The Osprey Manta 34 is a high-end backpack that works very well for hiking.
Are you an avid hiker who loves exploring the great outdoors? If so, you know how important it is to have the perfect backpack for your adventures. Today, we're going to take an in-depth look at the Osprey Manta 34 backpack. Designed with the intention of being the best backpack for day hikes or hiking in general, this high-end pack is everything we could ask for and more. So let's dive in and discover just how well the Osprey Manta 34 backpack performs.
What Is The Osprey Manta 34?
The Osprey Manta 34 is a high-end backpack that works very well for hiking.
The Osprey Manta 34 is a high-end day hiking pack with built-in features for on-the-go hydration. With dimensions of 22″ x 14.2″ x 13.8″ (56 cm x 36 cm x 35 cm) and a weight of 3.09 pounds (1.4 kg), this backpack can hold 2075 cubic inches (34L) of stuff weighing 10-30 pounds. While it's designed for hiking, it's also suitable for travel, making it a versatile option for any adventurer.
Who Is The Osprey Manta 34 For & When Should You Use It?
The Manta 34 is primarily meant for day hikers, but its 34L capacity opens up the possibility of very light and minimal overnight Summer backpacking. There's also a female version called the Osprey Mira 32, designed to better fit the body shape of women. However, the Manta 34 can be comfortably worn by anyone, as my wife has worn mine without any issues.
On-the-go hydration is one of the key features of the Osprey Manta 34, which makes it very useful as a day hiking backpack.
When should you use this pack? Well, I've found it to be very useful on almost all of our hikes to waterfalls, even if they take the whole day. Even on short and easy hikes, I still bring this pack with me to ensure I'm well-prepared for any trail conditions or surprises. While not specifically designed for travel, the Osprey Manta 34 can still pass as carry-on luggage on most airlines, making it perfect for long rugged hikes internationally.
Often times, I need to bring my fully-featured day hiking pack on long hikes internationally, and this includes places like Kjerag in Norway.
Pros
The Osprey Manta 34 backpack offers numerous benefits that make it stand out from the crowd. Here are some of its standout features:
Comfort
One of the standout features of this day pack is its "LightWire Alloy" frame. While most day hiking packs don't have internal frames, this frame provides excellent back ventilation, weight stability, and weight transfer to the hips. Combined with the padded hip belt and shoulder straps, this pack ensures a comfortable hiking experience.
Organization
The Osprey Manta 34 features ample pockets and compartments for better organization. The front zippered compartment has an internal zippered mesh compartment, perfect for storing wallets and keys. Additionally, there are outer mesh pockets for items like compasses and first aid kits. The main compartment is spacious and can hold bulky jackets and other essential gear. The pack also has pockets for water bottles and zippered hip belt pockets for easy access to smaller items.
Versatility
While designed for hiking, the Osprey Manta 34 can be repurposed for various other activities. Its roomy main compartment can fit a DSLR camera and laptop case, making it ideal for travel and photography needs. The pack's external loops allow you to attach trekking poles or tripods, further increasing its versatility. Additionally, the included rain cover ensures your gear stays dry in changing weather conditions.
Cons
While the Osprey Manta 34 is an exceptional backpack, there are a few minor drawbacks worth mentioning:
Small Hip Belt Clip and Webbing
The webbing and hip belt clip between the hip belt themselves are somewhat thin and fragile. Though Osprey offers a lifetime warranty, it's still important to note that these components have the potential to fail, impacting the weight transfer mechanism.
It's Technically Not Carry-On Compliant
The official dimensions of the Osprey Manta 34 exceed the standard carry-on size restrictions imposed by most airlines. While I've managed to bring it on my trips without issues, it might not pass the guidelines of all airlines. This pack's curved internal frame further complicates fitting it into tight spaces.
Some Nitpicky Non-Deal-Breaker Issues
There are a few minor annoyances that come with any pack, such as the hydration pack magnet coming loose frequently and the lack of symmetry in external loops. However, these are overshadowed by the overall benefits the Osprey Manta 34 provides.
Final Thoughts / Conclusion
In my 20+ years of chasing waterfalls and traveling the world, the Osprey Manta 34 has proven to be the best day pack I've ever used. Its comfort, organization, and versatility set it apart from the rest. While it's not perfect, it comes incredibly close, making it my go-to backpack for all my travel, photography, and hiking needs. Trust me, when you're out in the wilderness, this backpack is a reliable companion worth investing in.
The Osprey Manta 34 is for hikers who demand performance in their backpacks.
