review: osprey manta 20 backpack.

[Greyswandir]

Loved this review. Thanks JV3! I am looking for something a little bigger than the 20 so I checked out the 25 in-store and it still seemed a bit too small for my needs. I couldn't check out a 30, but if anyone has one, can they tell me if it is bigger than the 20/25 in all dimensions or are the extra Cu inches just from the zippered side pockets? I am trying to find a pack that I can use for hiking, biking, and every day use (laptop, books, etc).

[michaelm466]

I have the Osprey 25 Manta, and absolutely love it, very well made, love the huge amount of organization. I'll add pics later. Nice and light and comfortable. I especially love that they have a ESEE type warranty, the only company amongst the non-tactical style packs (mountain hardwear, Prana, camelbak, etc)

Osprey will repair for any reason, free of charge, any damage or defect in our product – whether it was purchased in 1974 or yesterday. If we are unable to perform a functional repair on your pack, we will happily replace it. We proudly stand behind this guarantee, so much so that it bears the signature of company founder and head designer, Mike Pfotenhauer.

I also ended up getting a Osprey Quantum for my EDC Backpack, carry it everyday, great school pack. I plan on getting 50-60 liter pack from them as well down the line for longer outings.

[JV3]

someone requested on-the-back pics for another pack and while i was at it...might as well.

i'm 5'9", 170 lbs...in mountain bike mode (3 liters of water in bladder, altoids tin kit, emergency heat blanket, energy bar, first aid kit, and bike repair kit):

[LG&M]

Very nice review. Thank you.I don't even need a pack right now and here you got me looking at a osprey.

[OwenM]

I've been thinking about the Manta 25 for a long time, just really didn't want to pay the extra for the bladder, since I don't care for the magnet and all. I'll still probably end up buying it. Nothing else seems to have the same fit and features(Osprey has some similar packs sans bladder, but nothing quite right). You would not believe how many Manta 25s and 30s I saw at Zion National Park a couple of weeks ago on vacation. There were people with cheap daypacks, but almost all of the name brand packs I saw were Ospreys, and as I recall only two of those weren't Mantas(3 if you count my Exos 46, that got used as a daypack, too). I went in a REI in Las Vegas that had a large selection of Mantas the last time I was there, and they had everything else, but not a single Manta in any size or color. They sure have gotten popular all of sudden...

[JV3]

Very nice review. Thank you.I don't even need a pack right now and here you got me looking at a osprey.

thanks!

I've been thinking about the Manta 25 for a long time, just really didn't want to pay the extra for the bladder, since I don't care for the magnet and all. I'll still probably end up buying it. Nothing else seems to have the same fit and features(Osprey has some similar packs sans bladder, but nothing quite right). You would not believe how many Manta 25s and 30s I saw at Zion National Park a couple of weeks ago on vacation. There were people with cheap daypacks, but almost all of the name brand packs I saw were Ospreys, and as I recall only two of those weren't Mantas(3 if you count my Exos 46, that got used as a daypack, too). I went in a REI in Las Vegas that had a large selection of Mantas the last time I was there, and they had everything else, but not a single Manta in any size or color. They sure have gotten popular all of sudden...

i'm always checking out other packs and so far i haven't found one that's a replacement for it...it's indeed a well designed pack and perfect for my uses. compared to the kestrel series which is more expensive, not-as-good suspension/not as much airflow design, and no bladder included, the manta is good deal actually!

[OwenM]

I couldn't believe how much stuff I was able to cram in the Manta 25 with a full bladder.
Basically everything I normally carry for overnighters, except for my water filter.

Oh, and there's a pair of fleece Windstopper gloves. The online reviews I've read are overwhelmingly positive, though there are several comments about the pack being too small. IIRC, one guy went as far as to say that all he could fit in there was a jacket and pair of gloves, so I briefly entertained the thought of a video review/response with the gloves as a joke, then pulling my bivy, inflatable pad, summer bag(stuffs as small as the pad), clothes bag, toilet paper/wipes bag, stake bag with stakes, 3mm cord and trowel, and a 7" knife out of the main compartment afterwards. Really not 100% sure if that comment was about the 20 or 25, but it struck me funny. Probably could have gotten away with the 20, myself, but wanted those side mesh pockets and room inside for rain gear, a down jacket, and extra baselayers in cold weather.
btw, after just one use, I'm liking the magnet, too

[mtwarden]

most folks simply carry the wrong stuff, with a little forethought a guy fit a lot of gear in a small-ish bag as you've demonstrated

I'm up to four Osprey packs (and that's w/ selling three!)

[JV3]

head's up: i was at an outdoors store earlier tonight (the one that gives members a dividend) and the manta series is on clearance, just over $100 now.