Osprey Nebula 32 vs. Osprey Manta 34
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Nebula 32 | Feature | Osprey Manta 34 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| 420D recycled nylon, PFAS-free DWR | bluesign® APPROVED 100% recycled 210D high-tenacity honey comb contrast nylon, DWR treatments made without PFAS |
Key differences between the Osprey Nebula 32 and Osprey Manta 34
- Hip belt: Removable on the Osprey Nebula 32; Yes on the Osprey Manta 34.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Nebula 32; No on the Osprey Manta 34.
- Main compartments: 3 on the Osprey Nebula 32; 4 on the Osprey Manta 34.
- Rain cover: No on the Osprey Nebula 32; Yes on the Osprey Manta 34.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, built-in organizer, water bottle pockets, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 2 accept both. 23 accept only the Osprey Nebula 32, and 1 accept only the Osprey Manta 34.
Only the Osprey Nebula 32 fits
Adria Airways, Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti Nui, Azul Linhas, Caribbean Airlines, China Southern, Croatia Air, Cubana de Aviacion, Hainan Airlines, Korean Air, Philippine Airlines, Royal Air Morocco, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, SpiceJet, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, Ural Airlines.
Only the Osprey Manta 34 fits
Island Air.
Osprey Nebula 32 vs. Osprey Manta 34: which should you pack?
The Osprey Manta 34 carries 2L more than the Osprey Nebula 32 (32L vs. 34L), while the Osprey Nebula 32 is the lighter pack at 1kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Osprey Nebula 32 fits 13% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Osprey Manta 34; if you want to travel lighter, the Osprey Nebula 32 is the better call.