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Osprey Manta 24 Hydration Backpack
Editor’s Conclusion
Finding a deluxe day-hiking, hydration pack that is well ventilated and full-on features is not always easy. Look no further than the premium, full-featured Osprey Manta 24 hiking hydration pack that has everything you’ll ever need for long, all-day hikes and mountaineering. Equipped with an adjustable sternum strap with magnetic closure, integrated 2.5L water reservoir, bite valve attachment, rain cover and other features, this hydration pack is quite impressive.
You can’t go on all-day hikes without a full day’s worth of gear, extra clothes, sunscreen, umbrella, personal stoves, shelter, water, food, baby wipes etc. If you’re looking for a superior day pack that has been intelligently designed with a premium ventilation system, compression straps and torso adjustable fit for comfort, and a framed backpack to allow you to comfortably carry and distribute a full day’s gear, then look no further.
Don’t be put off that this day-pack retails at a little more than you might have spent before. Firstly, Osprey saves you money by including their 2.5L water bladder (usually $30) and integrated rain cover (usually $23), which takes the cost down straight away. Osprey provide premium and long-lasting adventure gear, so it's worth the money in my eyes. Why would they provide a lifetime guarantee if their products weren’t full-proof?
Carry on reading to find out why this pack is worth the money.
You can’t go on all-day hikes without a full day’s worth of gear, extra clothes, sunscreen, umbrella, personal stoves, shelter, water, food, baby wipes etc. If you’re looking for a superior day pack that has been intelligently designed with a premium ventilation system, compression straps and torso adjustable fit for comfort, and a framed backpack to allow you to comfortably carry and distribute a full day’s gear, then look no further.
Don’t be put off that this day-pack retails at a little more than you might have spent before. Firstly, Osprey saves you money by including their 2.5L water bladder (usually $30) and integrated rain cover (usually $23), which takes the cost down straight away. Osprey provide premium and long-lasting adventure gear, so it's worth the money in my eyes. Why would they provide a lifetime guarantee if their products weren’t full-proof?
Carry on reading to find out why this pack is worth the money.
Osprey Manta 24 Hydration Backpack Review Facts
Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
24L capacity
Very comfortable
Superior ventilation
Integrated rain cover
2.5L reservoir included
Adjustable torso size for extra comfort
Allmighty lifetime warranty
Cons
Quite expensive
On the small side
Slightly heavy at 2.89 lbs
Key Features
Premium Features
This panel-loading daypack has many premium features that make it perfect for mountaineers and hikers, no matter the destination. The adjustable sternum strap with magnetic lock and bite valve attachments, built-in rain cover, compression straps, ice tool loop with bungee tie-off and trekking pole attachments are making this a convenient backpack.
The number of organisational compartments and pockets are just one of the reasons this pack is worth the money. There are two main compartments (one for your gear and one hydration compartment with a 2.5L reservoir) and dual-access side stretch mesh pockets that are perfect for easy access to water bottles and storing your wet rain cover. You can also keep your gear well organised and wet gear separate from your dry with several other protective outer pockets and key clip.
I must admit it would be better if the biggest two organizational compartments had been separated with further pockets. This would stop your gear from floating to the bottom of the pack if not packed well. This has probably been done to cut back on weight, and as the compartments are good sizes, it doesn’t change my opinion of the pack too much.
Not only does having the integrated Osprey Hydraulics LT Reservoir 2.5L save on money, but it also saves on room. The water bladder is stored in its separate compartment behind the harness, allowing you to have the main compartment free. The reservoir also comes with a magnetic bite valve, meaning it attaches easily to your sternum strap. This clever design means you can easily fill the water reservoir.
You’ll also get extra security as the slider on top and zip lock allows for easy closure. If you’re a bit clumsy like me, you’ll be glad that the slider comes with a cord, meaning you won’t lose it.
Materials
This isn’t exactly a cheap backpack, so if you’re going to splurge, you’ll want to make sure it’s going to last. Osprey knows what they’re doing when it comes to choosing materials and this shows. At first glance, the material feels great quality, which immediately gives you confidence in its abilities.
This bag is constructed completely of Nylon, which is a great choice and means you end up with one hell of a sturdy bag. It is the most common material chosen when designing hard-wearing hiking backpacks as it has good abrasion resistance and overall sturdiness. You’ll also find abrasion-resistant, double-stitched nylon webbing used for the side panels and front pocket and heavy-duty buckles, which all add to the superior material.
Using Nylon also makes this a water-resistant day pack, but not waterproof. This isn’t a big problem as the reinforced Nylon integrated rain cover solves that problem. A bit of rain won’t usually deter a hiker or mountaineer, so this is essential.
Comfort
Osprey has found lots of crafty ways to make this a completely comfortable rucksack. I love the dual upper and lower compressions straps, which make for a much more comfortable carry when you’ve packed a full days’ worth of gear.
The adjustable torso size makes this suitable for all trekkers of all sizes, allowing for an all-around better fit where you can spread the hip load more comfortably. This is essential for me as my hubby and I are always swapping backpacks, depending on our destination and how much equipment we need; so, a pack needs to be able to comfortably suit my 155 cm height and his 173 cm height. The 4 inches (10.2 cm) of adjustable range allow you to do this easily.
If you’ve ever hiked long distances on a warm day, you’ll know the plight of back sweat. It isn’t pleasant. The premium ventilated, 3D-tensioned open mesh AirSpeed back panel, which provides optimal ventilation and allows your back to be kept separate from the pack, is one of the reasons this backpack stands out against similar products on the market.
The size of the pack combined with its ventilated system, spaced out frame, waist belts and compression pads means it’s perfect for many activities as it’s not too bulky and stays stable and cool. This pack is a little heavy if you consider there are lighter ones on the market; however, given that it’s designed for all-day hikes and long mountaineering days out, I wouldn’t say it’s too heavy as you need more gear and supplies for those epic days out.
This panel-loading daypack has many premium features that make it perfect for mountaineers and hikers, no matter the destination. The adjustable sternum strap with magnetic lock and bite valve attachments, built-in rain cover, compression straps, ice tool loop with bungee tie-off and trekking pole attachments are making this a convenient backpack.
The number of organisational compartments and pockets are just one of the reasons this pack is worth the money. There are two main compartments (one for your gear and one hydration compartment with a 2.5L reservoir) and dual-access side stretch mesh pockets that are perfect for easy access to water bottles and storing your wet rain cover. You can also keep your gear well organised and wet gear separate from your dry with several other protective outer pockets and key clip.
I must admit it would be better if the biggest two organizational compartments had been separated with further pockets. This would stop your gear from floating to the bottom of the pack if not packed well. This has probably been done to cut back on weight, and as the compartments are good sizes, it doesn’t change my opinion of the pack too much.
Not only does having the integrated Osprey Hydraulics LT Reservoir 2.5L save on money, but it also saves on room. The water bladder is stored in its separate compartment behind the harness, allowing you to have the main compartment free. The reservoir also comes with a magnetic bite valve, meaning it attaches easily to your sternum strap. This clever design means you can easily fill the water reservoir.
You’ll also get extra security as the slider on top and zip lock allows for easy closure. If you’re a bit clumsy like me, you’ll be glad that the slider comes with a cord, meaning you won’t lose it.
Materials
This isn’t exactly a cheap backpack, so if you’re going to splurge, you’ll want to make sure it’s going to last. Osprey knows what they’re doing when it comes to choosing materials and this shows. At first glance, the material feels great quality, which immediately gives you confidence in its abilities.
This bag is constructed completely of Nylon, which is a great choice and means you end up with one hell of a sturdy bag. It is the most common material chosen when designing hard-wearing hiking backpacks as it has good abrasion resistance and overall sturdiness. You’ll also find abrasion-resistant, double-stitched nylon webbing used for the side panels and front pocket and heavy-duty buckles, which all add to the superior material.
Using Nylon also makes this a water-resistant day pack, but not waterproof. This isn’t a big problem as the reinforced Nylon integrated rain cover solves that problem. A bit of rain won’t usually deter a hiker or mountaineer, so this is essential.
Comfort
Osprey has found lots of crafty ways to make this a completely comfortable rucksack. I love the dual upper and lower compressions straps, which make for a much more comfortable carry when you’ve packed a full days’ worth of gear.
The adjustable torso size makes this suitable for all trekkers of all sizes, allowing for an all-around better fit where you can spread the hip load more comfortably. This is essential for me as my hubby and I are always swapping backpacks, depending on our destination and how much equipment we need; so, a pack needs to be able to comfortably suit my 155 cm height and his 173 cm height. The 4 inches (10.2 cm) of adjustable range allow you to do this easily.
If you’ve ever hiked long distances on a warm day, you’ll know the plight of back sweat. It isn’t pleasant. The premium ventilated, 3D-tensioned open mesh AirSpeed back panel, which provides optimal ventilation and allows your back to be kept separate from the pack, is one of the reasons this backpack stands out against similar products on the market.
The size of the pack combined with its ventilated system, spaced out frame, waist belts and compression pads means it’s perfect for many activities as it’s not too bulky and stays stable and cool. This pack is a little heavy if you consider there are lighter ones on the market; however, given that it’s designed for all-day hikes and long mountaineering days out, I wouldn’t say it’s too heavy as you need more gear and supplies for those epic days out.
Comparison to Similar Hydration Backpacks
This day pack is from a completely redesigned series, and you can see the difference from the similar, past packs that Osprey has brought out. One of the newest features of this redesigned series is the adjustable torso strap, which is one of its best features and means there’s no comparison.
However, Osprey manufactures a range of backpacks to suit a mirage of lifestyles and activities. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter backpack with a water reservoir still included, you could look at the lighter Osprey Skarab 22 pack.
The Osprey Stratos 24 hiking backpack is also a cheaper option, but you’ll need to purchase the 3L reservoir separately.
However, Osprey manufactures a range of backpacks to suit a mirage of lifestyles and activities. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter backpack with a water reservoir still included, you could look at the lighter Osprey Skarab 22 pack.
The Osprey Stratos 24 hiking backpack is also a cheaper option, but you’ll need to purchase the 3L reservoir separately.
Verdict
The bottom line is, the comfortable features make this pack perfectly comfortable to suit long days out, epic hikes, all-day mountaineering, mountain biking and off-trail hiking.
This is a practical pack that will keep you comfortable and hydrated on long hikes. Although on the pricey side, the comfort and features make it worth the money and the risk is taken out of your purchase as Osprey provides an ‘Allmighty Guarantee’.
This guarantee, which replaces any of their products free of charge for life, also demonstrates this manufacturer's commitment to sustainability. Need I say more?
This is a practical pack that will keep you comfortable and hydrated on long hikes. Although on the pricey side, the comfort and features make it worth the money and the risk is taken out of your purchase as Osprey provides an ‘Allmighty Guarantee’.
This guarantee, which replaces any of their products free of charge for life, also demonstrates this manufacturer's commitment to sustainability. Need I say more?
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