In case you missed it, there is something new on the hiking backpacks market, Osprey has launched a new version of its best known series. So what this is about?
Osprey Atmos and Aura AG LT backpacks are two completely new series that Osprey launched for the season 2023. It appears that the letters LT in the name imply that this is about reduced weight, they describe them as lightweight packs.
Many of the essential features of the standard Atmos & Aura AG packs are still present, but some important features are missing. The most important are listed here.
About the letters AG and LT in the name
So these are again true anti-gravity (AG) packs, and this is behind the letters AG. You again have the continuous mesh that makes the back panel, and it continues to the ventilated hip belt.
But these are now a bit lighter packs, to see this it is best to compare. So here are a few numbers:
- Osprey Atmos AG 50 pack: the volume is 50 liters, and the weight is 4.32 lb (1.96 kg).
- Osprey Atmos AG 50 LT pack: the volume is 50 liters, but the weight is 4 lb (1.81 kg).
For the Atmos AG 65 the weight is 4.613 lb (2.09 kg), and the LT version weighs 4.068 lb (1.84 kg).
So this is 150 grams difference for the smaller pack, and 250 grams for the bigger. What a big deal!
Frankly speaking, the difference is ridiculous. So let’s see what happened, and how they have reduced the weight.
Some missing features in the Osprey Atmos & Aura AG LT backpacks
The list below summarizes only the most important missing features and differences, and they are given in no particular order. There may be more so let me know if you notice.
1. The suspension system is considerably different. The torso length is still adjustable, but here you have a ladder type system with several specific positions for the harness. This is very different from the standard packs. See what the AG LT packs have:
This is the same system they introduced in their several other series like in Osprey Eja 48 Pack for Women.
2. There is no padding adjustability on the shoulder harness. This feature is available in the standard Atmos & Aura AG packs where you have Velcro connection, so the padding can be moved up or down the way it fits you best.
3. There is no Stow-on-the-Go attachment system for the trekking poles.
4. There is only one side access with an inverted-J shaped zipper. In the standard Atmos & Aura AG packs you have such access on both sides.
5. There is no bottom zippered sleeping bag compartment.
6. The lid is with only one zippered pocket. You have them two in the standard Atmos & Aura AG packs.
7. The two larger packs in the Osprey Atmos and Aura AG LT backpacks do not have two zippered front pockets. They are available in the two largest standard Atmos & Aura AG packs.
Please see more in this video:
Was it worth it?
If you ask me, the answer is no. As simple as that. I would rather carry 150 grams heavier pack and have all those listed 1-6 features.
With another 100 grams more, you have two huge and useful zippered pockets on the front, this is the mentioned feature 7 in the list. I definitely would not mind having them in the pack.
So, I am not sure what they were doing. The new LT version is indeed cheaper, but it also looks cheaper. But in any case, these packs are available at REI, and also at Osprey-US site.
What do you think? There is a comment box below, so let me know.
For more text of this type please check under the category Trail Gear. Read my texts about the new Gregory Baltoro pack and Deuter Aircontact Core packs.
Hi, I am Jovo, the founder of this OutdoorsFAQs site and several other outdoor sites. I have been mountaineering for almost 40 years already, and I have created this site to use as a reference for various questions that I receive in my sites. Being a theoretical physicist by profession, I tend to base my answers on facts and on my own personal experience.