The Prospector

The Backpack formally known as The Mo

The Prospector (Custom)

It took us 12,000 miles of hiking to design our perfect backpack: The Prospector (formerly known as The Mo) - a lightweight, fully featured load hauler, purpose built to support you on your next adventure.

We designed The Prospector to suit the average thru hiker using modern, lightweight gear, with a base weight of up to 10kg/22lbs. We use lightweight, durable materials that are easily able to cope with heavier loads and heavier use. If you are heading out onto rough and overgrown trails then the Prospector is for you!

With a load capacity of 19kg/42lbs and pack weights starting at just 910g/32oz for a size Medium, The Prospector won't weigh you down. 

Weight: from 890g / 31.4oz (40L, size M)

Load capacity: 19kg / 42lb

Specifications

Starting weight

890 g

31.4 oz

Load capacity

19 kg

42 lb

  The Prospector 40L
Weight
890.0 g
31.4 oz
Load capacity
19.0 kg
41.9 lb
Height fully unrolled
74.0 cm
29.1 in
Circumference at base
81.3 cm
32.0 in
Circumference at top
91.0 cm
35.8 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 Prospector 50L
Weight
910.0 g
32.1 oz
Load capacity
19.0 kg
41.9 lb
Height fully unrolled
82.5 cm
32.5 in
Circumference at base
87.5 cm
34.4 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
   
  The Prospector 60L
Weight
965.0 g
34.0 oz
Load capacity
19.0 kg
41.9 lb
Height fully unrolled
91.0 cm
35.8 in
Circumference at base
89.0 cm
35.0 in
Circumference at top
99.0 cm
39.0 in
Main body volume
55.0 L
14.5 gal
Side pockets volume
5.0 L
1.3 gal
Front pocket volume
4.0 L
1.1 gal
   
Key features

Load Lifters

These use daisy chain webbing coming off the shoulder strap to stabilise and adjust the balance of your pack while hiking.

Key features

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.

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

Dyneema Stretch Front Pocket

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

Key features

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

Load Lifters

These use daisy chain webbing coming off the shoulder strap to stabilise and adjust the balance of your pack while hiking.

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.

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

Dyneema Stretch Front Pocket

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

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.

The Prospector Overview

A quick run through of the features of the Prospector

The Prospector

Needs met.

The Prospector. The Backpack formally known as The Mo

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

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.

Lumbar Pad

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

Removable Large 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 150g.

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.

Hydration Tube Port

There is an access port for a bladder tube behind each shoulder strap, allowing access inside the bag where there is a hanging clip for your bladder.

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 Padded Back Panel

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

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.

EPX400 Base

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

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.

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.

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 Ice Axe Loop

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

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.

Load Lifters

These use daisy chain webbing coming off the shoulder strap to stabilise and adjust the balance of your pack while hiking.

Z Side Compression

Great for securing trekking poles, tent poles or drying your wet socks. The side elastic is adjusted using a Lineloc adjuster.

Sewn In shoulder Pocket

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 Prospector 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 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.

Are Atom Packs backpacks waterproof?

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.

Do I need to use a pack liner?

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.

Can I buy replacement elastic colours?

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)

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 10 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!

Customer Reviews

Based on 63 reviews
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(60)
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xyskis
Solid pack for the JMT

I got to know the the prospector 50 over 17 days on the JMT and am stoked that I picked Atom Packs to help me on my first thru hike. The organization is exceptional (avocado side pocket, bottom pocket, hip pockets, shoulder strap pockets) and the ability to carry load is excellent. We meant to do ultra-light but my pack weight after a particularly hefty resupply at MTR while going south-bound was 51 pounds. No sweat for this pack. I wasn't particularly gentle with this pack even laden and it held up really nicely. I had a chance to try the Prospector 60 and wanted slightly wider insertions of the shoulder strap - they accommodated without issue. If you're looking at this pack for a thru-hike, it's a really great and comfortable option with lots of adjustments. Recognize that the hip belt sizing is accurate and you may want to go on the lower end of the size for a shorter thru-hike given the typical weight loss associated with these hikes where you typically run a caloric deficit. I was/am a huge fan of Arcteryx products and their old Naos/Arrakis seam-sealed canyoneering/mountaineering packs and had no issues with the lighter materials and using a Nylofume pack liner despite torrential downpours for several days on trail. It made me question the utility and weight penalty of some of those seam sealed packs - including several Naos packs I still have in my garage - for hiking. Thanks AtomPacks for an awesome pack!

G
Gary
Down sized

I have come down in size from an osprey 65 lte. I thought I would compromise comfort after the impressive back system on the osprey. I have not at all compromised if anything I feel my atom is more comfortable. Yes my weight is a little less but the comfort is second to none. A positive and enjoyable first few months with Munson nothing negative to say. Take the plunge if your sitting on the side should I or should I not. You will not be disappointed.
Normally all the hype on line is all promotion but when they talk about Atom it's all true.
Thanks Atom.

W
Watashiwa
Next-Level Comfort and Craftsmanship

After months of research and reading countless reviews, I finally decided to order two custom Prospectors (60L) – one for myself and one as a gift for my girlfriend. The customization process was a big highlight for me: being able to design the pack exactly how I wanted, down to the colors, made it feel truly personal. Both turned out absolutely beautiful.

I’ve owned and tested many backpacks from well-known brands over the years, but none of them ever felt quite right. The Atom instantly changed that. The fit is excellent, and once I switched from the large hipbelt to the XL version, it became unbelievably comfortable. The pack carries so naturally that you almost forget it’s there – with 10 kg packed, it feels closer to 3 kg on your back.

The build quality is outstanding. The stitching is not only strong but also very clean and precise, a detail that shows how much care goes into the craftsmanship. Combined with the clever design and balanced weight distribution, this backpack sets a new standard for me.

Yes, the Atom comes at a premium price, especially with import taxes, but it is worth every cent. It’s rare to find a product that delivers beyond expectations in both performance and aesthetics, and Atom Packs truly does. On top of that, the customer service was fantastic – helpful, responsive, and friendly throughout the process.

This is by far the best backpack I have ever owned, and I can wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a pack that feels as good as it looks.

M
Mark Gordon
Old dog new tricks!!!

As a Wainwright completionist, regular hiker and high altitude trekker, along with being an offshore Rope Access Supervisor - parts were beginning to creak - ankles / knees etc (-: So I was looking to lighten the loadcwithout compromising capacity - my “Prospector” Atom Pack absolutely achieves that and provides versatility and multiple options for organising my kit dependant on the activity - I added a hipbelt pouch on either side to enhance my available space even further.
Quality premium piece of kit and well worth the investment.

F
Fred
Custom made is the way to go 👍

Prospector 50. Everything I asked for, fits great and the chest strap is in the optimal position for me. Thanks again 👍