Osprey Men's Manta 20 Hydration Pack

This is really a great pack. I use it every day to run commute all over. I'm particularly impressed by the way this pack dries off after every run. Through heavy rain or just a normal sweaty run, the next time I'm headed out the door this pack has always been dry. Not only that, but it has kept my cargo dry too (the most important part!). The rain cover is a key feature in my mind that does it's job quite well. The pack is itself is water resistant too. Which is nice when the faucets turn on during the middle of a run.I also do all my grocery shopping with this pack, so I've tested the limits of it's capacity fairly well. The most I could fit (it was stuffed to the brim!) was about ~30 lbs (~14 kg) of goods. Now running with that load is an adventure, but with all the straps on this pack it can be done. This pack tightens down very well for smaller loads too.I tend to chafe with ease, but this pack has not been too bad in that regard. With heavier loads I have noticed some more pressure on my lower back that has lead to light chafing. On the whole though, I was bracing myself for I much more difficult break in period. I have a ~32 in (~81 cm) waist, and found that the waist strap is just barley reaching a tightness level that I feel comfortable with, so I imagine a thinner person might not be able to achieve a snug fit. Also, the chest strap lands ~3 in (~8 cm) below my collarbone.I do most of my journeying within a 10 mile radius, and I tend to bring quite a bit of cargo. That being said I haven't used the hydration system at all, so I can't make any informed comments about it... except that it looks like it would work really well.

I bought this pack for mountain biking in the winter months as I tend to need more room for cold weather gear for early morning rides (leggings, fleece vest, etc.) and then take some items off as the day gets warmer. More room than my Camelbak Hawg (14L) that I will still use in the summer months. The Manta 20 is very well made and I really like that it is not over-engineered with too many pockets, and sits very well on my somewhat long torso.However, the bladder cap tends to leak unless you tighten it very carefully. I've used Camelbaks for years and have never had this problem - I was surprised by this minor issue with the Osprey as the company has such a great reputation. Other than this the bladder works great and I really like the magnet on the sternum strap. I noticed that the new Osprey packs use a different bladder that hopefully has a redesigned cap.

The clip that holds the water valve on the shoulder strap was already broken when I opened the box. I will have to unfortunately use it because my 2 week trip starts tomorrow and there is no time to send it back to get another one. Hopefully Osprey holds true to their guarantee as I will definitely be looking to get this replaced or returned. As of right now I do not see the justification for the price of the backpack.

The main problem with the bag is that the straps are a little too close to the center line of the bag when they join the top. This means that if the bag moves at all the straps rub against your neck and chafe terribly. This is exacerbated by the fact that even with all the straps (belt, chest, etc) pulled tight the bag moves while running unless its packed full. That said if you throw some extra stuff in the bag so that its full and has some weight it can sit well and not move. On the plus side, it is a pretty spacious bag and you can bring shoes along with a full set of clothes.Overall, for runners and run commuters I would solidly recommend the Blue Seventy Brick Bag over this.

I did a lot of research before making a decision on a new hydration pack. I chose the Osprey line of packs due to the many reviews I've read. I was not disappointed at all once I received the pack. It is comfortable for starters, lots of adjustment to make it fit just right. The quality seems OUTSTANDING, but time will tell. I love the bladder and there was no plastic or odd taste whatsoever even the first time I used it. The pockets are roomy enough for everything I need to carry for a days worth or mtn. biking. The hip belt pockets are nice for items that need to be easily accessed, like a phone or powerbar etc.... While riding, my back used to get soaked from sweat on every ride. I could not believe my back was dry after riding, this was one of the features that weighed heavily in my decision making process to purchase this pack. The airflow on my back is super nice. The pack fits snug while riding and was very comfortable once adjusted correctly. I have yet to try the rain cover but feel that it will perform flawlessly as the rest of the pack has. I highly recommend this pack to anyone that likes carrying lots of stuff on the trails so you don't get stranded. I plan on using it as a daypack for hiking as well. I highly recommend this pack!!

This is the perfect day hike bag. The 3 liter water bladder and the storage compartment for it is fantastic. Easily cleaned and easy to put ice into it to keep the water cold. It has plenty of storage compartments and plenty of room for all your day hike necessities. Easily holds my windbreaker/rain jacket, first aid kits, snacks, wallet, multitool, etc. this could easily be used on a lightweight overnighter. It fits well, straps on securely and the ventilation recess for your back is excellent. It has loops to stash your trekking poles while not needed. Overall I have absolutely no regrets or second thoughts on buying this. I highly recommend Osprey packs!

This is my first hydration pack and it was purchased based on a friends recommendation. It holds plenty for a day hike and is very comfortable with the air layer between the pack and your back. I especially like the fact that it came with the hydration bladder and I did not have to worry about finding one to fit. The rain cover is very convenient as we live in the mountains of Panama and frequent rainshowers are a fact of life. Like the way you can attach small items for easy access on the front of the pack.I am 5'8" and it is a bit large for me. Wish I had gotten one a bit smaller but it is a bit of a hassle to return so will continue to use and enjoy.