Shoulder harness designs, Osprey doesn’t work for me

Sounds like a problem with the length of the pack and/or the way you are adjusting the main straps and the load lifters. There's the concept that the load lifters should be at a 45 degree angle and that should be a good measure with the Atmos.

I've made a thumbnail study of how people wear their packs on the trail. My impression is that the minority have properly fitted and adjusted packs. I have a 19" neck and no problem with Osprey straps, granted that my shoulder girth is also very different than yours.

Ultimately, fitting packs is like fitting shoes, with a wide range of body types to accommodate. Some of the slimmer folk may be able to chime in on Ospreys too.

Several people have posted photos wearing their packs for evaluation by the BPL horde. You might start there.

On your Atmos, did you try adjusting the "load lifters"? These are a pair of straps, one per side, that run from the shoulder straps back to the top of the pack. They adjust how far back from the shoulders the top of the pack sits. They will change the fit of the shoulder straps across the top of the shoulders. I would guess that you should try lengthening them…

On the Atmos, you can also adjust the entire shoulder strap assembly up or down. There's a big velcro tab that releases from the backpack and can be moved up or down for a better fit. You might want to try making the pack "larger".

I have the same problem you do, with shoulder harnesses digging into my neck. I have a bunch of Osprey packs which are problematic and Gossamer Gear shoulder straps were even worse. I went with the ULA Circuit (and since then a CDT) because of the S harness and problem solved–I have no neck rub whatsoever. They are fantastic packs and very well made. You can't go wrong with one.

Aaron,

I have an older model Atmos 50 that may work for you – if you're still interested in the ventilation system. (That's why I bought it and it does work.) I'm 5'8", 160 lbs. and wear a medium in just about anything. The straps on this model are too wide for me and end up rubbing my shoulders raw. The 2012 model is fine for me so the straps on the older pack are definitely wide.

PM me if you're interested, maybe we can work something out. (Shipping may be prohibitive but depending on where you are …)