The Pulse

Adapt to your adventure.

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.

From the first step to the last mile, The Pulse is built to keep up.

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

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

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

Fixed Shoulder Strap 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

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.

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.

Fixed Shoulder Strap 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.

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.

The Pulse Overview

A quick run through of The Pulse from Atom Packs

The Pulse

Needs met.

The Pulse. Adapt to your adventure.

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 Carbon Fibre Frame

Ultralight, supportive frame which aids transferring pack load to the hips. Can be removed and sheds 60g.
Removable Padded Back Panel

Uses an 4mm closed cell foam, can be removed when the pack is empty for an additional weight saving.
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 hipbelt 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.
Elastic Side Compression with Lineloc

These are there to secure a trekking pole or tent poles when stored in the side pocket.
Dyneema Stretch Front Pocket

Made with Dyneema stretch fabric. Can hold 5L, not included in the total volume.
Front Zig-Zag Elastic

Removable and designed to be able to store a folded Z-rest or assist with air drying your clothes.
Adjustable Side Pockets in Robic 210D

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 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.
EPX400 Base

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

Sewn-in loop to easily connect an ice axe or walking poles.
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.
Fixed Shoulder Strap 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.
Whistle Sternum Strap

Elasticated and height adjustable sternum strap with integrated whistle.

Roll Top Closure

The closure has a 15mm buckle and can be clipped together and rolled down, dry-bag style.

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.
Lumbar Pad

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

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

Main pack body panels sewn in the lightweight and durable EPX200.

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.
Will my Pulse fit as carry-on luggage?

It depends on your torso size. The minimum height of each size is:

18" Small

21" Medium

23" Large

25" XL

Check with your airline if these sizes are permitted.

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 12 weeks.

How much does UK shipping cost?

For mainland UK and Northern Ireland:

Small Parcel £4.95
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.