How to Choose Daypacks

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The updated Osprey Manta AG 28 hydration pack features an Anti-Gravity™ Suspension system, sleek exterior and organization, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of trail adventures.
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View the Osprey Manta Product LineView all Osprey DaypacksBest Use | Hiking |
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Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Liquid Capacity (L) | 2.5 liters |
Liquid Capacity (fl. oz.) | 85 |
Adjustable Torso Length | Yes |
Material(s) | 210-denier nylon |
BPA Free | Yes |
Frame Material | Steel alloy |
Pack Access | Front/top/side/back |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 3+ main compartment |
Hipbelt | Yes |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Bite Valve Shut-off Switch | Yes |
Suspended Mesh Back Panel | Yes |
Gender | Men's |
Wide-Mouth Opening | Yes |
Quick Disconnect Tubing | Yes |
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I needed something bigger than my older Camelbak hydration pack that could only fit some keys and a wallet for some day hikes since moving to Sothern California. It felt like I had nothing on my back. Most of the weight ends up on your hips and it's amazing how little you think about what's on your back or the weight. I love Osprey and especially their AG system. I have the Atmos 50 AG and it's why I bought this day pack. It's the perfect size for mountain biking and day hiking, which I do both of. Highly recommended.
The manta 28 AG is the perfect day pack. It’s easily the most comfortable backpack I’ve ever worn because of the anti gravity suspension system. Even a fully loaded pack with 20+ pounds feels weightless in comparison to traditional packs and there is no pressure on your shoulders whatsoever. After a 4 hour long hike in the mountains it felt as if I wasn’t wearing a backpack at all. The ventilation is great, the addition of the water bladder is a great deal, and you will love this pack. As a side note, this pack runs a little small on the sizing, I am 5’8” and I find the M/L to fit best. Definitely try both sizes on before you purchase.
I love this pack for the way it fits. I have a 32 waste and very narrow hips. All other packs keep sliding down. This pack stays above my hips and because of the internal frame takes the weight off my shoulders. I also love the way the water reservoir easily goes into the pack without much effort. I hate the noise this pack makes. It squeaks, creaks, rattles, etc. I tried lots of things to stop the noises, even wrote to Osprey. It just got worse with time. This is a great pack if you are hiking next to a bubbling stream, near a busy highway, in a strong whistling wind, or with a very talkative friend. Most of the time no-one wanted to hike behind me. I ended up returning the pack. Thank you REI for your great return policy.
Bought just before going to Yosemite... put in 3 long day hikes in hot weather that required extra gear/ water. I was impressed with the fit and capacity. Never gave the pack a thought during the grueling hikes, I guess that's about the best thing you can say about a pack! Can't comment on durability yet, but the warranty makes it almost irrelevant. Can't wait to get back on the trail.
Lots of features, build quality is excellen, comfortable and a great suspension system but...the suspension system is kind of overkill for a pack this size. It's nice but your just not going to fit enough weight inside to warrant the full-backpack straps and belt. The main compartments is divided in two, which is great for organizing but it takes away from the amount of stuff you can fit in it. Would rather just have one BIG compartment and several small accessory pockets. Finally, it squeaks. There are lots of internet complaints about this. I found it really annoying on long hikes. Maybe Osprey can fix this, but I may return it.
I bought this pack to take up Mount Elbert last week. Throughout the entire 7 hour climb and descent, not once did my back or shoulders ache with a full load. The AG system is well worth the cost over the regular Manta pack IMO, it hugs your waist better than any other pack I've used. Overall: outstanding build quality, versatility and comfort and hits the sweet spot for capacity for a single day (or even two) hike.
This pack is the perfect size for extended day hikes or ultralight overnight excursions. Fit is superb - easily the best fitting pack I have ever owned, and it's not even close. The features are above and beyond, but not so many that it becomes cumbersome. Access to internal compartments is excellent, stow-on-the-go trekking pole attachment convenient as always and the zippered pockets on hip belt make keeping the camera, snacks or compass easily accessible. I love that it has an attached rain cover with it's own dedicated pocket...most packs in the size and price range don't include a rain cover. I just wish the pack came with the 3L bladder as opposed to the 2.5L one. Not a big deal, but I like the added volume of the slightly larger bladder. These newer bladders do seem easier to clean and the quick-connect and angled bite valve is a big improvement over previous versions.
They got this one right. The weight is transfered to your hips. My old packs would give my mid back pain if I hiked longer than 4 miles. At first my hip bones we a little sore but now they are use to being weight bearing. The only thing that can be improved is a bigger waist pouch or put a cell phone pouch on the front straps. Plenty of room and the inside pockets keep my sandwich from getting squished. The straps that run across the bottom and top of the pack help distribute the weight of your load. The only time I couldn't distribute the load is when I collected 2 medium size rocks to pack out (my fault totally ).
I am 6'2" 175 lb and was worried this pack would not fit my long torso, however, the shoulder and load lifter straps adjust enough to fit me very well. The AG suspension system is awesome, I've loaded this guy up with 30 lbs of stuff and it's more comfortable than my larger 70L backpacking pack at the same weight. I chose this model over some of Osprey's other day hike / multi-purpose medium hydration packs for the trekking pole loops, and they work great. The included rain cover has been used once in a heavy downpour and kept the pack completely dry. Only very minor complaint is that the hip belts stay wrapped around pretty far even after removing the pack, which makes swinging the pack off to retrieve something from the mesh pocket (like a map) a bit unwieldy when swinging back around to keep moving quickly. Problem solved by bringing a friend on your hike so you don't have to remove your pack. Bladder design is excellent and the 2.5L capacity gives plenty of water, even for long and hot summer dayhikes here in Georgia. Side pockets are a little snug, but better than your nalgene or other items falling out. Pack those in first, before the main compartment. It also fits reasonably under the seat of an airplane for travel use as the personal item. Very happy with this pack so far, final test will be a single overnight trip to see if all my gear fits in this one or if I should have gone with the 36.
Compared to the amazon backpack I got (which was highly rated) this thing is much better. 8hrs feels like nothing with the AG suspension system. I will Update again if I have any issues with further hikes.