Atom Packs Prospector Backpack Review

The Atom Packs Prospector is a flagship backpack from Atom Packs, a British company that hand-builds each pack to order at their workshop in England’s Lake District.

Atom Packs backpacks, the Prospector included, are typically offered in a few standard configurations, but you can completely customize your pack to meet your needs and tastes (beware, there’s much time to be lost down the pack customization rabbit hole).

The largest of the stock packs on offer, the Atom Packs Prospector, is designed for ultralight backpacking and thru-hiking in mine. It’s lightweight enough to keep your overall pack weight low, but it can carry enough gear, food, and water to handle the heavier loads sometimes demanded by multi-day stints in the backcountry.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Atom Packs Prospector.

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Pros and Cons

The Specs

Because the Atom Packs Prospector is available in a near-infinite number of configurations, the specs of the pack can vary slightly depending on how yours is customized. The following reflects the Prospector made with EP50 in a size medium – a solid baseline for determining where the pack lands among the competition.

• Weight: 32.1 oz / 910 g
• Load capacity: 42 lb / 19 kg
• Height fully unrolled: 32.5 in / 82.5 cm
• Circumference at base: 34 in / 86 cm
• Circumference at top: 37 in / 94 cm
• Main body volume: 45 L
• Side pockets volume: 2 x 2.5 L
• Body and base: Ecopak EPX200
• Side pockets, shoulder straps, and hipbelt: 210d Robic Extreema
• Front pocket and bottom pocket: Dyneema Mesh
• Back Panel: 500D Textured Nylon (similar to Cordura)
• Removable frame: Yes
• Frame material: 1-mm plastic with sewn-in 0.5 in / 12 mm alloy bar
• Load lifters: No
• Ice axe loop: Yes
• Sternum strap: Elasticated and height-adjustable
• Bottom pocket: Yes
• Torso sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Hipbelt sizes: S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
• MSRP: $281

Testing Conditions

I’ve used the Atom Packs Prospector for well over 1,000 mi / 1,600 km of backpacking. It’s been my companion through heatwaves, hailstorms, heavy carries, and anything else the backcountry could throw my way. From the Pacific Crest Trail and the Sierra High Route to navigating desert canyons in Northern Arizona and Southern Utah, I’ve put my Prospector through the wringer.

Photo Gallery

The Good

The Customization

A standout of the Atom Packs Prospector (and of other Atom Packs offerings) is the considerable degree of customization available to you as a customer. Similar customizations may be a thing of the past for many companies, but Atom Packs manages to balance customer customization with quality and service. You can choose not just the size of the torso and hipbelt but also the colors (nearly all panels), pocket material, options for shoulder strap and bottom pockets, top strap configuration, front elastic, side compression straps, and even the colors of the tabs that hold the font elastic (and that’s not it). Simply designing your Prospector is half the fun.

The Comfort

The Atom Packs Prospector lets you dial in your fit and comfort with four torso length options and seven hip belt options. It’s designed to comfortably carry loads of up to 42 lb / 19 kg, which should be more than enough for anyone trying to dip their toe into the world of ultralight. Its padded back panel (which can be removed) uses shaped, 8 mm closed cell foam, and the lumbar pad is made with 10 mm EVA foam and 3 mm thick spacer mesh. It gives good support without being too stiff. The pack handles the weight well, even when carrying a heavy load (like a full bear canister). Its frame (which you can take a closer look at here – don’t worry, the pack includes a frame, this is just an additional one available) is made of 1 mm thick plastic with a sewn-in 0.5 in / 12 mm alloy bar; it’s removable and will save you 5 oz / 142 g if you opt to go without it.

The Shoulder Strap Pockets

The shoulder strap pockets on the Atom Packs Prospector are game-changing for anyone who’s yet to experience their greatness. Their placement (optional for either or both sides) means you can keep frequently used items (phone, snacks, bear spray?) within arm’s reach. I typically carry a 700 ml water bottle in one of them (with a sport cap, so I don’t need to remove it to drink if it’s full enough). The stretchy material keeps things snug and prevents items from bouncing around. That said, if you carry a larger camera on a Peak Design Capture, you’ll likely lose access to the pocket on this shoulder strap (unless you keep your camera especially low or high.

The Hipbelt

One feature I appreciate about the Atom Packs Prospector is its removable hipbelt that’s available in seven sizes – from XS (28-30″) to XXXL (40-42″). The option to remove the hipbelt means the Prospector ends up quite an adaptable pack. For shorter trips or when carrying lighter loads, you can ditch the hipbelt to shave weight. Getting the hipbelt off and putting it back on is a quick and straightforward process, and it’s held to the back with velcro. Beyond its functionality, the hipbelt is comfortably padded and has multiple adjustment points. There are no pockets on the hipbelt, but there are optional pockets available if you haven’t yet moved to a fanny pack (or you just want to maximize your storage).

The Company

I met the founder of Atom Packs hiking the Continental Divide Trail in 2017; he’s a genuinely awesome dude who takes making top-notch backpacks seriously. The entire Atom Packs operation is contained in the UK’s Lake District, and the people who work there care immensely about what they do and are incredibly proud of their products and company. When you email them, you’re not getting a corporate drone writing you back; you’re getting a fellow backpack enthusiast (because, admit it, if you’re reading this, you probably love backpacks) who understands you and takes your feedback seriously. Check out their story for more on what makes this company awesome.

The Okay

The Bottom Pocket

The Atom Packs Prospector’s bottom pocket is a fantastic feature for stashing frequently-used items (like that rain jacket you just stopped to put on because you decided it was finally raining enough but now have to take off because it’s stopped raining). It’s perfect for things like jackets, first-aid, snacks, gloves, a neck gaiter, or even a lightweight layer, keeping gear readily accessible without unpacking or taking off your pack. The design allows for a surprising amount of gear, but it’s worth noting that the fabric can be a little snug, which can sometimes make it a bit of a squeeze to get larger items in and out, especially when the pack is fully loaded. Despite this, this pocket’s added convenience and organization far outweigh any momentary struggle. I highly recommend adding a bottom pocket to your pack.

The Hipbelt Pockets

The Atom Packs Prospector has optional hipbelt pockets. If you’re a fan of hipbelt pockets (i.e., if you haven’t yet embraced wearing a fanny pack while backpacking), these might be an additional cost you aren’t ready for when purchasing a pack and may seem like having to buy stakes with a shelter. However, the ability to easily add and remove the pockets only makes the Prospector more versatile. The pockets are padded and weigh 1.24 oz / 35 g each. If only they were available in fun colors like the custom packs are.

The Price

While the Atom Packs Prospector isn’t the cheapest pack on the market, its price point reflects its exceptional value, landing in a sweet spot between budget-friendly and ultra-premium (i.e., overpriced). The high-quality materials, meticulous craftsmanship, and thoughtful design in each pack justify the cost. What truly sets the Prospector apart and makes it a fantastic deal is the extensive level of customization available. This bespoke approach means optimal fit and functionality, maximizing comfort and performance. Investing in a Prospector means investing in a pack built to last while ideally suited to your needs.

The Waterproofness

The Atom Packs Prospector is water resistant, but the pack’s material is not entirely waterproof. If you’re using it in wet conditions, you’ll want to use a pack liner (or pack cover, but I recommend a liner – it’s more effective, lighter weight, and looks nicer). To be honest, even when I’m using waterproof packs – unless they’re rated to be a drybag – I use a liner. Is this a reason not to consider the Prospector? Absolutely not. Would it be nice if the pack was 100% waterproof? Sure.

The Bad

The Name

One potentially confusing aspect of the Atom Packs Prospector is its past moniker, the Atom Packs Mo; the name was changed in 2024. While not inherently bad, this name change can create a disconnect as those familiar with the “Mo” might overlook the “Prospector,” while would-be users might find the history of the name change unclear. It’s the same pack. This is also not to be confused (for those who may remember) with the original Prospector pack released by Atom Packs (which existed at the same time as the Mo). Atom Packs has done well in communicating this name change, but it may still confuse some newcomers who find references to the Mo sprinkled across the internet.

The Lead Times

The Atom Packs Prospector (and the other packs made by the company) suffers from one significant drawback: the wait. Whether opting for a custom build or hoping to snag a pre-made pack from a drop, the lead times can be substantial. Sometimes stretching several months, this waiting game can be a significant deterrent for those needing a pack quickly. The quality and personalization are worth the wait. Still, the extended lead time is likely the biggest hurdle to overcome when considering the Prospector Order now; your future self will thank you.

The Previewing

A challenge with the Atom Packs Prospector is the inability to try it on locally. Since Atom Packs operates primarily online (unless you’re lucky enough to live in the Lake District – I think they’re in a local shop or two?), you can’t easily assess the fit and feel before committing to a pack. This is further complicated since custom orders are non-returnable. So, if the pack doesn’t fit perfectly or meet expectations (unlikely), you’re stuck with it. Buyers are responsible for (likely international) shipping costs for the purchase and any return. This could make users wary of purchasing a Prospector sight unseen (but hopefully, this glowing review helps to ease any hesitancy). If you have any sizing questions, contact Atom Packs, and they’ll be happy to help you.

Alternatives

Who It’s For

Beginner Backpackers

If you’re heading out on your first backpacking trip and aren’t yet prepared to make walking in the outdoors with a pack on part of your identity, paying hundreds of dollars for a pack you’re potentially going to have to wait close to three months to get might not be the most appropriate move. That said, if you’re looking for something versatile and unique that will last you all the way up to when you decide to thru-hike the Pacific Crest Trail, the Prospector may be worth a look.

Weekend Warriors

Do your friends consider you their outdoorsy friend? Do you not have friends who use the word outdoorsy because all your friends are outdoorsy? If you get out in the backcountry regularly and are looking for something that gets you excited when you see it in the gear closet, the Atom Packs Prospector is worth a look. It’s always one of my first recommendations to friends looking for a new pack and if you don’t care about customizations and you wait for a restock, you can usually snag one during one of the regular drops.

Thru-Hikers

If you’re considering a thru-hike and are looking for a pack to do it with, the Atom Packs Prospector should be one of your top contenders. This pack was designed with long-distance backpacking and extended trips in the backcountry in mind. With a Prospector, you can carry heavy loads, a bear can, and an ice axe; you can dry your dirty socks on the exterior mesh; you can highlight your personality with endless customizations; and you can support your fellow thru-hikers. And when you decide that you want an even lighter pack, you can remove the frame and hipbelt to transform it into something entirely new.

Wrap Up

The Atom Packs Prospector isn’t without its quirks, most notably the potentially lengthy lead times and challenges with purchasing without a local try-on. That said, the Prospector offers a compelling mix of durability, feature-richness, and thoughtful design, highlighted by its customizable fit and appearance.

Its modularity, particularly the removable hipbelt, frame, and optional hipbelt pockets, add versatility that’s hard to find elsewhere. If you are prepared to wait for a drop or to wait out the lead time, do future you a favor and give the Prospector a serious look.

Questions, comments, or personal experience with the Prospector? Leave a comment below, or get in touch and let me know! Check out the Atom Packs Prospector here.

Rating + Recommendation