The Arc'teryx Mantis 2 waist pack weighs 190 grams, holds 2.5 liters, and measures 21.5cm × 25.5cm × 10cm, but I don't use this pack as Arc'teryx intended—instead of wearing it as a waist pack, I've repurposed it as my toiletries organizer for travel and it replaced my old canvas dopp kit. Made from 100% recycled polyester with YKK zippers, this offers three compartments that keep toiletries organized, the Spacermesh padded back provides structure, and the adjustable strap works as a carry handle when I'm pulling it out of my packing cube at airport security.
How Does the Mantis 2 Compare to the Mantis 1 for Toiletries?
The Mantis 1 holds 1.5 liters while the Mantis 2 holds 2.5 liters, and the Mantis 1 comes with me on every trip as well but it's smaller so I use it to hold wires and cables while the Mantis 2 holds my full toiletries setup including larger items like cologne bottles and vitamin containers. Both packs use recycled polyester construction that wipes clean when toiletries leak, the Mantis 1 costs $40 while the Mantis 2 retails for $50, and I keep my Mantis 1 for cable organization while using the Mantis 2 as my travel dopp kit.
Does the Back Pocket Work for Travel Documents?
The hidden back panel pocket fits my passport or iPhone 13 Pro Max perfectly and provides secure storage during airport transfers, and the pocket sits flat when stored in my packing cube preventing things from getting crushed. I can quickly access my things during security checks without having to unzip anything, the pocket depth keeps things secure even when the main compartment is packed to the brim, and I also store my cards here since it stays protected and accessible.
What's the Deal with the Dual Zipper Pulls?
The main compartment zipper has two YKK pulls that let me open the pack from either direction, the front pocket and the internal security pocket use a single zipper pull, and all the zippers operate smoothly without snagging even with wet hands.
How Does the Three-Compartment Organization Work?
The front zippered pocket with key clip holds small items like chapstick, hand sanitizer, and contact lens solution, the main compartment fits my toothbrush, toothpaste, cologne bottle, deodorant, razor, and shaving cream standing upright in a ziplock bag, and the internal zippered security pocket keeps vitamins and other dry items separate from wet toiletries. The three-compartment system prevents the jumbled mess that happens in traditional dopp kits, and I keep frequently used items in the front pocket with wet-prone items in the main compartment and pills in the security pocket.
Why Use This Instead of a Traditional Dopp Kit?
Traditional canvas or leather dopp kits absorb moisture when toiletries leak, but the Mantis 2's recycled polyester wipes clean instantly and air-dries in minutes. The structured Spacermesh back panel keeps the pack's shape even when partially full unlike floppy canvas bags, the compact 21.5cm × 25.5cm × 10cm dimensions fit perfectly in my packing cube alongside clothes, and the 190-gram weight adds minimal bulk compared to heavy leather or canvas alternatives. For $50 you can't go wrong with a cool little indestructible bag—buy once.
Find current availability at Arc'teryx or compare with the Patagonia Black Hole Cube for a different packing approach.
