Bottom Line
The Osprey Mira 24 / Manta 24 Hydration Pack offers solid performance for day hikes and short outdoor trips, providing a well-balanced mix of pockets, hydration capacity, and durability. This updated version features a highly ventilated AirSpeed suspension system with a ladder torso adjuster and a new Hydraulics reservoir. However, depending on your body dimensions, we found the ladder design to hit the back of our shoulder blades awkwardly, causing some discomfort.
The pack excels in weight distribution, keeping the load close to the body, which helps with comfort even when fully loaded. Its adjustable fit and breathable back panel enhance comfort, though it may feel bulky and heavy for smaller users or those looking for a minimalist design. The hip pockets are a standout feature, providing easy access to snacks and small essentials. However, the main compartment can be challenging to access when the pack is fully loaded.
The hydration bladder system works well, with a secure hose attachment and easy-to-use closure. Though some may find the magnet clip weak and difficult to use, and the bladder opening a bit too small for effective cleaning. It offers good weather resistance with a rain cover, but the pack is not fully waterproof.
Those looking for lighter, simpler packs might find them bulky and too heavy, and be better off with another from our best hydration packs guide. Overall, the Osprey Mira 24 provides excellent value for hikers seeking a well-organized and durable daypack.
How We Tested
We took the Osprey Mira 24 out on several hikes in Northern California’s regional parks to test for comfort and evaluate how it carried our snacks and gear. We tested the hydration system’s ease of use and used artificial rain to evaluate its weather resistance and the effectiveness of the rain cover. Through testing, we analyzed the pack’s construction to determine its durability and whether the higher weight was worth the trade-off.
The tester and writer for this review, Emily Parnay, has hiked hundreds of trails and thousands of miles over the years and is an expert in women’s-specific hiking gear. With a critical eye, she compared the Mira 24 to other packs in our lineup to assess how it performed against top-tier brands.
Quick Specs
Osprey Manta 24 / Mira 24
Best Large Volume Hydration Pack
CleverHiker Rating: 4.4/5.0
Price: $220
Capacity: 24L/24L
Weight: 3 lb. 6.4 oz. / 3 lb. 4.5 oz.(Manta/Mira)
Pros
- Plenty of compartments
- Spacious internal volume
- Padded shoulders and hip belt
- Great for light rainy hikes
- Quick access hip pockets
- Highly durable bladder and construction
Cons
- On the heavy and expensive side
- Hydration bladder more difficult to use and clean
- Torso Ladder Adjuster hits shoulder blades awkwardly depending on body type
Comfort & Fit
Depending on your body type, the Osprey Mira 24’s molded ladder torso adjuster may not sit as comfortably against your shoulder blades. We found this to be our biggest gripe with the pack. While we love how customizable the fit is and how easy it is to adjust in a pinch with all the adjustable straps and the torso length ladder, the shape of the rigid backing in this model did not conform well to our gear analyst’s shoulders. Although it didn’t fit us the way we’d like, others may find that it hugs their body much more comfortably. If possible, we highly recommend trying on this pack in-store before purchasing.
In terms of breathability, the shoulder straps and back panel provided adequate airflow, helping us stay cool during our hike. However, the hip straps, while functional, are a bit awkward if not correctly positioned. We did not find them as comfortable for a smaller body, but with lighter loads, they felt sufficiently comfortable.
The narrow profile of the pack makes it ideal for those who prefer a more compact, close-to-the-body fit. Since the pack is narrow, the bulk of the volume is built vertically, making it cumbersome and tall for shorter users. We liked the ability to use the side compression straps to keep loads closer to our body and the pack more compact. Most packs we tested didn’t have this feature. Overall, the Osprey Mira offers excellent features for its size and design, though we highly recommend trying it on before purchasing.
Hydration System
The Hydraulics hydration bladder in the Osprey Mira 24 is leak-proof, with a fold-slide closure that makes filling and closing a breeze. The bladder’s 2.5 liters, while adequate for most day hikes, is a bit small for the pack. We prefer more like 3 liters for longer day hikes. When the pack was empty, the bladder was easy to insert thanks to a hook system.
We liked the no-slip handle for filling, an upgrade over the Osprey Dyna 15L bladder. However, the handle is relatively flimsy compared to the Gregory bladders. It felt less ergonomic to hold for extended periods. Additionally, the top opening can be hard to pry open and keep open, requiring two hands to fill the bladder. This opening is also very small, which can make air-drying and cleaning after use a bit of a challenge.
There is a magnet clip for the hose to stow away while hiking, but we found it useless because we kept accidentally knocking it out of place. Overall, it’s a reliable system, but it could benefit from a few improvements in ease of use.
Compartments
The Osprey Mira 24 excels in organization, offering several functional compartments designed for easy access. We enjoyed the top pouch as it is particularly handy for storing small items like snacks or keys. It’s a bit shallow, and things can fall out more easily than a deeper pocket, but it still provides a convenient, quick-access area. We used the pack’s hip pockets for our phone, allowing for quick navigation on the move. It’s spacious enough for most phones, unlike other packs with smaller hip pockets.
The main compartment is very roomy for a 24-liter pack. However, we found it a bit of a challenge to access items near the bottom of the pack because it was particularly deep compared to other 20- to 24-liter packs. The side pockets were useful and easy to use for storing a Nalgene bottle, but they were not quick-access. We could not load or unload a bottle without taking off the pack.
Like many Osprey packs, this one also had a mesh back pocket, which we found ideal for storing wet gear. The interior mesh pockets provide additional organization options. Though the pack feels roomy for its size, accessing certain items in the main compartment could be more efficient.
Waterproofing
The Osprey Mira 24 performs well in wet conditions, thanks to its rain cover and water-resistant fabric. We subjected the pack to a simulated rainstorm by placing it under running water for over 30 seconds. It survived our rain test, unlike other packs we tested. The exterior mesh pocket allows water to drain off quickly when wet, preventing water from pooling in the pack.
The rain cover is stored conveniently at the bottom of the pack and is easy to deploy when needed. It provided some of the best water protection out of all the packs we tested. Without the rain cover, the pack is still fairly water-resistant. The zippers are covered by waterproof flaps, so even in heavy rain, the contents of the pack remain dry. It’s a great option for hikers who may encounter unpredictable weather during their day trips, offering a good level of protection without adding too much weight. We also love that the durable-water repellent (DWR) coating doesn’t have any harmful PFAS.
Durability
The Osprey Mira 24 is built for durability. The main fabric is thick and tough, able to withstand abrasion and meet the 420D nylon standard. The zippers are durable and easy to use without snagging, and the zipper pulls are large and convenient. We believe they will hold up well over time. The pack’s structure is a reinforced frame, which feels more durable than frameless packs. The material feels abrasion-resistant and less likely to snag on nearby trail obstacles than other packs. For the average hiker, this pack has the perfect amount of durability for day hiking and shorter adventures for many years to come.
Weight
Coming in at over 3 pounds, the Osprey Mira 24 was the heaviest pack we tested. Other packs with similar volume typically clock in at 2 to 3 pounds. We felt like the number of compartments, the rigidity of the back panel, and the thickness of the material compromised the overall weight. However, the durable frame provided structure and support, which made the weight distribution feel lighter than expected while hiking.
The airy back panel also helped balance the weight, keeping the pack comfortably close to the body while remaining breathable. We felt that the design kept the center of gravity aligned with our torso, minimizing the effects of the pack’s heavier base weight.
However, we still found the weight more noticeable by the end of our trek. The Mirra 24 isn’t a good bet for those looking for an ultra-lightweight, minimalistic option. However, for those seeking durability and comfort in a hydration pack with extra storage, it delivers. It’s best suited for day hikes or short treks, where the additional weight can be tolerated for the sake of comfort and convenience.
Should You Buy the Osprey Mira 24 Hydration Pack?
The Osprey Mira 24 Hydration Pack is ideal for day hikers and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a well-organized, durable pack for short trips. Osprey designed it for individuals who prioritize adjustability and easy access to essentials. The customizable fit, breathable back panel, and compact design make it especially suited for those looking for a hydration pack that balances load distribution without being overly bulky.
However, it is a heavier pack for its volume, so it might not be the best choice for those looking for an ultralight pack. It is a great choice for those looking for the most organizational structure in a pack, with a solid frame. Its tall frame makes it more ergonomic for those with longer torsos, although the pack itself is adjustable for most body sizes. With that said, we did find the torso ladder adjuster to hit uncomfortably on our shoulder blades, so to see if this pack works for your body type, we highly suggest trying it on in the store first.
What Other Hydration Packs Should You Consider?
If the Osprey Mira 24 isn’t for you, we recommend checking out our full guide to the best hydration packs or reading the full product reviews for similar hydration packs below.
Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O: The Gregory Juno/Citro 24 H2O is a better overall choice compared to the Osprey Mira/Manta 22/24. It offers superior comfort since it is lighter and has a more breathable back panel.
CamelBak HAWG Pro 20: If you need more organization and a slimmer design, the CamelBak HAWG Pro 20 is a better alternative. It provides efficient storage with multiple compartments while remaining more compact and easier to carry compared to the bulkier Osprey Mira/Manta.
Teton Oasis 18L: For those on a budget, the Teton Oasis 18L is an affordable option compared to the Osprey Mira/Manta. Despite its lower price, it still offers ample hydration and storage space. Though it lacks some of the premium features of higher-end packs, it’s a great choice for shorter hikes.
