Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack Backpack Review

The Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack is a 34-liter backpack with multiple compartments, a hydration bladder, and adjustable straps to fit most figures.

This backpack is a great option for day hikers, shorter backpacking trips, and hot weather hiking.

I’ve used this backpack for quite a while, both in warm and cold months. This is my review of the Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack Backpack based on my experience.

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Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack Key Specs and Overview

• Pack Capacity: 34 liters
• Hydration Bladder: Up to 2.5 liters
• Weight: 3 lbs. 8 oz.
• Frame Type: Internal Frame
• Ventilation System: Highly ventilated AirSpeed suspension is improved with a molded ladder torso adjuster
• Rain Cover Included: Yes
• Gender-Specific Fit: Yes
• Price Range: Under $150

PRICE UPDATE: I bought mine for over $200. Now, it’s under $150 because it’s discontinued. If you’re looking for something cheaper, you can buy it from REI before they quit selling it. If you buy through my link, I’ll earn a commission, but it won’t affect your price.

Design and Build Quality of the Backpack

The materials used on the Osprey Manta 34 hydration pack are 210-denier recycled high-tenacity nylon, 420-denier recycled high-tenacity nylon, and200-denier recycled polyester.

The frame material is a 4 mm powder-coated LightWire frame.

This product meets the bluesign® criteria and contains recycled materials.

The stitching, zippers, and durability of the backpack feel very strong and reliable. I have found it to be a great pack for hiking on the trail and off the trail in rugged conditions. I have not experienced any major wear and tear to the pack.

Comfort and Fit on the Trail

The suspension of the Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack is very comfortable and reliable.

It feels great on my back. The pack is an upgrade in terms of back comfort compared to other Osprey backpacks I’ve used. It seems like the company continues to improve on back comfort with their packs and the frames built into them.

The shoulder straps and hip belt are also very comfortable, and when adjusted correctly, help keep the pack on you.

I fully load my backpack with the 10 essentials of hiking. As long as you distribute the weight properly, the pack remains comfortable. I have found that the Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack is much lighter than other 34-liter backpacks I’ve used from the same company.

The pack remains comfortable and durable on longer hikes of 6 to 10 miles or more, based on my experience, even when fully loaded.

The pack is very breathable. I sweat a lot, even in winter. I have found the back frame to be very effective for breathing, keeping me dry and comfortable.

Ventilation and Back Panel System

The highly ventilated AirSpeed suspension frame system uses mesh components to enhance comfort and keep you dry.

Many backpacks result in back sweat. This pack is no different and will result in it, especially when loaded down. However, the frame and suspension system help ventilate the air in your back area to help it dry out and keep you comfortable.

Osprey has always done a great job of designing its packs to help keep your back cool and dry from moisture buildup when wearing a backpack.

There is a big difference between this pack and backpacks with just padded backs. The difference is in the suspension frame, which creates a void where air can enter and circulate. This keeps your back area drier and more comfortable.

I haven’t noticed my back getting too sweaty or nasty while wearing the pack on hotter days, so it must be doing its job very nicely.

Hydration System Performance

The hydration system is one of the key features of the Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack.

It can hold up to a 2.5-liter water bladder. The pack actually comes with a 2.5-liter bladder. It has its own compartment closest to your back, can be secured with a snap, and the hose is fed through the pack and down your left shoulder strap.

The drinking portion of the water bladder hose is a bite valve that is easy to use without hurting your teeth.

Refilling during your hike shouldn’t be that difficult. The included bladder closure is a slide-on sealing mechanism that is easy to use. You’d pretty much just unzip the pack, slide the top off, and fill up the bladder.

I have not found the bladder to slosh around that much or leak at all, but you do need to take care of it properly to prevent leaks.

There are also water bottle pockets if you prefer to carry them, or if you want to use the bladder system. In my opinion, you hydrate better using a water bladder. That’s because you can drink on the go, rather than having to stop and worry about getting your bottle out and back in securely.

Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack Storage and Organization

The storage and organization of the Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack is really where my negative points will focus.

The pack has a lot of great storage capacity. There is a larger storage compartment with a few internal smaller compartments. There is a small outer storage compartment and a nice open-mesh compression storage compartment in the back.

Two hip belt compartments are quite bigger than most of the other hip belt pockets I’ve seen on Osprey Packs.

There is a trekking pole attachment feature. You could also use this to hold an ice pick. I mainly use mine to carry my monopod for my GoPro while filming hikes for the YouTube Channel.

There are also dual side pockets for carrying water bottles, with drop-in pockets and access at the bottom of each.

My main gripe with the pockets is the water bottle pockets and the hip belt pockets. The water bottle pockets are so far back that you would have to take the pack off to get a bottle out or put it back in, and if you slide it into the bottom access point, your bottles will fall out if crawling or bending over to get around obstacles on the trail. The hip belt pocket zippers require both hands to zip up when they’re all the way unzipped, and the pockets are so far back that I have to try to jerk the side of the pack closer to me in order to be able zip up the pockets.

Weather Readiness and Rain Protection

The Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack is well-suited to most weather conditions and includes rain protection features.

The material used to make the pack was treated with a water repellent during manufacturing. This process was done without PFAS for those who are concerned. I find the material very water-repellent when hiking in rain and snow.

The pack is fairly water-resistant in light rain, but you will need to use the built-in rain cover during heavier rain, as it will likely let water in.

When using the pack in the rain and snow, I’ve never noticed my gear inside being wet. It doesn’t seem to trap any moisture inside the pack, either. I have found the Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack to be very waterproof for the most part.

Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack Pros and Cons

These are the pros and cons of the Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack based on my own experience.

Pros:

• The pack is lightweight and very comfortable when the straps are adjusted correctly.
• It has a lot of storage compartments, 34 liters of gear capacity, and 2.5 liters of water bladder space.
• The pack is water-resistant and includes a built-in rain cover for heavier rain.
• The ventilation system and suspension frame provide both comfort and keep your back drier, especially in warmer conditions.

Cons:

• The side pockets for water bottles are hard to use while wearing the pack because they’re positioned so far back and are tall.
• The side pockets have bottom access that lets you easily slide in your bottles, but they tend to fall out when bending down or crawling.
• The hip belt pockets are hard to zip with one hand, and they’re so far back that you almost have to take the pack off to zip them.
• The pack seems to have been discontinued.

Final Verdict for the Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack

The Osprey Manta 34 Hydration Pack is a nice backpack, but I am disappointed in it.

Had I known how hard the water bottle pocket access would be and how problematic the hip belt pocket zipper would be, I would have looked for a different pack. Of course, I’m a fan of Osprey, so I would have looked for another option from them. Now, I’m stuck with this pack because it’s new and I don’t want to spend more money buying another one.

If I were a little skinnier, these problems probably wouldn’t be so bad. If you’re very fit, the pack might be great for you.

This pack is discontinued, so the price is lower right now. If you want to take your chances, you can get it now from REI for $131.83, with black as the only color option. Using my link will pay me a commission but won’t affect your price.

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