Atom Packs: The Pulse EP50 Ultralight Backpack Evaluate

Backside Line

We completely examined The Pulse EP50 throughout 500 miles of Rocky Mountain terrain on the Colorado Path. Day after day, we dragged this factor by way of harsh storms and gale-force winds, and its efficiency by no means faltered.

The Pulse EP50 (additionally accessible in a 40L model) hits that candy spot in quantity for three-season mountain climbing. It’s gentle sufficient for the dialed-in ultralight backpacker, however sufficiently big for a couple of additional luxurious gadgets or an enormous resupply. The EcoPack EPX200 materials is light-weight and waterproof, however the seams will not be taped, so the pack isn’t 100% waterproof.

One among our favourite design options of this pack is the quantity and placement of exterior pockets. The simply reachable pockets cut back the necessity to unshoulder your pack and help you get in additional miles. The high-quality building and quite a few options pack a number of bang on your buck.

The pack does embrace a light-weight body, however it doesn’t improve the load capability as a lot as different frames, and the hip belt is minimally supportive, which might be a draw back for some people. Take a look at our full information to ultralight packs for extra choices to greatest fit your backpacking model.

consolation

Though the Pulse EP50 is a framed pack, it’s most snug when stored below its most load capability. Atom Packs recommends carrying not more than 30 kilos with the EP50, however we observed it will get somewhat uncomfortable round 25 kilos. 

The minimalist carbon hoop body and semi-narrow hip belt received’t switch weight to the hips in addition to another packs, so you’ll really feel the burden in your shoulders. The pack additionally lacks load lifters that might shift the burden nearer to the physique. Nevertheless, we benefit from the extra ergonomic hip belt adjustment, pulling inward as an alternative of outward.

That being stated, the Pulse EP50 performs fantastically within the candy spot of 25 kilos and below. We by no means skilled any disagreeable rub from the shoulder straps or the hip belt. The again panel doesn’t present a lot airflow however is tremendous sturdy and dries rapidly.

The sternum strap is partially elastic, permitting the shoulder straps to flex and transfer with you as you bounce down the path. In additional technical terrain, the straps do a wonderful job of protecting the pack in place and tight in opposition to your again to not throw off your steadiness.

Whereas consolation with heavy masses may not be this pack’s primary profit, it nonetheless retains up with the most effective and is enough for many thru-hikers.

Performance

The Atom Packs Pulse EP50 is thoughtfully designed with comfort in thoughts. The pack consists of 1 45-liter inside pocket with a roll-top enclosure and eight exterior pockets, including an extra 10 to fifteen liters. 

Different useful options embrace entrance and facet elastic straps for holding trekking poles and moist gear and an ice axe loop for mountaineering pursuits.

The highest buckle strap’s tail has loads of size to connect a bear canister, and the 5-liter entrance mesh pocket makes a wonderful catch-all pocket for smaller gadgets. On both facet of the pack are two 2.5-liter, forward-facing facet pockets with loads of house to suit two 1-liter good water bottles every. Our solely gripe is that they might be a tad simpler to achieve.

The 2 shoulder strap pockets supply final comfort. They maintain a number of snacks so you possibly can maintain mountain climbing when you refuel. They are going to even maintain a 750mL Smartwater bottle.

The underside pocket is an progressive function we love utilizing for trash or light-weight rain gear. The trash port supplies a handy and safe place to stuff away snack wrappers, slicing down on unintentional litter. 

For the ultralighters seeking to shed extra ounces, the hipbelt, carbon body, and closed-cell foam again panel can all be eliminated, remodeling the pack right into a frameless, mile-crushing machine. Eradicating all of those parts decreases the general pack weight by 5.5 ounces.

Water Resistance

The Pulse EP50 is constituted of Robic Extreema, a really water resistant material, however it’s not one hundred pc waterproof. The material’s waterproofing is bolstered with an eco-DWR end, however the seams will not be taped, creating potential weak spots for water to get in. In our managed water publicity check, nonetheless, we observed solely minor breaching on the underside panel of the pack. 

One other draw back is the dearth of drainage holes within the facet pockets. We’ve by no means had an actual difficulty with this, however it does create the potential for pooling, which might be a priority for people who prefer to pack electronics of their facet pockets.

Though the Pulse EP50 is exceptionally waterproof, we suggest pairing it with a pack liner. No waterproof end is everlasting, and though the material beneath is water resistant, the seams might be weak factors over time.

Building

Many ultralight packs sacrifice sturdiness to trim off as many ounces as attainable, however the Pulse EP50 strikes a fantastic steadiness. 

The primary physique and base are constituted of EcoPak EPX200 material, and the facet pockets, shoulder straps, and hipbelt are 210D Robic Extreema. Each supplies pack a considerable quantity of sturdiness in a really light-weight bundle. The again panel, which sees among the most contact because it rubs in opposition to your again all day lengthy, is extremely sturdy with 500D textured Nylon. 

One other frequent weak spot of ultralight packs is the mesh pockets, however not on the Pulse EP50. Each the principle entrance pocket and the underside pocket are constituted of an all-but-bulletproof Dyneema Mesh. After 500 miles of use, we nonetheless have but to see any indicators of wear and tear on the mesh. The entrance mesh pocket is tighter than some mesh, which makes for a safe maintain on precious backpacking gadgets, however it might be somewhat too cosy for some folks’s preferences. 

The Pulse EP50 is a light-weight (however not loopy light-weight) pack that may absolutely fulfill most ultralighter’s weight targets. Coming in at about 23.8 ounces for a 50-liter capability, this pack has a weight-to-capacity ratio of about 0.5 ounces per liter, which is common for many ultralight packs.

Ought to You Purchase The Pulse EP50 Ultralight Backpack by Atom Packs?

The Atom Packs Pulse EP50 is a well-rounded pack for ultralight thru-hikers, bushwhackers, and light-weight backpackers on their approach to dialing of their ultralight equipment. It has loads of quantity to be suitable with a variety of mountain climbing kinds and is thoughtfully designed for environment friendly mountain climbing and shifting within the backcountry. 

The EP50 packs a ton of worth into a comparatively reasonably priced bundle, not skimping on building high quality or materials and making certain that each function is actually sensible and efficient. We reviewed the usual Pulse EP50, however each Atom Pack is totally customizable with various supplies, colours, and options, so you possibly can dial-in absolutely the good pack.

Hikers seeking to carry massive masses in winter or on longer journeys would possibly need to take into account a unique pack. The EP50 lacks a strong body, extensive hip belt, and cargo lifters to assist carry bigger masses.

What Different Ultralight Backpacks Ought to You Take into account?

There’s a couple of extra ultralight backpacks price contemplating in case you just like the Pulse by Atom Packs. Don’t fear; we examined and reviewed them for you. See our favorites in our information to the most effective ultralight packs.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 40 Evaluate: That is one other considered one of our favorites because of the backside pocket, sturdiness, and superior waterproofness. It additionally has hip belt pockets, and carries weight higher than the Pulse EP50.

Pa’Lante V2 Evaluate: The Pa’Lante V2 shares related options with the Pulse EP50, however is a bit smaller in quantity and is totally frameless – good for the seasoned ultralight hiker.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55 Evaluate: So as to add somewhat extra quantity with out shedding the simplicity, waterproofness, and sturdiness of the Pulse EP50, take a look at the HMG Southwest 44.