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.
ADD PACK - THEN HIP BELT
Choose Colorway
YellowOut of stock
Choose Torso Size
Out of stock
A HIP BELT IS INCLUDED WITH THIS LISTING. SELECT AND ADD TO CART.
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 | Origami Out
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
GET FITTED | MEDIUM OR LARGE TORSO
Atlas Packs are sized based on torso length. Choose the size that best fits your height/weight. Do not select a size based on liters. See the size chart here with additional details below.
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.
HIP BELT SIZE GUIDE
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
WHAT'S INCLUDED
When you order an Atlas Hiking pack, here's what comes with purchase in the box:
+ A pack of your choice + A custom fitted Hip Belt + A set of dividers inside + A raincover tethered + A frame installed
ATLAS PACKS CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Let customers speak for us
from 57 reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Look in my garage and you'll see dozens of packs (camera specific, hiking, canyoneering, backpacking, climbing, the works). Over the last 15+ years I've had numerous camera bags and packs. None of them hold a candle to Atlas Packs. You want a pack that can handle whatever adventure you take it on? Look no further!
I took me some time to find the best camera pack. But I did it! I have two different Atlas backpacks and I'm in love. 3 years ago I tried one of a friend of mine and the next day I bought one. Next level quality and confort! I've travel to Alaska, Yemen, to the jungle in Sumatra and the beaches in Australia. I've been everywhere with it!
What's your list of camera gear?:Fujifilm XT5 + 2 lenses, Osmo Pocket 3 w/creator kit, tripod, battery bank, wires, DJI mic set
Best pack I’ve owned!
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.
D
Dave
What a great backpack - super flexible and so comfortable.
B
Beth M.
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!
R
Rajeev S.
What's your list of camera gear?:Nikon 850 and 7500. Three lenses by Nikon the largest was 300-500
Survived Mt Kenya
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.
M
M.S.
What's your list of camera gear?:Nikon Z6iii & Nikon Z6ii (Astro Modified)
BEST Travel Camera Backpack on the market!
With over a decade of travelling to 100+ countries, I need gear that’s tough, reliable, and ready for anything—just like Atlas Packs. Whether I’m chasing sunsets in remote landscapes or capturing the stars in the dead of night, Atlas Packs are with me every step (and snap) of the way. From airport runs to rugged hikes, these backpacks handle my demanding schedule without breaking a sweat. It’s more than just a pack—it’s my go-to travel companion!
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
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
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
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
The top of the lid will be supporting your gear and that's a good thing.
ATHLETE PACK: Super Shallow
Without a grip they can be positioned as shown here
ATHLETE PACK: How Bodies without Battery Grips fit
NOTE: GRIP IS UP
ATHLETE PACK: CANON R BODIES W/GRIP
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
" 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
" 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
" 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
" 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
" 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
" 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
"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
"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 PULLNO ICU OR CAMERA CUBESCAMERA 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 GLASSATHLETE 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.
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
Is there really a difference between packs and bags?
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.
What is the capacity of the Atlas Athlete Pack?
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.
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 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.
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.