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.

The Pulse 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.

We discuss The Atom & The Pulse in more detail in these videos:

The Atom

The Pulse
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 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.
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 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.

Custom Products FAQ

What is your returns policy on custom orders?

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.
I want a customisation that is not available on your website, can you do this for me?

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!

Shipping

The current lead time for this product is 11 weeks.

How much does UK shipping cost?

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.
How long does UK shipping take?

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.
Do you ship to Isle of Man and Channel Islands?

Yes we do!
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 28 reviews
86%
(24)
11%
(3)
4%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
100.0
J
Jonas
Yellow Pulse

After spending a week crossing the Alps, I can confidently say this backpack is exceptional. It withstood everything the mountains had to offer—bright sun, heavy rain, sleet, and even fresh snow—without letting me down once. The material is waterproof, yet the pack feels remarkably light on the shoulders, even after long days of hiking. Its smart design makes it practical and easy to organize all the essentials.

What makes this backpack truly special for me is its uniqueness: the custom colors, chosen by my children, make it one of a kind. Every time I put it on, I carry a piece of my family with me. That personal touch makes me love it even more.

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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.

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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.

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