Arc'teryx  Mantis 26 L Pack

I just received my Mantis 26 in the Lodestar color today. At the time of writing, REI hasn’t uploaded a product photo for this color, so if you're unsure what it looks like, feel free to check out the pictures I’ve attached (note: I’ve already removed the waist strap). In my opinion, the color strikes a great balance—if black/gold feels too bold, Lodestar offers a stylish and more neutral alternative. I really like it! I bought this pack primarily for everyday commuting and occasional one-day hikes, but its 26L capacity also makes it a great option for light travel. The organization is thoughtful: it features two separate front pockets (they don’t share the same space), a mid-sized pocket (which isn’t very large), and a roomy main compartment. Inside, there’s a sleeve that fits a 13-inch laptop or a hydration bladder. That said, I do have a couple of suggestions for improvement. First, the shoulder straps are quite narrow—some smaller packs actually use wider ones—which affects long-term comfort. Second, I wish the bottom had a flat or reinforced base so the pack could stand on its own when set down.

Honestly, not sure what the hype is all about. I love their products in general, In particular the ski clothes as the quality is outstanding. I bought this backpack with great anticipation only to be continually let down. Two of my biggest frustrations are the first being. The shoulder straps are far too narrow if you put any weight in this thing at all and they tend to dig into your shoulders. Unbelievable how something this simple was overlooked. The second real glaring omission is there is no strap across the backpack that you can put it on the handle of a rolling suitcase when you're traveling... again very odd that they would admit such a common normal accessory on backpacks today. I really can't endorse this backpack at all and will be replacing it very shortly

Great backpack for my drinking glasses, clothes, and everything. The waterproof backpack allows me to avoid worrying about getting wet in harsh environments