In this Osprey Manta 24 vs 34 review, we’ll discuss the main differences between these backpacks. These backpacks are excellent for the active hiker. It is optimized for cycling, as well as day long hiking. It has more features than some of the other Osprey daytime backpacks. But at the same time, the price is relatively low compared to some of the others.
The Manta 34 can be used for overnight backpacking while the Manta 24 is more for just daytime use. Both can be used for daytime use effectively, but you will find more room in the Manta 34.
Below are some of the basic features that you will find in these backpacks. We will also feature the differences between the two so that you can make your decision as to which is the best for you.
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Osprey Manta 24 vs 34
You may like to read:
- Osprey Manta 28 Review: Great for Hikes and Bicycles
- Osprey Manta 36 Review: With the Bells and Whistles
Specifications
Here are the basic specifications for both backpacks.
Manta 24
- Weight: 2.89 lbs
- Dimensions: 22.0″ X 14.2″ X 11.8″
- Volume capacity: 24 liters
- Colors: sonic blue/green shade
Manta 34
- Weight: 2.76/2.87 pounds
- Dimensions: 22.0″ X 14.2″ X 13.8″
- Volume capacity: 3.09 lbs
- Colors: sonic blue/green shade
As you can see, the Manta 34 is slightly bigger. The Manta 34 hold 29% more volume for the Manta 24. This is the major difference between the two backpacks, as both are designed similarly.
Great for biking
If you own a bicycle, both these Osprey backpacks are an excellent choice. They have a helmet attachment loop for quick access to your helmet. With this attachment loop, you don’t need to remove your backpack in order to detach your helmet. There is also a blinker light attachment at the bottom of the backpack. The blinker light is sold separately. If you would wear a blinker light, this greatly decreases your chances of getting hit by a car at night while biking on the road.
Comfort
With both backpacks, the load of the frame gets transferred from the harness to the hip belt. Instead of the weight resting on certain pressure points, the 3D tension of the backpacks conform to your body. This allows for better ventilation, and prevents you from sweating where the backpack sits. This is further enhanced by the die-cut spacer that surrounds the body of the harness.
Pockets
The Manta 24 and Manta 34 have a very useful front mesh pocket. This pocket is stretchy and expands to accommodate for larger items. The caveat is that it does not close with a zipper. So if it is going to rain, the items that you have in the mesh pocket will get wet. But you can circumvent this by using the removable rain cover that comes with a backpack.
They also have side mesh pockets that stretch to make way for larger items. You can store your cell phone in there, or you can put in a water bottle.
If you’re not going to be using a water bottle, you can use the external hydration sleeve located at the top of the back panel. Both of these backpacks have an external hydration sleeve. You can purchase any of Ospreys hydration packs to go in the sleeve.
Manta 34: Perhaps the only difference between the two backpacks besides the size is the fact that the Manta 34 has a large front panel pocket. In this pocket, you can put items that you will be accessing frequently. Alternatively, you can put your dirty clothes or towels in there so that it doesn’t touch the rest.
Removable rain cover
The removable rain cover on these two backpacks make us give them an extra thumbs up. We have all been caught in the rain wearing a backpack, and we know what happens. The gear gets either soaked, but at least a little moist. With the rain cover, you don’t have to fear getting caught in the rain with your backpack. Simply extracted from the external pocket at the bottom, or remove it completely if you are not in need of it.
Osprey Manta 24 vs 34: Price Difference
The Manta 24 and Manta 34 are comparable in price. For current prices, please see below:
The Verdict
We cannot recommend one backpack over the other unless we know what we will be using it for. The reason is that both backpacks have almost the exact same design. It’s just that the Manta 34 holds 29% more volume, and it has a Shove-It pocket. If you will be going on just a day hike, the Manta 24 is sufficient. But if you will be needing more room than usual, or backpacking overnight, perhaps the Manta 34 would be the best.
Great!!!
Mata 36…I will use it for long rides, inside…drone, gimbal, kneepads, elbow pads, cameras (GoPro)…for the usual riding I use the Syncro 20, it’s nice and it fits almost everything.
The only problem is that they have not solved the way how to attach the full frame helmets, but…you can handle it.
Thanks for the review!!!