Osprey Manta 24 vs Osprey Talon Velocity 30
Quick take: The Osprey Manta 24 costs $5 less; the Osprey Talon Velocity 30 carries more (30 vs 24 liters); the Osprey Talon Velocity 30 is lighter (2.4 vs 3.4 lbs).
Which one to buy
How you like to drink on the move is the real question here. The Manta 24 is built around a 2.5 L Hydraulics LT reservoir that comes in the box, with a magnetic bite-valve dock on the sternum strap that owners say lets the hose snap back one-handed. The Talon Velocity 30 is a running-vest pack: two 500 ml soft-flask pockets sit on the chest, alongside a zippered phone pocket, and its hydration sleeve is external. The two are $5 apart.
The Manta is the comfortable hiker's pack. It hangs on AirSpeed suspended mesh over a LightWire frame, includes a raincover and hipbelt pockets, and keeps its reservoir in a separate sleeve so a leak doesn't soak your insulation. It weighs 3.4 lbs, and about half a pound of that is the bladder. Bottle users pay for a reservoir they'll never use.
The Talon Velocity is lighter at 2.4 lbs and holds 6 L more. It is frameless, so the load splits between chest and back, and comfort drops off with heavy loads. A front stretch pocket holds a helmet, a pole holder stows poles on the go, and it closes with a top cinch, with no raincover. For steady day hiking in heat, the Manta carries better; for fast long days, scrambles and trail running, the Talon Velocity is the right tool.
Osprey Manta 24
Best for day hikers who drink from a bladder and want a ventilated back, raincover and reservoir all included.
Osprey Talon Velocity 30
For runners, fastpackers and peak baggers who prefer soft flasks on the chest and a lighter, more stable vest fit.
| Spec | Osprey Manta 24 | Osprey Talon Velocity 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $210 | $215 |
| Rating | 4.4★ (10) | — |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Frameless |
| Capacity | 24 L | 30 L |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs | 2.4 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by Osprey | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | One size, adjustable harness | See manufacturer sizing |
| Material | Recycled nylon with PFAS-free DWR | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Back Panel | AirSpeed suspended mesh over LightWire perimeter frame | Flexible back panel with running-vest harness |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | Yes | No |
| Raincover included | Yes | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Osprey All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime) | Osprey All Mighty Guarantee (lifetime) |
Pros & cons
Osprey Manta 24
- ✓A 2.5 L Hydraulics LT reservoir is included, which is $40-50 of kit bundled into the price.
- ✓The magnetic bite-valve attachment on the sternum strap is genuinely better than clipping a hose to a strap.
- ✓AirSpeed suspended mesh gives the same ventilation as the Stratos at the same volume.
- ✓A dedicated reservoir sleeve separates the bladder from gear, so a leak does not soak everything.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets and an included raincover round out the feature set.
- ✓The women's Mira 24 is the same pack in a women's fit at the same price.
- ✓A 34 L sibling extends the same system to longer days.
- ✓Osprey's All Mighty Guarantee applies.
- ✗3.4 lb for 24 L is heavy, though roughly half a pound of that is the reservoir.
- ✗$210 is a lot for a 24 L daypack if you already own a bladder you like.
- ✗Osprey publishes no maximum load figure for the line.
- ✗The 34 L size has no published weight.
- ✗The suspended mesh reduces usable packed depth.
- ✗A bundled reservoir is wasted money for anyone who prefers bottles.
Osprey Talon Velocity 30
- ✓Vest harness with 500 ml soft-flask pockets keeps water reachable without stopping
- ✓Front stretch pocket holds a helmet for scrambles or bike laps
- ✓Low-profile Stow-on-the-Go pole holder and pole/axe attachments
- ✓External hydration sleeve
- ✓Two harness sizes, S/M and L/XL
- ✗Frameless, so comfort drops off with heavy loads
- ✗No published load rating or main fabric spec
- ✗Top cinch closure has less weather protection than a lid
- ✗Only one zippered hipbelt pocket; the other side is a stretch stash pocket
- ✗No raincover
Osprey Manta 24 vs Osprey Talon Velocity 30: common questions
Does the Talon Velocity 30 come with a water reservoir like the Manta 24?▾
No. It has two 500 ml soft-flask pockets and an external hydration sleeve, but no bladder is included. The Manta 24 ships with a 2.5 L Hydraulics LT reservoir and a magnetic bite-valve dock.
Which one is more comfortable on a hot day hike?▾
The Manta 24. Its AirSpeed suspended mesh holds the pack off your back on a LightWire frame. The Talon Velocity 30 is frameless with a flexible back panel that sits against you.
Is the Manta 24 too heavy for trail running?▾
For running, yes. At 3.4 lbs with a framed suspension it is built for hiking, and about half a pound of that is the reservoir. The Talon Velocity 30 weighs 2.4 lbs and uses a running-vest harness.