Osprey Skarab 30 vs. Arc'teryx Mantis 26
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Skarab 30 | Feature | Arc'teryx Mantis 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 0 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | 15in |
| 2 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign® APPROVED, 100% recycled 100Dx210D high-tenacity nylon, DWR treatment made without PFAS | 420d HD nylon plain weave fabric |
Arc'teryx Mantis 26
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×28×25 cm |
| Airline fit | 40% |
| Price | $160 |
Key differences between the Osprey Skarab 30 and Arc'teryx Mantis 26
- Compression straps: 4 on the Osprey Skarab 30; No on the Arc'teryx Mantis 26.
- Laptop sleeve: No on the Osprey Skarab 30; 15in on the Arc'teryx Mantis 26.
- Main compartments: 2 on the Osprey Skarab 30; 4 on the Arc'teryx Mantis 26.
Both have: passport pocket, backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, 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. 74 accept both. 0 accept only the Osprey Skarab 30, and 2 accept only the Arc'teryx Mantis 26.
Only the Arc'teryx Mantis 26 fits
Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways.
Osprey Skarab 30 vs. Arc'teryx Mantis 26: which should you pack?
The Osprey Skarab 30 carries 4L more than the Arc'teryx Mantis 26 (30L vs. 26L), while the Arc'teryx Mantis 26 is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 0.9kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Arc'teryx Mantis 26 fits 40% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Osprey Skarab 30; if you want to travel lighter, the Arc'teryx Mantis 26 is the better call.