Gear Closet: Osprey Manta AG 28 Daypack

If you're a regular reader of my "Gear Closet" stories here at The Adventure Blog, you probably already know the I have a habit of going on at great length about the product that I'm writing a review for. That is likely to be the case with the Manta AG 28 from Osprey as well, but for those of you who would rather get to the bottom line on this bag, I thought I would save you some time. So, for those folks wondering whether or not this pack will get a good review, let me just tell you now. It is amazing. Go buy one. Thank me later.

For those of you who are still around, we can now get into the details.

The Manta line of packs have been a part of the Osprey catalog for some time. But this pack, which was released this past spring, adds a nice new dimension that truly helps to separate it from the crowd. The "AG" in the bag's title stands for "Anti-Gravity" which is the name given to Osprey's innovative suspension that not only helps the pack to sit more comfortably and naturally on your body, but it can effectively carry more weight over a longer distance too.

The Anti-Gravity suspension was first introduced on Osprey's Atmos series, which is designed for backpacking and adventure travel. But now, it has trickled down to these daypacks as well. The suspension really does make a noticeable difference, and the integration of the mesh backpanel plays a big role in keeping you cooler and drier while hiking.

I have to say that I was a bit skeptical that the AG system would have as big of an impact on a daypack as it does on the larger backpacking models. But, after putting this bag to the test in the field, I can honestly say that my doubts were unfounded. The suspension is remarkable, and I think you'll find yourself coming off the trail at the end of the day feeling much better than you would with a traditional daypack without AG integration.


The Manta comes in three sizes – 20L, 28L, and 36L. (There is also a women's specific model called the Mira that comes in 18, 26, 34-liter models.) For me, the 28L version is the sweet spot for a daypack, offering plenty of room to carry everything you need, without getting so large that its starting to infringe on the small backpacking pack level. Of course, your particular needs may be a bit different than mine, but I found the 28L Manta to be just right.

As you would expect from a pack from Osprey, the Manta comes with a wide variety of pockets to store all of your gear. From its cavernous main chamber to the front pocket with mesh organizational sleeves – complete with key fob – this pack has plenty of ways to keep all of your important items organized and close at hand. There are also two surprisingly large pockets on the hipbelt as well, which I always appreciate for storage of small items such as snacks or my phone.

In terms of staying hydrated, the Manta comes with dual water bottle holders that can be found on each side of the bag, as well as a dedicated hydration sleeve. Osprey even throws in a high-quality 2.5 liter hydration bladder, which is a nice addition considering many companies require you to buy one separately. Considering the price of this pack, and all of the features it brings to the table, it was really nice to open the hydration sleeve and find the bladder tucked away inside.

That isn't the only nice little detail that Osprey has included on this pack. It also comes with its own integrated rainfly, which should be a common practice these days, but surprisingly isn't. There is also a helmet attachment loop for when you're cycling or climbing, and stretch mesh front pockets for quickly storing away extra gear, including a spare pare of shoes. Of course, Osprey has made always been good about paying attention to details, but it is nice to see that tradition continue here.

All of these features aside, the best thing about this pack is just how comfortable it feels when you're out on a hike. I can load it up with just a few small items, or stuff it to the brim with way more gear than I'll need, and it not only happily swallows up everything I throw at it, it feels good on your back too. The AG suspension is a true revelation, and a welcome addition to the daypack line. And of course, this being Osprey, the pack is very durable too, but still comes backed with the All Mighty Guarantee, which says the company will repair or replace the bag for its lifetime. You can't ask for better coverage than that.

As if all of that weren't enough, the Manta AG 28 costs just $165, which is a relative bargain when you consider everything this pack brings to the table. It is filled with excellent design decisions, includes the best suspension system on the market, offers lots of carrying capacity, and it is durable enough to survive just about anything you throw at it. It also comes with a built-in rain cover and has an excellent hydration sleeve that you'll want to use in all of your other packs as well. All of that adds up to an excellent daypack that you'll certainly want to have with you on your future hikes and adventure travel excursions.

This is the best daypack I've ever used, bar none. I think you're going to love it too. But it now at REI.com, CampSaver, or Backwoods.


Osprey Packs | Manta/Mira AG™ Product Tour from Osprey Packs on Vimeo.

Backpacker Gives Us the Best Comfort Thru-Hiking Gear

A few days back I shared a post from Backpacker magazine that offered readers their picks for the best budget gear for making a long-distance thru-hike. Each of the items on that list were selected primarily because they are affordable, with performance being the second characteristic. Now, the editors are back with some more gear recommendations, but this time their offering options that fall into a different category – comfort.

Backpacker's picks for the best comfort thru-hiking gear includes a fantastic sleeping bag from Western Mountaineering, an incredibly comfy sleeping pad from Thermarest, and a large, quite possibly the most comfortable backpack on the market today courtesy of Osprey. You'll also find selections for the best tent, jacket, trekking poles, and even an umbrella, all of which are aimed at the hiker who doesn't mind carrying a bit of extra weight if it means he or she has some luxuries that help them to stay at home out on the trail.

Obviously this list is not for those of us who count every ounce when we're heading out on a hike. Instead, it is all about keeping your body as strong and comfortable as possible, even when hiking for miles on end day after day. If you're someone who is okay with knowing you don't have the lightest gear around, but that you'll probably enjoy your hike more as a result, this list is definitely for you.

Check out all of the items that made the cut by clicking here.

Gear Closet: First Look at Upcoming Gear From REI

 A few weeks back I was lucky enough to be invited on a trip to Bryce Canyon where I would be treated to an early look at some new outdoor gear coming our way courtesy of REI. Typically, Bryce is a dry, warm place that is perfect for hiking and backpacking, but on our trip it turned out to be pretty much the exact opposite. The weather mixed in a little of everything, including sun, rain, sleet, hail, heavy rain, high winds, mud, snow, and yet more rain. And just to make things more interesting, there were even tornadoes and flash floods in the area too. In other words, it was the perfect conditions to test out new gear, even if the team wasn't especially comfortable, warm, and dry at all times. 

Over the course of a couple of days, I was able to test out some great new products and learn about them from the team that is designing them. There is a bit of a revolution going on right now inside REI, which has always made its own brand of packs, tents, sleeping bags, and apparel. But in the past, those products were generally seen as more affordable options when the bigger outdoor brands are out of your price range. Now how, those same items are all going through a dramatic redesign that will turn them into premium products that you'll want to carry with you on your outdoor adventures. They are being built to compete on the same level as The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, and the other brands we've come to know and trust. This is a big step for REI, which will still offer these items at a very attractive price, but the performance of all of the gear is being fine tuned to be much better than in the past.

Most of these new items are scheduled for release in the spring of 2017, so if you're in the market for any of these pieces of gear, you'll have to be a bit patient. But, I can tell you that they are all worth the wait, and you won't be disappointed. They should all arrive in REI stores in time for next year's camping, hiking, and backpacking season. Best of all, company reps tell me they're also working on travel gear too, which means we should see some amazing things in the category in the future too.

Here's a sampling of what I saw:

Flash 45 Backpack
Built for traveling light – but not ultralight – this 45-liter pack is super comfortable, offers plenty of capacity, and is capable of carrying heavy loads over longer distance. I should know, as I tested this bag in Bryce Canyon under challenging conditions for two days carrying quite a bit of gear along with me. The pack includes REI's proprietary UpLift system, which allows you to dial in a great fit for the load you're carrying and your body type. It also has a nicely padded 3D contoured hipbelt, and a number of strategically placed pockets for stashing small items you want to keep close at hand. Best of all however, are the two water bottle pockets that can be easily accessed without ever having to take the pack off.

Quarter Dome Tents
REI's Quarter Dome tents get a revamp for spring 2017 as well, and they are looking great. Available in solo, 2-person, and 3-person models, these shelters are lightweight, tough, and incredibly easy to assemble. They feature color-coded poles that make it a breeze to set-up, even in bad weather. The included rainfly helps to keep moisture at bay, as does an optional footprint, and the tents are roomy, offer plenty of ventilation, and are strong enough to withstand high winds. They also have wider doors for easier entry and exit, more vestibule space, a wider foot box, and reflective guy lines to prevent you from tripping over them in the dark. The new models will all be slightly heavier than the previous generation, but the overall improvements make them much nicer to use in the backcountry.

Magma 10 Sleeping Bag
If you're going to test out a new sleeping bag, you should probably do it in cold, damp conditions. That's exactly what the new Magma 10 bag faced in Bryce Canyon, and it easily passed with flying colors. This mummy-style bag is very comfortable and warm, with an easy to use zipper and options for ventilating the lower section of the bag while staying cosy up top. The Magma features 850-fill hydrophobic down, which means it can repel quite a bit of moisture and still continue to hold its loft and perform at a high level. REI's team told me this sleeping bag is officially rated for 10ºF, which ought to be enough to keep you cosy on most of your camping adventures.

Flash Insulated Air Sleeping Pad
One of my favorite new pieces of gear in the REI line-up is the Flash Insulated Air sleeping pad. Not only does it inflate and deflate incredibly quickly, it also compresses down to an incredibly small size.  This makes it an instant replacement for my older – and much bulkier – sleeping pad that I typically use on backpacking trips. The fact that it also provides a surprisingly high level of comfort, while being so light and thin, is just icing on the cake. I think you're going to like this one a lot too.

Magma 850 Down Jacket
Like the Magma sleeping bag, this jacket also uses 850-fill hydrophobic down. It features a nice athletic cut that hugs the body nicely, helping it to perform well in cold weather. I appreciated the fact that his is a puffy that isn't especially bulky, make it highly packable for travel. The Magma jacket happens to look great too, making it a nice option for the trail or for use around town.

Flash Carbon Trekking Poles
I'm a big proponent of using trekking poles on long distance hikes. I think they save a lot of wear and tear on your hips and joints, and help to keep your legs fresh for the long haul. REI's latest models are super lightweight, easy to pack, and durable enough to survive the difficult conditions we tested them in Bryce Canyon, where the mud was thick and we walked 9+ miles (14 km) each day, with more than 1800 feet (548 meters) of vertical gain. Through it all, the poles performed admirably, and were much appreciated by all. When they hit stores next spring, they will be a very affordable alternative to some of the competing brands we've used in the past.

Performance Apparel
In addition to all of the gear listed above, we also tested out lots of new clothing coming from REI as well. Those items included performance shirts, hiking pants and shorts, jackets, base layers, and more. All of the items looked great, fit comfortable, and performed extremely well, even in the poor weather conditions. If this sampling of clothing accurately represents what REI has in the pipeline, you can expect to not only hike, camp, and backpack more comfortably, but travel well too. There were several pieces – including the Screeline Half-Zip Top and Screeline Pants – that I came away thoroughly impressed by, and will be happy to have them in my wardrobe for future adventures.

This is just a small taste of what REI has in the works. Next spring, you'll definitely want to drop by their retail outlets to check these items out in person. I'm already a big fan of the Flash 45 backpack and Flash Air sleeping pad, but the other items are wonderful as well. If this trend continues, the REI Private Brands collection will be competing quite nicely with some of the other big outdoor brands, and we consumers will benefit greatly.

Yet More Gear From Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2014

The Outdoor Retailer Winter Market came to an end this past weekend, bringing to conclusion the unveiling of another round of amazing gear that we'll all be clamoring for in a few months time. While the bi-annual gear-fest is now behind us, the previews of the what was revealed there continue to pop up. If you haven't gotten your fill of gear news lately, check out these options:

The Gear Junkie always has excellent coverage from OR, and this winter edition was no different. The GJ crew have revealed their choices for the Best in Show, with some fantastic products getting the nod. For instance, they liked the new North Face Origami jacket, which is impressively cut from a single piece of cloth. They also liked the Black Diamond Jetforce avalanche survival system and the Outdoor Research Lucent heated gloves, amongst other items. This is only part 1 of the Gear Junkie's "Best in Show" winners, so expect more to be posted soon.

Trailspace continued their excellent coverage of the show right through the final day. They posted not one, but two Day Three previews. The first gives us their take on a new headlamp from Princeton Tec, new mittens from Outdoor Research, and yet another look at the North Face Uno jacket. The second preview gives us a glimpse of women's apparel from Black Diamond, snowshoes from Easton, and packs from Lowe Alpine.

That ought to quench your gear-thirst for a few months. The Outdoor Retailer Summer Market is just seven months away!

Gear Closet: Osprey Mutant 38 Backpack

Looking for a great lightweight, versatile backpack for your winter adventures? Than look no further than the new Mutant 38 from Osprey, a pack specifically designed for ice climbing, snowshoeing, and ski mountaineering that offers everything you need and nothing you don't.

I recently carried the Mutant 38 with me on my trip to Canada, where I got the chance to put it through its paces while dogsledding and snowshoeing in subzero conditions. Before I set out I knew that my visit to Quebec would be an active one, and I wanted a pack that would offer plenty of capacity to carry the various gear, extra clothing, and supplies that I'd need for a busy day in the backcountry. The Mutant met that description nicely, and ended up exceeding the expectations I placed on it.

As the name implies, this pack has 38 liters of capacity, most of which is found in its spacious main compartment. I poured all kinds of gear – including camera and lenses, extra layers, food, and more – into it, and it still never felt like it was close to running out of space. That brought a nice level of confidence as we'd head out for the day, as I knew that I had all of the things I needed, and a pack that could carry it all quite comfortably.

When designing the Mutant 38, Osprey was looking to go as light as possible without compromising comfort or durability. Out of the box, the pack weighs about 2.5 pounds, but it gives the wearer the option to shed items they might not need in an effort to cut ounces. For instance, the pack's lid can be removed completely, as can attachment and side straps, aluminum stays, the helmet carry, and framesheet.


With all of that out of the way, the Mutant transforms into an ultralight minimalist pack that weighs next to nothing. Surprisingly though, it is sill capable of comfortably carrying lots of gear for those quick dashes to the summit or fast hiking on a trail. This level of versatility also allows you to dial in exactly what features you need, and do away with the ones that you don't.

At first glance, the Mutant looks like it might not be all that comfortable, particularly when you fill it to its 50 pound (22 kg) capacity. The shoulder straps and hipbelt are thin and lightly padded, and look like they wouldn't provide a lot of support. That is misleading however, as once you have the pack on, it feels great, even with a heavy load. The fact that Osprey has managed to pull off this minimalist approach to design, while still delivering a very high level of performance, is impressive indeed.

Other nice features of the Mutant 38 include two handy bungie tie-offs for keeping your ice tools close at hand, reinforced ski carry loops, crampon attachment loops, and compression straps for maintaining a well balanced load. The hipbeilt is also designed to wrap away from the body so as to not interfere with a climbing harness, while an integrated hydration sleeve can accept reservoirs up to 3 liters in size, and doubles as an adequate laptop sleeve when used for travel.

It is important to point out that the Mutant isn't loaded with a lot of pockets or organizational stashes. The removable top-lid does have two other zippered pockets built into it, but other than that the design of the pack would best be described as spartan. This isn't a knock on the backpack at all, but something to be aware of. If you're looking for a bag that has lots of places to store small items and keep your gear organized, this probably isn't going to work for you. On the other hand, if you know this going in, and organize your gear accordingly, the Mutant will work very well for you.

While putting this pack to use in the Canadian backcountry, I was extremely pleased with how it performed. It was comfortable enough to wear all day long, with the ventilated backpanel helping to keep the air flowing, which was useful even in the cold conditions. The Mutant allowed me to carry everything I needed for a full day of adventure, without even really noticing that it was on my back, and since it is designed for use in the winter, everything inside was well protected from moisture and cold.

I'd be remiss in my review if I didn't mention that this pack is also backed by Osprey's awesome All Mighty Guarantee. That means that the company will fix or replace the pack if it becomes damaged for as long as you own it. It's tough to beat that kind of service, and it is just one of the reasons I happen to love their packs.

The Mutant 38 is just $160, which strikes me as a great price for a technical pack of this quality. It is a very comfortable and versatile bag that has a lot of nice touches that winter warriors will definitely love. That said, it is so well designed, you'll be able to use this pack all year long, no matter what the season.

Gear Closet: Thule Stir 35 Technical Backpack

In need of a new backpack for your spring adventures? Than you're in luck, because Thule has delivered a couple of great new packs that deliver a high level of performance and a number of great features, at a price point that we can all appreciate.

Recently I got my hands on the new Thule Stir 35 pack and found it to be a great option for day hikers that need to carry plenty of gear with them out on the trail. But the pack also works great for climbers and peak baggers looking for a bag that can carry all of their equipment without slowing them down. The Stir is comfortable, versatile, and well designed, making it a breeze to stay organized while hauling a surprising amount of equipment with us on our adventures.

With 35 liters of storage, the Stir is definitely on the larger size when it comes to daypacks. That may make it overly large for some hikers, but as a frequent traveler and outdoor enthusiast who takes part in a lot of different activities, I found the extra space to be really useful. Some of my smaller packs are a bit cramped at times, while this bag allowed me to carry pretty much everything I need without compromise.


Some of the features that I really like include the easy-access lid that allows you to get inside the main storage compartment while still keeping the elements at bay. But if the weather really takes a turn for the worse, the Stir comes equipped with a built-in rain cover, which should pretty much be a standard piece of equipment on every daypack these days. I also love that this pack offers access to the interior through a side zipper, making it super easy to retrieve important items no matter where they are stored. This is something I'm use to finding on larger backpacks, but it isn't all that common on a daypack.

Another feature that is more common on larger packs that is also found here is an adjustable torso for improved fitting. This not only adds another level of versatility to the pack, but allows you to find a more comfortable fitting for the Stir as well. By simply adjusting the back panel using some Velcro, you can adjust where the pack sits on your back, making it easier to carry heavier loads.

For those hikers who count every ounce, the Stir offers the ability to remove the hipbelt and sternum strap, saving some weight in the process. That ability also makes the pack a bit less technical looking if you want to use it as a commuter pack around town as well. I personally like having those items in place, as the small pockets on the belt come in handy, but it is nice touches like this one that indicate that Thule took great care in designing a backpack that meets a variety of customers' needs.

Other nice features that have a more technical slant include a light loop attachment points made from reflective materials and two attachment loops for carrying trekking poles or ice aces. There is even a stretch pocket on the one of the shoulder straps that is specifically designed to carry a smartphone, keeping it close at hand for when you need it most.

Personally, I really like the slim design and minimalist approach that Thule took with this pack. It looks great, but also offers great features and functionality too. Comfortable to wear and with plenty of storage capacity, this is a backpack designed for longer day hikes or even short overnight trips if you can manage to go ultralight in warmer weather. But climbers will appreciate everything it brings to the table as well. And since the pack is priced at just $139.95, it is very affordable as well, particularly when considering all of the great features it delivers.

The pack is available now. Find out more at Thule.com.

Gear Closet: Mustang Survival Bluewater 30L Gear Hauler Backpack

One of the things that I like most about the outdoor gear industry is that it continues to grow more diverse and sophisticated with each passing year. Now days, most of the items we use in the outdoors are the result of some great design choices, brilliant planning, and an evolution of things that we've learned from the past. As a result, we now get highly technical, purpose-driven gear that is specifically made for the actives that we we personally pursue. This is evident in just about every product that we use on our adventures, but even more so when it comes to backpacks, a competitive segment of the outdoor market that continues to show true innovation on a regular basis. 

Because of this, we now get finely-tuned packs that offer more functionality than ever before. Case in point, the new Bluewater 30L Gear Hauler from a company called Mustang Survival, which has been building impressive products for use in the outdoors – specifically sailing and other water sports – since 1967. Recently, Mustang expanded its line of EP Ocean Racing products by introducing several Gear Hauler packs, and as you'd expect they are perfect for anyone spending a lot of time in and around sailing ships. But, they are also perfect for adventure travelers heading to damp climates or anyone who participates in a lot of watersports as well. 

Made from 210 denier, TPU coated ripstop nylon fabrics, the Gear Hauler is made to be very durable and repel water, keeping its contents safe from moisture. Those rugged fabrics are coupled with urethane-coated zippers that also ensure that no damaging liquids make their way into the interior of the pack. The result is a waterproof bag that is designed to be used in, on, and around the water. That makes it a good choice for long-distance sailing, stashing beneath the cockpit of your kayak, carrying it to the beach, or on a hike in a wet environment.

As you can probably guess by the name, this pack offers 30 liters of carrying capacity, which is a considerable amount for just about any short outing. The bag features a very large central pocket that swallows up the bulk of what you'll want to carry with you, including extra clothing, camera equipment, food, and so on. That main pocket also has a mesh sub-pocket that is a good place to stash a smartphone, charging cables, your passport, or other important items. You'll find another handy pocket located on the outside of the pack that includes sleeves for holding pans, as well as several smaller stash compartments for keeping smaller items well organized. 

Need yet more storage space? The pack also comes equipped with a highly versatile MOLLE panel on the front that can be used for a variety of things. I like to carry an extra pair of shoes on the exterior of the pack for instance, but it is equally helps in hauling wet gear that you want to keep separate from the items inside the bag. It is also a good place to stash a water bottle since the pack oddly enough doesn't have any dedicated bottle pockets, nor is it hydration ready. 

Best of all, the Bluewater 30L Gear Hauler also has a dedicated laptop sleeve that is sealed tight with a roll-top enclosure that adds yet another layer of protection from water. This allows you to slip your valuable electronics into place, and rest assured that they are safe from the elements, something that few other backpacks can promise. As a frequent traveler, this secure compartment is a welcome addition to this bag, with my one caveat being that I wish that this compartment also included a separate sleeve for my tablet too. That is a small nit to pick, but for someone who hits the road frequently, it would be nice addition. 

While obviously putting a lot of thought into how this pack performs around water, Mustang Survival didn't forget about making it comfortable to wear too. The bag has a surprisingly well-padded backpanel that provides a solid level of ventilation too. The shoulder straps are wide and nicely padded as well, while a secure sternum strap locks the pack into place, even while carrying a heavy load. That same sternum strap can be adjusted vertically to dial in just the right fit too, which is important when wearing it for long periods of time. 

Speaking of comfort, I found the pack to be very easy to wear for longer periods of time, particularly when using it on shorter hikes and for travel. It would not be my first choice for a longer backcountry excursion, but it is versatile enough to work well in those environments, while also being able to transition nicely to use around town as well. The fact that it resembles a travel backpack more than a highly technical hiking pack helps to ease that transition nicely. 

Priced at $180, the Bluewater 30L Gear Hauler is a bit more expensive than most daypacks that you'll find from other manufacturers, and if you don't need the level of water protection that it brings, another pack might be a better choice. However, if you find yourself frequently on the water, or visiting places where rain or excess moisture is an issue, this is a great pack to have in your personal gear closet. Not only is it great for sailing, it make an excellent travel pack too. Durable, versatile, and good looking, I feel like Mustang Survival has a real winner on its hands, and if you have need for a pack that can keep your valuables safe from water, I think you'll love it too. 

Find out more at MustangSurvival.com. 

Men's Journal Gives Us 51 Last Minute Gift Ideas

Okay, if you're still looking for the perfect Christmas gift for someone on your shopping list this year, and my 10 last minute gift ideas, nor Nat Geo's 31 suggestions, and Outside's list of 20 stocking stuffers for under $20 hasn't been much help, than perhaps Men's Journal can be of assistance. The magazine has posted it's selection of last minute holiday gifts as well, and it is lengthy one, offering 51 options for procrastinators. 

Not all of the items on the list are specifically geared for the outdoors or travel, but there is still a lot of things that men (and women!) are going to like. For instance, some of the items that get the nod from MJ include a sweet cycling hat from Rothera, a fun daypack from Cotopaxi, a cool camera from Nikon, and a headlamp designed for runners from Nathan. You'll also find a number of interesting books, some useful gadgets, pants from Fjällräven, and a even a kayak from Perception. 

All in all, this is a fairly wide list of suggestions for gifts for just about anyone in your life. Obviously here at The Adventure Blog we focus more on the outdoor and adventure travel items first and foremost, but there are all kinds of other great ideas as well for just about any type of personality. If you truly are stumped, perhaps this will at least provide a few ideas to help you get just the right thing for your loved one. If not, you're probably going to have some problems, as obviously the clock is ticking on the holiday shopping season. 

Check out the entire list at MensJournal.com.