A bag, is a bag, is a bag, right? Nope, not when Osprey are involved. Over the last decade, backpacks have got lighter, more comfortable, more technical. There’s been a lot of work on ventilation across the back, on adjustable packs, and all have improved comfort. Yet we don’t remember much that has made such a difference as Osprey’s AG (Anti-Gravity) system.

Are we hyping it up? Well, yes, but it’s valid praise. The most noticeable difference is the hipbelt. It doesn’t as much fasten around you than give a big warm hug. On a backpacking rucksack, it’s the hips that should carry most of the weight. This often requires a fair amount of adjustment at the beginning and throughout the journey, but the Atmos AG system, which basically hugs you means it immediately feels great on and supports the weight brilliantly well.

“We don’t remember much that has made as much difference as Osprey’s Anti-Gravity system. Are we hyping it up? Well, yes, but it’s valid praise.”

It’s also very ventilated, allowing a fair amount of breeze to cool your back down. The hipbelt itself is ventilated too – a world first according to Osprey. So, the big win is that it is incredibly comfortable and that is, of course, by far the most important thing. But that’s not the only thing that makes this backpack great.