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WHICH PACK IS RIGHT FOR ME?
Over the years I've had to explain the differences between the packs countless times. This page condenses this information and breaks down the differences between the packs. Please know this page was last updated on [MAY 6, 2022] and will continue to be updated over time.
FIRST QUESTION
How much space do you need for camera gear?
And how important is workflow and organization? The answer to this question is likely to drive why you select one pack over the other.
Of note: Atlas Packs have a sewn-in camera core that cannot be removed. The weight distribution, space savings and efficiency when compared to traditional camera bags with ICU's and camera cubes is outstanding. We call our solution the Origami Camera Core (TM) and because our core it sewn-in, you can easily change how much space you allocate between the camera and camping sections. Each pack has a different size Origami Camera Core (TM) rated to hold and secure different types of gear. Let's breakout these details starting with how a few specs and measurements
Let's breakout the differences between how each of the packs stores and secures camera gear. .
ADVENTURE vs. ATHLETE CAMERA GEAR
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ADVENTURE PACK
SEE HOWORIGAMI CAMERA CORE (TM)
DEPTH: 7-8" | Traditional Depth
ORIGAMI FOLDS: Double Fold
LITERS FOR CAMERA: | 6, 13, 20-----
The Adventure Pack is our larger pack, both in terms of depth and
overall liters. Inside the Adventure we have a double fold Origami
Camera Core (TM) and can be positioned to hold 6, 13 or 20 liters of camera gear. The depth of the Adventure Pack is very similar to a traditional camera bags.
The Adventure Pack opens to the side so you have full access to all of your gear -
ATHLETE PACK
LEARN MOREORIGAMI CAMERA CORE (TM)
DEPTH: 5-6" | Shallow Depth
ORIGAMI FOLDS: Single Fold
LITERS 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.
WHAT KIND OF PACKER ARE YOU?
The answer is....
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ATHLETE PACK IS BEST: If you shoot with purpose and only bring the gear you need. Extras like batteries and filters can go in the top lid. If you want to bring a drone, you pair down your gear or put your drone inside a case that you put in the front side of the pack.
ATHLETE PACK: (shown on left) Sony Alpha body with grip with 70-200 2.8
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ADVENTURE PACK IS BEST: If you like have hoods on all your lenses and store your filters and accessories inside the camera core and sometimes you also like to bring a drone.
ADVENTURE PACK: (shown on right) Sony Alpha body with 200-600 and hood setup ready to shoot.
NON-CAMERA / CAMPING STORAGE
Which pack is best for me?
QUESTION: How much space do you need for camping / non-camera gear?
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One of the big differences between bags and packs is that packs expand and bags do not. Bags come in fixed liter sizes why camera bags only have room for camera gear. At Atlas Packs, both Athlete and Adventure have been designed to expand out and give you a ton of space for non-camera gear. Up to 30 liters inside the Athlete Pack and up to 44 liters inside the Adventure Pack.
The Origami Camera Core (TM) separates the pack into a front section (accessible from the top) for camping gear, and a back section (rear entry zipper) for camera gear. Having an Origami Camera Core (TM) means you don't need to buy different size ICU or camera cubes.
You can change space on the fly and how much space you decide to allocate is based on two factors.
1. The position of the Origami fold(s)
2. How much you have released the side compression straps.
Let's breakout these details and more...
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ATHLETE CAMPING | 10 - 30 LITERS
The Athlete Pack has a single-fold Origami Camera Core (TM) that shifts about 3 liters of space between the front and back of the pack. When compressed down, the Athlete Pack is about 20 liters and the camping / camera sections are basically split 50/50.
In terms of hiking, think of the Athlete Pack like a day pack that can be expanded out. When you head out you have on more layers so you pack is not as full. As you walk you get warmer and start to shed layers and need to work out of your pack. At 20 liters there is plenty of space for lunch, a few layers, tech
pouch and even a laptop plus more. -
ADVENTURE CAMPING | 30 - 44 LITERS
The Adventure Pack has a double fold Origami Camera Core (TM) *prior generations had a single fold. Having two folds means even more room for camping or camera gear.
The Adventure Pack can be setup to have up to 30 liters for camping with maximum camera gear. As you shift the folds, the ratios change and camping gets larger while camera storage gets smaller.
One of the main reasons you get the Adventure Pack is because you need to pack food. The front side of the Adventure Pack is both incredibly deep and wide and perfect for bear canisters and large sets of camping gear.
EXTERIOR SIZE COMPARISON
Which pack is smaller, taller and deper?
Think of the Athlete and Adventure like a 24-105 and a 70-200. While there is an overlap, one lens is a wide and one is a telephoto and the reason you use one lens is different from why you would use the other. The packs are the same way and this section covers the overlap..
