Alex Roddie awards Atom Packs’ The Notch – the newest addition to the Cumbrian brand range – his Best in Test.
The Notch is the newest addition to the Atom Packs range, designed for lightweight but not ultralight three-season loads, and sits between existing models The Atom and The Prospector (formerly The Mo).
Alex Roddie’s Best in Test & Lightest in Test
Overall, this is a pack for the lightweight connoisseur and near perfect in its class.- unbeatable for lightweight backpacking
- configurable specs
- UK hand-made construction
- none
| Quick Specs |
|---|
| Price: £365 as configured, other configs from £265 (US shipping available) Weight: 950g as configured (50L, Medium) Materials: Ecopak EXPX200, 210D Robic Extreema, Dyneema mesh, 500D nylon back panel Features: fully configurable design, Y-shaped top strap for storage, compression cordage on front and sides, ice axe fastening Volume: 50 litres (40 also available) Closure: rolltop Back: fixed length, with internal frame sheet Hipbelt: cushioned, adjustable, 4 inches Pockets: 2 stretch mesh on harness, 2 side pockets, large front stretch mesh pocket, optional detachable hipbelt pockets Sizes: Torso size S—XL; hipbelt size XS—XXXL Women/Mens version: unisex atompacks.co.uk |
It’s a superb choice for three-season lightweight backpacking thanks to well-considered design choices, full customisation, and fantastic hand-made build quality from a UK brand. The Notch is similar to the existing Prospector, but not available in the larger 60L size. Another key difference is that it has no load lifters, so is less suitable for the heaviest loads. However, it still has a load capacity of around 19kg, which is more than enough for the intended use.
A custom pack costs a bit more and you’ll wait several weeks for delivery; mine took 12 weeks, but communication was transparent throughout. A massive range of colours can be chosen. You can also dial in capacity (40 or 50L), fit (torso size and hipbelt size, which can accommodate up to 42” waist), the kind of mesh you want for the front pocket, the shoulder strap pockets, optional bottom and hipbelt pockets, side compression style, and more. The configuration process is very slick and a real plus if you know exactly what you want.
In use, I’ve found The Notch to be flawless. The minimalist design is well suited to experienced users; if you’re used to packs with more features it may need a short adjustment period, but the weight/capacity/comfort ratio really is unbeatable.
I’ve found it perfect for three-season trips with a bit more gear, or even lightweight winter missions. Even with heavier loads, I haven’t missed the load lifters. Plenty of external storage makes it great for carrying wet tents, ice axes, camera tripods, or multiple water bottles.
Overall, this is a pack for the lightweight connoisseur and near perfect in its class.
Testing conditions
Alex tested these packs on a variety of multi-day backpacking routes in the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands as well as the Austrian Alps. They were used from autumn through to spring in a broad range of conditions. Weights are as measured on Alex’s digital scale.
This review was first published in the August 2025 issue of The Great Outdoors magazine. Compare it with others in our guide to the best backpacking packs.
