Backpack review Osprey Manta 24 vs Gregory Citro 24 I narrowed my decision for a daypack with frame and hip-belt with pockets down to these two packs, based on high reviews for both. Manta kudos: has a better back trampoline, pack fully separate from the back. Trekking pole stash while wearing. Built-in rain cover. Adjustable shoulder strap height. Citro kudos: smaller, looks less “over the top”; shoulder straps were more comfortable; more subdivision for storage; larger stretch pocket; easier zippers on waist belt pockets. Equal: side mesh pockets accessible with pack on; both are comfortable, both sit on hips well and take pack weight off shoulders. Both good packs, but kept the Citro. Mainly for trimmer size and better pockets (I prefer multiple pockets, the Manta design was more about one large central storage area). I didn’t prefer (but wasn’t totally against) the Manta’s sideways-entry back panel pocket. The Manta shoulder straps were slightly chafing my shoulders on test loads, so it concerned me that might amplify on actual hikes. I also heard some intermittent squeaking from the Manta on test loads walked around my small house. I really liked the Citro’s pocket setup, lots of areas to subdivide gear, the main storage area had a small separate zippered pouch up top. The main storage is plenty big, but the Manta was bigger. The Manta had smaller and less of the various outer pockets. The back stretch pocket was noticeable smaller than on the Citro. If you don’t like lots of sections and pockets, you won’t want the Citro. I didn’t get a chance to try the water reservoir in the Manta, since I returned it, but even just the connection system for the hanger was easier on the Citro. The Citro mouthpiece worked great, but wasn’t anything special. It looked like the same mouthpiece on the Manta. The reservoir is very easy to access, attach/remove, and fill. I also like that the tube disconnect was up top, unlike my old Camelbak. Both seemed to use the same or similar sternum strap connector, it was minimalist and magnetic (but also had hooks to keep it attached). It can be connected and disconnected one-handed. It worked great on the Citro. The mouth piece stays magnetically attached just fine. And there is also a strap storage hook for the tube when not wearing the pack. The Citro overall felt more like a souped-up day pack, while the Manta seemed more like a toned down backpacking pack. I’m not sure if they both had the same storage volume of 24 liters, but the Manta just looked bigger. It was visibly bigger just sitting next to the Citro. Maybe the Citro was more about the multiple pockets for the volume, while the Manta was more about “one big pocket” design which made the pack need to be larger. And the better back trampoline support in the Manta may have also been a factor. Might have just made it appear larger. I don’t think you could go wrong with either pack. I preferred the multiple smaller pockets approach of the Citro, along with the trimmer profile, the easier to access and unzip waist belt pockets, and the well-engineered water reservoir system. I have to also note that upgrading to a pack with a frame and a hip belt was a worthy investment for my hikes. It’s night and day as far as hauling my gear compared to the Camelbak MULE I am upgrading from. I’ve been using the Citro on multiple extended day hikes, and have been very pleased with the choice and the purchase. I have no regrets, and find that Gregory has put a lot of thought into all the details of this pack.
