And a bag to pack it in...

I've been working on my packlist for a through hike trip in France. Between Covid and other constraints we'll see if it happens, but my gear list took another step forward with a new backpack, a custom Atom+ from Atompacks.

My original choice was my UD Fastpack 35. It's big enough, just about, for what I need (37L total) has good storage options with pockets up front. The downside for me is the weight distribution. The waistband mostly works to inhibit bouce, not to transfer weight. It's comfy over long distances up to around 8kg. I expect with food and water to be a tad over 10kg. Mindful of my 'not getting any younger' frame it would be nice with a bit more load transfer and support at the waist.

My other option was a Haglöfs Matrix 50. It's a good size and comfy on but at 1,5kg it's quite a bit heavier. It has that trad look with separate lid and zip access into the base. It doesn't though have pockets on the straps or the big stuff pocket on the front. At 50 litres it is also bigger than I want. Too much empty space is just an invite to take too much.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, after due consideration and a lot of surfing I decided on impulse to go for an Atompacks Atom+ at 40l. A bit bigger and heavier  than the UD but not hugely so, and with both a hip belt and a carbon frame hoop in the back. 

Like the UD it has pockets on the shoulder straps - albeit simpler ones - big side pockets and also a pocket on the base. Practical or just a gimmick? Time will tell. 

It's a custom build, which means I got to choose the colours and to add options like a yoke strap at the top and load lifters. It's also custom sized to my back length which I'm hoping translates into a comfortable carry. Atompacks were really helpful and managed to ship it out from the UK ahead of the year end - avoiding any Brexit complications. (Lead times are on their website). 

It turned out that adding load lifters meant extending the collar so this bag is somewhere around 46 litres. A bit more than I was thinking but it will mean I'll comfortably have room for gear plus resupply. 

So far it looks good... but I've yet to try it in anger. Soon...