Photography Equipment

Atlas Athlete Camera Backpack Review 2021

Mar 11, 2021

Atlas Athlete Packs Best Travel Camera Backpack

The search is finally over for the best travel photography backpack, introducing my Ultimate Atlas Athlete Camera Backpack Review!

After years of travelling in all types of conditions, I've tried many bags, packs and equipment solutions to transport my photography gear. But this always resulted in failure, drawbacks and spending money on experimenting to find a solution.

Firstly, I spend most of my time on the road, travelling from deserts in Egypt, camping in Scotland or wilderness expeditions in Central Asia. As a result, my gear going through hell and back. Therefore, it resulted in never finding the perfect backpack for my needs. But say hello to the best travel photography backpack on the market - Atlas Athlete Backpack!

Atlas Backpack Review

Allan Henry, the General Manager of Atlas packs, has designed 2 Atlas packs to cater for athlete and adventure photographers.

The smaller, more travel-friendly of the two is the 40lt carry on compatible backpack called the Atlas Athlete Pack. This is the backpack that I currently own and will be talking about in this review.

You can find over a complete video review of this pack on my YouTube Channel.

So why I switched? I was tired of my F-stop setup. This is the direct competition to the Atlas Packs because it is F-Stops' most enormous carry-on compliance backpack. But the F-Stop bag was uncomfortable when fully loaded. And guess what, I'm a travel photographer that loves adventures where my bags are fully loaded for camping, trekking and multi-day hikes.

As a result, I needed a photography backpack that can handle everything, plus more. It has to protect my valuable camera gear, have extra room for luggage, be comfortable and carry-on compliant. Sounds like a big ask?

But the Atlas Athlete Camera Backpack Review delivers all this, plus more! And, honestly, I'm finally so happy to say this quest to find the perfect travel photography backpack is over...

Let me explain why...

Atlas Packs Design & Build Quality

I've owned previous bags with a removable Internal Camera Unit (F-Stop ICU) with the Atlas Packs. The system is built-in. This allows 2 advantages, more stability with less moving parts due to thicker padding. And more space allowing the bag to be smaller with less "dead space".

An In-built compartment allows the bags to hold their shape and feels more sturdy. When the bag is completely empty, it can still stand up by itself. Add the smart "origami system", allowing you to choose between luggage or camera space.

The bag completely empty is only 20lt. But ultimately folded out and fully packed, it can handle a storage space of 40lt. Nifty!

It's the simple things that make this the best travel photography backpack!

Camera Backpack Security

The solid build of the Atlas Packs is not the only positive. Security is one of their top priorities. The Atlas Athlete Pack is back opening which provides full access to the camera compartment.

Due to the zips opening behind the waist belt, this allows for full maximising compatibility. This is due to the zips opening all the way to the base, not like other backpack openings where the flap tries to fight against you.

This results in maximum safety!

These backpacks are similar to a traditional hiking backpack offering a large, expandable top-loading main compartment. So this means you can access the main room along with a 15" laptop sleeve. Due to this, you cannot access the camera compartment from the main top compartment. This assures your expensive equipment is protected and secure. Smart!

Furthermore, this backpack offers expandable pockets on the side for a tripod or water bottles. Additionally, adding an elastic compartment for wet or dirty clothes includes a front zipper for real adventurers.

Storage in the Atlas packs is endless. It's like a bottomless pit. A large storage compartment on the top for quick access to the small wallet-sized safe compartment for valuables. An additional quick access pouches on the waist belt for a drink bottle or lenses. These compartments are perfect when hiking, allowing access without having to remove the bag from your back.

Finally, you're starting to understand how feature-packed this travel photography backpack is! However, it doesn't end here, with one more compartment, a neatly stored rain cover allowing you to take this bag anywhere in all conditions!

YouTube Review

Atlas Camera Backpack Features

STORAGE COMPARTMENTS - Storage in the Atlas Athlete Pack is near perfect. Phone, passport and chargers in one compartment. Spare batteries in another, and you'll still have more rooms for bits and piece. Perfect for the travel photographer!

THE EXPANDABILITY- This backpack turns from a 20lt bag into a 40lt bag by loosening the side buckles. Although the camera compartment is relativity shallow, the bag expands without losing shape and remaining comfortable.

COMFORT - Usually overlooked in a travel photography backpack is the convenience of waist straps and shoulder straps. This Atlas Athlete Pack resembles the highly rated and award-winning Osprey Backpacks.

This allows me to over-pack for multi-day treks, and it remains comfortable to carry!

THE ORIGAMI SYSTEM - Origami System a unique design to the Atlas Packs. This system allows travellers and photographers to combine all their needs into one backpack. Catering for weekend getaways or photography assignments, the Atlas Packs has you got covered.

My Travel Packlist:

Downsides

Possibly the most challenging question of them all.

The camera Compartment is shallow. (As a mirrorless shooter, no big issue)
No loops, hooks to attach external gear to the bag (e.g. Sleeping Bag)

Price was something that greatly concerned me before purchasing the backpack, but 3 trips later, all my concerns are gone. This is simply due to it being 2 backpacks in one!

However, if you're purchasing a good camera bag and a good adventure bag, it's more expensive. Therefore buy Atlas Packs?

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Atlas Athlete Camera Backpack Review proves this is a near-perfect travel photography backpack!

If you're looking for a comfortable adventure backpack to carry both photography and outdoor gear, look no further Atlas Packs are here!