The Arc'teryx Mantis 1 weighs 165 grams, holds 1.5 liters, and measures 15cm × 21cm × 8cm. I don't use this pack as Arc'teryx intended. Instead of wearing it as a waist pack, I've repurposed it as my cable organizer for domestic travel and weekend trips.
After two years of using the Mantis 1 this way, it's the best tech organizer I've owned. The zippered compartments keep cables separate, the 200D and 600D polyester fabrics withstand the usual beating things take on the road, and the compact size slides in and out of my backpack with ease. Made from 100% recycled polyester with FC0-DWR finish. Available in Arctic Silk, Dynasty/Lodestar, Olive Moss, Soulsonic, Glacial, Rune/Tatsu, Tatsu/Canvas, Black, and Electra. Price: $40.
How Does the Arc'teryx Mantis 1 Work as a Cable Organizer?
The 1.5-liter capacity is ideal for charging cables and power accessories. The main compartment holds my iPhone charging cable, the Garmin Watch charger, and a 20,000 mAh Anker power bank. The internal zippered security pocket keeps my USB-C cables and wall adapter from getting tangled. The front zippered pocket with key clip holds USB adapters and earbuds.
The 200D and 600D DTY rePET polyester construction handles airport security bins, hotel desks, and general travel abuse. I've set this on wet airport counters, dropped it into backpacks, and tossed it into checked luggage.
Does the Mantis 1 Keep Cables Organized?
The compartment layout prevents cable tangles. The main compartment holds primary charging cables loosely coiled, preventing knots that form when everything sits in one pocket. The internal zippered security pocket is where I keep USB-C cables and adapters that I use less frequently.
The front pocket works well for small accessories. I clip my AirPods case to the internal key clip, and adapters fit without taking up main compartment space. The rear smartphone stash pocket holds flat items, such as SD card readers and USB thumb drives.
Unlike purpose-built cable organizers with elastic loops, the Mantis 1 relies on zippered compartments. Cables sit loose rather than being held in place. It's less organized than roll-up cable organizers but faster to access.
How Does This Compare to Cable Organizers?
Compared to the BAGSMART Electronics Organizer, the Mantis 1 is more durable but offers less cable-specific organization. BAGSMART bags feature elastic loops and mesh pockets designed specifically for cables. The Mantis 1 uses general-purpose zippered pockets.
Traditional cable organizers like the ProCase roll-up pouch are purpose-built but take longer to access items. You need to unroll the entire organizer to reach cables. The Mantis 1's zippered compartments let me grab what I need.
Against cheap cable pouches, the Arc'teryx Mantis 1 costs more but delivers significantly better durability. Budget pouches wear out after a few trips. The Mantis 1 will lastfor years.
Why Keep the Waist Strap Attached?
I leave the waist strap attached because there's a slim chance I might actually use this as a waist pack someday, maybe on a day hike where I want quick access to my things and power bank, or on a trip where I need hands-free carry.
The adjustable strap extends from 15 to 50 inches, allowing it to be worn around the waist or across the shoulder. It weighs about 20 grams. Removing it saves minimal weight while eliminating future versatility.
What Materials Make This Durable?
The Mantis 1 uses two different polyester weights. The main body is made from 200-denier DTY rePET plain weave, which is lighter and more packable. High-wear areas use 600-denier DTY rePET plain weave for abrasion resistance on the bottom panel and stress points.
Both fabrics are 100% recycled polyester with FC0-DWR finish, meaning they repel water without perfluorinated chemicals. The bluesign-approved materials meet strict environmental and safety standards. Some colors use dope-dyed lining fabric, which uses less water and energy during production.
The Spacermesh padded back panel provides ventilation when worn as a waist pack. The rear smartphone stash pocket securely fits most phones and transit passes. Fair Trade Certified production ensures ethical manufacturing.
Is the Arc'teryx Mantis 1 Worth It for Cable Organization?
At $40, the Mantis 1 costs more than purpose-built cable organizers in the $15-25 range. You're paying for Arc'teryx construction quality rather than tech-specific features. Using the Mantis 1 as a cable organizer makes sense if you already own one, value durability over cable-specific features, or prefer compact dimensions. For me, the organizational layout, durability, and compact size outweigh the missing cable-specific features. The bag has traveled with me for 2 years without showing wear, and it keeps my charging cables better organized than throwing everything into a backpack pocket.
I pair the Mantis 1 with the Arc'teryx Granville 16 for domestic travel. For a complete overview of Arc'teryx bags, check the Arc'teryx Backpacks guide.
Shop the Arc'teryx Mantis 1 at Arc'teryx or the BAGSMART Electronics Organizer at Amazon.
