is pretty amazing in terms of comfort. You’ll still get sweaty in some conditions (you ARE backpacking, after all), but it’s less than any other pack I’ve ever owned. I load it with 15-25 pounds of stuff and it is comfort personified…relative, of course, to the fact that you’re, well, backpacking! :-)

Odd thing is, Bert, I am thinking about moving from the Atmos 50 to the GG Mariposa, in your opposite direction! Why the hell would I do that? The Atmos 50 weighs nearly 3 pounds, the Mariposa 20 ounces. ;-) But the suspension, monstrous hip pouches, and other features still in my opinion makes the Atmos 50 a classic. (hint: I just ran some shock cord through the daisy chains, Mariposa style, and made it about 20% more flexible in terms of load carrying)

They’re sold by REI and many others, so take one for a trial fit. The large size hits my scapulas with the frame stays, but the medium fit just right (5’11”, 160lbs, 20″ torso).

As Vlad pointed out, though, if you’re really pushing hard or it’s just damn hot out, the Airspeed suspension only does so much.

Thanks for the link to your review of the Atmos 50. I suppose I could look at the extra two pounds of the Atmos 50 as an excuse to upgrade my tent from BA SL I to the Contrail tarptent or something similar like the Squall Classic from Gossamer Gear. That would save about 1.5 #s, or about the difference in the weight of the Mariposa vs Atmos 50. But then as soon as that thought settles I want to be greedy and cut lots of weight by using the Mariposa AND the Contrail. I guess I have until summer when I hit the trail to make up my mind. Thanks to all for your input.