The Other Big Hydration Pack: The Osprey Manta Series

When it comes to large, high capacity hydration packs, the larger models offered by Camelbak – like the H.A.W.G. or the M.U.L.E. – remain the most popular options on the market. Nevertheless, Osprey, which is perhaps best known for its basic backpacks as opposed to hydration packs, also offers a range of larger hydration packs: the Manta Series.

Unlike the Osprey’s Raptor series of hydration packs, which is perhaps a bit better known due to its unique frame technology, the Manta Series is not really sport specific. Being mostly larger packs, they are designed to work with any sort of all day or endurance sport, though the ventilation/suspension foam padding might not work very well with body armour for people on motorized vehicles. Otherwise though, these packs make excellent all day packs for cyclists, hikers, hill runners and others.

Like the Raptor series, the Manta series of hydration packs also employs the HydraLock™ system, which places the bladder under pressure, regardless of how full or empty it is. The basic idea is to improve the flow rate and by all accounts this performs as claimed by the company. However, realistically most people using more conventional – but high quality – hydration packs like those made by Camelbak have rarely reported flow rate problems with their systems, which forces one to ask whether or not the HydraLock™ system really matters. Further, there is also a potential problem since the pressure applied on the reservoir is likely to exacerbate any small leaks on the hose or on the bite valve. That is, instead of a small trickle leaking, the HydraLock™ system might end up creating a steady stream leak. The real benefit of the HydraLock™ system is that the pressure straps – along with the firm spine along the middle of the reservoir – prevents the water from sloshing around and moving near as much, which can make a real difference.

As a company that is better known for its basic backpacks and day bags, Osprey has employed all of their wealth of experience in this field in the Manta series. The straps are all designed to mesh well with the wearer’s centre of gravity to help maintain balance while in action. Further, the AirSpeed™ back panel and the LightWire™ frame are designed for comfort, even when engaged in repetitive or sudden full body movements. The moulded foam back, well designed ridges and ventilation channels and other design specifics create probably one of the most comfortable back packs available, especially for people wearing the pack over a simple tee-shirt or other light athletic top.

Otherwise the pack includes a wide range of pockets and compartments. First, there is the main compartment, meant for larger items and gear. After this there are three stretch pockets, two side entry pockets, a larger slash pocket on top, and two small pockets attached to the waist straps. Most of the manta bags also come with a pole holder and a helmet holder as well. Not surprising for a back pack company, the Osprey Manta is a very well designed pack with the added hydration system to boot. Though the Osprey Manta packs are not the least expensive on the market, you can count on getting your money’s worth out of them.