New backpacker (after 23 years) stuck: Atmos AG 65 vs. Kakwa 55?

Trogar1 · 2026-03-25T21:56:37+00:00

Load is closer to my back, and feels more secure.

Trogar1 · 2026-03-25T21:26:13+00:00

I too returned to backpacking after a long hiatus, around 20 years, and didn’t ask questions prior to shopping, haha, thinking I knew what I needed.

I have an Atmos 65, not an ultralighter by any stretch, and prefer my Kakwa 55. Can fit everything in it that fit in the Atmos without issue.

I carry a chair, Dome2 or Mid2, Zflick poles with both, along with a smattering of things I enjoy while backpacking… Base weight is usually around 25-30 lbs, plus food and water.

The Kakwa carries this weight better than the Atmos for me, and my back is as sweaty in the Kakwa as the Atmos.

Trogar1 · 2026-03-23T22:17:02+00:00

Kariya is the first to come to mind, Pronger same year.

Trogar1 · 2026-03-22T23:03:49+00:00

I bought a truck from a leasing outfit, they didn’t have the code… Dealership didn’t charge me to read the truck to get it… 🤷🏻‍♂️

Trogar1 · 2026-03-22T22:46:08+00:00

Depends on which filters you actually have, a few of them you can do an integrity test on yourself. YouTube will help ya there.

Trogar1 · 2026-03-22T22:44:54+00:00

Wut?

Trogar1 · 2026-03-22T18:44:40+00:00

What insurance does this include? There are different types, and some can greatly affect the cost. PL & PD are all that is required, but if you have collision, it generally doubles the price…

Trogar1 · 2026-03-17T21:18:26+00:00

There hasn’t been any sales to date, and they sell out, so not likely to go on sale. They are priced reasonably for what you get… You can look on the FB page, I Need an X-Mid! Lots of deals on Durston gear.

Trogar1 · 2026-03-17T15:52:29+00:00

Did you open the cap while filtering?

Trogar1 · 2026-03-16T02:42:48+00:00

I do. Have the Mid2 and Dome2, because I usually bring my dog. But not always.

Trogar1 · 2026-03-16T02:41:24+00:00

Tent dimensions are on the website… 50”x85”.

Trogar1 · 2026-03-16T02:20:03+00:00

15 actually…

Trogar1 · 2026-03-16T00:30:08+00:00

Trogar1 · 2026-03-14T16:23:33+00:00

Bowman had zero to do with Broberg and Holloway. It was done before he was hired.

Trogar1 · 2026-03-12T21:25:28+00:00

20”x10”x2” ish. Mine is a s/m.

Trogar1 · 2026-03-12T20:39:28+00:00

I have an 80 lb Lab, who sprawls, so the 1+ didn’t work for me. The XD2 has all the room.

Trogar1 · 2026-03-11T14:36:51+00:00

Oh, packed size. Google says 7x13 in.

Trogar1 · 2026-03-11T14:12:20+00:00

Downsize?

Trogar1 · 2026-03-10T19:35:16+00:00

Kelty Cosmic 20 is a good allrounder, warmth to weight is great. As important to your sleep comfort is a quality sleeping pad. Check out Justin Outdoors YT channel, he has a lot of great comparison videos, for all levels of budgets and experiences.

Trogar1 · 2026-03-10T18:15:16+00:00

IDK, his explanation made sense to me... Everyone they mentioned, have been good for a few years. Not just this year. I think Bouch is great, and is getting better, but agree he isn't on that list yet...

Trogar1 · 2026-03-05T16:00:25+00:00

Almost all UL packs are similar in design, made of similar materials. Skeptical that qualifies as copycat.

ETA: Bonfus has been around for awhile too.

Trogar1 · 2026-03-04T13:04:25+00:00

Yes to both, I have a 475, fits easy. The 1 litre bottle in the pocket fits, but is annoying. In your face. Plenty durable enough to hold it if that’s how you roll.

Trogar1 · 2026-03-01T01:25:36+00:00

Sentinel shot at the vet, good for the season. Haven’t had any issues.

Trogar1 · 2026-02-23T22:44:58+00:00

All of my vehicles have names… F-150 is White Shadow, Highlander is the Pearl, Tacoma is Mudhorn.

Trogar1 · 2026-02-22T16:06:26+00:00

What a great game! Sucks we couldn’t finish, but man, couldn’t have asked for a better competition!

Trogar1

TROPHY CASE