Best Hiking Daypack 2025 - ( Osprey Stratos 24 / Sirrus 24 Long Term Review)

[@Valaran1]

Completely agree. My wife has worn the Sirrus for 10+ years, I've been wearing the Stratos 24 for two years, and I just bought a Stratos 44 for short backpacking trips. I could not possibly be happier with this entire line from Osprey. And I know that no matter how messed up it gets, they will replace it for life. And as a Coloradan I get to support a Colorado business.

[@TheLogicman1]

I love this backpack. Have had it for 3 years now and have zero complaints. My back will sweat with anything directly pressed against it, and this pack helps avoid that to a point where there's enough space to provide adequate ventilation. Whether a 1 mile or 10 mile excursion, it's held up surprisingly well in different terrains and weather types.

[@Hikingguy]

Great to hear, thanks for posting. I've got a solid 6 mo with this and no complaints as well

[@TheIndianaGeoff]

Two years here, it's my long day pack and I love it. It's great with a bladder or without, it holds enough gear for doing 14ers (layers and wind/rain gear). You are right, sweating is totally in control for those hot day hikes. Zero issues and I would replace it with another, but I expect it to last me for years. One thing I really like is that it's so easy to unclip the belt, drop a shoulder and have quick, full access to the side pockets. When done you reverse and do it all not losing a step.

[@1316jet]

Love my Stratos 24! It’s an older model. I like that it’s set up to place a water bladder between the suspension frame and the pack. Saves space in the main pack compartment for other gear. You’re right, feels comfortable and well balanced! Thanks for sharing your knowledge on the channel!

[@jherring]

Great review! Very thorough and detailed, which I always appreciate about your videos. I was also in search of a new daypack for longer hikes and tried the Stratos, but wanted easier access to the side water bottles. Osprey answered my wish with the newly updated Manta pack! I highly recommend checking it out. All the same features as the Stratos, but with dual access side pockets for angled water bottles access. It also includes the 2.5L hydration system. It performed great on my recent 16 mile hike up San Jacinto.

[@Hikingguy]

Good to know - I did try out the last Manta but I found the vent and weight better on the Stratos - will check out the new version

[@commonfan5230]

@jherring Is the current Manta 24 using the same size AirSpeed frame as Stratos 24?

[@LP-jn4tw]

Totally agree. I have the Stratos and my wife has the Sirrus and they are our perfect forever companions.

[@evanshaw17]

Each of us are unique. As an experienced mountain guide and pioneering ultralight backpacker my favorite is the lightest pack from gossamer gear.Hyperlite 13 oz

[@chadw9334]

great video.. very informative. I've recently switched day packs. Mystery ranch scree 32, I absolutely love this pack!! its supper comfortable, carries heavier loads great, has really deep bottle pockets. fits my 40oz hydro flask and my 40oz pupflask. it also has a detachable waist belt. I personally don't use daypacks under 30 L, and the pack fully opens. I don't use a water bladder so I put first aid and TP in that compartment. I use a hydro lid on my hydra flask it has a hose just like bladder.

[@Hikingguy]

I loved the Scree 32 but when I took it in the heat my back got soaked unfortunately. Wish the venting was different but for cooler temps I think it's a great option.

[@xo7454]

I absolutely love my Sirrus 24. It made me an Osprey fan for life.

[@rkatrails]

Terrific review. Osprey really has it dialed in when it comes to weight distribution and how it carries on your back. Love the airflow, too. The part at the end was a good mystery teaser for your next pack review.

[@jazzfan7491]

Great review. I have the Osprey Daylite but to make it workable I had to add a phone pocket to the shoulder strap and for water access I carry a simple walking water bottle holder strap that puts the water bottle at my hip. Looks like this pack does much the same without my mods.

[@davidkipperman5218]

Great review as always. All the Osprey products are built tough and for comfort. I have and love the Osprey Daylite Plus.

[@somogyilevente2677]

WOW, this review is awesome. Straight to the point, no bullshit, somehow I felt at already after 1 minute that I am going to like it. Full of useful, very detailed information, e.g. the hip pockets are not big enough for big phones. Much appreciated, thanks a lot!

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you!

[@carldaniel6510]

Stratos looks nice - thanks for the in-depth review! I've got 3 Osprey packs - Raptor 14, Manta 24 and Atmos 50. The Stratos in this video looks like it's from the same design family as the Atmos. I really like the Raptor for short hikes - it's still a pack, and it will hold a 3L reservoir (comes with 2.5). It's sold as a biking backpack, but it works great for hikes when I'm carrying less stuff. The Atmos is really big for a day pack, but I carry it sometimes when I'm acting a hike leader for a gruop, so I'm carrying a lot of extra stuff in case someone's not prepared. The Manta is my main day pack, but I might swap it with a Stratos if I had the chance.

[@Hikingguy]

It's funny that you mention the Raptor because I tried out a Syncro which was great, but the side pockets didn't do great with bottles for me. Osprey offers so many variants of packs, I wish they would do a better job at explaining the differences, but I appreciate all the options.

[@coreygardner59]

Thanks for the review! I'm obsessing a bit about daypacks. This one looks like the one I'll probably get though. I looked at a Talon 22 but after carrying it around the store for a bit with weight in it, it just wasn't that comfortable. I think it's more designed for people that carry very little weight. This one seems like it would carry heavier loads very well, such as cameras as I'm into photography.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea I use it to carry camera gear, drones, etc. and it works really well. The combo of the frame, trampoline, and beefier cushioning is great.

[@sjd7aa]

Thanks for a great review. Thinking of getting a day backpack and this has given me quite a bit more to think about.

[@Nhkg17]

I tried lots of Osprey and Gregory backpacks and they were either uncomfortable or heavy. I especially find all frame backpacks uncomfortable. I have the Rab Aeon Ultra and I am extremely satisfied. The only downside is the price.

[@sIosha]

Dang, I'm glad I found this pack before I pulled the trigger on the Talon. I'm looking strictly for a day pack and the features this one has for not that much more, I'm sold!

[@dougdaniels]

Great review. I use the Daylite and find it to be the perfect size. However, I wish some of the Stratos features were on the Daylite, like the shoulders straps and the water bottle pockets, which are both terrible on the Daylite. The ones on the Stratos look excellent.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea I used the Daylite 18 for a long time and it's great for hot hikes with a bladder, but the bottles didn't do well for me on the sides. I wish a pack company would work with me to create the perfect daypack... I think I could nail it.

[@chriswells156]

I like a hip belt, however minimal, for all packs. I like to keep as much weight as possible on my legs and off my shoulders. I use shoulder straps for keeping the load balanced.

[@behindenemylines9033]

Yet another great review HG. I'm still using my Osprey HikeLite you recommended a year or 2 ago.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea it's still a great pack and I still use mine occasionally. They disappeared for a while and I think an updated version just came out. Will check it out when I can get my hands on one.

[@Xarajevo]

Very detailed and informative review, this has been helpful to me. Thanks!

[@thetubmarine]

I bought the Stratos because of your recommendation and absolutely love it, thank you so much for these videos

[@Hikingguy]

That's great to hear, thank you for letting me know.

[@VivianInTheOC]

Thank you Hiking Guy!👍

[@SW-tech]

I just used your Amazon link and got 21% off the Stratos 24. Nice!! Thanks 🙂

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you!

[@sluggotinfantryman]

Osprey is great product. I never do daypack. Take the small backpack super light but my day hikes are sierra nevada and cascades. Osprey is best I have used ever. 45 years.

[@Cyril_H]

Just received the Gregory Zulu LT 24 backpack. 55 cm in height so perfect as a carry-on. Feels quite light, good straps, big mesh side pockets and good ventilation. Think Stratos 24 has competition :)

[@Hikingguy]

The LT 24 came out after this and is very good. Testing one now. Overall very similar feel.

[@danielflaherty7794]

Osprey makes a great pack, but so does Gregory which seem to be siblings. For carrying look at Mystery Ranch, heavier but a great carry.

[@Hikingguy]

I tried a few Mystery Ranch packs but the back doesn't vent well for me.

[@danielflaherty7794]

@@Hikingguy sorry to hear that

[@eddie4082]

Chris Great review. I have an Osprey Skarab 30 day pack which does have some similarities. I do enjoy my pack but I could see this pack in my future as well. Question.... I am a lifetime member at REI and was wondering if making future purchases through your link provided does it matter what gear I purchase as to how it helps your channel.

[@Hikingguy]

Thank you for your support! And it doesn't matter what you buy, as long as its within 24 hours of the click. Same for Amazon. I 💯% appreciate your support!

[@eddie4082]

@@Hikingguy I will be at Mt Rushmore in a couple of weeks. Any hikes you can recommend while there?

[@OldPackMule]

Years ago I bought the Gregory Zulu 30 for many of the same reasons. 👍. Big enough for an overnight or plenty of room for your food or favorite luxury items. I also like the external mesh pocket.

[@Hikingguy]

I used the Zulu 30 for years too but this year they changed the design. The top pocket for keys was much smaller and mine actually ripped (could be random based on my conditions). The Stratos 24, while a little smaller, was very similar but just a bit lighter and carried the smaller loads more gracefully for me. But Zulu 30 is still solid and a great choice.

[@PaulBeiser]

Boy, do I ever agree with this review. I’ve tried lots of packs, none feel better than an Osprey with a real frame and vented back. I have used 2 generations of the Stratos 24 and 36 (as well as the previous generation Stratos 50) and haven’t found a better more comfortable day pack. One complaint - the newest Stratos has a poorer design on the hip belt pockets, they are harder to open and close (2 hands seem to be required sometimes due to the shape/design). The older pockets I could open and close one handed, not sure what your experience is? Thanks again for the review!

[@Hikingguy]

Great to hear, thanks for sharing that. And same, I wasn't expecting to have this guy be the winner but the comfort is just on another level. And same for me on the hip pockets. The last Stratos was a little easier but I still needed two hands. I've found that on almost every pack though. If they came up with a new hip belt pocket design, lowered the weight a bit, and angled the side pockets forward, it would be perfect.

[@PaulBeiser]

@@Hikingguy Well said, I agree!

[@mjpower4]

Great review really helped with decision making thanks 🎉

[@Aag2022]

Have you traveled with Stratos 24 as carry-on and if yes what was your experience? Thank you for the detailed review!

[@Hikingguy]

It fits overhead but sometimes not underneath the front seat.

[@Regantdarcy]

I have the osprey stratos 34 & 50. The Osprey Talon 22, 33 & 44. The osprey exos 38 and the Osprey atmos 65. Yeah, you could say I’m an osprey guy. Lol. I really love the Stratos line. The 34 is probably my favorite day pack & the 50 my fav international travel pack. The ONLY thing i wish they had was a stretchy back shove it pocket like all my other ospreys have.

[@Hikingguy]

Nice, thanks for sharing. I agree on the 34, it's probably the best 4 season all arounder. Nothing beats the comfort for me. I recommended it in my latest video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4XRp6JjiMx7fdk

[@tutti8888]

I do agree it’s the best bag i ever had

[@talhaokur5066]

Thank you for your review! I’m on the market and kinda stuck in between Gregory Zulu 35 and this one. I’d like to bring my camera and tripod with me but not sure if I would be comfortable with my gear + my stuff for hiking. May I ask if you carry your camera gear while hiking and if yes then how do you carry your camera gear?

[@Hikingguy]

Yup I use this Stratos with my camera and tripod. If you use a hydration bladder and have a few lenses, go with the Zulu 35 which will give you a bit more room.

[@craigb1427]

Great review thanks

[@shesails3313]

Thank you!!❤

[@BalanceOvOpposites]

Why does this 24l bag look bigger than my Nebula 32l bag? 🤔

[@dougdekuiper3194]

I have this and love it.

[@Iron-Outdoor]

Thanks for this!!!

[@frstesiste7670]

I looked at the Stratos but bought a Talon 33 instead. Not for the added capacity (even if that can be useful), but a trampoline back is an automatic disqualification for me. I've had a couple of packs with that design and agree I get less sweaty on the back unless I wear water- or windproof jacket, but I use my packs for everything which includes going to work with a largish laptop. The bend in the frame that's necessary for the trampoline just doesn't work well with flat items. I also like the top/lid design of the Talon 33 better, but that's available on the Stratos 36 too. I like the pocket (number and placement) better on the Stratos than on Talon so it's a pity that back design doesn't work for me. For anyone who just use the pack for hiking shouldn't have any problem with the Stratos design.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea I think for a laptop this will not be a good choice. For little stuff sacks and layers it works well for me.

[@rogerrabbit6278]

Real men use the stratos!

[@robertdahl613]

What's your recommendation for a bladder for the Stratos? The Osprey bladders have a lot of negative reviews.

[@Hikingguy]

I've got a 3L Osprey that has been solid about 5 years (and turning yellow, gotta replace it). Just don't bite the valve hard or it will leak.

[@markp7023]

Really helpful review. Got a lot from this. Thanks.

[@blancaduran5614]

in this vid, I saw a clear day pack (collapsable?), while venturing out after the setting camp and heading to the trails. Where can we find one?😊

[@stuartknight2174]

Is that model you have there the tunnel vision grey ? Or some other colour?

[@TerminalElement]

Thank you. This was helpful.

[@Eirikr83]

Great Review

[@angieamarillo]

You like this better than Gregory zulu? I was going to get the Jade 28 for bigger hip pockets but undecided between that one and Sirrus 24… thoughts?

[@Hikingguy]

I tried the new Zulu 30 model and they made a pocket smaller but otherwise was okay, but it ripped 2 hikes in. I tried to rip the Stratos the same way and it was fine. Maybe it was just a fluke but overall they're very similar. Main pocket is bigger on Zulu, less bells whistles on outside,

[@andriyurenov7215]

What about waterproof qualities? Does it stand some time?

[@hollernathan]

Hi, have you tried the osprey Stratos 36L or the Stratos 44L? If you have, can you recommend the situations when you would use these other sizes. Thank you for all your great content.

[@Hikingguy]

I've used the 36 and it's very similar. If you carry more gear, it's a great option. I've found that for my day hikes with photo gear, the 24 works well.

[@austinslater4773]

I've looked everywhere and can't find an answer. There is a "climb" activity on my fenix 7x and it has a hiker as the avatar. What is this activity best used for? I sometimes do hill repeats or hike steep hills so guessing that? When would this be better or worse than the "hiking" activity? Desperate for an answer here @hikingguy lol love the channel!

[@Hikingguy]

I believe it is mountain climbing / mountaineering (like climbing Everest) - I just use hiking

[@austinslater4773]

@@Hikingguy thank you!

[@torontolicemom6784]

Hi! Holy shitballs glad I stubbled onto you! Started hiking with my daughter in the Adirondacks- you would think we went to war at the end of our hikes! Question: the links for backpacks. The first is for men- the second is for women? But it’s still the same good backpack?

[@Hikingguy]

Yup, Sirrus is women, Stratos men - still good use mine all the time

[@abegoldberg4030]

More great content! Thank you!! I'm looking at the Stratos 24 vs Manta 24 for an upcoming R3 hike. Staying in a lodge after day 1, so no camping gear required. They are similar size packs with subtle differences, one being the Manta 24 has a separate compartment for the 2.5 liter water bladder. Do you think that matters much or offers more space and/or ease of use benefits? You make a pretty compelling case for the Stratos 24 (as do many others). Thanks again for all of your help (and links!). Cheers!

[@Hikingguy]

They are very similar (and both have a bladder pocket) - I like the Stratos because it's a bit lighter and more comfy on long days.

[@abegoldberg4030]

@@Hikingguy Thanks for the reply!

[@shades1959]

Really nice review. Thank you for sharing.

[@rogerrabbit6278]

Best pack ever…hands down!

[@colinwilkinson8383]

hi cannot decide between talon pro 30 and stratos 26 would be used for long day walks i have seen both your videos relating to the pro 30 and stratos 24 do you still use both packs (great videos )

[@Hikingguy]

Using a Hikelite 26 now - amzn.to/3Z7nAjz - all good packs but I prefer the ones with the trampoline backs

[@riccohmful]

What a great review you made here. I am really interested in this backpack. I am planning a trip for New Zealand. Many of these hikes require a good backpack. I will bring 2 backpacks. I have the Aether 65 L. My question is this. I will bring this Stratos to the hikes, but is it a good travel bag? I need to fit my computer, GoPro, drone, etc. Is it too big to bring into the airplane?

[@Hikingguy]

you might be better served with a pack that has a laptop sleeve, that's prob the most important thing to protect - maybe something like this: bit.ly/3FBaQGS

[@halukkarahan7597]

@@Hikingguy I have Nebula 32. Although it is very comfortable to use, a model with better back ventilation would be better for hiking. I used Nebula in the Swiss Alps last summer. When the weather was hot, there was some sweating on the back. Perhaps the Tropos 32 model, which has the same design but has a kickstand, may be preferred here.

[@Cyril_H]

Good question. I have booked a trip to NZ aswell for early next year. Taking my drone and GoPro also (not taking a laptop tho). Wonder if the Stratos 24 will fit as a carry-on sized bag. Looking forward to see which backpack you're going for.

[@Hikingguy]

@@Cyril_H Stratos 24 fits my DJI Mini drone and GoPro with batteries, etc. no problem

[@Cyril_H]

​@@HikingguyThanks. Really looks like the best option out there for me then. Only remaining concern: will it fit as a carry-on bag? When I look at the Osprey website the height of the Stratos 24 is 59cm. Carry-on max height is 55cm. I know there is almost no flex because of the frame. So I wonder if it's able to compress to 55cm when loading it only with a few things on the flight.

[@reptilesgamers00]

Can you clip the hip belt around the front of the bag to keep them out of the way? I want a hike bag that can take also when traveling. I'd clip the hip belt out of the way most of the time. I can't decide between this and the Hikelite 26

[@Hikingguy]

Go with the Hikelite

[@reptilesgamers00]

@@Hikingguy why so certain?

[@Hikingguy]

@@reptilesgamers00 used both for hundreds of miles

[@MrStanislavb]

​@@HikingguyNoticed you used it in your last video :)

[@Hikingguy]

@@MrStanislavb Yea stay tuned for an update on that, I tried a bunch of daypacks

[@mattkerr12]

So do you prefer the stratos 24 over your talon pro 30?

[@Hikingguy]

Yup, if you need bigger, the Stratos 34 is also good

[@mattkerr12]

@@Hikingguy dang wish I saw this video before then 😭 but got the pro for $100 so I guess I can't really complain 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Hikingguy]

@@mattkerr12 it's still a great pack - give it a try - I used the pro for hundreds of miles

[@zjadaczkitu]

Can you fit tripod into side pockets?

[@Hikingguy]

Yes but you need to put it under the upper strap so it doesn't flop out.

[@Blezonu]

Much hiking gear is down to personal preference, but I find it odd that the reviewer says he doesn’t find waterproof covers particularly effective-I find them very effective personally. A pack liner is fine but it won’t protect anything in the outside pockets. Car keys (possibly Bluetooth) camera, phone, map wallet, map etc. you could put all those in their own bags I guess, but what a faff. Stick the waterproof over over and you don’t t need to worry about any of it.

[@Hikingguy]

that perspective comes from years of using covers on the East Coast and having rain leak in around the edges, having them blow off in winds, and be pulled off when going through trees - the only thing that truly keeps my gear dry is a liner or trash bag on the inside - I think the sentiment is echoed by long distance hikers on the AT, PCT, etc. who I never see using pack covers

[@manueldelgado5336]

Is this better than the Talon 22? How do you compare them?

[@Hikingguy]

I talk about it in the video a bit - this is bigger, has better padding, and not the huge hip belts - the Talon 22 is way overbuilt IMO

[@manueldelgado5336]

@@Hikingguy hmm gotcha, thanks! I think an argument of some was that the Talon had the advantage in real volume since the Stratos had to have the water bladder inside, making it really around 21 L. You mention something in the video about it, but have you tested full loadouts on both?

[@Hikingguy]

@@manueldelgado5336 It's not much different, I've used both. The external pocket for the bladder still pushes inside. There might be marginally less in the 24 because of the trampoline but I've found it fine for the load you can see in my best gear video. Plenty for a day hike.

[@manueldelgado5336]

@@Hikingguy thanks a lot! Will take it into consideration.

[@yosserhughes271]

What colourway is this? Thanks

[@Hikingguy]

"TUNNEL VISION GREY"

[@AuRowe]

Try Matador Freerain 28. I prefer it

[@jovieappoggiatura]

What are centrals? Forgive me, sir. I'm a beginner

[@TheRichb688]

like the gregory inertia 24 l

[@SoundVibezYT]

For a 24L backpack, it looks very large :O

[@sneakyray9160]

Why metal frame?, instead of carbon fiber🤔 so it’s lighter and more stronger..

[@Hikingguy]

Yup, I wish it was carbon too. It would be great if they offered a "pro" version of this pack

[@RichRich1955]

Looks nice. I broke a buckle on my osprey as it got pinched in the closing car door and osprey fixed it unconditionally. Lumbar, waist, bumbag or fanny. Enough names for it???

[@robertf3340]

Really nice review. Appreciate ya

[@nevadahigh365]

Ive been backpack shopping for months with endless hours searching internet. I want to replace my tired out 14'ish year old Kelty Day hike style backpack.I CANNOT FIND ANYTHING THAT OFFERS THE FEATURES IT DOES THAT I NEED! Its use is for extreme outdoor motorized travel (specifically snowmobiles, but dirtbike/quads/sxs as well) the purpose of the bag is to carry outdoor (not hiking essentials) like gloves, layers, tools, recovery equip, survival/first aid, food/liquids, camera gear of all kinds, goggles and more. All these items are accessed multiple times throughout a day so need to be individually easily and quickly accessed without unloading 1/2 the bag everytime in inclimate weather. It needs a full size main compt for large gear, a mid--size expanded 2nd pouch (not a flush pouch for flat equip like pjones/ipads). A 3rd stacked 1/3 size expanded pocket. Full length zippered pouches on each side as well as water bottle pouches. External straps to secure outside gear like poles or rolled up coats, etc. Shoulder straps with chest clip, but a waist strap that is load bearing w padded waist (not a chinsy 1" nylon strap) rugged construction and waterproof. This is what i use now, and is nowhere to be found! These single main compt "stuff/duffel" style packs are not functional at all! And THAT IS ALL ANYONE MAKES ANYMORE. This search has become maddening!

[@Hikingguy]

try this with a pack liner - bit.ly/46aPdJm

[@nevadahigh365]

@@Hikingguy looked at that. Its pretty much compareable to everything else on market. Not enough compartments. All my gear will be stuffed in together meaning ill continuously be unloading contents out onto ground when i need to get into it.

[@ryanthomas9306]

How tall are you ?

[@Hikingguy]

6ft

[@DRdarktnt]

I'm 5'7 and I found the Stratos to sit better on my back with the hip belt in the right place compared to say the Talon where the belt was around my waist instead, same goes for the chest straps too being in better positions too. The Talon however isn't as long or rigid and so is more versatile.

[@makb5354]

I noticed that there is a pattern in pack industry. Companies that make good fastpacking packs have proper side or front pockets for water bottles but minimalistic shoulder padding and companies that make backpacks for just hiking, have good shoulder padding but zero thought in proper design of side pockets for water bottles. When we look at customer's feedback we all have almost the same gripes, yet manufactures are not addressing these issues. Most day hikers are looking for easy side pocket access to water bottle without taking pack off, especially if it has waist belt with pockets. Also, most hikers do not use water bladder so again, easy water access needs to be addressed. Fastpacks use flexible materials and come in anywhere from 20-35 L sizes and are, in my opinion, much better option for day hike but ... and here comes the gripe, they use no padding on a shoulder straps. If they would use at least thin padding, it would be superior to any daypack from backpack industry. One of my favorite daypack design is fastpack from Ultimate direction with tons of pockets and accessible side pockets but it has no shoulder padding. If Osprey would just add stretchable, shorter, angled side pockets design at least on one side and perhaps extra shoulder stretchable pocket for GPS devices, it would satisfy a lot of day hiking community. (I think). Also, zippered access to main compartment should be designed completely from the back and go all the way down, for full access instead like many have zipper going down halfway. Mystery Ranch access is great but heavy material is overkill. Most daypacks should minimize the need for taking pack off and that minimizes wear and tear, hence why super duper heavy fabrics are not necessary. I would love to see you do video on what you would want ideal daypack look like and what others would change. I do all activities with my dog, so tons of easy accessible pockets are a must.

[@sufuhashim2092]

😊

[@YoungChambers-o5l]

Will Views

[@lichtloper]

I hate soo many zips, sorry

[@phishgroove]

How would you say this compares to the Manta 24? They look very similar. I bought the Manta 24 last year and I love it. One of my favorite day hike / overnight packs. 🏔️

[@brianbeaver3596]

I have a Manta 34, and I really like it. It has all the features of this one, plus a stuff-it pocket, a larger zipper pocket on the back, and a completely separate pocket for the bladder, which I think alleviates some of the issues identified in this review. It’s a little heavier, of course, but it works well for me on long day hikes.

[@Hikingguy]

Yea, it's almost the same, but the Stratos is a little lighter and lacks the big pocket on the back. If you have the Manta, no need to change.

[@bossmanfat6979]

@phisgroove this is the same decision I'm currently trying to make, and can only find one comparison video from 4 years ago. What did you end up going with?

[@azeetaag]

Have you tried any of the mystery ranch backpacks?

[@Hikingguy]

Yes they are great but the back just doesn't vent well for me.