I have a 2011 Osprey Atmos 50 which is reaching the end of it's life and will need to be replaced in a year or less. I don't like what Osprey has done to the Atmos line after the 2014 redesign (specifically, removal of the dual side-by-side pockets on the front and addition of a sleeping bag compartment). I am watching for a used 2011 or 2014 Osprey Atmos 50 to come up on Craigslist, MEC Gear Swap or similar sites. However, it is highly likely that I will be forced to replace my pack before I find an older model Atmos. So can anyone suggest a modern pack that satisfies the following criteria (basically is an older model Atmos):

• 50-55 litres
• comfortably handles 40 pounds of gear
• one or two outside pockets to isolate tent and rain wear that might be wet from the rest of the gear in the main bag
• can fit a Bearikade Weekender bear can horizontally in main bag
• hipbelt pockets
• at least one side stretch pocket that can fit a ~800mL water bottle
• floating top pocket
• reasonably light
• ice axe attachment point
• streamlined outside so straps and pockets don't get hung up when bushwacking

Things I don't find important at all:

• top pocket that converts to a bum bag (can never hold enough for long day trips away from camp)
• sleeping bag compartment (zipper is a point of failure for main bag and can leak when bag is set on wet ground, is really only good for sleeping bags and not multiple items so not a replacement for external pockets)
• waterproof (nothing is waterproof for long so you need pack liners or waterproof stuff sacks - cheaper to replace - anyways)
• hydration pocket / sleeve (I don't use a water bladder)

Thanks for your suggestions!

Not sure how relevant this will be, but I needed to replace my old Bora 35 after 15 yrs (rip at the bottom) & got Osprey Kestrel 48 -- was not my 1st choice, but huge deal in Atmosphere as they were making space for new models & paid only 150 (regular 248)



It satisfies most of your requirements. There is fairly deep front pouch, and two zipped side pockets of which one is separate and the other opens up in the bag. I can fit my tent (with stakes, fly etc) in separate pocket. There are hipbelt pockets and right side stretch water bottle pocket. Top pocket is quite large, and on the inside has pouch with zipper. Bottom is sleeping bag compartment with separate outside zipper - but it is not fully isolated inside from top of the pack. Don't know if your bear can will fit horizontally, but there is also ice-axe attachment point. Pouch for water bladder is on the outside; I also don't use water bladder often but I like it is completely isolated from the inside. There is also rain cover folded in small pocket at the bottom. It comes in 2 sizes (S/M and M/L)



My only gripe is that hip belt is too narrow, but that is probably because I am used to Arc Teryx wide belts. Took it only once on short hike but it was fine; plan to use both as day pack and 2-3 nights overnight pack. Here is product link https://www.sportchek.ca/product/332024534.html

Are you looking for one of these? As I am looking to get rid of it so make me an offer if you are interested. It is a medium size.

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If that were a large, I would be all over it. Pity because it looks to be in nice shape!

I've been considering upgrading my pack as well. Narrowed my choice down to one of two packs. Granted they are slightly larger than what you are looking for. But they are worth serious consideration. Granite gear makes 2 60L packs called the crown 2 and blaze. The blaze weighs 3lbs 1oz and the crown 2 is 2lbs 5oz. Gregory makes a 50l and 68l pack called the Paragon. It has some nice options. I am leaning towards the 68L Paragon.

Update on the Gregory after a trip. It did not fit me at all. I am tall and slim so maybe this isn't the design that suites me. I was carrying 35lbs for a distance of 11.5K. Couldn't wait to get it off.

I have an osprey aura 65 that I recommend. Has alot of what your looking for but it does have the sleeping bag compartment, but the separator in the sleeping bag compartment comes out to connect with the main one to make it one big compartment if you want. I also have the aura 55, that doesn't have the sleeping bag compartment, but it doesn't have the extra straps on the bottom for sleeping pad, and extra bockets like the 65 does.

As the original post is 2 years old, I will just mention that I chatted online with Osprey a couple of days ago, and they can send the spec sheets for older, out-of-production models. Possibly images as well, though I did not ask. The dimensions can be quite different for packs of same volume.