{"id":1910396,"date":"2026-04-30T10:11:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T07:11:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1910396"},"modified":"2026-04-30T10:11:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T07:11:00","slug":"old-man-mountain-atlas-rack-pack-review-durable-construction-but-unusuable-for-technical-descents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1910396","title":{"rendered":"Old Man Mountain Atlas Rack Pack review: durable construction but unusuable for technical descents"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry-content\">\n<div id=\"wp_content_article\" class=\"st_article_class\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06667.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06667-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-718423 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06667-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06667-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06667-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06667-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06667-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06667-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06667-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">9L Atlas Rack Pack.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Old Man Mountain has emerged as a leader in bikepacking rack systems and gear hauling solutions. In addition to their racks, they sell numerous bags to attach to those various racks, with new and improved products dropping frequently<\/p>\n<p>Over the course of three different bikepacking rides, I\u2019ve tested Old Man Mountain\u2019s (OMM) Atlas Rack Packs on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-gear\/old-man-mountain-bikepacking-rack-system-review\/\">an Elkhorn rear rack<\/a> on my Pivot Trailcat SL. I\u2019ve tested both the standard 9L bag as well as the new 12L bag, which just launched in January 2026. <\/p>\n<p>The bags are quite similar, but in the review below, I\u2019ll cover the key differences with the 12L bag. I\u2019ll cover in detail what worked well and, perhaps most importantly, what <em>didn\u2019t<\/em>.<\/p>\n<div style=\"min-height: 250px;padding: auto;margin-bottom: 20px\" class=\"singl-7baabbf6c20005995c9e3691ffcb619b singl-content\" id=\"singl-7baabbf6c20005995c9e3691ffcb619b\"><\/div>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-old-man-mountain-atlas-rack-pack-key-specs\">Old Man Mountain Atlas Rack Pack key specs<\/h3>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sizes: 9L and 12L<\/li>\n<li>100% waterproof TPU fabric<\/li>\n<li>Beveled front for dropper compatibility<\/li>\n<li>Attachment straps, roll-top closure, bungee storage on top<\/li>\n<li>Price: 9L: $95. 12L: $125<\/li>\n<li>Buy from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/wp-json\/click\/track\/lohPO2\/\">Old Man Mountain<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-wide\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8250.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"878\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20878'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8250-1170x878.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-718427 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8250-1170x878.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8250-750x563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8250-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8250-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8250-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8250-600x450.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Zippered side pockets on the 12L and bungee storage on top are great, but the floppy bag hanging off the rack proved to be unusable in rough terrain.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The Atlas Rack Packs are purpose-built for OMM racks, featuring four straps and buckles designed to attach easily to the rack. The angled front of the bag is specifically designed to provide dropper post clearance, which is critical for me as a 5\u2032 7\u2033 rider with the system mounted on a size-medium full suspension trail bike.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06673.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06673-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-718431 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06673-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06673-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06673-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06673-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06673-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06673-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB06673-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Fantastic seat and dropper post clearance.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The top of the bag features a lightweight criss-cross bungee cord, which is great for quickly stashing lightweight gear. The back of the bag features a dry bag-style roll-top closure.<\/p>\n<p>The construction is absolutely bomber. The 100% waterproof \u201cTPU fabric with Hypalon reinforcements [and] fully welded seams\u201d feels burly and impervious to the elements. <\/p>\n<div style=\"min-height: 250px;padding: auto;margin-bottom: 20px\" class=\"singl-26bc21f441f147aff44c67cefec0fcdf singl-content\" id=\"singl-26bc21f441f147aff44c67cefec0fcdf\"><\/div>\n<p>The new 12L bag is both longer and wider than the 9L. Despite the wider profile, it still works well on the Elkhorn rack. In fact, during testing, I appreciated the increased width more than the increased length. The 12L also adds two zippered side pockets for quick-access storage, which I found extremely convenient.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8962.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8962-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-718424 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8962-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8962-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8962-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8962-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8962-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8962-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8962-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Steelbender 4\u00d74 trail on the Peaks and Plateaus Loop. Moab, UT.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-putting-the-atlas-rack-pack-through-the-backcountry-wringer\">Putting the Atlas Rack Pack through the backcountry wringer<\/h2>\n<p>I tested both versions of the Atlas Rack Pack across three different bikepacking trips: the Black Canyon Trail, a segment of the Arizona Trail, and the Peaks and Plateaus Loop in Moab, Utah. While I wanted to love these bags, I found that both versions shared the same critical issues.<\/p>\n<p>First, here\u2019s what worked well: the beveled front of the bag is perfect for dropper post clearance, most notably when the suspension compresses and the seat is down. While the very tip of the bag would sometimes contact the seat, it didn\u2019t affect performance or ride quality at all.<\/p>\n<div style=\"min-height: 250px;padding: auto;margin-bottom: 20px\" class=\"singl-cca338530222e0232e0e1c3a6d06ea38 singl-content\" id=\"singl-cca338530222e0232e0e1c3a6d06ea38\"><\/div>\n<div style=\"padding: 15px;background: #f1f1f1;max-width: 800px;margin: 0 auto 25px auto\">\n<h3 style=\"margin: 0;padding: 0 0 5px 0\">Share your Old Man Mountain Atlas Rack Packs review<\/h3>\n<div style=\"font-size: 12px;margin-bottom: 15px\">Tried it? Tell us what you think about it.<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t&lt;!&#8211;  &#8211;&gt;<\/p>\n<div class=\"rar_rating\">\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"rar_gear_rating_5\"><\/label><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"rar_gear_rating_4\"><\/label><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"rar_gear_rating_3\"><\/label><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"rar_gear_rating_2\"><\/label><\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t<label for=\"rar_gear_rating_1\"><\/label><\/p><\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(function() {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(&#8216;#rar_gear_form&#8217;).on( &#8216;submit&#8217;, function( event ) {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tevent.preventDefault();<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tjQuery.ajax({ \/\/ create an AJAX call&#8230;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdata: jQuery(&#8216;#rar_gear_form&#8217;).serialize(), \/\/ get the form data<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\ttype: &#8216;post&#8217;,<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\turl: ajaxurl + &#8220;?action=rar_save_input&amp;st_nonce=&#8221;+stUserObject.nonce,<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tsuccess: function (response) { \/\/ on success..<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\/\/ display the review below<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tif ( response.id == 0 ){<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(&#8216;#rar_gear_form&#8217;).html( response.message );<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t} else if ( response.id == 9 ){<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(&#8216;#rar_gear_form&#8217;).html( response.message );<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t} else {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(&#8216;#rar_gear_form&#8217;).empty().html(&#8216;<\/p>\n<div>Thank you for sharing!<\/div>\n<p>&#8216;);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t}<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t},<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tdataType: &#8216;json&#8217;,<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t});<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t});<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t});<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\tconst ratingInputs = document.querySelectorAll(&#8216;.rar_rating input&#8217;);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\tconst resultElement = document.getElementById(&#8216;result&#8217;);<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tratingInputs.forEach(input =&gt; {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t  input.addEventListener(&#8216;change&#8217;, () =&gt; {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tconst selectedRating = input.value;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tconst ratingName = input.name;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(&#8216;#rar_gear_rating&#8217;).val(selectedRating);<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t  });<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t});<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\tfunction rar_login_check(formid){<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(&#8216;#&#8217;+formid+&#8217;form&#8217;).hide();<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tjQuery(&#8216;#&#8217;+formid+&#8217;login&#8217;).show();<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t}<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t  .rar_rating {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tunicode-bidi: bidi-override;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdirection: rtl;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\ttext-align: left;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t  }<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t  .rar_rating &gt; label {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdisplay: inline-block;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\twidth: 30px;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\ttext-align: center;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tcursor: pointer;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tfont-size: 24px;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t  }<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t  .rar_rating &gt; input {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tdisplay: none;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t  }<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t  .rar_rating &gt; label:before {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tcontent: &#8216;&#9733;&#8217;;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tpadding: 5px;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tcolor: #ccc;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t  }<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t  .rar_rating &gt; input:checked ~ label:before {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tcolor: #066;<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t  }<\/p>\n<div><textarea name=\"rar_gear_comment\" style=\"height: 100px;width: 100%\"><\/textarea><\/div>\n<div id=\"rar_gear_login\">\n<div>Please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/login\/?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.singletracks.com%2Fmtb-gear%2Fold-man-mountain-atlas-rack-pack-review-durable-construction-but-unusuable-for-technical-descents%2F\">login<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/create\/?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.singletracks.com%2Fmtb-gear%2Fold-man-mountain-atlas-rack-pack-review-durable-construction-but-unusuable-for-technical-descents%2F\">create an account<\/a> to continue.<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The durable construction is impressive. Despite hundreds of miles of rattling down technical singletrack and rugged 4\u00d74 roads, and weathering a thunderstorm with pounding hail, the bags show minimal wear. I have no doubt they\u2019d last for many, many rides.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, two critical design problems make these bags almost unusable on rough mountain biking terrain.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8277-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"878\" data-id=\"718425\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20878'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8277-2-1170x878.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-718425 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8277-2-1170x878.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8277-2-750x563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8277-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8277-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8277-2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8277-2-600x450.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8278-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"877\" data-id=\"718426\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20877'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8278-2-1170x877.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-718426 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8278-2-1170x877.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8278-2-750x562.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8278-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8278-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8278-2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8278-2-600x450.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<p><em>My emergency solution to the unrolling roll-top on the 12L bag.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-an-unrolling-roll-top\">An unrolling roll-top<\/h3>\n<p>First, I ran into serious issues with the dry bag-style roll top closure. While ripping downhill, the roll top has a tendency to <em>unroll<\/em> itself, regardless of how tightly I secured it. I found both sizes of bags have this issue, but it was most pronounced in the longer 12L bag. And the more weight that you\u2019re carrying in the bag, the worse the problem is. Note that the Elkhorn bike rack boasts a 25lb carrying capacity, and on a ride with the 12L Atlas Rack Pack stuffed with four days\u2019 worth of food, I only had 8.3lb of weight on the rack, well below its max capacity.<\/p>\n<div style=\"min-height: 250px;padding: auto;margin-bottom: 20px\" class=\"singl-f42a7d3cc067decc3da8974b81bea7c1 singl-content\" id=\"singl-f42a7d3cc067decc3da8974b81bea7c1\"><\/div>\n<p>When the bag unrolls, it flops off the back of the rack, and then rubs on the rear wheel \u2014 exactly the problem I\u2019m trying to avoid. The issue is most pronounced with the longer 12L bag, but I experienced it with the 9L as well. I addressed the problem by wrapping a pair of Voile-style straps lengthwise around the bag, but having to use straps kind of defeats the purpose of this purpose-built (and expensive, compared to a normal dry bag) rack bag.<\/p>\n<p>There\u2019s an easy solution to this problem: OMM could combine the roll top closure with straps that cinch toward the front of the bag, just like the vast majority of bikepacking saddle bags on the market. This is a problem that has already been solved, so I don\u2019t know why this basic design isn\u2019t used on the Atlas Rack Pack. It would be a simple fix for a critical problem.<\/p>\n<div style=\"min-height: 250px;padding: auto;margin-bottom: 20px\" class=\"singl-63e098a980f66f20bd5809b1ba7a749d singl-content\" id=\"singl-63e098a980f66f20bd5809b1ba7a749d\"><\/div>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8898-2.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"878\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20878'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8898-2-1170x878.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-718428 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8898-2-1170x878.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8898-2-750x563.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8898-2-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8898-2-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8898-2-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/IMG_8898-2-600x450.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Trying to Gorilla Tape the pack in place didn\u2019t hold, but thankfully, I was able to buy another pair of Voile straps in Moab.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-rack-straps-don-t-hold-up-to-mountain-biking\">Rack straps don\u2019t hold up to mountain biking<\/h3>\n<p>To make matters even worse, I found the locking buckles on the four webbing straps that attach the pack to the rack came loose while mountain biking. Though they work just fine for smooth gravel road grinding, when it\u2019s time to descend rough 4\u00d74 roads or singletrack, the straps pull right out of the locked buckles. This was evidenced when I caught the straps before they had completely pulled out and noted that the buckle was still locked, but there was now substantial slack in the system, causing the bag to bounce and slide around.<\/p>\n<p>Riding the Steelbender 4\u00d74 trail on the Peaks and Plateaus loop, I repeatedly wrenched down the straps, and within less than five minutes of downhill riding, I found three of the four straps to be completely disconnected. I couldn\u2019t complete most of the downhills on Steelbender \u2014 which, frankly, aren\u2019t that long \u2014 without stopping multiple times to retighten the bag.<\/p>\n<p>Not good.<\/p>\n<div style=\"min-height: 250px;padding: auto;margin-bottom: 20px\" class=\"singl-ee4e7e6dfb03700186b4015ea6acc449 singl-content\" id=\"singl-ee4e7e6dfb03700186b4015ea6acc449\"><\/div>\n<p>This might have been exacerbated by my choice on this day to fill the bag with my tent, which bounced as it hung off the back of the rack. However, the choice to move my food out of the rack bag and replace it with my tent was an attempt to remedy the aforementioned unrolling issue.<\/p>\n<p>The ineffective rack straps can be remedied by, again, using Voile straps the other direction on the bag (side-to-side vs. long ways). After finishing Steelbender, I thankfully was set to roll right into Moab, and I picked up a couple of straps. But again, if you need to use Voile straps, what\u2019s the point of paying extra for this purpose-built rack bag?<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pros-and-cons-of-old-man-mountain-atlas-rack-pack\">Pros and cons of Old Man Mountain Atlas Rack Pack<\/h2>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-pros\">Pros<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Beveled front of bag provides seat\/dropper post clearance<\/li>\n<li>Durable fabric and construction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-cons\">Cons<\/h4>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Roll-top closure unrolls and rubs tire<\/li>\n<li>Rack straps loosen up even in moderately technical MTB terrain. Unusable for true mountain biking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8959.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1170\" height=\"780\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201170%20780'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8959-1170x780.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-718429 lazy\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8959-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8959-750x500.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8959-375x250.jpg 375w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8959-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8959-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8959-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/3x2IMG_8959-600x400.jpg 600w\" data-sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px\"><\/a><\/figure>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bottom-line\">Bottom line<\/h2>\n<p>I wanted to love the Atlas Rack Packs. The beveled front for seat and dropper post clearance, durable construction, and easy storage features are all ingenious. Unfortunately, the unrolling closure and completely ineffective rack straps make the Rack Pack basically unusable for mountain bike applications.<\/p>\n<div style=\"min-height: 250px;padding: auto;margin-bottom: 20px\" class=\"singl-7beddf77ef0baab4225ff051471f63e0 singl-content\" id=\"singl-7beddf77ef0baab4225ff051471f63e0\"><\/div>\n<p>My goal for these winter and spring bikepacking trips has been to test gear and shake down my setup for a planned thru-ride of the Colorado Trail this summer. It was a damn good idea to test this gear thoroughly, because there\u2019s no way in hell the Atlas Rack Pack will work on the miles-long rock-filled descents on the Colorado Trail.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re riding smooth gravel roads or pavement, you can probably get away with the Atlas Rack Pack. But for those who are venturing into the backcountry, this bag isn\u2019t reliable enough for a true adventure.<\/p>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t&lt;!&#8211;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h4>Related articles<\/h4>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t&#8211;&gt;<\/p>\n<div style=\"height: 30px\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\tjQuery(function() {<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\tpostpayloads._c87d28308f6191eeefdb9c487897478f = {&#8220;ids&#8221;:&#8221;708572,247996,659599,718006&#8243;,&#8221;posts_per_page&#8221;:null,&#8221;offset&#8221;:0,&#8221;style&#8221;:&#8221;4up&#8221;};<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\tpostcounter._c87d28308f6191eeefdb9c487897478f = {start: 0, step: 0, end: 0};<br \/>\n\t\t\t\t});<\/p>\n<div class=\"row\" style=\"background: #fff\">\n<div class=\"col-xs-6 col-md-3 st_archive_4up\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-gear\/old-man-mountain-bikepacking-rack-system-review\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201%201'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/MTB06658-750x500.jpg\" alt=\"A mountain bike equipped with black travel bags is parked on a dirt path surrounded by sparse vegetation and distant hills under a clear blue sky. The bike features a green frame and is oriented towards the right, showcasing its components, including a water bottle holder and backpack-style attachments.\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"st_archive_tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/?gear=bikepacking-gear\">Bikepacking Gear<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"st_archive_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-gear\/old-man-mountain-bikepacking-rack-system-review\/\">Old Man Mountain bikepacking rack system review<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-6 col-md-3 st_archive_4up\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/uncategorized\/new-bikepacking-bags-from-blackburn-dropper-compatible-seat-bag-frame-bags-to-fit-more-bikes\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201%201'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/10\/outpost_elite_full-750x500.jpg\" alt=\"A black gravel bike equipped with panniers and a helmet stands on a dusty forest trail, surrounded by trees. The bike features wide tires and a sleek design, suitable for off-road cycling adventures. Dust is kicked up beneath the wheels, indicating recent movement.\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"st_archive_tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/?gear=bike-bags\">Bike Bags<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"st_archive_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/uncategorized\/new-bikepacking-bags-from-blackburn-dropper-compatible-seat-bag-frame-bags-to-fit-more-bikes\/\">New Bikepacking Bags from Blackburn: Dropper-compatible Seat Bag, Frame Bags to Fit More Bikes<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"clearfix visible-xs\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-6 col-md-3 st_archive_4up\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-gear\/aeroe-spider-rear-rack-lets-you-bikepack-with-full-suspension-review\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201%201'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/aeroe_spider_bike_rack-3-750x500.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a black mountain bike featuring an orange seat bag with a white logo. The background shows a forest with trees and fallen leaves, creating a natural, outdoor setting.\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"st_archive_tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/?gear=bikepacking-gear\">Bikepacking Gear<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"st_archive_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-gear\/aeroe-spider-rear-rack-lets-you-bikepack-with-full-suspension-review\/\">Aeroe Spider Rear Rack Lets You Bikepack with Full Suspension  [Review]<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"col-xs-6 col-md-3 st_archive_4up\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-gear\/giant-stance-test-ride-review-this-2200-trail-bike-is-a-great-option-for-budget-conscious-riders\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"lazy\" src=\"\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201%201'%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" data-src=\"https:\/\/images.singletracks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/MTB07161-2-750x500.jpg\" alt=\"A black mountain bike is resting beside a wooden bench on a scenic hillside, surrounded by green grass and a clear blue sky. The landscape features rolling hills in the background, creating a perfect outdoor setting for cycling.\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"st_archive_tag\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/gear\/\">Mountain Bikes and Gear<\/a><\/div>\n<div class=\"st_archive_title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.singletracks.com\/mtb-gear\/giant-stance-test-ride-review-this-2200-trail-bike-is-a-great-option-for-budget-conscious-riders\/\">Giant Stance test ride review: This $2,200 trail bike is a great option for budget-conscious riders<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"clearfix visible-xs\"><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>9L Atlas Rack Pack. Old Man Mountain has emerged as a leader in bikepacking rack systems and gear hauling solutions. In addition to their racks, they sell numerous bags to attach to those various racks, with new and improved products dropping frequently Over the course of three different bikepacking rides, I\u2019ve tested Old Man Mountain\u2019s [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[226,274],"class_list":["post-1910396","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-crawlmanager","tag-singletracks-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1910396","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1910396"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1910396\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1910396"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1910396"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1910396"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}