The Manta 25 is one of Osprey's new range of Hydraulics, hydration packs aimed at walkers, runners, bikers - although there's also a bike-specific version called the Raptor. The 25-litre version tested is aimed at 'day-long adventures' and is large enough to be a full-on day pack rather than a slimmed-down hydration-specific pack.
Technical Lowdown
The major innovations with the Manta are in the Nalgene-made HydraLock bladder system. Unlike other hydration reservoirs, this one has a rigid foam back and is coupled with a compartment designed to be loadable even when the pack is full.
The next interesting tweak is that by closing and tensioning two buckles, the reservoir is actually put under pressure which is intended to speed up flow to the bite valve. Finally this, has a twist on and off locking action and an integral magnet which holds the valve securely to the sternum buckle and stops it flapping around.
Elsewhere you get all the usual Osprey features - a stretch harness, a back system combining a perimiter LiteWire frame with a mesh and ridged foam centre and lots and lots of pockets.
More information in this Osprey video:
How It Performed
We've had the Manta on test for months now after getting our paws on a prototype and it's been well used. First, we do think the reservoir element of the pack has some real pluses. As Osprey says, you can slide it into the pack even when it's fully loaded, no unpacking and repacking for mid-trip fill-ups. The handle on the reservoir makes filling through the big opening straightforward as well.
Flow from the bite valve is good, helped by the slight pressure when you cinch the straps down, though we do wonder if it'll seem quite such a good idea if the bite valve leaks and, if you do overfill the reservoir, it will stream out as you pack it into the compartment.
A secondary benefit is that the pressure stops the contents of the reservoir sloshing around as it empties, which is great if you're running across uneven terrain, or just running come to that.
The rest of the pack lives up to the standard of design and detailing we've come to expect from Osprey. The stretch harness fits closely and comfortably and pulls the pack in close to your centre of gravity for stable performance. Simple compression straps keep contents cinched in and the ones over the side pockets can be run over or under the contents, which is neat.
There are plenty of pockets too - aside from the panel-opening main compartment, there are three stretch stash ones, two side entry ones on the front and a top, 'slash' pocket. And then there are two handy hip-belt pockets. Pole users will also be happy to see Osprey's Stow on the Go trekking pole holder, which we rather like.
Downsides? The perimeter LightWire frame can dig into your lower back slightly if you're the wrong shape, so try carefully before buying. And mind that magnet if you're using a compass.
Verdict
We reckon Osprey is onto a winner with the Manta series. The way the hydration system works is a real step forward, though bear in mind that most packs will inadvertently pressurise the system slightly when full anyway, particularly the ease of inserting it into a loaded pack.
The rest of it works as well as you'd expect from Osprey, clinging intuitively to your back with minimal slap and slop and there are more features than you're ever likely to need, most of them, thakfully are actually useful. The only downside is the highish price, but it does include the reservoir.
Buy if... You want a top-level, fast-moving daypack with an excellent and well thought out hydration system.
