This is our best guess at what the average person could load into this pack while still being comfortable.

This is entirely dependant on your physiology so must be taken with a pinch of salt. i.e. If you are Chris Hemsworth (Thor... Phwoar!), you may well be able to carry more weight than, say, Gollum from the Lord of the Rings.

In general, we find our limits to be fairly accurate, however, If you find yourself nearing or exceeding the number listed with any regularity, then you should probably look at a more supportive pack from our range.

Your base weight is the total weight of all clothing and equipment that will be in your backpack while hiking. You should not include consumables like water, food, medicine or fuel.

i.e. the weight of an empty fuel canister can be considered for your base weight, but the fuel within it cannot.

This is a somewhat philosophical question, as, base weight has more significance the longer you are planning to hike.

In general, base weight gives you an indication of your level of packing discipline. (Remember, base weight is the total weight of everything non consumable that you will be carrying) There is no one correct base weight for each backpack, provided you are able to add enough food and water to remain under our recommended load capacity for your chosen backpack.

i.e. on a 4 day trip, along with your base weight, you would have to add 4 days of food (let's assume 1kg of food per day), to keep pack weight under 8kg total, you would need a base weight of sub 4 kg where as the same hiker on a 2 day trip could afford a 6kg base weight to remain under the 8kg total.

Our packs are not waterproof.

We use highly waterproof fabrics but we do not tape the seams. Therefore some water may ingress into the pack during periods of extended rain.

Yes, even though our materials are water resistant, the seams are not taped and thus water may ingress into the pack during extended rain.

Any items that you wish to keep dry must be kept in a waterproof stuff sack or liner.

If you wanted to change the elastics then that is a quick way to update or refresh the look of your pack. You can purchase replacement elastic sets on our website:

Replacement Elastic Sets

(we do not recommend you replace the side pocket elastic unless it breaks as it is tricky to do)

No. The Atom is designed without this - this means you must be considerate when you pack it to make sure the back panel is free from lumps or pointy items. Check out Dexter's packing video for tips!

Yes, this is possible from our accessories. Adding a hip belt will increase the load carrying capacity of The Atom.

If you are buying the pack with the intention of always using the hip belt, we recommend that you go for the torso size above yours (i.e. if you measure a Small you should purchase a Medium) this will ensure the straps fit you correctly.

We have two designs of hipbelt that are compatible with the Atom:

Webbing hipbelt

Padded Atom hipbelt

If you are asking this question, the likely answer is no. This pack is designed for the dedicated ultralighters only and will probably punish those who overpack it.

The next step up is The Pulse

This pack is still a significant weight saving for most customers, but it has a frame, foam and padded hipbelt to help support you.

All completed custom orders are final.

We cannot accept returns on custom work except for where there have been errors in manufacture so be sure to make sure you are totally happy with your order before proceeding to checkout.

Once you receive your pack please try it on at home and use our fit guide to check that you are happy with it.

Checking the Fit

Something not right? Please contact us with your order number to discuss your options.

We have decided to reduce the amount of “off menu” custom work that we offer, this helps us work more efficiently and makes sure you have faster access to high quality lightweight packs.

You can still order a personalised custom version of The Atom, The Pulse, The Notch and The Prospector by changing colours and adding or removing pockets as well as new removable features available to add to your order or to buy at a later date, allowing you to create a pack that’s right for you!

For mainland UK and Northern Ireland:

Small Parcel £3.95
Large Parcel £7.95 (for orders over £140)

For Isle of Man and Channel Islands, shipping is calculated at the checkout.

Please note: All items purchased from Atom Packs are subject to a lead time, any shipping times quoted start when the order is complete, not from the moment the order is placed. Current lead times can change and are displayed clearly on the site.

Accessories, when completed, are shipped to the UK using Royal Mail 1st Class. This service normally takes 1-2 days.

Backpacks, when completed, are shipped to the UK using DPD next day. This service is normally delivered on the next working day.

Keep an eye out for emails and texts from DPD.

Yes we do!