Review: Osprey Manta 34L Backpack
I carried the 2019 version of the Osprey Manta 34L backpack through Portugal and Spain on the Camino de Santiago and recommend it most highly. In fact, I believe this is one of the best backpacks for the Camino de Santiago or any supported distance hike.
I’ve owned two versions of the Osprey Manta backpack over the years.
The first, the 2016 Manta 36 AG, incorporated Osprey’s Anti-Gravity mesh backpanel into the design. While organizationally it was a fantastic pack, the AG suspension created an annoying squeak with every step. This became a well-known flaw with the 2016 packs and – as a result – the Manta was universally unpopular with hikers.
Fast forward to 2019, Osprey re-launched the Manta (and the women-specific Mira) with a new, fully-adjustable version of its AirSpeed suspension while keeping all of the most beloved features of the Manta series, including a dedication hydration compartment to hold a water reservoir, an integrated rain cover, and dual upper + lower compression straps to optimize carry, making the Osprey Manta and Mira packs one of the brand’s top-performers in the low/mid-capacity segment.
 |
Osprey Manta 34LThe Manta’s lightweight, open mesh AirSpeed backpanel delivers superior ventilation, an improved adjustable torso design provides you with a first-rate fit, and an integrated raincover ensures everything stays dry. A spacious main compartment holds everything you need (and maybe a few things you don’t!) |
The Manta 34L is an ideal pack for the Camino de Santiago or any distance hike where a low/mid-capacity pack is key. While you can find several lighter packs in this capacity, it would be very difficult to find one that offered such great organization. In addition to the main pocket and the hydration pocket, the Osprey Manta and Mira series packs feature two side stretch pockets for water bottles, a scratch-free slash pocket for sunglasses, a front mesh stuff pouch, two additional front zippered compartments, and three internal mesh pockets. These packs also have zippered storage pockets on both sides of the adjustable hipbelt.
 |
 |
 |
The new 3D tensioned mesh AirSpeed backpanel allows you to dial in the perfect fit for all body types while optimizing airflow behind the pack to create an extremely comfortable carry. This is a critical feature to keep you cool on the trail, especially in hot or humid areas such as the Camino de Santiago, the southeast USA or southwest USA. Weighing in at only 3.09 pounds (1.4 kg), Osprey lists a recommended carry weight of up to 30 pounds (13 kg) for the Manta and Mira series rucksacks.
Both the Osprey Manta 34L and the ladies Mira 32L meet all airline’s requirements for cabin baggage, so these are great carry-on size packs for USA domestic or international travel.
Osprey Manta 34L
| Features: |  (5 / 5) |
| Comfort: | (5 / 5) |
| Durability: | (5 / 5) |
| Packability: | (5 / 5) |
| Adjustability: | (5 / 5) |
| Value: | (5 / 5) |
| Average: | (5 / 5) |
As of May 2019, the Osprey Manta 34L and women’s specific Mira 32L retail for $180. While not inexpensive, the Osprey Manta and Mira packs represent a great overall value, as well. Both the men’s and women’s versions include a 2.5L water reservoir and an integrated rain cover, saving you upwards of $70-$90. The very solid construction (210-denier nylon/500-denier nylon packcloth) of these packs means that they will hold up for years to come in all circumstances and – if something does happen – Osprey offers its lifetime warranty for any damage or defect. Both the men’s and women’s packs are also available in one smaller capacity.
NOTE: I purchased the Osprey Manta 34L on my own and did not receive any incentive for providing this review. The views expressed regarding this product are mine alone based on my own experience using this backpack. If you purchase an item linked from this site, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.
Husband. Father. Backpacker. Pilgrim. Author.
After years of section hiking the Florida Trail and Appalachian Trail, I set out in 2019 to complete the Camino de Santiago through Portugal and Spain. The experience changed the direction of my life and I’ve been walking in pilgrimage ever since. My recent journeys include the California Mission Walk and England’s Pilgrims’ Way from London to Canterbury. I’m currently walking sections of the Via Francigena through Europe to Rome.
Follow me on social media or walk virtually alongside me on the Sacred Steps Podcast and in my upcoming book, Sacred Steps: A Pilgrimage Journal.