@@bossmanfat6979which one did you go for? I was having this debate too and after a lot of research I just ordered the manta, the 34 actually. Reason for the manta is because the hydration pack is in a separate compartment. And I like how there’s a stretch outer pocket on the front as opposed to a zippered one, so it can hold more when it’s full. I chose 34 vs 24 because the dimensions are the same except for how much goes outward from your back. And with the compression straps the 34 will look and feel similar to the 24, with negligible price difference. I’ll only use it for day hikes, but I want more room in the winter time. Especially to carry an extra jacket for my wife.
I have the smaller Manta 24 and love it for the sweat reducing trampoline back (called Airspeed) although the Manta 34 has a better bag design imho, but I don’t need such a big daypack so I went with the 24. If you hike in hotter climates you’ll love the Osprey Airspeed design that keeps the pack about 2 inches off your back.
Really depends on how you want to make that happen. I've certainly tried multiple camera inserts in the Manta and haven't found one I like. They are either too tall and take up almost the whole bag space, or are too wide and heavy in the base of the bag throwing off the weight. The best option I've found is to carry a ZV1 or RX100 sized camera with a few accessories in a small case. I've never been able to comfortably wear the pack with a camera cube insert that could hold any amount of sony mirrorless gear. Not because the bag isn't big enough (it is), but because the cube inserts don't sit comfortably in the bag.
@@HikeSoloOutdoors Thanks for the info!!! I'll reconsider as I haven't ordered it yet. I have a full and medium frame DSLR, so the bag might not work the best from what you're saying. While I'm hiking, I'll most likely have one or both of my camera's out ready to shoot, so as long as I can comfortably carry at least one in the pack, I might still get it but I want to find a good insert to work before I buy anything. Got any suggestions on inserts for a Nikon D810 and/or D3100?
@@ncruncher722 I've tried both the Peak Design and Wandrd cubes. The Peak Design was too fat and I sent it back. The did keep both the large and small Wadrd cubes and they work in the Manta. The large takes up pretty much the whole bag, and the small can work decently but it will have to sit in the very bottom of the bag under the rest of your stuff, and it does make the bag a little wide if you have a full water bladder in the bag. I would say you can fit one full frame camera with a shorter lens attached, two other small lenses (or one lens and a small drone), and some accessories in the small. Or you can configure it to take a camera with a longer lens and maybe another small lens or two. I've seen a few dedicated hiking camera bags recently that I'd love to try, but they're all quite expensive. Maybe one of the companies will see this video and let me borrow a bag to review lol.
@@HikeSoloOutdoors I’d love to try an Atlas pack but yea, a little pricey. Thanks again for the info. I’ll let you know what I decide and if/how it works!
Just got mine recently from REI. The 1”waistband was a deal breaker until I figured out a simple non invasive home modification. Sewed a piece of 1” webbing to 2” webbing and got a 2” dual adjusting buckle. It is way more comfortable without that 1” strap digging in.
Cool solution! I don't want to void the warranty, so I'll probably avoid it. Honestly, I don't use the belt all that much since I only use it for day hikes , so no big deal.
Osprey rates it up to 30lbs. As far as comfortability goes, that will depend on specific person, how you packed the weight, distance you're traveling, experience, etc. I've never specifically weighed it, but with water I probably carry 15-20lbs in it on a regular basis and it's still very comfortable to me.
I'm looking to get this pack and it's right at the limits of carry on size, has anyone travelled with it internationally? Really want to keep my trip light and carry this pack on the plane.
I've had mine for 3 years. It's accompanied me through the Zion Narrows, Emerald Pools, Grand Canyon, Petit Jean waterfalls and much more. Definitely my favorite pack I've owned. I got mine from an REI sale secondhand. It's awesome except that it is a little harder to pack compared to maybe say the kestrel with It's more rectangular profile but still rather easy compared to most packs. Mine creaks but that's not normal, I think the previous owner put some abuse in it as I gotit that way. Definitely a fantastic bag and it's so comfy on super long treks.
Mine will creak very slightly sometimes as well. I think most exterior frame bags have a tendency to creak a bit once they've been used a bit. Glad you like the pack!
I would say most likely not. I have a Samsung Galaxy 22 Ultra which is 6.5" tall with a low profile case on it, and the pocket just barely won't fully zip up. If the phone was 6" tall it might fit.
Depends on what your size constraints are. I've taken the 34L Manta fully packed on a 35-mile one day biking trip before, and it did great. But typically, when I'm out biking, I take something smaller like an 18L Osprey Hikelite.
Hello. Could you please advise what the height of the bag is if it's sat on the floor, to the top of the metal frame? I've had another from Osprey and it was about 5cm (2in) taller than advertised, and couldn't be folded due to the frame, so it was too big for carry-on! Thanks in advance!
Great video. Did you by chance have the older version with the AG hip belt? I have that one now and love it, but it has the squeaking issue and they fixed that by getting rid of the AG and I'm not sure how much of a loss it would be to get the new version without it. Debating which I'd rather have - no squeaks or no AG. My other complaint about the new Mantas are the lack of colors. Black and green are boring. Where are the blues, greys and reds???
I did not have that version. But after some use I will occasionally get a tiny bit of squeaking from this pack as well. Nothing annoying and it doesn't happen everytime I'm out, but occasionally. If you're ok with the squeaking and like the AG belt better, I might stay with what you have. The squeaking keeps the bears away anyway 😂
I have used it multiple times as a bike backpack, although not a commuter pack. I think it really depends on what you plan to carry in the pack. If carrying a laptop, I'd probably get a separate padded laptop case before I put it in the pack as the backpack is not rigid, which is a good thing when hiking / biking if you ask me. It is a 34L bag so it can hold a ton of stuff. IMO, I usually find that it's slightly too big and I opt for my Osprey 18L pack when biking instead. But if you need to carry quite a bit of gear on your daily commute, I think the Manta would be a great bag to choose as your bike pack! Thanks for watching.
Holding up great! It's the bag I take out most often. Those were the two bags I was deciding between as well. There are a few reasons I went with the Manta: 1. The Manta comes with a rain cover and 2.5L hydration bladder. So even though it's $20 more expensive if you need to add those accessories you end up saving money over the Talon. 2. The Talons hydration sleeve is external while the Mantas is internal. 3. I'm not a fan of having a fixed top lid on any bag thats smaller than 50L, especially a fixed top lid that you can't remove like on the Talon. I feel like it just adds another step to access a small to medium sized day pack. The only bonus i feel that the Talon has over the Manta is the ability to switch out the hip belts depending on your size. Both bags hip belts could use a little more width where the buckle is, which was one of my only complaints in the video. But ultimately any Osprey bag will be a great investment, and i think either bag will work great as long as they are a good fit on your back. Thanks for watching and hope the video helped your decision!
I will add one more disadvantage of the Talon backpack. This is a thin padding of the shoulder straps. They will put a lot of pressure on the shoulders with a load of more than 5-7 kg. Especially in the summer when you wear a backpack over a T-shirt.
I just purchased a Manta 24 and I’m happy to report the waistband is now 2” thick. Sounds like they listened to their customers!
Good to hear! I'm still very happy with mine and use it almost everytime I'm out on day hikes, but I'm happy they put a much thicker waste band on it.
@dwickert I have been trying to decide between the Manta 24 and Stratos 24 which seem very similar. Do you have any input on how the two compare?
@@bossmanfat6979which one did you go for? I was having this debate too and after a lot of research I just ordered the manta, the 34 actually. Reason for the manta is because the hydration pack is in a separate compartment. And I like how there’s a stretch outer pocket on the front as opposed to a zippered one, so it can hold more when it’s full.
I chose 34 vs 24 because the dimensions are the same except for how much goes outward from your back. And with the compression straps the 34 will look and feel similar to the 24, with negligible price difference. I’ll only use it for day hikes, but I want more room in the winter time. Especially to carry an extra jacket for my wife.
Everything you said makes sense. I had both packs to compare, and I thought the minor differences favored the Manta.
I just got this as a birthday gift from my mom, I AM STOKED!!!! thanks for the review
Just purchased one yesterday for hikes here in Las Vegas and your video was very informative and has helped me out a lot
I have the smaller Manta 24 and love it for the sweat reducing trampoline back (called Airspeed) although the Manta 34 has a better bag design imho, but I don’t need such a big daypack so I went with the 24. If you hike in hotter climates you’ll love the Osprey Airspeed design that keeps the pack about 2 inches off your back.
Thanks for the review. I’m thinking about making the Manta my hiking/camera bag
Really depends on how you want to make that happen. I've certainly tried multiple camera inserts in the Manta and haven't found one I like. They are either too tall and take up almost the whole bag space, or are too wide and heavy in the base of the bag throwing off the weight. The best option I've found is to carry a ZV1 or RX100 sized camera with a few accessories in a small case. I've never been able to comfortably wear the pack with a camera cube insert that could hold any amount of sony mirrorless gear. Not because the bag isn't big enough (it is), but because the cube inserts don't sit comfortably in the bag.
@@HikeSoloOutdoors Thanks for the info!!! I'll reconsider as I haven't ordered it yet. I have a full and medium frame DSLR, so the bag might not work the best from what you're saying. While I'm hiking, I'll most likely have one or both of my camera's out ready to shoot, so as long as I can comfortably carry at least one in the pack, I might still get it but I want to find a good insert to work before I buy anything. Got any suggestions on inserts for a Nikon D810 and/or D3100?
@@ncruncher722 I've tried both the Peak Design and Wandrd cubes. The Peak Design was too fat and I sent it back. The did keep both the large and small Wadrd cubes and they work in the Manta. The large takes up pretty much the whole bag, and the small can work decently but it will have to sit in the very bottom of the bag under the rest of your stuff, and it does make the bag a little wide if you have a full water bladder in the bag. I would say you can fit one full frame camera with a shorter lens attached, two other small lenses (or one lens and a small drone), and some accessories in the small. Or you can configure it to take a camera with a longer lens and maybe another small lens or two. I've seen a few dedicated hiking camera bags recently that I'd love to try, but they're all quite expensive. Maybe one of the companies will see this video and let me borrow a bag to review lol.
@@HikeSoloOutdoors I’d love to try an Atlas pack but yea, a little pricey. Thanks again for the info. I’ll let you know what I decide and if/how it works!
Nice review. Always enjoy hearing about others experiences with gear!
Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it!
Started watching this then realized you had on a trash pandas shirt lol immediately subscribed
Anyway to attach a tent to this pack for an overnight summer camp?
Purchased this a few weeks ago. Tired it today. I'm really liking this pack. Fit me perfectly.
Glad you like it! Thanks for watching!
Wondering what you ended up getting or going with? Thx!
Looking for a replacement for my ancient Deuter Gigant and came across this one. Thanks for reviewing, I feel like the Manta will be the way to go.
Estoy entre esta y la hikelite de 32, cuál es mejor? Ninguna de las dos viene con correas para saco o esterilla, no?
Just got mine recently from REI. The 1”waistband was a deal breaker until I figured out a simple non invasive home modification. Sewed a piece of 1” webbing to 2” webbing and got a 2” dual adjusting buckle. It is way more comfortable without that 1” strap digging in.
That's awesome! Might have to fab mine up as well!
Cool solution! I don't want to void the warranty, so I'll probably avoid it. Honestly, I don't use the belt all that much since I only use it for day hikes , so no big deal.
@@cr8460 Email Osprey about it if you are worried, but generally if you just sew onto the existing straps that won't void the warranty
thanks for the great review, liked, subbed and shared !
Thank you!
@@HikeSoloOutdoors > sure thing, thank you !
What is the maximum weight that this backpack can comfortably carry?
Osprey rates it up to 30lbs. As far as comfortability goes, that will depend on specific person, how you packed the weight, distance you're traveling, experience, etc. I've never specifically weighed it, but with water I probably carry 15-20lbs in it on a regular basis and it's still very comfortable to me.
I'm looking to get this pack and it's right at the limits of carry on size, has anyone travelled with it internationally? Really want to keep my trip light and carry this pack on the plane.
You could probably smash it down rather easily to fit carryon size, although I've never used it as a carryon.
I've had mine for 3 years. It's accompanied me through the Zion Narrows, Emerald Pools, Grand Canyon, Petit Jean waterfalls and much more. Definitely my favorite pack I've owned. I got mine from an REI sale secondhand. It's awesome except that it is a little harder to pack compared to maybe say the kestrel with It's more rectangular profile but still rather easy compared to most packs. Mine creaks but that's not normal, I think the previous owner put some abuse in it as I gotit that way. Definitely a fantastic bag and it's so comfy on super long treks.
Mine will creak very slightly sometimes as well. I think most exterior frame bags have a tendency to creak a bit once they've been used a bit. Glad you like the pack!
Thanks so much for the info. Much much help!!
Would it be possible to fit a laptop in the compartment at the back for water?
Yes, but there's almost no padding. I'd recommend a padded sleeve if you went this route.
@@HikeSoloOutdoors Thanks
Can a large smartphone 6,7" fit in the side pockets on the hip belt?
I would say most likely not. I have a Samsung Galaxy 22 Ultra which is 6.5" tall with a low profile case on it, and the pocket just barely won't fully zip up. If the phone was 6" tall it might fit.
I'm looking fir a bag to do everything, hiking, biking general days out in the city exploring. Would you recommend for that?
Depends on what your size constraints are. I've taken the 34L Manta fully packed on a 35-mile one day biking trip before, and it did great. But typically, when I'm out biking, I take something smaller like an 18L Osprey Hikelite.
Hello. Could you please advise what the height of the bag is if it's sat on the floor, to the top of the metal frame? I've had another from Osprey and it was about 5cm (2in) taller than advertised, and couldn't be folded due to the frame, so it was too big for carry-on! Thanks in advance!
Sorry for the delayed reply. I just measured the bag and it appears to be just under the advertised 22" height.
Great review. Thanks for the video.
Thanks!
Great video. Did you by chance have the older version with the AG hip belt? I have that one now and love it, but it has the squeaking issue and they fixed that by getting rid of the AG and I'm not sure how much of a loss it would be to get the new version without it. Debating which I'd rather have - no squeaks or no AG. My other complaint about the new Mantas are the lack of colors. Black and green are boring. Where are the blues, greys and reds???
I did not have that version. But after some use I will occasionally get a tiny bit of squeaking from this pack as well. Nothing annoying and it doesn't happen everytime I'm out, but occasionally. If you're ok with the squeaking and like the AG belt better, I might stay with what you have. The squeaking keeps the bears away anyway 😂
@@HikeSoloOutdoors Just got back from climbing Kilimanjaro with it. it wasn't horribly squeaky
Hi! Thanks for the review.
In your opinion can I use it like a commuter bike backpack?
Thanks.
I have used it multiple times as a bike backpack, although not a commuter pack. I think it really depends on what you plan to carry in the pack. If carrying a laptop, I'd probably get a separate padded laptop case before I put it in the pack as the backpack is not rigid, which is a good thing when hiking / biking if you ask me. It is a 34L bag so it can hold a ton of stuff. IMO, I usually find that it's slightly too big and I opt for my Osprey 18L pack when biking instead. But if you need to carry quite a bit of gear on your daily commute, I think the Manta would be a great bag to choose as your bike pack! Thanks for watching.
@@HikeSoloOutdoors thank you for your answer!
Nice review thank you 😊
Thanks for a great review.
Thanks for watching
@@HikeSoloOutdoors
BTW, I decided to purchase one of these based on your review. I, too, am a bigger guy and this fits the bill nicely.
@Joey Ingles awesome! Glad to hear the review helped!
@@HikeSoloOutdoors Bummed. I got my pack in and the dang thing is too small.😞
Do you think it would hold a 13in mac??
Yes it would. You would probably want to buy a protective sleeve for it though and store it where the water bladder normally goes.
I think mine has a safety whistle
Hows it holding up? Torn between this and the talon 33
Holding up great! It's the bag I take out most often. Those were the two bags I was deciding between as well. There are a few reasons I went with the Manta: 1. The Manta comes with a rain cover and 2.5L hydration bladder. So even though it's $20 more expensive if you need to add those accessories you end up saving money over the Talon. 2. The Talons hydration sleeve is external while the Mantas is internal. 3. I'm not a fan of having a fixed top lid on any bag thats smaller than 50L, especially a fixed top lid that you can't remove like on the Talon. I feel like it just adds another step to access a small to medium sized day pack. The only bonus i feel that the Talon has over the Manta is the ability to switch out the hip belts depending on your size. Both bags hip belts could use a little more width where the buckle is, which was one of my only complaints in the video. But ultimately any Osprey bag will be a great investment, and i think either bag will work great as long as they are a good fit on your back. Thanks for watching and hope the video helped your decision!
I will add one more disadvantage of the Talon backpack. This is a thin padding of the shoulder straps. They will put a lot of pressure on the shoulders with a load of more than 5-7 kg. Especially in the summer when you wear a backpack over a T-shirt.