This article originally appeared on The Trek, which you can read here.
Quick Verdict
The Atom Packs Notch EP50 strikes an impressive balance between ultralight design and real-world comfort. With a supportive removable frame, thoughtful features, and durable ECOPAK construction, it’s a versatile pack that feels equally at home on long thru-hikes and shorter overnight trips.
Best for
- Ultralight thru-hikers who still want comfort and support
- Long food and water carries
- Backpackers wanting one versatile “do-it-all” pack
Not ideal for
- Budget-conscious hikers
- Anyone who strongly prefers load lifters
- Hikers expecting fully waterproof construction
Standout feature
Balanced comfort-to-weight ratio. The removable frame, padded hipbelt, and smart compression system make the Notch functional for a wide range of carries.
Biggest drawback
Some premium features cost extra. Hipbelt pockets aren’t included on the stock version, and the front and bottom pockets aren’t as stretchy as some.
Bottom line
If you want an ultralight pack that can handle real thru-hiking loads without sacrificing comfort, the Notch EP50 is one of the strongest options available.
[dropcap]N[/dropcap]estled on a farm in the sprawling English countryside is a workshop filled with sewing machines and overflowing with fabric, webbing, zippers, and buckles. Over the years, the packs made in this humble UK facility have made their way across the pond and onto the backs of thru-hikers traversing America’s long trails. Atom Packs has quietly become one of the most popular backpacking brands amongst thru-hikers, and holds its own in the constantly changing and competitive world of ultralight gear.
One of Atom Packs’ most popular models is the Notch. This workhorse of a pack was designed to be lightweight and durable, all while supporting a heavy load with long food and water carries. Atom Packs’ founder described the Notch as the pack he wished he had on the PCT in 2015. Eleven years later, the lastest version of the Notch has been thoughtfully upgraded and designed to offer unmatched comfort while staying true to its ultralight roots.
Atom Packs Notch EP50 At a Glance
MSRP: $324
Weight: 30.7 oz (weight based on Medium torso size)
Volume Distribution: 45L main body | 5L side pockets | 4L front mesh pocket (not included in volume total)
Load Capacity: 37.5lbs
Intended Use
Atom Packs says the Notch is perfect for “long distance lightweight thru-hiking with long food and water carries, or slightly heavier but shorter overnight trips.” Atom Packs offers three different varieties of the Notch: EP40, EP50, and a custom version.
Circumstance of Review
I tested a stock EP50 pack in the Mountain Green color and used a medium torso length and large hip belt. Prior to testing this pack, I had carried a 60L pack on all my thru-hikes. On the PCT in 2025, my baseweight hovered around 20lbs (including bear can and Sierra snow gear). I’m used to carrying larger/heavy packs for my time spent working as a backpacking guide, but I was nervous to “downsize” to a 50L pack.
I live and recreate in the American Southeast and took the Notch on multiple overnight trips around Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Big South Fork National Recreation Area. Several trips were early season in February and March, so I stuffed my bulky winter gear and layers into this pack. My total pack weight with food and water for these trips was around 30lbs.
As the weather warmed up, my pack weight decreased, and I comfortably fit my standard kit inside the pack, closer to 25lbs. Between overnight trips, I used this pack as a day pack and easily carried >10lbs.
Atom Packs Prospector vs. Notch vs. Pulse vs. Atom
Triple Crown hiker Tim Gale dreamed up Atom Packs while testing prototypes of his packs on long-distance trails. He wanted something lightweight, durable, and highly customizable. He launched the company in 2018, and since then, the brand has become one of the most recognizable brands in the ultralight community.
The cottage company industry in the US is booming, but the UK-based Atom Packs has plenty of Americans and other international buyers willing to pay more to account for customs import duty and tariffs.
There are four different models of packs that Atom Packs builds, all with varied carrying capacities. For more bells and whistles, the Prospector has it all. The Notch is more simplistic without sacrificing comfort. The Pulse is ideal for lightweight thru-hiking or short weekend trips. Finally, the Atom is frameless and doesn’t have a hipbelt, making it perfect for “super-ultralight” thru-hikers.
The Prospector earned The Trek’s title of Best Custom Backpacking Pack in 2026, and I would argue that the Notch sits right up there with it.
Read Next: The Best Backpacking Packs for Thru-Hiking in 2026
In addition to their standard stock packs, Atom Packs offers customizable options, letting the buyer choose everything from the panel colors, accessories, front mesh type, and more. At this time, the lead time for custom packs is about 10 weeks, as everything is meticulously made in the brand’s workshop outside of Keswick, England.
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Atom Packs Notch Features
Ecopak Fabric
In an effort to provide sustainable and durable materials, Atom Packs has partnered with Challenge Sailcloth and uses their ECOPAK range. This fabric uses 100% Repreve recycled Polyester for all woven components. Specifically, the Notch is made from an EPX400 base and EPX200 panels. According to the website, this material is both lighter and more durable than previously used materials.
ECOPAK fabric is also highly water-resistant. Because Atom Packs does not tape the seams on their packs, they do not advertise the packs as being waterproof. “Some water may ingress into the pack during periods of extended rain.”
Read Next: ECOPAK – Revolutionizing Thru-Hiking Packs for a Better Planet
Roll-Top Design with Compression Straps
Designed to accommodate a hiker’s ever-changing food stores, the pack’s roll-top closure allows the pack to easily fit a robust food carry. As hikers eat through their supply, the pack can compress with it. The roll top buckle can be connected on top like a dry bag, or the buckles can connect to the vertical compression straps and slim the pack further. These vertical compression straps also work well to strap unruly gear to the outside of the pack.
Y Strap
Perfect for a sit pad or a bear can, the Y strap keeps gear in its place on top of the pack.
Removable Features: Hipbelt, Frame, and Padded Back Panel
Even the stock packs can be made more customizable to better fit the wearer’s needs. In the name of weight savings, the hipbelt, frame, and back panel can all be removed. The hipbelt is 4 inches thick and padded, lending itself to all-day comfort and better weight transfer. The hipbelt is adjustable and is tightened by pulling the double webbing inwards, so less yanking and strain on the buckles. Should the hipbelt get damaged or need repair, it was designed to be removable and interchangeable.
The 1mm thick plastic frame contains a sewn-in 12mm (1/2 inch) alloy bar and can be removed if you’re desperate for a frameless pack (have you considered the Atom?). Lastly, the 8mm closed-cell foam-padded back panel was included for comfort, but can be removed to shave 25g.
Dyneema Stretch Front Pocket and Bottom Pocket
Although Atom Packs no longer use Dyneema Composite Fabric, they do use Dyneema stretch fabric.
The pack’s front pocket can hold 4L (not included in the pack’s total volume) and is the perfect place to store items that should be easily accessible like snacks, water filter, etc. The bottom pocket is also made from Dyneema stretch fabric and features a large opening to shove a jacket, and a small trash port on the opposite side.
S-Shaped Shoulder Straps with Fixed Pockets
The adjustable shoulder straps are S-shaped and were designed to “perfectly hug the contours of your body.” The shoulder straps have fixed shoulder pockets. This is a common design feature on ultralight packs in recent years. Atom Packs shoulder pockets are stretchy and non-adjustable (no tensioner), but easily fit a 700ml bottle, smartphone, or other bits and bobs.
Atom Packs Notch Pros
Gets Better Over Time
Initially, the pack was very stiff and did not sit comfortably. It felt inflexible and awkward against my back, and the hipbelt didn’t form around my waist snugly. Like anything, though, it just took some time for it to settle in. The more miles I put on the pack, the more it seemed to “break in.”
On my most recent trip, while carrying ~25lbs, the pack fit significantly better and seemed to have molded more to my body. The shoulder straps rested smoothly on my shoulders without feeling oppressive, and the back panel was comfortable instead of rigid.
Varied Carrying Capacity Thanks to the Roll Top
The pack itself is large enough to accommodate a wide variety of gear. I loved the roll top design because it enables the pack to be as tall or small as your gear allows. Especially when I used it as a day pack, I could easily compress my gear down and roll the top completely to keep a lower profile. When I was carrying my fully loaded pack, I could adjust the height of my bag by rolling it less. The roll top design also helped to keep my gear dry in a downpour by ensuring there was less area for rain to soak through.
Comfortable Padding
I fear that many ultralight packs shy away from padding in the name of weight savings. I think that Atom Packs does a great job of keeping their packs lightweight without sacrificing comfort.
I loaded my Notch down, and it still rode comfortably despite nearing its 37.5lbs load capacity. Both the hip belt and the shoulder straps have ample padding, and it was durable while also slowly molding to my body over time. When wearing a pack for hours day after day, I want it to feel like an extension of my body rather than something bulky strapped to my back.
Deep Side Pockets
I was able to fit two Nalgene bottles side by side in each of the side pockets. This large/deep pocket design was perfect for cramming in whatever I needed easy access to. The top of the side pocket is lined with an elastic draw cord, so it can be cinched to ensure that items are secure. The pockets are large enough to easily hold my one-person tent, and I appreciated that there is an adjustable strap over each pocket to better secure taller items.
Compression Straps Keep the Pack Slim and Sexy
The side and vertical compression straps keep the pack as condensed as possible. I know my pack looks very different leaving town with 7 days of food compared to carrying a 2-day resupply. The pack can be adjusted to accommodate whatever amount of stuff you’re carrying. I’d recommend checking out Tom Gale’s helpful YouTube video to learn more about the versatility of the compression straps.
Built-In Shoulder Strap Pockets
On my previous packs, I purchased water bottle holders to attach to my shoulder straps. Many cottage companies include built-in pockets on their shoulder straps, and I think this was a superb design choice on the Notch. The pockets were stretchy and deep enough to fit a small 500ml bottle, phone, or snacks. I kept a bottle in one pocket and kept my Garmin inReach and headlamp in the other.
Thoughtful Additions: Front Elastic and Fixed Ice Axe Loop
Many packs offer an upcharge to add a front elastic, but this comes standard on the Notch. This served as a great place to hang wet clothes so they could dry in the sun, or shove my camp shoes if I was in a rush. The fixed ice axe loop wasn’t a feature I truly appreciated until my time on the PCT, but it was a vital addition that keeps Notch wearers from having to get creative with ice axe storage in the Sierra.
Atom Packs Notch Cons
Stock Option = No Hipbelt Pockets
This was my biggest gripe with the Notch. I’m used to storing snacks and quick-grab items in my hipbelt pockets, but the stock option of the Notch does NOT come with hipbelt pockets. These are considered accessories and can be added for an additional $29 per pocket. This is a common theme for ultralight packs.
I can’t imagine not wanting hipbelt pockets, but maybe that’s just personal preference. This is the only accessory that isn’t standard on the Notch, and I’m glad that the front elastic, sternum strap, and shoulder strap pockets are included on all stock options.
“Dyneema Stretch” Isn’t That Stretchy
I didn’t find the Dyneema stretch fabric to be all that giving. I had to really work to cram my usual stuff in the front pocket (water filter, dirty water bag, toiletries, poop kit, snacks—maybe that’s on me for shoving too much in there…). I suspect that the material will stretch out more over time and that this won’t be an issue the more miles I put on the pack. Compared to other packs’ front pocket fabric, the Dyneema stretch fabric does appear to be more durable and is less likely to get shredded by thorns and wayward branches.
Pointless Bottom Pocket
Initially, I thought the bottom pocket was an ingenious design, but in application, I didn’t find it all that useful. Again, the fabric wasn’t all that giving, so it was hard to fit my rain jacket into the pocket. Once I successfully got it stored away, it made the bottom of the pack uneven and lumpy. This wasn’t an issue until I took the pack off, and it immediately toppled over when I set it down.
I think this pocket would work better to store candy wrappers and other trash I collect while hiking, but it didn’t work well for the wet-jacket use case.
No Load Lifters
I am a big fan of load lifters on a pack because I think they help to settle a pack’s weight closer to your body. Initially, I didn’t like the fact that the Notch doesn’t have load lifters (if that’s a deal breaker for you, the Prospector does!). When carrying a heavy bear canister, I do think it would have been nice to have the option to cinch a pair of load lifters down to keep my pack from feeling so top-heavy.
Read Next: Atom Packs Prospector EP50 Review
No Seam Sealing
I don’t really understand the point of using a waterproof fabric if a pack isn’t truly waterproof. According to Atom Packs’ website, “our packs are not waterproof. We use highly waterproof fabrics, but we do not tape the seams (with the exception of the Atom UL35). Therefore, some water may ingress into the pack during periods of extended rain.”
If I’m going to spend over $300 on a “water-resistant” pack, I’d pay a little extra for seam taping service to make it waterproof. I was impressed with how well the pack did in the rain; none of my stuff got wet. However, I still advocate for using a pack liner regardless.
No Buckle on Side Compression Webbing
Other packs I’ve used include a buckle on the side webbing. This has been a great spot to clip my camp shoes or tie off wet socks. While I appreciated the side webbing because it helped to keep taller items like my tent secure, I would have liked to have been able to clip things onto the webbing. I got around this by using a carabiner, but it was just a small, nitpicky thing I noticed.
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Conclusion
At first, I wasn’t sold on the Notch. It took a little time, but once I got used to the differences between it and my old pack and gave it time to settle onto my body/mold to my shape, I really liked it.
This pack is the perfect size to do it all — it’s great as a weekend pack when weight isn’t an issue, but is still ultralight and durable enough to last thousands of miles on the thru-hike. I was impressed with the stock version, but it wouldn’t be hard to justify a customized version just to ensure I got all the features I wanted (plus all the fun colors!).
The Notch is an ideal choice for someone who is weight-conscious but doesn’t want to skimp on comfort. Yes, there are lighter packs on the market, but the Notch is about as minimal as you can go before comfort begins to decrease. Even with the hefty price tag, I think “splurging” on your big three/four is an investment for a thru-hike. This pack will get you from Mexico to Canada, or whatever else your legs will take you.
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Comparable Packs
LiteAF ECOPAK 46L Curve Full Suspension Custom Backpack
MSRP: $330 base, customizable with upcharges for additions
Weight: ~30–36oz depending on additions
Volume: 46L
Load Capacity: 35lbs
Material: ECOPAK EPLX200
Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 Ultralight Backpack
MSRP: $275
Weight: 31.9oz
Volume: 50L
Load Capacity: 30lbs
Material: 70D & 100D Recycled Robic Nylon
Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L Backpack
MSRP: $399
Weight: 21.6oz
Volume: 50L
Load Capacity: 40lbs
Material: Ultra100x
The Atom Packs Notch EP50 was donated for purpose of review
Magic in the Mountains 
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