MANTA AG™ 28

Comments about Osprey MANTA AG™ 28:

I bought this bag to replace my old Stratos 34. I changed to the Manta because unlike the current line up of Stratos packs, it has black shoulder straps. Note to Osprey: Light grey/white lining on shoulder straps and back panel turn yellow or brown over time from sweat/sunscreen/dirt and it's very difficult to clean.

The Manta 28 seemed fantastic at first, but I ended up returning it because the pack was squeaking very loudly as I walked with it. Since then, I have met many people hiking with Manta packs and asked them about the noise. While some people do not care about it and some packs are not as loud as mine was, it turns out they all squeak! Osprey has always been my go to brand for backpacks, but now I'm hesitant to buy again.

Comments about Osprey MANTA AG™ 28:

I use this for travel, commute and hiking. To be honest, its a great pack... but i do have one complaint: the hip belt. The hip belt is pretty rigid, and i dont need it all the time.

Im a larger guy (6'2", 240lbs). The hip belt naturally is designed for a more... compact person.... than me. Its good enough for hikes, but during commuting i dont need a hip belt. The foam makes it incredibly thick and, most importantly, impossible to get out of the way when they aren't needed if i could remove the foam or get the hip packs out of the way this pack would go from a 4 start to a 5 star

Comments about Osprey MANTA AG™ 28:

I'm awaiting my second Mantra. I purchased my first 2 years ago and it has been through the ringer. I run commute from 5-10 miles per day, rain or shine, hot or cold. I've climbed mountains or just long trails on day hikes. This pack has carried quite a bit in its day. I'm retiring the original as the fabric is starting to show wear from this extreme abuse, but my order is in for my next one. I'll still use this original, just not as roughly as in the past, there are many years left in the pack. Love the design, weight, fit and comfort. You rarely even notice you have the pack on.

Comments about Osprey MANTA AG™ 28:

Bought this pack for my Mount Whitney summit. I shopped various other Osprey packs and other brands and this was the most comfortable, had the best strap system and the best storage. Wore it on 3 training hikes and for Whitney. The pack sat with perfect balance on my shoulders and hips. The side hip pockets were great for GU and other snacks. I was able to get one bladder in the designated pocket and another in the main compartment and still had room for extra clothes and food. My only complaint is the bladder that came with it. Not only is 2.5L a little too small for a long hike, but the bite valve is restrictive. I swapped it out and used 2 Camelback bladders I already had. Only problem now is that I need to find more long hikes so I can use this cool pack.

Comments about Osprey MANTA AG™ 28:

After searching any reviews and even buying and returning some other packs I settled on the Manta AG. Lightweight, good colour (green stops it looking so filthy) super adjustable and very breathable. I am using it on my hike across Israel so breathability was most important. Also the size is super perfect for a multi day hike or just as a day pack. So many pockets and compartments to store my items. I manage to fill it to the brim and still seem to have some wiggle room for extras.
My one and only nitpick with it is that the hip straps are very solid and don't bend so much so when you place the bag on the floor, if you have loaded it from heavy it will always fall forwards. I am hoping that after much use the straps will loosen a little but I guess this is part of the design.
But if you do not mind resting your bag against something to keep it upright, again not a huge issue but does get annoying at times, then this bag is perfect.

Comments about Osprey MANTA AG™ 28:

I purchased this pack a few weeks ago and have been on a couple of hikes with it so far. The pack itself is great. Very comfortable and stable. The AG system makes adjustment easy and very customizable. Loading the pack is easy and access to gear is great. I love the loop zippers that Osprey use, favorite zippers ever! The downfall of this pack is the hydration bladder. One of the main reasons I started using Osprey packs was because of the bladder. I was tired of using bladders that sagged and bulged in my pack, the Osprey bladder had a rigid back that made it form well in the pack and also easy to take in and out of the pack with water in it (especially with a loaded pack). The bladder that comes with the Manta AG is the 2.5L LT, this bladder does not have a rigid back and so I'm right back to having all the problems that drove me away from my previous gear. I've been told that I can buy an upgraded bladder for retail price to use in the pack. Sorry Osprey but if I'm spending this much on a pack I'm definitely not spending more for a quality bladder, it should be part of the package. Unfortunately I will be returning the pack, I love the pack itself but the bladder is a deal breaker.

Comments about Osprey MANTA AG™ 28:

Great pack for mountain biking hiking everyday use to work. People should buy this pack