Old Man Mountain has been quietly solving carrying problems for cyclists for a long time. If you’ve hunted for a rack system to fit an unusual bike, eventually you’ve found Old Man Mountain. The Oregon-based company focuses on racks and touring gear that works on just about any bike.
A familiar idea, slightly expanded
Building on the successful 9L version of the Atlas, Old Man Mountain says the new 12L Atlas Rack Pack adds capacity.
Rather than hanging from the saddle (an annoying bag design if ever I’ve used one), the Atlas Rack Pack sits on top of a rack. It shifts the weight lower and frees up your dropper post.
Structure without bulk
Made from TPU fabric with, it has Hypalon reinforcements on the base and fully welded seams. The result is a waterproof rack-top dry bag-style bag that can handle rough terrain and soggy weather.
An air purge valve allows riders to squeeze out excess air before sealing the roll-top closure, allowing you to bake the bag as small as possible.
The bag’s weight is listed at 360 grams.
Easy access, quiet mounting
The Atlas Rack Pack includes several features aimed at day-to-day usability. A criss-cross bungee cord on top provides a quick place to stash layers or wet items. Stretch pockets on either side offer organized access to smaller essentials.
And built-in attachment straps secure the bag to the rack at four points, reducing movement over rough surfaces. Old Man Mountain says all contact points remain quiet, avoiding rattles and clatter on long rides.
Designed around modern bikes
One of the main advantages of a rack-top bag like the Atlas is compatibility with modern mountain bikes. Moving cargo off the saddle allows riders to keep their dropper posts fully functional. A serious advantage if you’ve ever spent much time on a touring setup.
For riders already using one of Old Man Mountain’s racks, the Atlas Rack Pack mounts easily. But if you’ve already got a rack from another company no problem. The Atlas will still mount without issue.
It’s a straightforward evolutio from a brand that has a reputation for practical touring solutions. It retails for $125US.
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