Osprey Mira 22/Manta 24 Hydration Pack Review

Bottom Line

The Osprey Mira 22 (women’s version) and Manta 24 (men’s version) offer solid performance for day hikes and short outdoor trips, providing a well-balanced mix of comfort, hydration capacity, and durability. The pack excels in weight distribution, keeping the load close to the body, which helps with comfort even when fully loaded. Its adjustable fit and breathable back panel enhance comfort, though it may feel bulky for smaller users or those looking for a minimalist design. The hip pockets are a standout feature, providing easy access to snacks and small essentials. However, the main compartment can be challenging to access when the pack is fully loaded.

The hydration bladder system works well, with a secure hose attachment and easy-to-use closure. Although, some may find the magnet clip weak and difficult to use. It offers good weather resistance with a rain cover, but the pack is not fully waterproof. Those looking for lighter, simpler packs might find it bulky – and be better off with another one of the best hydration packs. Overall, the Osprey Mira 22 provides excellent value for hikers seeking a well-organized, durable, and comfortable daypack.

How We Tested

We took the pack out on a 8 mile hike on the Skyline Trail on Mt. Rainier to test for comfort and evaluate how it carried our snacks and gear. We tested ease of use for the hydration system and used artificial rain to evaluate weather resistance.

Comfort & Fit

Comfort is one of the strong suits of the Osprey Mira 22, thanks to its customizable fit. We found it easy to size the pack to our different body types when we used the shoulder straps and frame adjustment. The shoulder straps and back panel felt breathable, which helped us keep cool during our hike. However, the hip straps, while functional, are a bit awkward if not correctly positioned. We did not find them as comfortable for a smaller body, but with lighter loads, they felt sufficiently comfortable. With a heavier 15 lb winter pack, it caused us some discomfort after extended use. 

The narrow profile of the pack makes it ideal for those who prefer a more compact, close-to-the-body fit. Since the pack is narrow, the bulk of the volume is built vertically, making it cumbersome and tall for shorter users. We liked the ability to use the side compression straps to keep loads closer to our body and the pack more compact. Most packs we tested didn’t have this feature. Overall, the Osprey Mira offers excellent comfort for its size and design, especially for individuals who prioritize breathability and a snug, supportive fit.

Hydration System

The hydration bladder in the Osprey Mira 22 is functional, with a fold-slide closure that makes filling and closing a breeze. The bladder’s size, while adequate for most day hikes (up to 2.5L), was a tight squeeze when we tried to load it while the pack was full. When the pack was empty, the bladder was easy to insert thanks to a hook system. 

We liked the no-slip handle for filling, which was an upgrade from the Osprey Dyna 15L bladder. However, the handle is relatively flimsy compared to the Gregory bladders. It felt less ergonomic to hold for extended periods. Additionally, the top opening can be hard to pry open and keep open, requiring 2 hands to fill the bladder. 

There is a magnet clip for the hose to stow away while hiking, but we found it useless since we constantly accidentally knocked it out of place.  Overall, it’s a reliable system, but could benefit from a few improvements in ease of use.

Compartments

The Osprey Mira 22 excels in organization, offering several functional compartments designed for easy access. We enjoyed the top pouch as it is particularly handy for storing small items like snacks or keys. It’s a bit shallow and things can fall out easier than a deeper pocket, but it still provided a convenient quick-access area. We used the pack’s hip pockets for our phone, allowing for quick navigation on the move. It’s spacious enough for most phones, unlike other packs with smaller hip pockets. 

The main compartment is very roomy for a 22L pack. However, we found that it was a bit of a challenge to access items near the bottom of the pack because it was particularly deep compared to other 20-24L packs. The side pockets were useful and easy to store a Nalgene bottle, but it was not a quick access side pocket. We could not load or unload a bottle without taking off the pack. 

Like many Osprey packs, this one also had a mesh back pocket, which we found ideal for storing wet gear. The interior mesh pockets provide additional organization options. Though the pack feels roomy for its size, accessing certain items in the main compartment could be more efficient.

Waterproofing

The Osprey Mira 22 performs well in wet conditions, thanks to its rain cover and water-resistant fabric. We subjected the pack to a simulated rainstorm by placing it under running water in our shower for over 30 seconds. It survived our rain test, unlike other packs we tested. The exterior mesh pocket allows water to drain off quickly when wet, preventing water from pooling in the pack.

The rain cover is stored conveniently at the bottom of the pack and is easy to deploy when needed. It provided some of the best water protection out of all packs we tested. Without the rain cover, the pack is still very waterproof. The zippers are covered by waterproof flaps, so even if the rain is heavy, the contents of the pack remain dry. It’s a great option for hikers who may encounter unpredictable weather during their day trips, offering a good level of protection without adding too much weight.

Durability

The Osprey Mira 22 is built with durability in mind. The main fabric is thick and tough enough to withstand abrasion and holds up to the 420D nylon standard – just like the Gregory packs. The zippers were durable and easy to use without snagging, so we believe they will hold up well over time. The pack’s structure is a reinforced frame pack which feels more durable to use than frameless packs. However, the outer mesh on the side and the back pocket felt more fragile. It could snag on obstacles next to the trail, so care should be taken when using these areas for storage. For the average hiker, this pack has the perfect amount of durability for day hiking and shorter adventures for many years to come.

Weight

Coming in at over 3 pounds, the Osprey Mirra 22 was the heaviest pack we tested. Other packs with similar volume clock in at 2-3 pounds. We felt like the amount of compartments compromised the overall weight. However, the durable frame provided structure and support, which made the weight distribution feel lighter than expected while hiking. The airy back panel also helped balance the weight, keeping the pack comfortably close to the body but far enough to be breathable. We felt that the design kept the center of gravity aligned with our torso, minimizing the effects of the heavier base weight of the pack. 

However we still found the weight more noticeable by the end of our trek. The Mirra 22 isn’t a good bet for those looking for an ultra-lightweight, minimalistic option. However, for those seeking durability and comfort in a hydration pack with extra storage, it delivers. It’s best suited for day hikes or short treks, where the additional weight can be tolerated for the sake of comfort and convenience.

Should You Buy the Osprey Mira 22 Hydration Pack?

The Osprey Mira 22 Hydration Pack is ideal for day hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a well-organized, comfortable pack for short trips. It’s designed for individuals who prioritize comfort and ease of access to essentials. The adjustable fit, breathable back panel, and compact design make it especially suited for those looking for a hydration pack that balances load distribution without being overly bulky. However, it is a heavier pack for its volume, so it might not be the best choice for those looking for a light weight pack. It is a great choice for those looking for the most organizational structure in a pack with a solid frame for a backpack. Its tall frame makes it more ergonomic for those with longer torsos, although the pack itself is adjustable for most body sizes.

What Other Hydration Packs Should You Consider?

For more options, please browse our full guide to the best hydration packs.

Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O: The Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O is a better overall choice compared to the Osprey Mira/Manta 22/24. It offers superior comfort since it is lighter and has a more breathable back panel.

CamelBak HAWG Pro 20 100 oz: If you need more organization and a slimmer design, the CamelBak HAWG Pro 20 is a better alternative. It provides efficient storage with multiple compartments while remaining more compact and easier to carry compared to the bulkier Osprey Mira/Manta.

Teton Oasis 18L: For those on a budget, the Teton Oasis 18L is an affordable option compared to the Osprey Mira/Manta. Despite its lower price, it still offers ample hydration and storage space. Though it lacks some of the premium features of higher-end packs, it’s a great choice for shorter hikes.