Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Mantis 16 Backpack

This is a first impressions review as I've only had the pack for a few days, however I thought I'd share some initial observations for others if you are considering buying: The good points: Pack appears to be well built and designed, the fabric feels tough, stitching is up to the excellent Arcteryx standard and the zippers feel quality. The layout reminds me a little bit of the Aerios 15 (which I also own) the pack has a good size main compartment (I can fit a full days hiking kit such as waterproofs, warm layers, water and food) with no issues. The inner pocket is good for keys, wallets etc, I can easily fit my iPhone 12 plus a wallet and some other items in there. There's a water bladder/laptop compartment, my MacBook 13 inch goes in with no worries. The external front pocket isn't particularly large and doesn't run that deep but you can easily fit an iPhone 12 or similar plus some other smaller items if you wish. The back panel is ridged giving good support, and the shoulder straps are very flexible and comfortable, the pack isn't designed for really heavy loads but I'm sure it will cope with 8kg/20lbs if it really needed too. I think the fabric has DWR, water beads up and runs off but it's not a waterproof bag. Final point, I ordered two, one in black and one in sapphire, I'll be returning the black as I prefer the sapphire colour which is more dark blue/grey than purple as it appears on the websitepersonal preference but I think it looks better in person. I'll pop a follow up review once I've had some more use, but I'm impressed so far!

Fantastic day pack for travel while cruising around your destination as a day pack. I was hesitant of the size at first because I am a family man I carry things for my wife and two daughters. I am able to fit 4 water bottles-double walled stainless steel, 2-20oz and 2-16oz, light jackets for the 4 of us. Jackets ranging from Squamish wind breaker to 2 fleece zip ups and youth size jacket with room to spare and was comfortable on the shoulders. I can see this bag perfect for day out adventures from the mountains to the urban adventures.

The backpack is very nice, the perfect capacity for one day and beautiful colors. I use for walking in the mountains and climbing via ferrata, actually it had been a long time I have been looking for a 16lt backpack that nice and practical, the only thing that may-be I would have liked more is the upper front pocket a little bit deeper

An absolutely amazing backpack, I ditched my Northface Borealis backpack immediately. Very lightweight feel even with a lot of stuff in the backpack.

I love this bag so much, I'm gonna use it for everything. It fits snug, has good space capacity and overall just looks awesome.

Best looking backpack I know of. This is the perfect backpack for my climbing gear. It has room for a harness, shoes and my chalk bag. It's also really easy to boulder with I just wear it backwards with a crash pad on my back. I wouldn't suggest this for school because the zippers are really loud and it gets narrower as it goes down so it doesn't hold binders well. It's perfect for outdoors though.

I purchased this backpack for daily commuting, but it surprisingly holds quite a lot. The interior pocket easily fits my MacBook Air 13.6", keeping it separate from other items. Additionally, the backpack is very sturdy; when I tighten the shoulder straps, it doesn't swing while I'm walking. The material is lightweight and durableholding the empty bag feels as light as a single-sleeve shirt. I also use it for one-day hiking or trail running. It comfortably carries essentials without adding weight, and the sturdy design makes it perfect for active use.

It is a perfect backpack for carrying everyday school stuff.

I like this backpack very much. Lightweight and large capacity.

The backpack is perfect. Surprised over how spacious it is. Perfectly slim and good features. I'm using it for uni, but thinking of getting another one for hikes with my dog. Love the color, got it in Rune

I love this bag it's perfect for around the town or a quick hike

Mantis 16 is perfect the size the color anything is perfect

I bought this a month ago and it's exactly what I was looking for , perfect for outdoor activities, love the material

Got this one in red. Love it featuring a frame sheet, ties on the sides and the top pocket.

Perfect day tripper and perfect commuter all in one. The Mantis 16, sits close to the body and has a slim profile without being bulky leaving you all the room you need to move and feel like you are wearing nothing at all. Pack straps include a sternum clip to ensure the bag can be secured across your chest and the outer pockets give access to water or other goodies when you need them. The internal pocket has a sleeve at the back for a bladder or other essentials and a small pocket to hold keys near the top of your bag. One feature I really love is the top pocket on the outer side, perfect size for holding sunglasses, gloves or a granola bar that you may need without wanting to open the pack. The inside of the pack can hold a laptop and a few layers if needed or a full set of layers for changing weather.

I got this pack recently and so far it has been amazing, much more spacious than I thought and has amazing build quality. 10/10

Perfect size pack for a day trip. Comfortable shoulder and waist belt. Great value for the money.

I use this pack for daily commutes and hikes. After 4 months of use every single day, there is not a single flaw. I am super impressed of the quality of this pack.

This backpack was a great size for me. I wanted something small that wouldn't be too heavy but I can fit everything in. The side pouches are great for the extra space. I am 5ft2 and the backpack fits me well as often they can be too long to comfortably sit on my back. Originally used for hiking but has turned into a hiking/airport/work/everyday backpack.

I pretty much like everything about the Mantis 16. Great zippers, water bottle pockets, great size, durable material, etc. I only wish the top pocket (smaller one) was as big as the Aerios 15 top pocket.

I used this bag pack every time I go out, and it is perfect! The size is good and the black one is like the photos! I really recommend this product.

I bought the grey pack and it's a perfect fit, it has a semi hard backing and it is snug

It is very light and string little backpack. Me and my wife can use it together when we go hiking. And I use it every-time we go out camping.

I strongly reccomend this backpack. Great for the outdoors

I've been alternating between the Mantis 26 and 16 as an EDC bag. I like the 26, but this 16 hits the sweet spot for most of my needs. The dimensions are absolutely perfect for maximizing the 16L. I took this on a three week trip overseas and it was the perfect travel companion. Fit everything I needed with room to spare. Face fabric is super durable and shoulder straps are comfortable. The quick access pocket on top could be slightly bigger, but it was sufficient to carry essentials. Most of all, I just love how this bag feels on the back. Very slim profile and curved frame sheet is very comfortable. Terrific design.