Article by Jeff Valliere
Camelbak A.T.P. 26 Backpack ($180)
Introduction/Specs/Features: A.T.P. is short for Adventure Travel Pack, which is a fitting name, given this pack’s utility, durability and versatility. The ATP 26 is equally at home traveling by plane to far off destinations, as it is a daily office commuter laptop pack or hiking pack.It does all of those very well with thoughtfully designed and placed pockets, straps, buckles and compartments.
Made from durable, 100% recycled Cordura my undyed version is Eco friendly also using less water, energy and createing fewer greenhouse gases than virgin nylon. It should be durable for many years (perhaps a lifetime) of Adventure Travel.
Volume: 26L (there is also a 20L version)
Weight: 3lb/1370g
Dimensions: 19.69 x 14.17 x 8.27 in / 50 x 36 x 21 cm
Torso Fit Range: 17" - 21"
Material
100% recycled re/cor™ CORDURA®
$180 Available now
The ATP 26 is built of a very tough 210d recycled Cordura high tenacity yarn (sourced from post industrial car airbags), which is quite thick, tough and durable.
The Eco undyed colorway removes the inks and dyes from the traditional manufacturing process, using less power and water resulting in half the greenhouse gasses compared to traditional processes. If you are not a fan of the white, the ATP 26 also comes in black.
There is also a weather protective DWR coating for water resistance and easy cleaning.
On the left while wearing, there is a large J zip organization pocket with key clip and internal stretch mesh pocket for organization, handy for quick access items.
On the right, is an expandable pocket that can easily accommodate most bottles, a tripod or trekking poles.
The top pocket is fleece lined and intended for sunglasses, keeping them safe and out of the way. While this is handy, I personally like to stash smaller items here like dental hygiene for quick access while rolling through the airport bathroom for example. This pocket is on the small side and I wish it were a little wider/deeper.
There is easy access to the main compartment via long center zip and the pack can expand up to 30 liters by expanding the main strap.
Within the main compartment are two zippered pockets and generous stretch mesh pockets on either side of the interior for further organization.
There are two stowable compression straps on either side that are handy when needed, but I definitely appreciate that they tuck securely out of the way when not in use.
The shoulder straps are made from a plush and durable EVA foam that is quite comfortable, even with a heavy load.
The chest strap is of course adjustable as well, with a secure clasp that is easy to operate There is just this single strap and there is no waist belt You can position it up and down (hook/loop and not on a slider) to dial in an optimal fit.
The back panel is comfortable EVA foam that is ridged with a center air channel.
The bottom half of the back pad is pass through for sliding the pack onto a suitcase handle, while the top panel has an external reservoir sleeve for up to a 3L Camelbak Fusion reservoir.
For daily use, commuting/trips to the office or work at the coffee shop, there is a laptop sleeve that can accommodate up to a 15” laptop, as well as a mouse, tablet and any other small peripherals. This sleeve slides in and out easily, has its own handle and can be left behind when not needed.
Fit/Comfort/Performance: Fit and comfort are very good for me, as I can easily adjust the shoulder straps and chest strap for a perfect fit. The ATP 26 carries weight comfortably and is stable. I received this pack just days prior to a trip to Kaui and it performed so well as a travel pack. I had plenty of room for all of the items I needed to carry on and it was easy to stay organized.
Once in Kauai, I used it for most of our hikes (up to 6 hours) and it was great for hiking and I even did some running with it and it held well without much bounce or any discomfort.
Conclusions/Recommendations: If you are looking for a versatile, durable, well thought out day pack for commuting, travel, work or just an everyday pack to stay well organized, that can easily pull double duty for hiking, the ATP 26 is a great choice.
While I like the white, it gets dirty quite easily and while it wipes up well, there are some deeper stains starting to form. If you plan on mostly casual, white is not a bad choice, especially given it is more eco friendly, but if you are going to be more focused on outdoor activities, the black might be the better option.
I would also love to see a waist belt added to the ATP 26, perhaps one that is removable/stowable, just to add a bit more security/stability when hiking.
The Camelbak A.T.P is available at Camelbak HERE
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
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2 comments:
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White backpack. Great idea as long as you stay in the city.
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