CamelBak A.T.P. 26 Backpack Review

The CamelBak A.T.P. 26 Backpack is not only one of CamelBak’s strongest and most sustainable packs available at the time of writing, but they claim it’s also one of their most environmentally friendly backpacks to date. With a commitment to eco-conscious design, this backpack has earned the highest badges on CamelBak’s environmental standards scale. The undyed version of the A.T.P. 26 Backpack proudly boasts a Platinum Badge, while the dyed version has achieved a Gold Badge.

What sets this backpack apart is its innovative use of materials and the production process. It is constructed with ultra-tough 100% recycled re/cor CORDURA and high-tenacity nylon yarn, making it not only sustainable but also incredibly durable. The undyed variant releases 50% less greenhouse gas emissions and requires less energy and water for production compared to traditional methods. The dyed variant is also designed using recycled materials and safer chemicals in order to conserve resources and reduce waste.

This backpack is designed with the adventurer in mind. Whether you’re hiking, commuting, or traveling, this backpack is designed to handle various adventures while being mindful of the environment. It features various Hypalon lash points, providing ample attachment options for extra gear or accessories. The expandable water bottle pocket ensures you stay hydrated, and the removable laptop sleeve offers convenience and protection for those who can’t stray too far from connectivity. This pack is also compatible with CamelBak’s 3L reservoir, allowing you to easily integrate it into your adventure (reservoir not included).

Weighing in at 3 lbs, or 1.37 kg, this backpack strikes a balance between functionality and lightweight design. It offers a generous storage capacity of 26L, which can be expanded up to 30L when needed. The top-loading main compartment allows for easy packing, while the deployable compression straps ensure a secure fit and optimal load distribution. While it does not include a waist belt, it does include a removable chest/sternum strap for added comfort.

Whether you are commuting to work, hiking a challenging trail, or rushing through the airport, this versatile pack is built to handle it all. It provides suitable protection for your belongings and offers efficient organization options, making it a reliable and flexible addition to any adventure.

External Components

The recycled materials used in this backpack feel incredibly well-made and durable. The use of recycled CORDURA and high-tenacity nylon yarn lives up to their names and feels as though it can handle anything. We had no concerns about tossing this pack around or setting it down on the floor at a local farmer’s market. The durable material, both inside and out, is forgiving, and any dirt that did appear was easy to wipe off. The outer material can be a bit loud, but other than that, we didn’t encounter any issues. The all-black aesthetic with minimal branding helps it blend in well without attracting too much attention like other rugged backpacks.

The zippers on this backpack feel solid and well-made. They snap to one side or the other when not in use, which is a handy feature that reduces unnecessary noise. While the backpack may not stand up on its own (which is not a significant selling point, in our opinion), the zippers and solid craftsmanship ensure that it doesn’t jingle or rattle. Additionally, all the zippers have an aqua guard coating to protect their contents from the elements. Although we didn’t conduct an official weatherproofing test, we had no concerns about getting caught out in the rain with this on.

This pack features various Hypalon lash points, providing ample attachment options for extra gear or accessories. The expandable water bottle pocket ensures you stay hydrated, and the removable laptop sleeve offers convenience and protection for those who can’t stray too far from connectivity. This pack is also compatible with CamelBak’s 3L reservoir, allowing you to easily integrate it into your adventure (reservoir not included). There is a small grab handle at the top that easily hides away when not in use. It may not be the most comfortable handle, but it works in a pinch when moving the pack around.

Weighing in at 3 lbs, or 1.37 kg, this backpack strikes a balance between functionality and lightweight design. It offers a generous storage capacity of 26L, which can be expanded up to 30L when needed. The top-loading main compartment allows for easy packing, while the deployable compression straps ensure a secure fit and optimal load distribution. While it does not include a waist belt, it does include a removable chest/sternum strap for added comfort.

We were pleasantly surprised by the harness system on this backpack, especially considering the materials used and the amount of padding provided.Initially, the backpack straps feel thin and unimpressive, similar to old-school JanSport backpacks. However, after loading up the backpack and carrying it for a while, we found it to be quite comfortable. The thin straps, paired with some light padding and the overall shape of the straps, provide a comfortable experience. We tested this out by loading up the backpack with produce and found it never felt too heavy, even when full. This is also an instance where the top-loading compartment shines. Additionally, the nylon material feels smooth and includes strap keepers to prevent any unnecessary dangling.

This backpack also features a luggage pass-through that allows it to sit upright on roller luggage. This configuration is perfect for traveling as it provides easy access to everything without needing to adjust or re-orient the backpack. We also appreciate this setup because it reduces the chances of items falling out such as water bottles.

While there is no waist belt, this backpack does come with a removable chest/sternum strap and deployable compression straps. The sternum strap uses a loop and hook closure that is only adjustable on one side, which can be a bit troublesome depending on the configuration. When not in use, the strap can be hooked back on itself or removed altogether. The extra hook attachments can be used as additional lash or carry attachments.

The storable compression straps can be hidden behind the backpack’s rigid back panel. These straps, along with other attachment points on the backpack, use hooks to fasten to specific points on the front of the pack, allowing for compression and a slimmer profile. They are easy to use and can be hidden when not needed. The rigid back panel also contains a dedicated compartment for Camelback’s 3L reservoir. While it may not be the most comfortable back panel, we didn’t experience any issues with comfort or usability.

Fit Notes

The all-black aesthetic and minimal branding give this bag a stylish and sleek look. We specifically love this style and its application for its versatility. Whether you’re carrying groceries at a farmer’s market, commuting to the office, hiking a trail, or simply sitting in a coffee shop, this backpack looks great in any setting. More importantly, it can withstand various environments without any worries.

Inside The Pack

Aside from the main compartment, this backpack has minimal extra compartments. It features a sunglasses pocket on the top, a quick access pocket on one side, and an expandable water bottle pocket on the other. Most of the interior is made out of a fairly durable light gray material that feels like it will stand the test of time while also providing a good amount of contrast so you can find gear easily in a pinch. The sunglasses pocket provides moderate space and is lined with a soft, gray, fleece-like material to prevent scratches.

On the sides, the expandable water bottle pocket spans the entire length of the bag and can be expanded using a zipper with a gusset. It has a nice size and can accommodate a wide variety of water bottles, although it shares some space with the inside of the main compartment.

Opposite the water bottle pocket is a quick-access pocket with good organization. It is concealed with a sturdy J-Zip zipper and contains a key clip, a decently sized expandable mesh pocket, and 5 pen/stylus holders. While it may initially seem like overkill, we found that these features sit flush against the back and do not take up extra room or get in the way. However, the key clip hanging from the top of the pocket is a minor issue. With very little slack, the keys tend to just dangle and can get in the way. Additionally, the short length and smooth nylon material of the key clip prevent any stretch, requiring the keys to be completely unhooked for use. While not a major downside, it is a notable irritation we experienced.

Included in this backpack is a dedicated laptop sleeve that can accommodate most laptops up to 15″. This cute addition provides a small amount of padding and can also serve as a mat to work on or place your laptop on, allowing you to avoid sticky or dirty tables. The sleeve also features convenient organization, including a grab/carry handle, an additional slip/sleeve pocket, and a floating zippered pocket. Inside the additional pocket, you’ll find a small slip pocket and 3 more pen/stylus holders, providing ample space for all your pens, pencils, and styluses. The inner material of the laptop sleeve is made with a soft fleece-like material, similar to the sunglasses compartment.

One aspect of this spacious main compartment that we enjoyed is the use of organizational pockets. These pockets are located inside the compartment against the walls of the bag. On the roof of the lid (underneath the sunglasses pocket) is a deceptively roomy zippered pocket that provides ample storage capacity. Additionally, on both sides of the interior, there are floating mesh pockets that can expand to accommodate various items. Although they look like water bottle pockets, they can be used to store a variety of content. Lastly, there is a dedicated space against the back of the compartment for the included laptop sleeve, as well as an additional zippered pocket.

All of these organizational features are convenient when needed, yet they stay out of the way when not in use, which we appreciate. While this backpack is top-loading, it offers some flexibility with dual zippers on the front that run the full length of the bag. This proved helpful by providing an additional method of access and helped prevent items from getting lost at the bottom of the bag. We found the dual zippers easy to use when loading and unloading the backpack. However, accessing the pocket with the backpack on proved to be less intuitive and more cumbersome. Trying to insert or retrieve items through either the hook and loop closure or the zippered front felt somewhat awkward and ended up being more of a hassle than simply taking off the backpack and setting it down to access the main compartment. We also found that the hook and loop fastening method required a bit of practice to really get the hang of it. While trying to get access, we spent a few irritating minutes simply trying to unhook the top but eventually got it to work more smoothly using both hands.

Overall, the CamelBak A.T.P. 26 Backpack is a reliable and environmentally friendly choice for adventurers seeking to explore nature, the city, or the inside of an airport terminal. With its durable construction, expandable capacity, and sustainable materials, this backpack offers both functionality and eco-consciousness. CamelBak’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in the backpack’s production, and it’s reassuring to know that you can enjoy your adventures while minimizing your impact.