We've been using a pre-production sample of
Osprey's new for 2010, Manta 25 Hydraulics
hydration pack for a while now and we thought we'd fill
you in with some initial user impressions and in particular, our take
on the unique bladder system.
We
outlined
the pack back in August, but to recap, what makes it quite different
from other hydration systems we've tried is the integration between the
bladder and the pack itself.
The custom-made Hydraulics bladder has a stiffened, foam back which means it's
free-standing and far easier to fill than a conventional reservoir
thanks to an integrated handle. It also slips easily into the hydration
compartment in the pack, even when it's fully loaded and the bladder is
filled.
That's a massive boon for mid-trip fill ups which normally means you
have to partially empty the pack to squeeze the bladder in. With the
Manta, it simply slides easily into position, which is great.
Next you simply do up the twin buckles over the bladder opening and
tension the straps. Doing this puts the bladder under some pressure and
is reckoned to force feed water to the bite valve. It definitely does
do this, the water is under gentle pressure, and the real plus of this
is that even though the valve isn't - in our opinion - as good as a
Camelbak valve, the pressure feed means that it works well and we've
not felt the urge to swap it out.
It also seems to keep pressure even when the bladder is nearly empty.
To put that in perspective, the lack of a pressurised bladder isn't
something we've ever been aware of and most full packs will put some
pressure on the hydration reservoir anyway.
But so far, the answer is a definite positive. Particularly when it
comes to inserting the bladder into a loaded pack.
The rest of the Manta 25 is, as you's expect from Osprey, top notch. It
sits low and comfy on the back with a combination of mesh, alloy
Atmos-style frame and Exos-type Airscape ridged foam is comfortable and
supportive giving a good carry even when loaded.
There's no lack of pockets either with twin belt pockets, two zipped
pouches on the back of the pack and two stretch bottle pockets with
compression straps which will run over or under the contents depending
on how you adjust them.
You also get Stow On The Go to hold your poles, a cycling helmet
storage loop and a magnet that holds the bite valve on the sternum
strap buckle, though in fact it's too weak and is going to be boosted
in strength for production.
Carry is generally good, but the 25 is quite large and unless it was
fully loaded we found it hard to cinch down enough for stable running
use - the contents tend to bounce about.
So, so far, we're cautiously impressed, both by overall build quality
and attention to detail and by the way the Hydraulics hydration element of the
pack works. At 25 litres, this version of the Manta is large enough for summer and even lightweight winter daypack use and a serious alternative to Osprey's own daypack options for the hydration conscious.
More detailed report once we caned the Manta over the autumn and early
winter. The pack and it's smaller relatives plus the bike-specific
Raptor range available in early 2010.
More Osprey information at
www.ospreypacks.com
Matt C
