Atlas Athlete Camera Pack | Fits glass as big as 200-600
Atlas Athlete Camera Pack | 20-40L Shallow Origami Core: Daypack to Overnight
Atlas Athlete Hiking Camera Backpack - 20-40L
Daypack to Overnight | High-Output Performance
I built the Athlete to be the best hiking camera backpack. It's for photographers who don't just 'go' on shoots—they hike, they ski, they climb. It’s a system that adapts as your day gets harder. Using our patented shallow Origami Camera Core™, we keep your gear center-of-gravity as close to your spine as possible. It is slim, fast, and engineered to transition from an under-seat carry-on to a 40L overnight mission pack.
hiking camera backpack.
One PACK. Three Modes.
- 20L | Daypack Mode: Compressed and discreet. Fits under most airline seats.
- 30L | Hybrid Mode: The sweet spot for a full kit plus layers and a 16" laptop.
- 40L | Overnight Mode: Expanded for multi-day treks, ski gear, or camping essentials.
Built for the Field
Constructed with NY210 Rip Stop with x2 DWR coating and weather-sealed YKK® zippers for ultimate protection.
Mountaineering Ready
Features dedicated Ice-Axe loops, Sleeping Bag loops, and a 1.5L Water Bladder pocket.
External Carry
A double row of front lash points and specialized side pockets allow for secure carry of large tripods.
Optimized Access
Large "brain" top pocket and heavy-duty grab handle for fast organization and mobility.
hiking camera backpack Fit & Technical Specifications
| Size | Recommended Fit | Dimensions |
| Medium Torso | Best fits up to 5'9" | 21" x 7" x 10" |
| Large Torso | Best fits 5'10" and taller | 23" x 7" x 10" |
| Camera Core | Single-Fold Origami Camera Core® (Shallow Depth) | |
Pre-Order Athlete GEN2a
Atlas Athlete GEN2a Pre-Order
Available in Challenge Sailcloth UltraGrid BlackOut
Medium Torso
5'0-5'10
Large Torso
fits 5'10-6'6
Video Grid
GEN2 vs GEN2a | WHAT'S CHANGED
GEN2 ships now. GEN2a ships December 2026.
World's Best Hiking Camera Backpack
Atlas Athlete Hiking Camera Backpack - 20-40L
Daypack to Overnight | High-Output Performance
I built the Athlete to be the best hiking camera backpack. It's for photographers who don't just 'go' on shoots—they hike, they ski, they climb. It’s a system that adapts as your day gets harder. Using our patented shallow Origami Camera Core™, we keep your gear center-of-gravity as close to your spine as possible. It is slim, fast, and engineered to transition from an under-seat carry-on to a 40L overnight mission pack.
hiking camera backpack.
One PACK. Three Modes.
- 20L | Daypack Mode: Compressed and discreet. Fits under most airline seats.
- 30L | Hybrid Mode: The sweet spot for a full kit plus layers and a 16" laptop.
- 40L | Overnight Mode: Expanded for multi-day treks, ski gear, or camping essentials.
Built for the Field
Constructed with NY210 Rip Stop with x2 DWR coating and weather-sealed YKK® zippers for ultimate protection.
Mountaineering Ready
Features dedicated Ice-Axe loops, Sleeping Bag loops, and a 1.5L Water Bladder pocket.
External Carry
A double row of front lash points and specialized side pockets allow for secure carry of large tripods.
Optimized Access
Large "brain" top pocket and heavy-duty grab handle for fast organization and mobility.
hiking camera backpack Fit & Technical Specifications
| Size | Recommended Fit | Dimensions |
| Medium Torso | Best fits up to 5'9" | 21" x 7" x 10" |
| Large Torso | Best fits 5'10" and taller | 23" x 7" x 10" |
| Camera Core | Single-Fold Origami Camera Core® (Shallow Depth) | |
Generally speaking the changes are relatively minor — this is why it's a GEN2'a' and not a GEN3. That said, there are a number of important changes.
FABRICS / COLORWAYS: CHALLENGE SAILCLOTH ULTRAGRID BLACKOUT
The new GEN2a Athlete is only available in Challenge Sailcloth Blackout. Black with light gold double ripstop threads. Challenge Ultragrid is arguably one of the top ripstops on the market. Highly weatherproof, incredibly strong, C0 rated (PFAS-free), recycled (20 water bottles per yard) and super light.
LIGHTER WEIGHT: Lighter by 1/2lb / .27kg
ORIGAMI CAMERA CORE: The inside camera carry is 1/2" deeper and 1/2" longer. This benefits big glass like the Sony 200-600 and allows the body to be mounted on the lens.
SOFTER SIDEWALL SPONGE: Updated to a softer density (46 to 30). Same protection with a softer ride. Available as an accessory for GEN1 and GEN2 packs.
EXTERIOR UPDATES: Side pockets increased in height for better tripod and water bottle storage. Water bladder pocket now supports larger bladders. Tube routing now runs through a slot under the main brain. Base of the pack reengineered for better waterproofing and alignment. Athlete logo removed from the main brain. Velcro loop patch added to the center of the shell.
ESTIMATED DELIVERY: Dec 2026
SHIPPING COSTS: Will be invoiced later in the year once the schedule is confirmed.
| SPECIFICATION | TOTAL |
| Height | Medium | 21"/53.5cm |
| Height | Large | 23"/58.5cm |
| Height | Lrg. No frame | 20in / 51cm |
| Height | Med. No frame | 18in / 46cm |
| Width | 11" / 28cm |
| Depth | 7" / 18cm |
| Laptop | 16" MacBook |
| Min Liters | 20 liters |
| Max Liters | 40 liters |
| Weight | 4.95lbs |
The Athlete Pack is designed for gear up to about 6" tall. Let's breakout the specifications and measurements for camera gear.
The Origami Camera Core (TM) allows you to shift space into and away from the camera section. The first photo includes the full storage capacity. The second photo shows how the top fold has been pulled in and this space is no longer accessible for camera gear.
|
MEASUREMENT |
|
Interior Height | |
14.25in / 36cm |
| Interior Height | Origami In |
9in / 23cm |
| Max-Depth | Origami Out | 6in / 15cm *deeper towards the top |
| Max-Depth | Origami In | 5.75in / 14.6cm *shallower towards the bottom |
| Interior Width | 9in / 23cm |
| ORIGAMI FOLD-IN | MEASUREMENT |
| Height | 14.25" / 36cm |
| Width | 9" / 23cm |
| Depth | 5.75-6" /14.6-15cm |
| ORIGAMI FOLD-OUT | MEASUREMENT |
| Height | 9" / 23cm |
| Width | 9" / 23cm |
| Depth | 5.75 /14.6cm |
|
|
1. Cut a piece of string 18"/45.5cm
2. Hold the top to your C7 vertebrae and drop the bottom end.
3. Now feel all the way down to where string ends. It will fall either above or below your Iliac Center (essentially your love handles and where you rest your hands when you are putting your hands on your hips).
-----
PS: If the string goes past your love handles, that means your torso is
shorter than 18" = medium size pack. If the string ends before your love handles, that means your torso longer than 18" = large size pack.
| CHOOSE YOUR BELT SIZE |
BASED ON PANT SIZE |
PADDING TO HIPS |
| SMALL / MEDIUM ATHLETE BELTS |
30 - 33IN 76 - 84CM |
26IN | 66CM |
| MEDIUM / LARGE ATHLETE BELTS |
33 - 38IN 84 - 96CM |
31IN | 79CM |
| LARGE / X-LARGE ATHLETE BELTS |
36 - 42IN 92 - 106CM |
33IN | 86CM |
| SMALL MEDIUM ADVENTURE HIP BELTS + TRAVEL |
28 - 33IN 71 - 84CM |
27IN | 68CM |
| MEDIUM / LARGE ADVENTURE HIP BELTS + TRAVEL |
34 - 38IN 86 - 97CM |
30IN | 76CM |
| LARGE / X-LARGE ADVENTURE HIP BELTS + TRAVEL |
36 - 44IN 91-117CM |
33IN | 84CM |
| X-LARGE / XX-LARGE ADVENTURE HIP BELTS |
42 - 52IN 106-132CM |
36IN | 92CM |
Everything you need is included with purchase:
+ Pack of your choice
+ Custom fitted Hip Belt
+ Full set of dividers (15)
+ Raincover (tethered)
+ Frame (installed)
ATHLETE vs. ADVENTURE | SIZE COMPARISON
Drag to compare exterior size. Same camera core system, different scale.
THE ORIGAMI CAMERA CORE (TM) | US PATENT 11,033,086
Unlike other camera bag companies that design bags with removable inserts, at Atlas Packs we design our packs with a sewn-in camera core. The top section includes a unique flexible fold that can be positioned to shift space between the camera and camping sections of the pack. A simple push or pull and the space reconfigures. No cubes to buy. No inserts to store. Nothing to take out.
The Origami Camera Core (TM) is battle tested and proven for nearly a decade with thousands of customers worldwide.
NO ICU OR CAMERA CUBES
SIMPLE PUSH AND PULL
SEWN-IN IS SOLID AND SECURE
Frequently Asked Questions
What about shoulder straps shaped specifically for women?
Curved shoulder harness systems for women are recommended when hip belts are not adequate to support the load. When you have a properly sized pack and hip belt, a straight shoulder harness works perfectly.
I've seen photos and video where the logo is really big and stands out. Is this the final design?
No. The ATLAS logo on the front of the pack has been updated from the original design. The updated logo is both smaller and the colorway is tonal. You can expect the logo to fade out in the shadows and be somewhat visible in direct light.
What if I'm between sizes for the Athlete?
Go shorter if in doubt. If the pack is too tall, fitting will be a challenge and the weight will not distribute properly. If you are broad chested or have big shoulders and are between sizes, consider the large. Please chat with Pro Support if you have questions.
What's the history and background behind the Athlete Pack?
The first copies are early prototypes rated for Leica, Micro Four Thirds, and mirrorless systems, circa 2015 to 2017. Production was just 300 units and not sold online. Over 5 years we made small incremental updates. The Gen2 pack was designed for today's larger mirrorless bodies, gripped bodies, tall GM and RF wide lenses, and long telephotos.
What makes the Athlete Pack different from other camera backpacks?
The Athlete Pack features the patented Origami Camera Core, which allows you to adjust space for camera gear and non-camera gear with ease. It also offers superior weight distribution and comfort, with a custom fitted hiking grade hip belt, making it ideal for long hikes and strenuous trips.
What is the Athlete Pack designed for?
The Athlete Pack is a versatile, compact camera bag designed for photographers who need a lighter, more adaptable solution for day trips or shorter adventures. Its expandable storage and Origami Camera Core give quick access to gear without sacrificing comfort or functionality.
What are the dimensions and weight of the Gen2 Athlete Pack?
The Gen2 Athlete measures 21 inches (53cm) tall in Medium or 23 inches (58cm) in Large, 11 inches (28cm) wide, and 7 inches (18cm) deep. Without the frame, height drops to 18 inches (46cm) in Medium or 20 inches (51cm) in Large. Weight is 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg) for Medium and 4.5 lbs (2.0 kg) for Large. Measurements are a guide, expect some variance given the pack's flexible, adjustable design.
What are the capacity modes of the Gen2 Athlete Pack?
The Gen2 Athlete expands across three setups: Everyday Setup at 20 liters for daily use, Daypack Setup at 30 liters, and Multiday Setup at 40 liters, with an expandable front shell covering the full 20 to 40 liter range.
What are the Gen2 camera core's interior dimensions?
The Gen2 Origami Camera Core has a full interior length of 13.5 inches (34cm), an interior width of 9 inches (23cm), a depth of 4.5 inches (11cm) measured with a ruler, and roughly 5.5 inches (14cm) of usable depth for camera gear. The core folds down to about 7.75 inches (20cm) in length.
What fabric and colors does the Gen2 Athlete Pack come in?
Gen2 is made from NY210 fabric and is available in Black, Gray, and Yellow.
Can the Gen2 Athlete Pack hold a laptop?
Yes, the Athlete has a dedicated laptop slot fitting up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro.
What mountaineering and external carry features does the Athlete Pack have?
The Athlete includes dedicated ice-axe loops, sleeping bag loops, a 1.5L water bladder pocket, and a double row of front lash points with side pockets suited to tripods and other external gear. The hip belt is removable, so you can run it as a lighter daily carry pack and attach the belt only when you need the added weight distribution.
Can the frame be removed from the Athlete Pack?
Yes, the frame can be removed by hand with some effort, though reinstalling it typically requires a tool like a tire iron or crescent wrench, so pay close attention to the frame's orientation before removing it and again when putting it back in. The Large size also accepts an optional Traveler's Frame, sold separately, which reduces pack height to around 20 inches (51cm) for stricter carry-on limits.
Has the Athlete Pack won any design awards?
Yes. The Atlas Athlete Pack won the Carryology Camera Bag of the Year award, and has been ranked among the top 10 camera backpacks on the planet since 2018.
How Camera Gear Fits the Atlas Athlete Camera Pack | 20-40L Shallow Origami Core: Daypack to Overnight
ATHLETE PACK: Super Shallow
ATHLETE PACK: How Bodies without Battery Grips fit
ATHLETE PACK: CANON R BODIES W/GRIP
ATHLETE PACK: How GM & RF wide fits in the Athlete Pack
Sony a7Riv and Sony a7iv kit in the Athlete Pack
Leica M6 and Canon R6 kit in the Athlete Pack
Sony A7RIII H+ Astromodified in the Athlete Pack
Sony A7RIV and A7C Kit in the Athlete Pack
Canon R5 kit in the Athlete Pack
Fuji, DJI and Insta360 kit in the Athlete Pack
Fuji XT2 Kit in the Atlas Athlete Pack
Sony A7RV | Atlas Athlete Pack
The Atlas Athlete - The most versatile camera backpack on the planet
Hiking Camera Backpack
Atlas Athlete Pack Specs and Expansion (20-40L)
EXTERIOR SIZE: 20L
EXTERIOR SIZE: 30L
EXTERIOR SIZE: 40L
Atlas Athlete Camera Pack | 20-40L Shallow Origami Core: Daypack to Overnight
SPECIFICATIONS AND MEASUREMENTSSIMPLE PUSH AND PULL NO ICU OR CAMERA CUBES CAMERA BODIES EXAMPLES
FITS 200-600 SIZE GLASS ATHLETE LONG DIVIDERS
ATHLETE REAR ACCESS CAMERA CORE
SUPER SHALLOW CAMERA CORE
SINGLE FOLD ORIGAMI
CANON R BODIES W/GRIP CANON BODIES W/O GRIPS
GM & RF WIDES
See the Atlas Athlete Pack in Action - 20-40L Expandable Camera Backpack
Never Check your camera gear with Atlas Packs
ATLAS PACKS CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Let customers speak for us
Amainzjnv build quality and attention to detail. Cery happy with the purchase. Couldn’t recommend it highly enough
I’ve used the Atlas Athlete for several years and love it. I bought this pack because of its versatility to carry and protect camera equipment but also extra clothing, food etc that are more difficult to carry and access with other packs. This pack is also very comfortable to hike with because it’s a true hiking backpack. I recently added the QD clips to carry an extra camera from my waist belt and this has worked well. This saves my neck and is very secure. When using the origami feature I can pack a camera with lens attached inside the pack where I pack extra clothing (I’m trying to depict this in the 1st photo). I’m planning on also buying an adventure pack soon but I can carry an Olympus 150-400 attached to a camera with this pack.
This is not just the best camera pack I’ve ever had, it’s an amazing pack, period. Well-made, super comfortable to wear. Well thought out all atound. I will definitely be buying more from AtlasPacks.
I’m on my second Atlas pack now having owned the Athlete since 2019 and now a newer Adventure, and both times that I’ve dealt with Allan and the team have been phenomenal with personalised service helping me getting the exact bag I need. I’ve really appreciated the help each time and the extra mile they’ve gone. The bags themselves have been phenomenal as well with great features and superb build quality. Can’t fault Atlas Packs and will be a life long buyer and user of their bags and accessories.
Best camera Pack I have ever owned after decades of trying different brands, mostly Lowepro. Comfortable, sturdy, excellent zipper, good protection. I would like it if the chest strap was wider and the strap buckles were bigger.
The Atlas Athlete pack is easily the best (and my favorite) I’ve ever owned. Whether I’m going on a road trip or a day hike, it’s the ideal solution.
There are many camera packs, but most do not have adequate suspension systems for a full camera kit and also tend to lack the capacity for non-camera essentials (layers for cold nights, food, rain gear, etc.).
Atlas has put a real backpack suspension system onto a bag that is highly flexible and tremendously versatile. I particularly like the origami fold system in my Adventure pack. It allows me to adjust the volume distribution between the rear camera section and the top compartment to fit my needs. I keep my long lens at the top of the camera compartment; if I don’t need to carry the long lens I can fold down the first fold of the origami and increase the volume of the top compartment.
Atlas Pack has created the most innovative camera backpack on the market, I've tried the other ones but their Adventure Backpack is my favorite.
This company knows and understands great design, and that is why I'm extremely excited to continue to keep up with all of their future projects.
I take my Adventure Backpack with me on every shoot, and it provides the perfect balance to fit all my camera and personal gear.
I've tried all the other camera backpacks but this one was instantly my favorite, and with the extra accessories, I've been able to tailor my backpack to all my travel needs.
What a great backpack - super flexible and so comfortable.
Simply incredible product, quality and company. Allan was great to work with. I only bought a hip belt (for my existing back pack). In terms of the quality.... lets put it this way, my next backpack will definitely be an Atlas.
On a trip I was on a boat and needed access to a handheld wide angled camera and a 200-800 zoom on a second camera. The 200-800 is too heavy for a double strap over several hours. My solution was a gun belt from Kore belts and an Atlas Click QD Camera Clip. I was able to attach the Click clip to my belt and using a ProMediaGear plate on the lens foot was able to hang the camera off my waist. Worked great, I was able to freely move about with the heavy camera fully supported by my waist for 6 hours. Attaching and detaching the Click on my hip worked easily as I moved from wide angle to zoom. Very happy with the Click.
Superb service...quick reply to any questions and fast & easy dispatch of my order. Happy to use again A++++
I purchased an Atlas Pack as a gift. The quality is impeccable and it arrived earlier than expected. The customer service was amazing and responded to my questions quickly. I’ll definitely be an Atlas Pack customer for life!
Great bag. The bag survived a challenging trip up Mt Kenya. Conditions were bad and ranged from tropical to glacial. The bag held three lenses, two camera bodies, and heavy day gear including crampons. The bag stayed dry inside without the rain cover in medium to heavy rain and snow. Good as an international carryon too. Adequate camera access for safari and walking safaris too. Sturdy camera area with room for more gear.
GET FITTED | THE MAGIC NUMBER IS 18" / 45.5CM
Both the Athlete and Adventure Packs are sized based on torso length. The tipping point between medium and large is 18" / 45.5cm.
Based on height:
Under 5'8" / 1.7m = medium. Over 5'11" / 1.8m = large.
Based on torso length (most accurate):
Under 18" / 45.5cm = medium. Over 18" / 45.5cm = large.
How to measure:
1. Cut a piece of string to exactly 18" / 45.5cm.
2. Hold the top of the string on your C7 vertebrae and drop the bottom end.
3. Feel where the string ends relative to your Iliac Center (your love handles, where you rest your hands on your hips).
If the string goes past your love handles, your torso is shorter than 18" = medium. If it ends before, your torso is longer than 18" = large.
Go shorter if in doubt. If the pack is too tall, the weight will not distribute properly.
CUSTOM FIT HIKING-GRADE HIP BELT — INCLUDED WITH PURCHASE
The hip belt is the most important part of camera backpacking. Without the right size hip belt, you will not be able to properly load the weight of your heavy camera gear. Atlas Packs offers three different style hip belts in four size ranges. A hip belt of your choice is included with every pack purchase at no additional cost.
The hip belt transfers around 90% of your pack's weight from your shoulders to your hips. All Atlas Packs hip belts are interchangeable across all packs and are fully removable for daily use and light loads.
THREE STYLES. FOUR SIZES. ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU.
THE ADVENTURE HIP BELT
THE ATHLETE HIP BELT
THE TRAVELER'S HIP BELT
Featured Reviews from Leading Publications
National Geographic. Outside Magazine. Ski Magazine. Carryology. Men's Journal. Gear Patrol.
Small and mighty. Expands to nearly double in size. The Atlas Athlete is like three camera bags in one. Compressed down at 20 liters, makes a great EDC. Bump up to 30 liters for a day trip, easily fits under a seat. And expand all the way out to easily haul 40 liters and more for extended treks and long overnights. Fantastic for ski, snow and mountaineering. Unparalleled access, weight distribution and organization. Camera gear is safely and securely stored in our patented and award winning Origami Camera Core (TM) that holds from 7-10 liters and is just 6" deep!
The award winning Atlas Athlete is the most versatile camera backpacking solution on the market. Designed to well exceed the needs of today's adventure seekers. Amazing access, organization and expansion. The perfect pack for camera daypacking.
ATHLETE PACK | HISTORY AND BACKGROUND
The first Athlete Packs were early prototypes rated for Leica, micro 4/3 and mirrorless systems circa 2015 to 2017. Production was limited to just 300 units and they were not sold online. You had to find us at a camera trade show or festival and be personally fitted to buy one.
In 2017 with the launch of atlaspacks.com we started selling an updated Origami Camera Core (TM) rated for non-gripped DSLRs and mirrorless bodies. Over the next five years we made numerous small incremental updates based on customer feedback. When asked to increase the depth we always pushed back because there was not enough of the right camera gear in the market to justify the change yet.
Camera gear is the heaviest, most expensive and most fragile item you will carry on your back. The key to the success of the Athlete Pack is how well it keeps all that precious weight close to your body. National Geographic called it one of the best camera bags for travelers. Ski Magazine called it the best camera bag for skiers. Outside Magazine called it the best photography gear of 2020. Carryology awarded it Pack of the Year.
Working with our partners at Sony and Canon we were granted access to camera gear before the public and were able to spec and test every imaginable combination. The result is the GEN2 and GEN2a Athlete Pack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Atlas Athlete Camera Pack | 20-40L Shallow Origami Core: Daypack to Overnight FAQs
The first copies are early prototypes rated for Leica, micro 4/3 and mirrorless systems circa 2015 to 2017. Production was just 300 units and not sold online. Over 5 years we made small incremental updates. The GEN2 pack was designed for today's larger mirrorless bodies, gripped bodies, tall GM and RF wides and long telephotos.
The large size Athlete Pack has a pass-through zipper between the camera and non-camera sections above the ATLAS logo. The medium does not. The large has a second set of frame flaps for a smaller travel frame. The medium does not. The large has double small pockets on the inner backpanel. The medium has one large pocket.
Go shorter if in doubt. If the pack is too tall, fitting will be a challenge and the weight will not distribute properly. If you are broad-chested or have big shoulders and are between sizes, consider the large. Please chat with Pro Support if you have questions.
To clean the shell and zippers, give your pack a steam shower for 15 to 20 minutes and use baby wipes and microfiber towels to clean the ripstop and get into the grooves around the zippers. To clean the inside, remove all dividers and gear and from inside the non-camera section push hard on the bottom of the camera core so it pops out.
The frame is somewhat easy to remove by hand. It is not easy to replace by hand. You will need a tool like a tire iron or crescent wrench to reinstall. Note the orientation of how the frame curves before removing.
Yes. Be sure to check the torso length, there is a small tag tucked into the lumbar padding on the right side pocket. If it is a GEN1 pack and you have APS-C sized gear it will be great. Get a new hip belt and check the dividers as the foam breaks down over time. GEN1 packs are not rated for larger size gear.
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS: Origami Camera Core
SIMPLE PUSH AND PULL
NO ICU OR CAMERA CUBES
CAMERA BODIES EXAMPLES
FITS 200-600 SIZE GLASS
ATHLETE LONG DIVIDERS
ATHLETE REAR ACCESS CAMERA CORE
SUPER SHALLOW CAMERA CORE
SINGLE FOLD ORIGAMI
CANON R BODIES W/GRIP CANON BODIES W/O GRIPS
