Jul 10
10
Mantis 26 Will Go From The Urban Jungle To Day Hiking
ArcTeryx Mantis Backpack
By Karenna Awtry
There are plenty of backpacks to get you through the wilderness. When you’re trekking through the urban jungle, it’s nice to know that outdoors gear-maker Arc’teryx has you covered. The 2010 Mantis 26 backpack from Arc’teryx blends modern style with backpack versatility to take you from cross-city commute to cross-country day hike in comfort.
Compact, durable and functional, the Arc’teryx Mantis 26 might be the backpacking equivalent of the day-to-night dress. Organize and secure school supplies in the zippered front pocket and top pocket, and slide your laptop and class books into the main compartment.
The Mantis 26 is commuter-friendly, with padded back panel, contoured shoulder straps, a sternum strap and hipbelt. This isn’t a school backpack; it’s a framed hiking pack tailored for commutes, day hikes and travel.
Another thing that makes the Mantis different from your standard backpack: It’s hydration compatible, with a reservoir pocket and drink tube clip for your own water bladder.
Reviewers give the Arc’teryx Mantis 26 backpack an average 4/5 stars online.
Says an REI.com user from Denver: “I go through a new pack every semester, but this one is worth keeping. The organization is similar to the Muira 30 pack that I use for rock climbing, I really enjoy the way that bag works and this one is just as good.
The panel load for the main compartment makes accessing everything really easy. The pockets on the front are useful, the larger one is big enough for a jacket or for lunch and gloves.
The other front pocket is flat, but still holds several small items. The top pocket has an organizer for pens, holds about 10 for me, plus a pocket for an iPod and headphones. Great thing is, when the bag is sitting next to my desk, that top pocket lays open, giving me access to all of my supplies inside.
I prefer the comfort personally. Arc’teryx claims this will hold a 17″ laptop, I have a 15″ MacBook Pro in a sleeve and it barely fits. I would not assume a 17″ laptop to fit without trying it! I can put my laptop, a couple books and a jacket in the main compartment. My only complaint thus far is the zippers. It seems the pulls get sideways and complicate opening. I have had to learn how to deal with them, not a big problem, but a more solid zipper would be nice (and more expensive).”
Overall, the Arc’teryx Mantis 26 is recommended as a light-load school, travel or day hiking pack. It scores points for comfort, easy loading and well-padded suspension. The laptop sleeve, zippers and lack of external attachments draw negative attention.
Go now to see more of the Mantis 26 hiking backpack for yourself.
