Exclusive First Look | Camelbak Adventure Travel Packs (A.T.P.™)

Earlier this year, our friends at Camelbak reached out and invited us to visit their home city of San Francisco to scope out their upcoming project: codenamed “A.T.P.”. Naturally, Laurence Fry and I hopped on a plane and flew across the country to check them out, and we discovered some of the most well-designed bags we’ve seen in a long while – and more importantly, a brand new direction for Camelbak; a shift from their focus on everyday athletes to travelers and adventurers with their new Adventure Travel Packs, or A.T.P.(™). And so we’re excited to be the first to share our experience with these packs over a long weekend of testing on sea shores, city streets, and mountain tops.

The DNA of the A.T.P.™

CamelBak, one of the most renowned names in the outdoor gear industry, has introduced two do-all adventure travel packs: the A.T.P.^™ 26 and A.T.P.^™ 20. Taking their years of experience designing for the athletes among us, they’ve molded that DNA into something entirely new, to cater to the needs of considered Carryologists. These backpacks offer smart features, easy comfort, and crossover versatility that ensures you’re always prepared for whatever you’ve got planned at home or afar.

Moreover, the A.T.P.^™ series also acts as a launching pad for Camelbak’s focus on even more sustainable practices in their manufacturing. Each backpack is made from a mix of CORDURA re/cor^™ recycled nylons, with a high-tenacity shell. If you poke your head into the upper interior of the bag, you’ll see a printed laundry list of recycled materials and finishings that make up the A.T.P.^™, from recycled nylon webbing to recycled EVA foam, and even recycled nylon thread.

Camelbak takes it even one step further and offers the A.T.P.^™ line with an alternative undyed shell, webbing, and thread. Not only does this create a unique looking pack, unlike most anything out there, but it delivers a more sustainable package, using less water, less power, and generating almost half of the greenhouse gasses compared to more typical dying and manufacturing processes.

A.T.P.™ 26: One-Bag Adventure Travel

The A.T.P.^™ 26 is the star of the collection; a rugged and spacious travel pack that caters to those seeking adventure and need that outdoor performance baked in. Designed to be the ultimate travel companion for outdoor enthusiasts and urbanites alike, it boasts a perfect balance of durability, comfort, and intuitive organization. With an expandable capacity of 26 and up to 30 liters, it offers ample room for day trips, overnight adventures, or even extended travels. The top loading access is great for stuffing bulky items, and the front, hidden center zipper, that opens from top and bottom, gives easy access to your essentials. When you’re packing up, the entire bag splays open so you can carefully organize yourself.

Readers will be happy to note that the A.T.P.^™ 26 is flush with pockets for such a sleek package. The top, felt lined stash pocket keeps your sunglasses or phone at hand, while the zip-expandable water bottle pocket stays flush until you need it. Opposite the water bottle pocket is a J-shaped admin compartment, with elastic webbing and Nylex pockets for pens, tools, or your wallet, along with an aluminum key hook.

Under the main flap is a secondary, Nylex, zippered quick access pocket that is just a bit more secure than the one on the exterior. Flanking either side of the main compartment are two open-top Nylex pockets for gear pouches, snacks, or other items you want to keep separate from the rest of the pack’s contents  – easily accessed when looking down at the open flap.

One of the most impressive features of the A.T.P.^™ 26 and its smaller sibling is the laptop and tech sleeve. Not only is it well padded and protected, but it’s fully removable to use as an on-the-go office organizer. Keep your bag at your desk or toss it in your locker and head off with just the essentials. The removable sleeve has a rear handle for carry, as well as an extra slip pocket for documents or a tablet, and a front zippered pocket for chargers, mice, and other board room or café essentials.

Like compression straps? Great. Don’t like ‘em? Even better. The A.T.P.^™ 26 ships with fully stowable compression and lashing straps. Use them for keeping your gear packed down, or to secure a tripod or trekking poles. When not in use, they stow away into the backpanel, completely out of sight, but there when you need them again and not sitting in the bottom of a bin.

The molded and EVA padded backpanel and adjustable shoulder straps ensure a comfortable fit even through those longer trips. The molded back panel ensures breathability and comfort, while offering solid support. There’s even a hidden luggage pass through, which really came in useful after following the Camelbak crew around for several days. And staying true to CamelBak’s reputation, the A.T.P.^™ 26 includes a completely separate hydration compartment to keep you well-hydrated.

One final worthy mention for our readers: all of the A.T.P.^™ lashing touch points, from the main flap to the compression straps to the shoulder straps, are adorned with fan-favorite Hypalon for a super sleek look and feel.

A.T.P.™ 20: Compact Performance Companion

The A.T.P.^™ 20 is the compact sidekick to the 26. A feature-packed travel and day pack tailored for urban adventurers and travelers. This backpack offers a sleek design without compromising on essential features that cater to the lifestyle that Camelbak designed for. With a 20-liter capacity, it maintains a slim profile, making it perfect for maneuvering through crowded city streets or transit.

While both bags share an almost identical feature set, both in functionality, organization, comfort, and sustainability, the A.T.P.^™ 20 is here for those that prefer panel loader access, and don’t carry quite as much with them throughout their day. This ended up being our preferred choice for quick outings, whereas the 26 was our go-to for longer days and travel.

Camelbak’s A.T.P.^™ 26 and A.T.P.^™ 20 adventure travel packs were designed for, in Camelbak’s own words, “the optimist”. The optimist believes there’s an even better view around the next bend in the trail, and that there’s always something worth seeing no matter the trial ahead of you. We found that the A.T.P.^™ series creates that optimism. No matter our plans for the day, we knew we had the right bag for the job, and we always felt ready, excited even, to find out what was next.

The new Camelbak A.T.P.^™ 26 and A.T.P.^™ 20 launch on August 8th, for $180 and $160 USD respectively.

This is a #curatedsponsor article from our friends at Camelbak.