Customer Reviews Arc'teryx Mantis 20 Backpack

I purchased this pack hoping to use it for day hikes and biking and it's a great size for both. I do like the top loader style and the fact that I can access the main compartment easily with a side zipper is great. I give this 2 stars though because on the very first hike I took it out on I opened the pack less than 5 times and the cording started fraying. Pretty disappointed that Arc'teryx chose such a low quality cord. Other concern is the side pockets for a water bottle don't cinch down very tight, so whenever I would bend down my water bottle would fall out and it has a few dents now because of this. Lastly, if the pack is at all full in the slightest, you can see the light lining underneath as the top loader isn't wide enough to cover this. Kinda unappealing appearance. Overall, great size, but quality and thought doesn't seem to be executed.

This bag is very wellbut we are choosing the better bag

This Mantis 20L bag is durable and functional! Used as a daily commute bag where laptop, books, etc. fits along with other things. Used as travel personal bag as the bag is nice and slim even when packed! And All the compartments and big zipper make it easy to use/pack for a camping trip.

Got this backpack a couple months ago and have been loving it. Great versatile pack with lots of pockets and fits my torso perfectly.

I was gifted this bag by a friend and I have literally not put it down since I've got it. It's very lightweight and is so easy to take anywhere on a whim. It has a good amount of space inside it and as a college student, it has made my commute much easier.

Bought this for longer day hikes and is perfect for fitting everything I need for extra layers, lunch, water, snacks and even the jet boil for that mid morning trail side coffee!

The Arc'teryx Mantis 20 Backpack in Color Synth/Techno has become my go-to companion for all sorts of adventures, from hiking to urban explorations. Its blend of functionality, comfort, and thoughtful design has truly impressed me. I use the Mantis 20 for a variety of outings, from day hikes in the mountains to daily commutes in the city. Its 20-liter capacity strikes the perfect balance between spaciousness and practicality. The numerous pockets and compartments are well-organized, allowing me to store everything from hydration systems to essential gear with ease. The fit of the backpack is excellent. The adjustable straps ensure a comfortable and secure fit, even during long hikes. The padding on the shoulder straps and back panel provides ample support and ventilation, which is especially appreciated during warmer weather. While the Mantis 20 is a versatile backpack, it's important to note that it lacks a dedicated laptop compartment. If you're looking to carry electronic devices, additional padding or a separate sleeve might be necessary. In terms of improvements, a dedicated compartment for laptops or tablets could make the backpack even more versatile, catering to both outdoor adventures and urban lifestyles. Before purchasing, consider the type of adventures you'll be embarking on. This backpack is a solid choice for day trips and outdoor activities, but if you need to carry heavier loads or bulky gear, a larger backpack might be more suitable. In conclusion, the Arc'teryx Mantis 20 Backpack is a reliable and versatile option for those who seek a balance between outdoor functionality and urban style. Its comfort, organization, and durability make it a worthy investment for a variety of adventures, whether you're hitting the trails or navigating the city streets.

I use this to travel. I can fit everything I need for a weekend or up to a week of travel. I like how you can cinch the top opening and the side opening is very handy. Spot for a computer, smaller compartments, and the straps on the side to secure your waterbottle in is great. You can tell someone actually took extra time to design this bag. Stylish and functional. It's always the bag I reach for. Great purchase!

I used this pack as my day trekking pack for my 5 day trek in Peru through the Salkantay pass. This pack was absolutely perfect for my needs. I pocket for the water bladder helped keep it in place and accessible. The top pouch held my headlamp, TP, sunscreen, chapstick and other small items. The side zip allowed for easy access to the main compartment which held, all of my extra layers. The second outside zip pocket held extra snacks. The bungee cords for the mesh side pockets were nice as they adjusted to holding my extra water bottle and the trekking polls (when I wasn't using them). I appreciated the low profile and fit of this pack and was impressed by how much it carried. It was also the envy of the other hikers in my group. I also used it as my personal bag for the plane ride and it safely housed my laptop in lieu of the water bladder and other layers, snacks, and souvenirs that I wouldn't trust in my checked bag.

Very versatile and easy to use. Fits a ton of things and packs small when not full. Compartments are all practical and the side access zipper is a plus. The lid is a tad small but with a quick adjustment it covers the bag perfectly. I've used it for travelling and hiking. It even worked for ski Touring in a pinch. Arc'teryx really popped off on this one

Really nice daybag, nothing bad to say about it. Good quality, great size

I ended up buying this pack when I saw that the Brize 25 was no longer available, since it generally had the form and function that I was looking for. I really wanted a narrow, top load design for hiking, biking, and everyday use and this pack checks all the boxes for me. The internal frame sheet is much better and more robust than I was anticipating for a 20L pack and the straps are comfortable and well designed. The biggest surprise to me is how accessible the pack is without having to open the draw string top. Not only are there plenty of areas to store things in zip pockets on the top and side, but the entire pack is accessible through a second side zip pocket and that makes all the difference to me. Top loading packs aren't for everyone but this one feels more like a hybrid with the panel loading into the main compartment. It's a great pack and I hope becomes a mainstay in the backpack and Mantis lineup for years to come.

Best backpack I've ever owned. Perfect for a day hike, rainwear food drink and poles fit comfortably

I've used this pack for camping trip and on small casual day out exploring. There are a lot of reasons I like this pack - Side entry very useful for not having to rummage from the top - Hydration compatible and ease of use for threading your tube - Internal zipper pocket. Although small its handy for keeping small items/valuables - Velcro. Powerful stick for keeping internal pocket flush - Light colour inner so easier to find things - Ample side pockets for bottle, other items - Top grab handle is great and large, doesn't get in the way (I thought it might rub/flap against my neck but it doesn't) -lightweight and comfy (haven't used it on extended trips) - Daisy Chain adjustability to personalise fit and secure what your carrying Things I noticed that would be an opportunity for improvement - Front storage pocket. handy extra space, although if pack is full this doesn't expand so can become obsolete - removable waist belt is good for casual use but for hiking I wasn't keen on the belt. I prefer to have a padded and zippered waist belt so I can put my phone, snacks and tissues there I haven't tried fitting my laptop in the internal sleeve so can't comment on that compatibility. I haven't used it in wet weather so not sure how the DWR would hold up.

Mantis 20 has been great for commuting and work. The laptop sleeve and front pocket is great to separate cables, laptops and books, with the top pocket perfect for putting your wallet and other valuables in the top. The bottle sleeves on the side are great, but aren't the most secure when running as if it is a narrow bottle it will slip and bounce out. The pack feels rigid and secure on the back, comfortable for walking or commuting, however, I do find it caused a lot of sweat and warmth against the back for any walking in hot weather or high output activity like hiking/running. But the chest and hip straps really help lock the back in against the body. I've used this bag on the plane, packing my laptop, clothes and valuables, and it's been great as a personal item bag that can go under the seat in front. The only thing I don't like with the bag, which deducted a star, is the draw string for the bag. After tightening the pocket/draw string, the string itself is very long and dangles down, getting in the way of the front clip that connects to the top pocket lid. And this lid, if too heavy and full, is difficult to clip to the strap, or if left loose, easily flips open. Overall though I would highly recommend the bag for commuting, travelling and hiking due to the secure fastenings, multiple pockets and large but not huge size backpack that it is.

Bought for general day duties and the odd carry on flight. The usual Arcteryx quality shines through but it does have a rather strange lid. Almost as if it isn't quite big enough to fit the bag. The lining shows through under it. Doesn't effect the use, just the aesthetics. Simple drawstring tensioners around the sides hold drinks bottles and other items in the side pockets and a full height side zip gives access to the main compartment without having to get involved with the odd lid.

This could have been the perfect alternative to the discontinued brize 25 backpack. As many have already mentioned the lid is kind of small and doesn't fit the pack nicely when its full. The bungee cords to secure a water bottle don't seem to be adequate to lock in a smooth stainless steel bottle. The closing mechanism on the pack looks cool and seems like a clever way but I don't think it's more convenient than a normal buckle at all. But these are minor issues compared to the vertical zippers. One of them gives acces to the main compartment of the pack, which seems really convenient at first until you realise when this is opened unwanted (by accident or a pickpocket) it just exposes or worse, dumps all the content onto the ground. Why didn't you connect the bungee cords past the zipper so that the pack doesn't open that wide when opened unintended? And why is the lid so small that you cannot even hide the zipper pulls? This is not that big of an issue when using this pack while hiking, but as a travel daypack in an urban setting it doesn't seem safe at all. The vertical zippers are just way too exposed. And it's too easy for someone to open then while you wear it. It's a shame cause this is a really good looking pack and a nice size. I wish you could bring the brize lineup back