The Notch EP40 (Black)

Meet The Notch, a compact yet robust thru-hiking pack created to be a resilient companion over thousands of miles of hiking.


£265.00
If any sizes are unavailable, our next restock will be on June 17, 2025

6 reviews
Torso Size
Hipbelt Size Guide
Typically ships within 2 weeks

Perfect additions to The Notch

The Hipbelt Pocket

The Hipbelt Pocket

£22.50

Sticker Pack

Sticker Pack

£4.00

The Notch

WHY?

We wanted to build a simple, low volume backpack that was capable of carrying a full load of modern, lightweight gear: Introducing The Notch 

HOW?

Quite simply, we took our award winning Prospector pack shape and simplified its carrying harness and shape so it could still work well at low volumes, we kept the amazing padded hip belt, added daisy chain webbing to the shoulder straps, added webbing side compression and BOOM, we were done. 

WHO?

The Notch is suitable for any multi day hiker who has a refined gear list of modern, low volume gear. If you like the idea of a lighter pack but feel like you’d still like a good amount of support, or perhaps you aren’t quite ready to take the leap to our ultralight Pulse pack, then the Notch could well be for you! With a load capacity of 15kg and an out of the box weight of 840g / 36.4lbs, it's weight will be the last thing on your mind.

Specifications

Load capacity
16.5kg / 36.4lbs

Weight
840g / 29.6 oz (size medium)

Height fully unrolled
74cm / 29"

Circumference at base
86cm / 34"

Circumference at top
94cm / 37"

Main body volume
35L

Side pockets volume
2 x 2.5L

Features Overview
  • Snap Fasteners
  • Webbing Side Compression
  • Haul Loop
  • Y Strap
  • Removable Small Plastic Frame with Alloy Stay
  • Fixed Ice Axe Loop
  • Whistle Sternum Strap
  • Front Zig-Zag Elastic
  • Roll Top Closure
  • S-Shaped Shoulder Straps
  • Removable Padded Back Panel
  • Lumbar Pad
  • Removable 4-inch Padded Hipbelt
  • Fixed Shoulder Pocket
  • EPX400 Base
  • EPX200 Panels
  • Dyneema Stretch Bottom Pocket
  • Vertical Side Compression
  • Adjustable Side Pocket

Explore Full Features

Key features

Dyneema Stretch Bottom Pocket

Easy-access bottom pocket featuring a large opening on the wearer's right and trash port on the wearers left.

Sewn using Dyneema stretch fabric.

Key features

Dyneema Stretch Front Pocket

Made with Dyneema stretch fabric. Can hold 5L, not included in the total volume.

Key features

Removable 4-inch Padded Hipbelt

Our removable shaped hip belt contours to the shape of your body for great load transfer. Featuring 4 inch (10cm) wide wings, the fit is adjusted by pulling the webbing inwards for the perfect fit.

Sewn using 11mm foam, durable 210d Robic Extreema face fabric and breathable and soft 3mm thick spacer mesh.

This hip belt is removable and interchangeable, replacements can be purchased at any time from our website.

Key features

Y-Strap

The Y strap offers increased support for larger items like a bear can or sleeping pad when stored on top of the pack

Key features

Fixed Shoulder Pocket

Each pocket is super stretchy and big enough to hold most smartphones, a day’s worth of snacks or a 700ml water bottle. The elastic is fixed and, owing to its clever design, does not need a tensioner.

Key features

Dyneema Stretch Bottom Pocket

Easy-access bottom pocket featuring a large opening on the wearer's right and trash port on the wearers left.

Sewn using Dyneema stretch fabric.

Dyneema Stretch Front Pocket

Made with Dyneema stretch fabric. Can hold 5L, not included in the total volume.

Removable 4-inch Padded Hipbelt

Our removable shaped hip belt contours to the shape of your body for great load transfer. Featuring 4 inch (10cm) wide wings, the fit is adjusted by pulling the webbing inwards for the perfect fit.

Sewn using 11mm foam, durable 210d Robic Extreema face fabric and breathable and soft 3mm thick spacer mesh.

This hip belt is removable and interchangeable, replacements can be purchased at any time from our website.

Y-Strap

The Y strap offers increased support for larger items like a bear can or sleeping pad when stored on top of the pack

Fixed Shoulder Pocket

Each pocket is super stretchy and big enough to hold most smartphones, a day’s worth of snacks or a 700ml water bottle. The elastic is fixed and, owing to its clever design, does not need a tensioner.

The Notch Overview

A short Video Overview of the Notch

The Notch

Needs met.

The Notch. A resilient companion over thousands of miles of hiking

All our bags are designed and tested to meet a specific need. Each item is built by hand to our incredibly high standards right here in our Keswick workshop.

Features

Snap Fasteners

These fasteners help secure the roll top and ensure it remains closed while rolling down and compressing.

Webbing Side Compression

Adjustable 15mm webbing that can help compress the side of the pack or help to secure the top of a roll mat or tent

Haul Loop

This simple webbing loop is there so you can pick up and set down your pack without putting excess strain on the shoulder straps. Using this will extend the life of your backpack and keep your shoulder straps in good condition.

Y Strap

The Y strap offers increased support for larger items like a sleeping pad or bear can when stored on top of the pack

Removable Small Plastic Frame with Alloy Stay

Removable frame sheet made of 1mm thick plastic with a sewn-in 12mm / ½" alloy bar. The frame for a Medium torso length weighs 130g

Fixed Ice Axe Loop

Sewn-in loop to easily connect an ice axe or walking poles.

Whistle Sternum Strap

Elasticated, removable and height adjustable, on a long thru hike we recommend keeping it with the whistle facing down to prevent it getting blocked.

Front Zig-Zag Elastic

Removable and designed to be able to store a folded Z-rest or assist with air drying your clothes.

Roll Top Closure

The closure has a 15mm vertical side compression. The roll top can also be clipped together at the top (dry bag style) and the side compression clipped around the front of the bag to aid carrying snowshoes or maybe a huge packs of chips etc.

S-Shaped Shoulder Straps

Our S-shaped straps are designed to perfectly hug the contours of your body.

Sewn using 11mm foam, durable 210d Robic Extreema face fabric and breathable and soft 3mm thick spacer mesh.

Removable Padded Back Panel

Uses shaped 8mm closed cell foam. Can be removed when the pack is empty for a 25g weight reduction.

Lumbar Pad

Helps to transfer load through to your hips. Made with 7mm EVA foam and 3mm thick spacer mesh.

Removable 4-inch Padded Hipbelt

Our removable shaped hip belt contours to the shape of your body for great load transfer. Featuring 4 inch (10cm) wide wings, the fit is adjusted by pulling the webbing inwards for the perfect fit.

Sewn using 11mm foam, durable 210d Robic Extreema face fabric and breathable and soft 3mm thick spacer mesh.

This hip belt is removable and interchangeable, replacements can be purchased at any time from our website.

Fixed Shoulder Pocket

Each pocket is super stretchy and big enough to hold most smartphones, a day’s worth of snacks or a 700ml water bottle. The elastic is fixed and, owing to its clever design, does not need a tensioner.

EPX400 Base

The bases of all of our packs are sewn using this highly durable 400 Denier fabric in Black.

EPX200 Panels

The main fabric of this pack is sewn using EPX200 fabric.

Dyneema Stretch Bottom Pocket

Easy-access bottom pocket featuring a large opening on the wearer's right and trash port on the wearers left.

Sewn using Dyneema stretch fabric.

Vertical Side Compression

This connects to the Roll top closure to allow you to compress the load of the pack

The roll top can also be clipped together at the top dry bag style, and the vertical side compression straps clipped around the front of the bag to aid carrying snowshoes or maybe a huge packs of chips etc.

Adjustable Side Pocket

Our Forward-facing, deep and low side pocket design keeps your bottles secure while still being low enough to reach into whilst the pack is worn. Each pocket can keep 2 x 1L Smartwater style bottles secure, just tighten the elastic using the pull adjuster.

Each pocket features two drain holes to stop rain collecting in them.

FAQ

Does my torso size affect the volume?

No, In all of our backpacks the height remains the same regardless of torso size.

So a large torso pack will have the exact same volume as a small torso pack.

What import taxes will I pay?

Atom Packs is registered for VAT in the UK: GB329424790

All prices displayed in GBP (£) on our website will include VAT at 20%. If you are browsing our website from outside of the UK, you may shop in your local currency, in which case the price shown will be exclusive of VAT.

Customers outside the UK are not liable for UK VAT, however, you may be liable for your country’s import duties and tax.

Make sure you understand how much Customs Tax and Import duty you might pay before ordering - check out https://www.simplyduty.com/import-calculator/ for an estimate. This is a guide only.

The HS code for backpacks and accessories is 42022290

Do you ship internationally?

Yes! Shipping rates are calculated at checkout based on your delivery information. If you live in a remote location, we may occasionally need to charge a small extra surplus for shipping. This will be calculated when we ship the pack.

Full details on our shipping page.

What is a Lead Time?

The lead time is the estimated time between placing an order and it leaving our workshop. The lead time for new orders can always be found in the top banner on any page of our website.

If you have already placed an order, you will have received an email with an estimated shipping date, this date is still accurate unless we have emailed you saying otherwise.

Pre-existing orders can ignore any lead time updates to the website, this is relevant for new orders only.

Why is base weight important?

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.

What is a base weight?

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.

What does recomended load capacity mean?

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.

How long does it take to ship?

Atom Packs is a small team, we quote a 2 week lead time even on in stock items to allow us to make any hip belts or accessories that go with your order, this also allows us to adapt to fluctuating demand.

In general, we aim to ship out far sooner. If you want to know before ordering when your item will ship, please contact us.

Can I customise a ready made pack?

No, ready made packs are sold only as pictured, this enables us to hold them in stock and, thus, get them to you faster.

However, If you wish to customise an Atom, you can go to our customiser and build one your way!

Customer Reviews

Based on 6 reviews
83%
(5)
17%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
M
Matthias
The Notch

Hi,
Great pack so far. I am currently on the Camino Frances and everything works fine with your Pack. Best I ever had😀.

R
Richard
The best pack ever?

As a gear-geek, I have enjoyed using rucksacks from lots of different manufacturers, stretching back to the 90s. Big, small and everything in-between :)
This model from Atom Packs is probably the best all-rounder I have ever used. Very well thought out design. Simple setup, clean lines, easy to use. Just does the job well (which I think is actually a lot harder to achieve that you may think).
I think it looks great as well!

It is a sweet spot in terms of capacity - can expand to accommodate more gear but does not feel too big when underfilled.

Also, just to add - the experience of visiting the office for a fitting was also great. Really clear explanations and an all round great way to get confidence that you are getting what you need.

I really rate this bag.

M
Mary Eggins
love the Notch

I have never had a bag that has actually fitted me , and this one does !
I am so please I bought this. I have recently finished the Tour du Mont Blanc and it was the perfect pack, and fitted like a glove (when we had deluge of rain for a whole day , the pack dried out quickly)
Love love love the secret snack pocket :-)
I have only one very small niggle (if I can even call it that ) the chest clip was sometimes hard to do up, but this would not stop me buying it again or recommending the pack to others
I love it , thank you so much
I also I had a few complements along the way too .... spreading the Atom pack love :)

C
Customer
Atom Notch

Used my new Notch for 7 days on my first section of the Pennine Way from Edale to Dufton. Found the sack to be light, very comfortable over long days and good quality considering its light weight. Only things that bothered me a little are the sternum strap as I feel the clip would be better positioned in a central location rather than located next to the shoulder strap which makes it awkward to uncle, and the double adjustment set up on the hip belt when a single system like other Atom bags would be easier to adjust. Still a fantastic bag which I look forward to using soon when I finish the PW.

S
Simon Scheiber
Top Notch

I recently used the Notch on the West Highland Way and for a two-day trip at Mont Blanc, and I must say, this bag is incredible. The design is well thought out, and it easily accommodated all my gear. The build quality is top-notch, making it highly durable for tough trails and varying weather conditions.

The customer service from Atom Packs is absolutely superb — they were responsive and helpful.

I’m confident this pack will hold up for a long time, but if I ever need another one, I wouldn’t hesitate to order from Atom Packs again. Highly recommended!