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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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between the Gen2 and Gen2a Athlete Pack?
Gen2 and Gen2a share the same exterior dimensions and hardware, but Gen2a switches to Challenge Sailcloth UltraGrid fabric, PFAS-free and made from recycled material. That switch trims weight to 3.9 lbs (1.8 kg) in Medium and 4.1 lbs (1.9 kg) in Large, down from Gen2's 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg) and 4.5 lbs (2.0 kg). The camera core also grows across every interior measurement: full interior length increases from 13.5 inches (34cm) to 14.5 inches (37cm), camera gear depth from about 5.5 inches (14cm) to 6 inches (15cm), and the fold-down core from 7.75 inches (20cm) to 8 inches (20cm).
How much does the Gen2a Athlete Pack weigh compared to Gen2?
The Gen2a Athlete weighs 3.9 lbs (1.8 kg) in Medium and 4.1 lbs (1.9 kg) in Large, lighter than Gen2's 4.4 lbs (2.0 kg) in Medium and 4.5 lbs (2.0 kg) in Large, thanks to the switch to Challenge Sailcloth UltraGrid fabric. Measurements are a guide, expect some variance given the pack's flexible, adjustable design.
What are the interior camera core dimensions of the Gen2a Athlete Pack?
The Gen2a camera core has a full interior length of 14.5 inches (37cm), an interior width of 9 inches (23cm), a depth of 5.5 inches (14cm) measured with a ruler, and about 6 inches (15cm) of usable depth for camera gear. The core folds down to about 8 inches (20cm) in length, all larger than Gen2's equivalent measurements.
What are the exterior dimensions of the Gen2a Athlete Pack?
Gen2a shares the same exterior dimensions as Gen2: 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.
What fabric is the Gen2a Athlete Pack made from, and why did it change?
Gen2a uses Challenge Sailcloth UltraGrid, PFAS-free and made from recycled material, replacing Gen2's NY210 fabric. The switch improved water resistance, reduced weight, and made the fabric itself recyclable. It's currently offered in UltraGrid Blackout only.
Can the Gen2a Athlete Pack hold a laptop?
Yes, the Athlete has a dedicated laptop slot fitting up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro. Pockets are limited overall, with all of them located in the main brain section rather than scattered around the pack.
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, and are there sizing options?
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 attention to the frame's orientation 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 GEN2a - Sortie été 2025
Hiking Camera Backpack
Never Check your camera gear with Atlas Packs
ATLAS PACKS CUSTOMER REVIEWS
Let customers speak for us
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.
Petit mais performant, le sac à dos pour appareil photo Atlas Athlete passe de 20 litres à près du double de volume, le rendant aussi polyvalent que trois sacs photo en un. Comprimé, il est idéal au quotidien ; étendu à 30 litres, il se glisse facilement sous les sièges d'avion pour les excursions d'une journée, et avec ses 40 litres, il est parfait pour les longues randonnées, les séjours au ski et l'alpinisme. Doté du système primé Origami Camera Core™, ce sac offre un rangement sécurisé pour jusqu'à 10 litres de matériel photo, le tout dans une épaisseur de 15 cm, tout en offrant un accès, une répartition du poids et une organisation exceptionnels.
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 GEN2a - Sortie été 2025 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.
ATHLETE PACK | EXPANSION IN LITERS
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS: Origami Camera Core
SIMPLE PUSH AND PULL
NO ICU OR CAMERA CUBES
HOW IT WORKS
CAMERA BODIES EXAMPLES
FITS 200-600 SIZE GLASS
ATHLETE LONG DIVIDERS
YKK ZIPPERS & PULLS












