50+ litre packs

Taking to the trail this summer? David Lintern and Lucy Wallace put a range ofbackpacks suitable for multi-day and long-distance journeys to the test

CCHOOSING A BIGGER BACKPACK suitable for the likes of multi-day walks, long-distance journeys, backpacking and wild camping can be a very personal decision, comparable to choosing a pair of walking boots. What works well for the individual varies. We humans come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and rucksack fit is absolutely critical, as aches and pains can get worse over a long trip. The pack will need to carry heavier loads than usual for more than one day at a time; and the more time we spend on the journey, the more we will notice any problems if they exist.

Ideally, most of the weight should be carried on the hips, which are much more able to bear heavy loads than the shoulders, and an adjustable back system goes a long way to ensuring a custom fit. Many models come in more than one back length, with men’s and women’s designs that reflect differing body shapes and centres of gravity.

Personal preferences also have a part to play as we all have different styles of travel. Some like to have everything neatly contained within a simple tube design, allowing for maximum freedom of movement over rough terrain and in strong wind. For others, being able to access essential items whilst on the move is important, with snack pockets on hipbelts, attachments for gadgets, and large external pockets. Rain covers are often included, but it’s worth noting that they don’t perform well in strong winds. There are lots of handy additional features to look out for such as whistles, internal pockets and compartments, and compression straps (very useful for tucking away trekking poles and roll mats).

Those wishing to travel ‘fast and light’ may sacrifice a bit of functionality and durability in favour of a lower-weight pack; whilst others would prefer something that may be heavy but will last longer.

Atom Packs is a relatively new UK cottage business focusing exclusively on backpack manufacture, but founder and designer Tom Gale’s packs have proved very popular with participants on the

TGO Challenge (the annual coast-tocoast backpacking event across Scotland, supported by this magazine) and I was keen to find out more.

Packs are sized via a guide on the brand’s website. Knowing my personal preference for a shorter back length, I requested a medium – and this proved a perfect fit.

The frame inside the Mo is non-adjustable and comprised of a foam-backed plastic sheet further strengthened by an aluminium stay. Other than the slight curve and flex in this arrangement, there’s no other suspension and this keeps the pack close to the body and exceptionally stable. Weight is transferred well to the integral, very adjustable hipbelt; and along with low-profile load lifters and a sternum strap, the pack becomes almost ‘invisible’ when it’s on. That’s the highest compliment I can give!

I requested a more robust VX21 fabric, however marginally lighter options are available. The fabric has a useful amount of stiffness, making packing simple and further stabilising the load. There are elastic compression straps although I’ve found less need to use these than on other packs. That structural integrity does mean there’s little extra fabric stretch for squeezing things in, giving the impression of a pack that’s a modest rather than a generous 60L.

Atom Packs offers a host of customisable features, including a bottom pocket, elastic shoulder pockets and removable hipbelt pockets, as well as some eye-catching colours. As standard, there’s also a stretchy mesh front pocket, a single axe loop, a roll or fold top closure and a Y strap over the top, useful for attaching a tent or mat.