We admire Osprey backpacks, and this time we will be talking about the Atmos line of the Osprey and compare the Atmos AG 50 vs 65 backpacking backpacks.
The Atmos AG 65 is the best multi-day backpacking backpack model of the Osprey. It is very suitable for trips up to a week-long as well as daily use. It has a capacity of 65-liters and can be loaded up to 40 lbs. The Atmos AG 50, on the other hand, has 50-liters volume and can haul loads 30-35 lbs. Therefore, you will not have the same trip length with AG 50-liters compared to the 65-liters.
Long story short, everything else is the same between those two. In the past generation, the Atmos AG 65 had extra 2 front pockets. However, by the latest updates, all the features are the same!
What is our recommendation then? The high-end construction of Atmos line could be overkill at 50 liters (heavy-4.2 lbs). Therefore, if you insist that you need 50 liters, it is may be more appropriate to go with the Stratos 50 line. Otherwise, we will prefer Atmos AG 65 over AG 50.
Here is a table that summaries all you need to know about the Atmos line. Since we are comparing the Atmos 50-liters with 65-liters options, you can assume that Atmos AG 50 has 15-liters less volume and it weighs 4.2 lbs.
| Review of # | Atmos AG 65 |
|---|---|
| Comfort | The Most Comfortable Osprey Backpacking Backpack |
| Features & Organization | Feature Rich and Great for Organization |
| Access | Top, Sleeping Bag Compartment |
| Volume (M Size) | 65 L |
| Weight (M Size) | 4.5 lbs |
| Load Carrying Capability | 40 lbs |
| Hydration Compatible | Yes |
| Pockets | Removable floating top lid with dual zippered pockets (2), Front stretch mesh pocket stores rain gear for easy access (1), Dual access stretch mesh side pockets for storing water bottles and other gear (2), Zippered hipbelt pockets keep snacks and smaller items close at hand (2) |
| Price | Check the latest Rates |
| Trip Length | 3-5 days |
| Type | Standard |
| Women’s Counter Parts | Aura AG 50/65 |
| CampaRest Expert Review | Atmos AG 65 Review |
We think you should have a really good reason to choose 50-liters option. Some people say the more space you have, the more you will pack. That is true up to a point. However, we believe that it is better to have additional 15-Liters than not having it (in case of needing an extra space). This is the main reason that we will recommend the Atmos AG 65-Liters version our eyes closed.
The Key Points Between Atmos AG 50 vs 65:
In short, the key difference between them is the volume, therefore the capacity. However, this is not only the one difference between Atmos 50 and 65 L.
The volume determines:
- Their own wait. The 65-liters (4.5 lbs) is slightly heavier than 50-liters (4.2 lbs)
- The trip length. The Atmos AG 65 can be used up to a week-long trip, if you pack it carefully. However, the AG 50 can be used up to 5 days maximum.
- Hauling capacity of Atmos AG 65 is 40 lbs, but Atmos AG 50 can handle 30-35 lbs maximum. Indeed, you can pack more than these values. But based on our experience, in this case, you will sacrifice the comfort. You can check Aether line (See Aether 65 Review) for hauling heavy loads up to 60 lbs.
This extra 15-liters is life saver on the long trips and so nice to make more of your items readily available.
The comfort, adjustability and the ventilation are the same for the Atmos AG 50 and 65 liters. The overall construction and the durability are also the same and top-notch.
Apart from these, if you need a heavy hauler with a better organization, We will recommend checking out our Aether Plus 60/70/85/100 review. If you are wondering the key differences between the Osprey Atmos and Aether line, you can check our Osprey Atmos vs Aether comparison as well.
Keep in mind, corresponding women’s backpack in the Osprey family is the Aura line. They are very similar and the key differences between them are the women’s specific fit and color options only.
How to Decide What Volume You Need
The rule of thumb is to determine how many days that your trip will take.
- The 50 Liters volume is very suitable for the trips that will long 2-3 days, max 5 days.
- The 65 liters is the best for 5-6 days. You can extend the trip length up to a week, if you pack carefully.
For an Ultralight option, check out my Osprey Atmos vs Exos comparison.
We recommend the check the following video for Atmos AG 65:
For the Aura AG 65:
For the Atmos AG 50:
Here is the links that you can check the latest rates of the AG 50 and AG 65
Finally, we would like to recommend checking our Best Backpacking Backpacks review. Basically, you will find price vs performance, weight analysis, comfort, fit/adjustability, and ease of use comparison for the most popular backpacks of the year.
We tried to explain all the details of the Osprey Atmos AG 50 vs 65 as much as we can. We purchased these products and shared our own experience with them. CampArest team is ready to answer any of your questions. Please feel free to get in touch via our “Contact Page”, in case of any question.
Reference: How to choose your pack