Osprey Manta 34 Review – Adjustable Torso Size

This Osprey Manta 34 Review is about the new version of the famous Osprey’s hydration daypack for men, which is now without AG in the name and in the design, and with an adjustable torso length.

Key features

What this is about

The Osprey Manta series has been around for at least 6 years already, this is how long I have seen it around. It has been reshaped in the past, and it is reshaped again this year, the summary of changes is given in my separate post.

If you are familiar with this series, you will realize that this new pack has no letters AG in the name. The meaning of these is ‘anti-gravity’, this is for those who are new to these packs. The practical meaning of this is that the back panel is completely different now, more below. You can realize how different it is now if you compare it with the Mira AG 34 which is the same design as the Manta AG 34.

This is still a panel loading pack with a zipper for the entrance to the main compartment, but it is reshaped both from the front and from the back. It is built in one size only and in two colors, see the pictures. Note that they also have Mira packs for men with the same features but with a women-specific design and different colors.

The pack comes with a rain cover included (shown below) and stored in its own separate pocket on the bottom.

Hydraulics LT 2.5 Reservoir

There is also the Hydraulics LT 2.5 Reservoir included and it has its own separate compartment behind the harness. Note that you have a magnetic attachment of the hose to the sternum strap.

Suspension

The pack is supported by a metal frame that goes along the perimeter of the back. The back panel is what they call the AirSpeed with a tensioned mesh and you have ventilation and airflow in all directions. But now you do not have the continuous tensioned mesh which extends all the way to the hip belt. The transition to the hip belt is completely different and you can see this in the picture.

So in a way, this is a step back in this Manta series, the initial model from 6-7 years ago was with the somewhat similar back panel, and later they introduced the AG design, only to reverse the hip belt now again to a more ‘standard’ look. It is not clear to me why Osprey decided to remove the AG system. But this is not the only difference in the suspension, keep reading.

Adjustable torso size

So this adjustability is big news here. The torso length can be changed now so the pack is more versatile and several family members can use it after adjusting the shoulder harness. The picture below shows the suspension system as it is now, this is not the AG system any longer but I do not think it is for the worse:

The adjustability of the torso size here is in the range of 5 inches and you have several discrete positions where you can attach the harness, these are just toggles and slots, simple and effective. So this is not a continuous attachment system based on the usual Velcro.

The hip belt is with some padding which is good enough for such a size, and it is covered with a very breathable mesh. The padding on the shoulder harness is excellent, you also have load lifters and an adjustable sternum strap.

Other features

Pockets

• Dual zippered pockets are on the hip belt.
• One zippered scratch-free pocket is on the top.
• Yet another zippered pocket is on the front and it has 3 internal organization pockets.
• One large stretch mesh pocket is on the front, it is bigger than what you can see in the previous AG version.
• Side stretch mesh pockets for water bottles or any similar elongated items. Note that here you have dual access for bottles.
• One extra pocket is there for the rain cover.

This makes it 7+1 pockets, plus three inner pockets in the front pocket. Not bad at all for such a small pack.

Straps & attachment elements

• You have dual side compression straps.
• Osprey’s Stow-On-The-Go trekking pole attachment system is in place here.
• The pack is with a tool loop on the bottom, paired with a bungee tie-off.
• There is also a loop for light attachment on the back.

Please see more about the new Manta & Mira series in this video:

Specifications

• Best use: day hiking.
• Weight: 3 lb 1.4 oz (1.4 kg) – this is without the reservoir.
• Capacity: 2075 in³ (34 l).
• Dimensions: 22 x 14 x 14 in (56 x 36 x 36 cm).
• Fits torso: 17 – 22 in (43 – 56 cm).
• Fits waist: 25 – 50 in (64 – 127 cm).
• Material: 210D nylon/500D nylon packcloth.
• Frame: 4 mm LightWire alloy.

Final thoughts, rating, pros & cons

This pack is on the market with a high price but bear in mind the bonus rain cover and the reservoir. If you would order them separately this would cost around $57 in total. In view of this, the price looks reasonable for such a quality pack. Please see how I rate it:

Osprey Packs Manta 34 Hydration Pack

9.3

Volume/Weight ratio

8.4/10

Features & Bonuses

9.7/10

Comfort

9.8/10

Pros

• Great ventilation.
• Rain cover.
• Bonus reservoir.
• Excellent torso size adjustment system.

Cons

• No bottom straps.

Buy from Amazon

Buy from Osprey

Buy from REI

The corresponding pack for women in this series is Osprey Mira 32 with the same features. There is yet another pack in this new version of the Manta series, the Manta 24, so have a look if you need a smaller pack.

Note that this is not a sponsored text and I have no business relationship with the manufacturer. Please use the comment box below in the case of questions or comments. Have a nice day.