Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack vs. Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 0 kg |
| Dimensions | 53×32×30 cm |
| Airline fit | 12% |
| Price | $120 |
Feature by feature
| Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack | Feature | Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| removable | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | optional |
| 2 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| 420d HD nylon plain weave | 100% Polyester |
Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 1.04 kg |
| Dimensions | 62×29×26 cm |
| Airline fit | 3% |
| Price | $200 |
Key differences between the Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack and Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack
- Opening: Clamshell on the Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack; Top flap on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
- Hip belt: Removable on the Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack; Yes on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
- Rain cover: No on the Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack; Optional on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
- Water resistant: Yes on the Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack; No on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
Both have: backpack straps, sternum strap, built-in organizer, water bottle pockets.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 4 accept both. 19 accept only the Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack, and 1 accept only the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
Only the Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack fits
Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air Tahiti Nui, Azul Linhas, China Southern, 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 Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack fits
Island Air.
Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack vs. Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack: which should you pack?
The Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack carries the same capacity as the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack (32L vs. 32L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack fits 12% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack; if you want to travel lighter, the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack is the better call.