New Osprey Manta & Mira Series are now on the market and in my view these packs are better than ever, so keep reading and find out more.
What is new & different
I assume you are familiar with these excellent packs by Osprey so I am not going to present them in detail. If you want details about the new version, please check my Osprey Manta 34 pack review. On the other hand, if you want to see more about the previous AG series (which is still on the market), please check my texts about Osprey Mira AG 34, or Osprey Manta 28 AG packs.
There is a lot of new now so here is the comparison list, I hope I shall not miss anything important:
- There are only two packs in each of the two series, Osprey Manta 34 and Osprey Manta 24 for men, and Mira 32 & Mira 22 for women. As you probably know, each of the previous AG series includes 3 packs, you can see Osprey Manta AG 20, Osprey Manta 28 AG, and Osprey Manta 36. And in the previous AG Mira series for women, there are packs of 18, 26, and 34 liters.
- New Manta & Mira series are not AG any longer. So the hip belt is totally different and there is no continuous tensioned mesh from the back panel to the hip belt. But you still have tensioned trampoline style mesh on the back panel and ventilation is excellent. Note that they have launched new Aether & Ariel packs that are non-AG as well.
- The torso length is adjustable now, and this is the most important change and improvement in the new packs.
- In the new 2019 version, there is no front shove-it pocket with buckles which you had in the larger AG packs in these series.
- The new version has an attachment loop on the bottom, and it is paired with a bungee tie-off. As far as I remember this has never been there in the previous versions of these packs.
- Colors are different.
So I see this new 2019 version a bit like a step back towards the starting 2013 model. It is not clear to me why Osprey decided to abolish the AG design in this particular series, while they are introducing it (or at least something similar to it) into many of their series. Please see more about the new version in this video:
So are the new 2019 Osprey Manta & Mira series better
I think the answer could be – yes, and here are some arguments that might confirm such a statement.
In the previous AG design, the full tension in the back mesh is created only when you spread the hip belt fins and put the pack on the body. In this tensioning, even the hip belt becomes separated from the body and it is thus ventilated. So it is difficult to find anything better, this is the area of the body where you will sweat most.
But regardless of this, if the hip belt is not properly in place, the pack cannot be comfortable for carrying the weight. This is why you have an adjustable torso size in the new version, so you can properly position the hip belt at the place where it should be. So the hip belt in the new version is less ventilated but it can be better positioned. I think I would rather have such an option than an improperly positioned hip belt and this is the only reason why the new version is better. With such a design, several family members can use the same pack and always have a perfect torso fit.
On the other hand, I wonder why they did not add the torso adjustability to the existing AG design, this is doable and they have it in some of their AG (or AG inspired) series.
However, if your AG Manta or Mira pack’s hip belt is just at a right place, and you have a perfect torso size for its fixed shoulder harness, you should not consider buying the new version. Besides, the AG packs have that extra shove-it storage area on the front which is missing in the new version.
Note that ventilation on the back in the new version with trampoline mesh is as good as it can possibly be. But the previous AG mesh really looked cool and it was adding ventilation to the hip belt as well.
What do you think? There is a comment box below so please share your thoughts.
Adriana Palmeira says
I have a question is the Women’s Mira bag very different form the Men’s Manta. My local REI doesnt have Mira but I tried Manta and I liked it but I am wondering if I should get specifically the Mira for women. Please advice. Thank you
Jovo says
Hi Adriana. Here is what this is about. They build parallel versions for men and women because an “average” man is differently built than an “average” woman. Usually, men have broader shoulders and then the packs have shoulder harness wider as compared to women’s version. Also, models for women tend to have the hip belt differently profiled to follow the “average” woman’s shape, the lumbar padding may be different, colors are different. But this is all about some fictive “average” users.
The bottom line is: if the pack suits you as you say, go for it. There are no essential differences, this is all about comfort, so if the pack is comfortable then this is the pack for you. These are great packs just to know.
Jerry Ash says
I am 71 of age, and back can’t handle short packs like the condor I gave to my daughter. I don’t want to give up my mountain hikes. After lots of videos, etc I decided on the osprey manta 24, I hope the torso belt will keep the weight on my legs and hips and off my back I am 5 ft, 9 inches, 160 lbs, and average preportion. torso measurements fall within range listed for pack.. Your thoughts please. I am a minimalist, so don’t load heavy.
Jovo says
Hi Jerry, no you should not give up your mountain hikes, I am 60 now and can understand you well. When my wife tells me to give up from it, I reply ‘you cannot be serious’.
This is a great pack and it will work as you describe if this is your torso range, it will sit on your hips as it should. I have described Manta 24 in detail in my separate post. All the best.