Atlas Athlete Camera Backpacks | 20-40L

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The Athlete Camera Backpack offers a slim, versatile solution for camera carry inside a 20L-40L expandable shell. This makes it perfect for all sorts of use from day trips and overnights to long adventures.

Let’s get into the details... 

As the thinnest full-frame camera bag in the world, it offers impressive capacity, ranging from 20 to 40 liters, while maintaining a streamlined profile. Designed to fit easily under airplane seats, it’s ideal for travel photographers who need to carry essential gear without the bulk.

Innovative Design and Smart Storage

The Athlete Pack features a single-fold Origami Camera Core™, providing customizable storage for your camera bodies, lenses, and accessories. Despite its compact size, the pack offers efficient organization that maximizes space for both camera gear and personal items. With its durable, lightweight materials and smart design, it’s the ultimate blend of mobility and performance for photographers on the move.

Comfort and Practicality

Built for comfort, the Athlete Pack includes ergonomic shoulder straps and a padded back panel, ensuring a comfortable carry even during extended shoots. Its slim, compact profile makes it perfect for navigating both urban environments and outdoor settings, offering both style and functionality. Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or exploring the great outdoors, the Athlete Pack provides a practical, space-saving solution for photographers who prioritize agility and ease of access.

A hip belt of choice is included. Please add both pack and belt to cart before you checkout. The cost of the hip belt will be discounted automatically out at checkout.

SKU: MATH-Y ISBN: 860304000621

ATLAS PACKS CUSTOMER REVIEWS

The Atlas Athlete - The most versatile camera backpack on the planet

The Atlas Athlete Pack is the thinnest full-frame camera bag in the world, it offers impressive capacity, ranging from 20 to 40 liters, while maintaining a streamlined profile. Designed to fit easily under airplane seats, it’s ideal for travel photographers who need to carry essential gear without the bulk.

See the Atlas Athlete Pack in Action - 20-40L Expandable Camera Backpack

Built for speed, comfort, and versatility, the Atlas Athlete Pack is designed for photographers and adventurers who go the distance. Compact enough for airline carry-on yet expandable to 40 liters, it adapts seamlessly from weekend treks to long expeditions. Engineered with ergonomic fit and camera-ready compartments, it’s the ultimate pack for athletes on the move.

Atlas Athlete Pack Specs and Expansion (20-40L)

EXTERIOR SIZE: 20L

EXTERIOR SIZE: 20L

This is the default size for the Athlete Pack. Plenty of space for all your camera gear plus lunch, layers a laptop and a few extra items. At this size the Athlete Pack is easily small enough to go under the seat.
EXTERIOR SIZE: 30L

EXTERIOR SIZE: 30L

30liters of gear brings the Athlete Pack to about half-way full. At this size the pack has started to fill out and up slightly and you can start to see the differences in the size of the pack. At this size the Athlete Pack will still fit under the seat.
EXTERIOR SIZE: 40L

EXTERIOR SIZE: 40L

Given how small the Athlete Pack can be, it holds an incredible amount of gear. Setup at this size there's about 30 liters of non-camera and 10 liters of camera gear and for travel this pack will need to go overhead. Even at 40 liters, the pack easily meets cabin standards.

Never Check your camera gear with Atlas Packs

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.

Pockets are limited on the Athlete. All the pockets are in the main brain. There Athlete has a very traditional hiking pack design with the stuff sack expandable front. The Origami Insert is designed to organize the front side of the Athlete.

Featured Reviews from Leading Outdoor Publications

Trusted by Experts in Outdoor Adventure and Photography

How Camera Gear Fits the Atlas Athlete Camera Backpacks | 20-40L

ATHLETE PACK: Super Shallow
The top of the lid will be supporting your gear and that's a good thing.

ATHLETE PACK: Super Shallow

ATHLETE PACK: How Bodies without Battery Grips fit
Without a grip they can be positioned as shown here

ATHLETE PACK: How Bodies without Battery Grips fit

ATHLETE PACK: CANON R BODIES W/GRIP
NOTE: GRIP IS UP

ATHLETE PACK: CANON R BODIES W/GRIP

ATHLETE PACK: How GM & RF wide  fits in the Athlete Pack
ATHLETE PACK: + Gripped Canon R5 Kit with Canon R5 and 70-200 2.8 RF, 600 RF, 15-35 2.8 RF and Mavic Pro and remote.

ATHLETE PACK: How GM & RF wide fits in the Athlete Pack

Sony a7Riv and Sony a7iv kit in the Athlete Pack
" I have used the full gamut of packs and bags for almost every activity and have come to love and rely upon Atlas Packs. It comes down to two essential principles: utility and ergonomics. I have a pack for nearly every occasion whether that is business travel, mountaineering, kayaking, trekking, every-day carry, or going to the beach. A pack is useless if it causes you back pain or hurts your body over time. Atlas packs are battle-tested, comfortable to wear, and carry and protect my gear in a variety of situations. I have modified my packs to fit my needs and years of heavy wear later, they are still going strong. " Evan Will @sharkostudios

Sony a7Riv and Sony a7iv kit in the Athlete Pack

 Leica M6 and Canon R6 kit in the Athlete Pack
" Being a full time adventure elopement photographer means flights, hiking, backpacking, camping and LOTS of camera gear. Until Atlas, there wasn't a great solution for my needs. I spent hours cutting apart standard backpacking packs and fitting camera cubes into them but they were never quite right. Atlas changed all of that! I use my Atlas Packs (of course I have both Athlete and Adventure) on every single one of my adventures and have completely stopped using any other pack. The design, quality, craftsmanship....second to none and they've never let me down, even in the worst of conditions " Jaysn Valentine

Leica M6 and Canon R6 kit in the Athlete Pack

Sony A7RIII H+ Astromodified in the Athlete Pack
" I have tried many so called "outdoor or hiking camera packs." All of them failed for me in terms of fit and comfort until I found Atlas Packs. I am a wider build and a bigger man. This pack fits my shoulders perfectly and if I am carrying heavy weight, the belt is comfortable and functional. " Steven Irwin Jr

Sony A7RIII H+ Astromodified in the Athlete Pack

Sony A7RIV and A7C Kit in the Athlete Pack
" I chosed Atlas simply because is the best Backpack i've tried in several year. So perfect for an adventure photographer, comfortable, safe, strong, smart solution. I care about my gear. this is my main backpack for nature photography " Gianluca Gianferrari | @camouflajj

Sony A7RIV and A7C Kit in the Athlete Pack

Canon R5 kit in the Athlete Pack
" Outdoor recreation like mountain biking, splitboarding and resort riding creates plenty of opportunity for abuse of delicate and expensive photo gear. I always struggled to find a pack that fit my big three criteria: comfort, packability and protection. There are plenty of packs that do one or two of those really well, but Atlas is the first to check all boxes for me. I’m able to confidently and comfortably ride bikes and boards, and have taken many a tumble on harsh terrain without damaging my gear. *Aggressively knocks on wood* " Kieran Lombard | @sharkieran

Canon R5 kit in the Athlete Pack

Fuji, DJI and Insta360 kit in the Athlete Pack
" For years, I actually worked as a gear tester for a major travel blog. I literally tested dozens of packs during my tenure. 

The landscape for hybrid photo x hiking backpacks is actually quite narrow and it was not before I tried the Atlas Athlete Pack did I truly feel like I had found the right pack for myself. I lead trips all over the world in a wide variety of climates, terrains, and landscapes - all of which involve trekking or climbing of some kind. If I did not have my Atlas Pack, I truly do not know how I could operate in the field the way I do. 

My Athlete Pack delivers the right balance of wearable comfort and support, has enough space for me to have gear for high altitude and long day hikes in cold weather, and gives me plenty of flexibility for my camera and drone set up. In short, I can’t recommend this pack enough if you like wild, rugged adventures and need to carry multiple camera lenses and/or a drone. There is simply nothing better on the market that feels like a proper hiking bag, but delivers as the essentials of a top tier camera bag. Full stop. " Chris Lininger | @off_the_atlas

Fuji, DJI and Insta360 kit in the Athlete Pack

Fuji XT2 Kit in the Atlas Athlete Pack
"When you are in the woods with the mosquitoes, in the snow to your knee at -30C or that you have to walk tons of kilometers... My Athlete Atlas Packs help me to carry all my material in a great comfort and protect it." Frank Boucher | @fboucher

Fuji XT2 Kit in the Atlas Athlete Pack

Sony A7RV | Atlas Athlete Pack
"I've tried many backpacks over the years, but the Athlete pack from Atlas Packs stands out as a clear winner. Perfectly designed for the outdoor enthusiast, it effortlessly holds and protects my camera gear while still offering ample space for my other essential equipment. Whether I'm venturing into the wilderness or jet-setting internationally, this backpack has proven to be my trusty companion. It's not just a backpack; it's an integral part of my adventures." Ed Flordeliz | @f

Sony A7RV | Atlas Athlete Pack

LET'S CHECKOUT THE SPECS AND COMPARE PACKS

Athlete vs. Adventure Exterior Size Comparison
ATHLETE PACK
ADVENTURE PACK

Atlas Athlete Camera Backpacks | 20-40L

SPECIFICATIONS AND MEASUREMENTS
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS: Origami Camera Core

ORIGAMI CAMERA CORE (TM)DEPTH: 5-6" | Shallow DepthORIGAMI FOLDS: Single FoldLITERS FOR CAMERA: | 7, 10-----The Athlete Pack has a single fold Origami Camera Core (TM) and can be adjusted between 7 & 10 liters. One of the key differences between the Athlete Pack and traditional camera bags is the shallow depth. Please expect your gear to fit tight and this is by design. When closed, the lid will hit the top of lenses and bodies that are taller than 5.5" / 14cm. This is normal. Slightly taller gear (up to 6"/15.5cm) also fits as long as you organize and pack well. More details as well as photos are available via the link below.

SIMPLE PUSH AND PULL NO ICU OR CAMERA CUBES CAMERA BODIES EXAMPLES

ASSORTED CAMERA BODIES: + Gripped Sony Alpha + Canon 5D + Canon R5 + Sony Alpha (non grip) + Fuji X100.....The increase in depth means that it's much easier to store gripped bodies in the Athlete Pack, but what about non-gripped bodies and smaller sets of gear. In this photo above, we have an assortment of camera bodies arranged without lenses. As you can see, the depth of the Athlete Pack is still really shallow and works great with the smaller systems and sets.**It's important to note the Nikon D850 with an RRS L-bracket attached will now fit in the Athlete Pack.

FITS 200-600 SIZE GLASS ATHLETE LONG DIVIDERS

The standard set of dividers now includes a new "mid-lense" size and there is an optional full-length divider. Great for big glass like the 200-600.

ATHLETE REAR ACCESS CAMERA CORE

The Athlete Pack is a rear-access camera bag. Incredibly safe and secure .For 2022 we've updated the pullers to the latest and greatest from YKK.

SUPER SHALLOW CAMERA CORE

The depth of the Origami Camera Core (TM) has increased by 2cm. This still means the Athlete Pack is super shallow.

SINGLE FOLD ORIGAMI

The Athlete Pack includes our single-fold Origami Camera Core (TM) that shifts approx. 3 liters of space between the front and back of the pack.

CANON R BODIES W/GRIP CANON BODIES W/O GRIPS 

Here is the exact same kit without the grip. As you can see there is ample head room for both the body and lens now. Please use your judgement when setting up your pack. Move tall items up higher and keep the tension away from the bottom corners.

GM & RF WIDES 

ATHLETE PACK: + Gripped Canon R5 Kit with Canon R5 and 70-200 2.8 RF, 600 RF, 15-35 2.8 RF and Mavic Pro and remote. ....... Now let's get into the glass. The new generation of Athlete Packs means you can drop-in six inch tall glass. Let's talk about glass for a minute. The biggest change to come as it relates to camera gear will happen right here. Big lenses like the a 500 are getting smaller and lighter. Wides and primes are getting heavier, wider and taller. And everything is getting more expensive.

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 
GM & RF WIDES 

The award-winning Athlete Camera Backpack by Atlas Packs--offering unparalleled versatility, access, organization and dependability with all day long comfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlas Athlete Camera Backpacks | 20-40L FAQs

The difference is in the design. Bags are designed to hang on shoulders. Backpacks are designed to hang on hips. This simple difference makes a huge difference and why Atlas Packs are so comfortable and easy to carry. 

There are so many problems with camera bags it's hard to know where to start. First, they come in fixed liter increments, who packs the exact amount every time! Next, they are floppy and lack structure and need to be filled with smaller bags or inserts just to stand up. All this extra adds weight and drives up costs and limits access to camera gear. And finding a camera bag that properly fits, good luck. Camera bags are sized based on liters, not torso length or waist size. That's because camera bags are designed to hang on your shoulders while packs are designed to hang on your hips.

The Athlete Pack expands from 20 liters (compressed) to 40 liters (fully expanded). It’s like having three camera bags in one, making it versatile enough for everyday use, day trips, or extended adventures.

What is the capacity of the Atlas Athlete Pack?

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 makes the Athlete Pack different from other camera backpacks?
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS: Origami Camera Core

INTERIOR DIMENSIONS: Origami Camera Core

SIMPLE PUSH AND PULL

SIMPLE PUSH AND PULL

NO ICU OR CAMERA CUBES

NO ICU OR CAMERA CUBES

CAMERA BODIES EXAMPLES

CAMERA BODIES EXAMPLES

FITS 200-600 SIZE GLASS

FITS 200-600 SIZE GLASS

ATHLETE LONG DIVIDERS

ATHLETE LONG DIVIDERS

ATHLETE REAR ACCESS CAMERA CORE

ATHLETE REAR ACCESS CAMERA CORE

SUPER SHALLOW CAMERA CORE

SUPER SHALLOW CAMERA CORE

SINGLE FOLD ORIGAMI

SINGLE FOLD ORIGAMI

CANON R BODIES W/GRIP CANON BODIES W/O GRIPS 

CANON R BODIES W/GRIP CANON BODIES W/O GRIPS 

GM & RF WIDES 

GM & RF WIDES