Osprey Manta 34 vs. Osprey Hikelite 26
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Manta 34 | Feature | Osprey Hikelite 26 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 4 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| Y | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| N | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| Y | Rain-fly | Y |
| 2, side | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign® APPROVED 100% recycled 210D high-tenacity honey comb contrast nylon, DWR treatments made without PFAS | bluesign® APPROVED 100% recycled 100D high-tenacity bird eye nylon, DWR treatments made without PFAS |
Osprey Hikelite 26
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 51×36×31 cm |
| Airline fit | 2% |
| Price | $115 |
Key differences between the Osprey Manta 34 and Osprey Hikelite 26
- Hip belt: Yes on the Osprey Manta 34; Removable on the Osprey Hikelite 26.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Manta 34; 2 on the Osprey Hikelite 26.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Manta 34; No on the Osprey Hikelite 26.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, backpack straps, sternum strap, rain cover, 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. 1 accept only the Osprey Manta 34, and 2 accept only the Osprey Hikelite 26.
Only the Osprey Manta 34 fits
Island Air.
Only the Osprey Hikelite 26 fits
Adria Airways, Air New Zealand.
Osprey Manta 34 vs. Osprey Hikelite 26: which should you pack?
The Osprey Manta 34 carries 8L more than the Osprey Hikelite 26 (34L vs. 26L), while the Osprey Hikelite 26 is the lighter pack at 0.8kg (vs. 1.4kg). For carry-on flexibility, the Osprey Manta 34 fits 2% 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 Hikelite 26 is the better call.