@OspreyPacks thank you for making a pack that fits a 48 inch waist. @REI thank you for helping me find it last night pic.twitter.com/S5grd9fTOk
Its appropriate I include the Tweet here, since the pack is named for a bird. The pack I am wearing is an Osprey Atmos 50. I’m carrying a ten pound weight, and despite that I’m comfortable. Admittedly the carpeted floor of an REI store isn’t the same as a hiking trail, but I think its a good sign a guy with a bad back can carry a pack without discomfort.
The much discussed problem with the hip belt getting around my waist wasn’t a problem. The Atmos has a long belt, and the hip pads expand forward to offer more support. Unlike the Gregory and REI hour brand packs I tried, the Atmos adjusted so the bulk of the weight falls on my hips. I had been told that due to my waist size more of the weight would be on my shoulders, but the Atmos proved that claim false.
Now that I have the pack, I need to build up muscles so I don’t have to be broken in, or broken, on
the Loyalsock and AT. Last night I took the pack out for a walk at Warwick County Park with a light load – I threw a pair of jeans and a shirt in, and headed out. My back was sore at the start from not sleeping well, and it was sore at the end, but less so, which means the pack is free of blame. Since this was a two mile hike on gentle ground I didn’t bother changing into unnatural fibers or boots, so forgive me for wearing cotton. I promise not to do so on my backpacking trips.
May 19, 2014 @ 11:54 am
great job Neil! i carry water in my pack as weight for training; that way if i need to carry less weight i simply dump it out! happy trails!
May 20, 2014 @ 11:06 am
I’d simply drink the water. Fat people are always thirsty.
May 19, 2014 @ 12:43 pm
Good for you! It’s great to see someone doing this!
May 19, 2014 @ 1:35 pm
Thanks for the great info
I too am heavy and will ck out this pack. And thanks to Cynthia for great idea to use in training!!
May 20, 2014 @ 11:09 am
The Atmos comes in varying sizes. Go to Osprey’s website and look them up. http://www.ospreypacks.com/
May 19, 2014 @ 2:08 pm
That’s AWESOME news!!!! You are not alone in being a bigger person that wants to be in nature. I too had some outdoor shops clerks just cringe when I walked in and treated me like I had no business being there. Imagine my shock when I was on the phone with ULA stressing to him how big I was and without the bat of an eyelash was told “Oh yea, I have loads of bigger ppl exploring nature in my packs”. Then it arrived and I was so impressed with the attention to detail that I ordered one for my hubby who is big also. That was at christmas and we’ve already been breaking them in. We are blessed to have the GSMNP as our backyard. Congrats on your decision to enjoy the outdoors in your current body. May the love of nature bring you joy and better health.
May 20, 2014 @ 11:11 am
Congratulations! If I ever hike the AT I’ll get down to the Smokies and experience what you see daily.
May 19, 2014 @ 2:11 pm
Great pack!
May 20, 2014 @ 11:19 pm
Dont forget REI’s big sale this weekend. You should be able to go back and get another 30% off your backpack.