Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack vs. Exped Core 35

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack

Front facing view of the Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack
Capacity32 L
Weight0 kg
Dimensions53×32×30 cm
Airline fit12%
Price$120

Feature by feature

Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 BackpackFeatureExped Core 35
Storage
N Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 3
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
Y Backpack Y
removable Hip Belt removable
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
N Laptop N
1 Main Compartments 1
Y Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
2 Water Bottle Holder N
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
420d HD nylon plain weave1680 D Ballistic nylon, PU coated, 1'500 mm water column

Exped Core 35

Front facing view of the Exped Core 35
Capacity35 L
Weight0.1 kg
Dimensions62×30×23 cm
Airline fit13%
Price$137

Key differences between the Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack and Exped Core 35

Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap, water resistant.

Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on

We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 23 accept both. 0 accept only the Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack, and 1 accept only the Exped Core 35.

Only the Exped Core 35 fits

Island Air.

Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack vs. Exped Core 35: which should you pack?

The Exped Core 35 carries 3L more than the Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack (32L vs. 35L), and the two are closely matched on weight. For carry-on flexibility, the Exped Core 35 fits 13% of the airlines we track — the higher of the two. If you prioritise packing volume, choose the Exped Core 35; if you want to travel lighter, the Exped Core 35 is the better call.