The Pulse

The Pulse backpack is the ideal choice for lightweight thru hikes and weekend trips.

The Pulse (Custom)

Trails are changeable. If you go on a long thru hike then your gear, clothing, food and water requirements will all change as the trail goes on. The Pulse is the answer – an ultralight pack that can adapt with you to meet the conditions.

Built on the same body as the Atom, The Pulse gives you the same easy access to everything you need to keep hiking all day long using the five accessible pockets when worn. We increase the torso length a little to accommodate a removable hip belt, the back panel has a removable carbon hooped frame and foam sleeve inserted from the inside. When all of this is stripped from the pack, the bag is 160g lighter and ready for an even more ultralight adventure.

Specifications

Starting weight

650 g

22.9 oz

Load capacity

14 kg

30 lb

  The Pulse 40L
Weight
650.0 g
22.9 oz
Load capacity
13.5 kg
29.8 lb
Height fully unrolled
77.5 cm
30.5 in
Circumference at base
79.0 cm
31.1 in
Circumference at top
86.0 cm
33.9 in
Main body volume
35.0 L
9.2 gal
Side pockets volume
5.0 L
1.3 gal
Front pocket volume
4.0 L
1.1 gal
   
  The Pulse 50L
Weight
675.0 g
23.8 oz
Load capacity
13.5 kg
29.8 lb
Height fully unrolled
84.0 cm
33.1 in
Circumference at base
84.0 cm
33.1 in
Circumference at top
94.0 cm
37.0 in
Main body volume
45.0 L
11.9 gal
Side pockets volume
5.0 L
1.3 gal
Front pocket volume
4.0 L
1.1 gal
   
Key features

Fixed Shoulder Pockets

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

Adjustable Side Pockets

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.

Key features

Bottom Pocket

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

Sewn using Dyneema stretch fabric.

Key features

Single Top Strap

A simple adjustable webbing loop to help close the pack or secure a large light item like a roll mat.
Key features

Fixed Shoulder Pockets

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.

Adjustable Side Pockets

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.

Bottom Pocket

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

Sewn using Dyneema stretch fabric.

Single Top Strap

A simple adjustable webbing loop to help close the pack or secure a large light item like a roll mat.

The Pulse Overview

A quick run through of The Pulse from Atom Packs

The Pulse

Needs met.

The Pulse. The Pulse backpack is the ideal choice for lightweight thru hikes and weekend trips.

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

Fixed Shoulder Pockets

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.
Adjustable Side Pockets

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.
Dyneema Stretch Front Pocket

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

These are there to secure a trekking pole or tent poles when stored in the side pocket.
Removable 3-inch Padded Hipbelt

Our removable shaped hip belt contours to the shape of your body for great load transfer. Featuring 3 inch (7.5cm) 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.
Single Top Strap

A simple adjustable webbing loop to help close the pack or secure a large light item like a roll mat.
Bottom Pocket

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

Sewn using Dyneema stretch fabric.
Fixed Ice Axe Loop

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

These fasteners help secure the roll top and ensure it remains closed while rolling down and compressing.
EPX200 Panels

The main fabric of this pack is sewn using EPX200 fabric.
EPX400 Base

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

FAQ

What's the difference between The Atom and The Pulse?

The Pulse is the same shape as The Atom but additionally uses a lightweight carbon fibre frame, padded backpanel and a hip belt. This means that The Pulse can carry a greater overall load than The Atom (13kg vs 9kg). As standard, all pockets and straps are the same, The Pulse has a logo strip below the front pocket and also a sewn-in ice axe loop.
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.
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.
What is your refund policy?

Any unused off-the-shelf backpack or accessory can be returned to us for a refund, minus the shipping cost, up to 14 days after you take delivery of the goods.

Return shipping is at your own expense. If you wish to start a return, you must contact us first.
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.
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 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 this import calculator for an estimate. This is a guide only.

The HS code for backpacks and accessories is 42022290
The Pulse can help get you to the summit, however your ability to execute a high five is up to you.
2.5L side pockets easily carry two 1L water bottles each side!
Dyneema stretch front pocket keeps your days supplies easily accessible.
The curved Pulse hipbelt is compatible with our hipbelt pockets for extra, at hand storage.

Customer Reviews

Based on 27 reviews
85%
(23)
11%
(3)
4%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
100.0
M
Mick
Review

Great bit of kit, looks cool too.

J
Jonathan Dowe
Quality product and I know about sewing.

My Pulse arrive exactly on schedule and straight of you can see the sewing is quality, I have many years experience of sewing so know what I am looking at.
I planned to do the Glyndŵr’s Way as its first outing, but on day two an ill dog at home ment a 29 miler including Welsh bogs. The pockets ment I had easy access to everything I need to just keep going and although I fear for my shoulders the next day I was surprised to find my shoulders in great shape.
I will get out to complete the way soon, dog is recovering, but already have no problem recommending the backpack.
For reference my base weight is around 7.5kg and pack weight was a shade over 10kg.

User picture
U
UK Backpacker
10/10 A*

Having proudly owned an Atom 35L for 3 years- I was delighted (obsessed!) and constantly tweaked my gear to get a base-weight comfortably under 7lb. But I slowly realised that Ultralight was just a numbers game and actually I wasn’t enjoying not sleeping very well, being cramped or uncomfortable, particularly on longer trips. So gradually the pack weight returned up to ~10-12lb but sadly the extra volume came with it; which meant time for another Atom; a 50L Pulse custom. Same attention to perfection, same friendly service, thank you Atom. What has surprised me is how the addition of the support rods and hip-belt has made this one even more comfortable than its predecessor, despite carrying significantly more weight. I’m delighted and the Pulse has changed my backpacking for the better for many years to come. Nice one Team Atom.

m
michael standing
Pulse 50lt custom pack

I have done the Cumbria way, plenty of 2 day hikes and just finished hiking 80miles across Madeira with the pack. Feels great, gets more comfortable as the days go on. Durable, packs well, and the side pockets/front stretch pocket holds kit perfectly. Very impressed so far.

B
Ben
No regrets

I'm on the Coast to Coast at the moment, camping my way across the UK, and I wanted a pack that would fit whatever I needed without adding unnecessary weight. After a lot of research I went with the Pulse- I'm new to UL gear so the removable frame gives you a great set of 'stabilisers' you can always remove if you dont want. The pack is stunning, it fits everything I need with the roll top design. All the additional pockets are great- the side pockets are huge and easily reachable on the go which is a massive plus. And the weight- so light and simple compared to my friends pack.
My ONLY gripe is that there's no hole to use a bladder with the pack, but i guess that's part of the UL mentality and its not exactly hard to drink from bottles instead.

123