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Travel Gear Review: Osprey Porter 46 Backpack

8/4/2014

 

The Osprey Porter 46 is one of the most popular travel packs on the market.... Here's our honest review of this backpacks pros and cons.

Close Up Osprey Porter 46 Black backpack. TurnipseedTravel.com
I appreciate the dark colors and the fact that it doesn't look like a typical pack.
Packing obsessed? Who, me? Maybe just a little! I'm constantly in search of the perfect bag and, at one point, I thought I had found it. In a previous post, I wrote that I was thrilled to have discovered the Osprey Porter 46 - but now that I've traveled with it for over a year, how do I feel? ​

The Osprey Porter 46  is the absolute lightest pack I've found. It weighs about 1.2 kilograms, much less than traditional backpacks and significantly less than conventional carry on suitcases. A big travel pet peeve of mine is "ultra light" carry on bags that actually weigh closer to 10 lbs! Carry on weight restrictions are increasingly enforced and this bag's tiny weight is a huge asset.
Osprey Porter 46 Compression Straps.
External compression pack make the bag more streamlined.
Round the world trip departure with Osprey Porter 46 as my only luggage. TurnipseedTravel.com
Getting ready to depart for our round-the-world trip in the Ottawa airport. Yep, this is all the luggage I took!

Osprey Porter 46: Pros

A second thing in it's favor? The size and shape. Many "carry on" bags are either undersized by several inches (thanks to wheels and handles) or oversize by an inch or two (normally not a big deal but airlines ARE cracking down.) The Porter 46 is designed to perfectly match standard carry on sizes -23x40x55 centimeters.  This careful design means it has 46 liters of space - that's 10-12 liters more than the standard bag. Just don't overstuff it! If you do, the rounded top of the bag will technically make it 'oversized'.

In addition to the weight and size, I also appreciate the design. I like that I can tuck the straps away and change it from a backpack to a travel bag. The bag is more sleek and sophisticated than the standard backpack, which is something I appreciate when checking into nicer hotels. The two external compression straps do a great job of reducing the bag's bulk and making it more streamlined.
The Osprey Porter 46 is admittedly short on bells and whistles, but this is a pro to me. I don't want excess straps getting caught and I don't need a ton of external pocks to add bulk. I do wish however that there was a single mesh side pocket for water bottle use. 

I also like the safety whistle in the chest strap and the simple but effective hip straps that can easily tuck away. I like the  interior mesh pockets in the lid and the side of the bag, as well as a little pocket on the top of the bag that is perfect for tucking in my 3-1-1 kit for ease of screening. I wish the new Porter 46 model, which I have, had retained its exterior pocket on the front of the bag (which is present in Ryan's older model) - it would be perfect for tucking in last minute magazines.
Picture
Waiting with my luggage in Brussels Central Station TurnipseedTravel.com
One week into our round-the-world trip, waiting with my luggage in Brussels Central Station.
Open bag packing. Porter 46 TurnipseedTravel.com
While visiting friends in Chicago, Shiraz the cat got curious about my bag.
The downside? To save on weight and space, the pack has minimal back support. The padded straps, the hip belt, and the chest strap do help but it is much less comfortable than a standard backpack which has adjustable stays and more extensive cushioning.  The minimal support wasn't that noticeable most of the time but when I had to wear it for more than an hour (and sometimes even less) I felt strain and pressure against my back. It felt like I was carrying a much heavier load. 

Osprey Porter 46: Cons

Organizing the Osprey Porter 46 with packing cubes.
Be sure your pack is organized or you will regret it!
I also felt there was a fine tipping point about how much weight the Porter 46 could comfortably hold before the strain would suddenly increase. Adding a few books to my pack on the way back from a conference suddenly meant I had an uncomfortable return trip! Despite the bag's roomy interior, it allows for no slopping packing. Just tossing things in without thought to properly distributing the weight meant the bag felt off balance and uncomfortable - like it was wearing me and not the other way around.

Because there is less padding - and specifically less breathable, ergonomic cushioning - I found the pack to be warm against my back. It seemed like I was (grossness alert!) sweatier than usual when I was running through airports. It's hard to say if this was just me or if anyone else would have this problem but together these 'cons' are worth consideration if you are doing extensive backpacking or travel in very hot climates. 

Final Verdict?

Departures Singapore Changi Airport TurnipseedTravel.comGetting ready to breeze through security at Singapore's Changi airport.
Overall, I find it helps to think of the Porter Osprey 46 as a travel bag, not as a backpack. If you are looking for a travel bag that you can wear on your back, the Porter Osprey 46 is perfect for you. It's the epitome of carry on friendly and the combination of weight, size, shape, design, minimal but well appointed accessories - as well as the very attractive price point made it the ideal bag for our round-the-world trip. 

But if you are looking for a bag to go backpacking with, you might want to keep looking. This bag is most comfortable when it is well packed, balancing out the load, but you really start to feel the strain when it's stuffed. We were fine to wear it for an hour or so but long days lead to back pain. I think long term backpackers and nomads will want something much more supportive and comfortable.

I will continue to use this pack for medium length when I don't anticipate having to wear it for a long amount of time. No hiking with the Porter 46! For shorter trips when I'm just flying in and out of one city for 5 days or less I would consider bringing my traditional wheeled carry on suitcase so I can roam the airport for hours without the strain of the pack on my back. For longer or more physically demanding trips I would likely seek out a new pack, one that offers more back support and comfort. 

UPDATE! It's been nearly 4 years now and our bags are still going strong.  All of my opinions about the pros and cons haven't changed. One of the hard plastic buckle-thing that serves to hold the extra exterior tightening straps in place has broken but, other than that, all components are still in good shape. We also successfully washed both backpacks in a large-capacity washing machine following an unpleasant bed bug incident in Europe - it worked out really well!

Tell us! What do you look for in a backpack?

Check out our other gear reviews!
Is Your Bag Really Carry-On?
Anywhere in the World with Carry-On
10 Tips for Keeping Your Carry-On Safe
The Case for Carry-On and Ultra Light Packing
Rucksack Roundup: The Northface Verto 26
Rucksack Roundup: Three Favourite Things I Always Travel With
Jeff link
9/4/2014 06:45:39 pm

I wrote up a review of this bag some years ago so good to see someone else has put it to the test. I linked to your review in the comments on mine as well (http://www.lengthytravel.com/review-of-osprey-porter-46-travel-backpack/). In case you are interested, I have now converted to the Farpoint Series, also by Osprey (http://www.lengthytravel.com/my-latest-backpack-an-osprey-farpoint-series-review-40-55-70/).

Vanessa
10/4/2014 02:12:36 am

Thanks for sharing Jeff! I actually tried the Farpoint on first and I fell in love with it. I couldn't believe how comfortable and supportive it felt! I was heartbroken when we measured it and discovered it was a few centimeters too long for our usual airline's carry on restrictions. Normally I would just chance it but it seems many airlines are cracking down now. But if I was planning a long term backpacking trip, the Farpoint would be a front runner for me.

Mary
26/4/2014 02:05:42 pm

I read a review @ REI.com that said that the new Farpoint 40 can fit Ryanair's carry on dimensions.

MKT
22/8/2014 06:42:26 am

Yes, I'm looking at travel backpacks and based on this (excellent) review and the short reader reviews, it looks like the Osprey Farpoint 40 is better for me than the Osprey Porter 46: better backpack capability while still meeting carry-on standards. I would be very interested in seeing what you think of the Farpoint 40.

It's pricier still ($150) than the old model Porter 46, but not out of line for travel backpacks. One slight catch is it comes in two sizes, S/M and M/L, so any one review might not be applicable for a given reader.

Katy link
10/4/2014 05:06:02 pm

Great review! This is my travel backpack and I love it! It does have a few shortcomings (you get what you pay for I suppose) but the weight and size are perfect. My favorite things about the bag are: The shape, which is fantastic for organized packing (esp. with packing cubes) and that it has a big front-loading flap. There's nothing I hate more than having to dig through a top-loading backpack. I love being able to see everything at once!

Vanessa
11/4/2014 11:38:54 am

That's a good point I hadn't even thought of! It's super easy to pack and unpack and find things at a moment's notice. But you do essentially have to lie it down flat to really access it.

Jo link
11/4/2014 04:51:52 am

I've never used a backpack, but my current bag happens to be a rolling backpack. I bought it because it was the lightest bag I could find that didn't cost $500. I did try to put it on my back once - I lasted 5mins.......I suspect you compromise comfort when you go for something smaller and lighter - they just don't seem to "balance" properly perhaps

Vanessa
11/4/2014 11:41:13 am

I would love to try out rolling backpacks. Essentially I've heard that they try to combine the best of both worlds but end up with neither - the backpack straps are nothing nearly as good as a real pack, while the handle and wheels of the suitcase are not as great as a real suitcase since they are trying to cut down on weight for the backpackers. BUT I would still like to try them out - I bet there is a huge variance in quality and it would be good to find the winners (and losers!) out there.

Chris
6/4/2015 07:49:21 am

What is your plan going forward with this pack. Would you be willing to sell at a discount?

Vanessa
6/4/2015 08:09:43 am

No real plans right now - if I found something that would be the perfect replacement I'd likely try to find it a new home but for now it's still traveling with me!

Stretchingittotravel
1/5/2015 04:12:46 am

Great review. I went with the Osprey Ozone Convertible. The main pack area is a bit smaller with the handle in the way. But I am hoping to roller where I can in the airport and carry where I need to in Europe. I do feel it sticks out more on my back then the Farpoint my daughter has but I really do not see myself needing to carry the bag for hours on end.

Vanessa
1/5/2015 05:22:43 am

Nice- thanks for the info on the Ozone. I keep telling myself I'm going to look at trying more packs in the future and I'm going to add this to my list.

Sarah
9/4/2016 03:08:37 am

Hey Vanessa!
You seem pretty well versed in the backpacking ways. I was considering using this bag (osprey porter 46) for my 7 week trip through Europe this summer. I need something that can fit as a carry on. Would you recommend this backpack or have any other suggestions? I am a new traveler and appreciate all the advice I can get :) Thanks!

Vanessa
14/4/2016 12:24:09 pm

Hey Sarah - Congratulations on the upcoming trip! It sounds amazing. I think there's really two parts to your question.....

1.) Can you reasonably travel in Europe for 7 weeks with just a carry on and....

2.) Is this bag the best one to use for that purpose?

So here's what I think!

1.) I think a better question about whether you can travel in Europe for 7 weeks with just carry on is if you can travel for one week with a carry on. I think it's very reasonable to do laundry once a week when you travel (here's why! http://www.turnipseedtravel.com/blog/dirty-girl-cleans-up-nice). A carry on bag should easily hold 7 shirts, 4 bottoms, maybe a dress or two, socks, undies, spare shoes, toiletries, and misc stuff.

So if you are willing to commit to doing laundry once a week and if you feel comfortable to (somewhat) limiting your fashion options, I think this is completely do-able.

2.) The best thing about this bag is that it's no frills - light, spacious interior, versatile. It will easily fit on airplane carry on bins, will slide under hostel bunk beds or fit nicely on hotel suitcase holders, and on trains and buses. The worst thing is that, in my experience, you have to pack it with a bit of care so it sits as comfortably as possible on your back. If you hate packing and are likely to just stuff everything just in or if you don't pre-book your accommodations and are likely to spend a lot of time walking with your pack, this might not be ideal. It's less supportive in order to save on weight.

I haven't tried them personally, but a similar pack is made by PacSafe (which has the advantage of built in security features). I've also heard a lot of good things about the Tortuga brand.

Good luck and please keep in touch to let us know how it all works out!


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