Osprey Porter 30 vs 46: What’s the Best Travel Backpack?

Osprey Porter 30 Travel Backpack

Osprey Porter 30

vs

Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack

Osprey Porter 46

It goes without saying that the Osprey backpack brand is highly popular these days. While they are constantly producing new models every year, some models just keep maintaining their popularity.

The Osprey porter backpack is one of Osprey’s most popular models. It maintains a balance between a standard backpacking backpack and a smaller travel backpack. With this in mind, the most important aspect of the Osprey Porter is the fact that it can be used for commuting, as well as for travel.

While it does not come with all of the bells and whistles, its simplicity is what makes it unique. The engineering on these backpacks is very balanced and sound. The materials used are also of the thickness that make them durable and last for years.

You may already know why the Porter is so great, but you may be wondering what the differences between the various models. In particular, we will be comparing the Osprey Porter 30 vs the Porter 46.

But before we get into the particulars, we would like to begin this review with listing the most important aspects of the Porter, and what makes it so popular.

Osprey Porter 30 vs 46

Preview
Osprey Porter 30
Osprey Porter 30 Travel Backpack
Osprey Porter 46
Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack
Title
Osprey Porter 30 Travel Backpack
Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack
Price
Price not available
Price not available
Weight
2.81 lbs
3.40 lbs
Backpanel
Foam-covered fabric backpanel with tuckaway pockets for harness/hipbelt
Storable pockets for harness and hipbelt | Durable material for travel wear and tear
Dimensions
20" x 13" x 12"
23" x 15" x 13"
Suspension
1 mm HDPE framesheet
-
Capacity
30L
46 L
More Information
Osprey Porter 30
Preview
Osprey Porter 30 Travel Backpack
Title
Osprey Porter 30 Travel Backpack
Price
Price not available
Weight
2.81 lbs
Backpanel
Foam-covered fabric backpanel with tuckaway pockets for harness/hipbelt
Dimensions
20" x 13" x 12"
Suspension
1 mm HDPE framesheet
Capacity
30L
More Information
Osprey Porter 46
Preview
Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack
Title
Osprey Porter 46 Travel Backpack
Price
Price not available
Weight
3.40 lbs
Backpanel
Storable pockets for harness and hipbelt | Durable material for travel wear and tear
Dimensions
23" x 15" x 13"
Suspension
-
Capacity
46 L
More Information

Why Should I Purchase An Osprey Porter?

Below, we have listed a few of the most distinguishing features of the Osprey Porter. This way, you can be sure to understand what makes this model one of the best that Osprey has to offer.

  • Made for travel and commuting:

    The Porter is a solid backpack for travellers. It allows for the packing of several days worth of gear. Of course, the larger the Porter, the more gear you can pack.
  • Can be used as a carry-on:

    Both the Porter 30 and the Porter 46 can be used as carry-ons on any airline. However, if you stuff the Porter 46 to its very limits, some smaller airlines will not accept it as a carry-on. This only happens on rare occasions, and you should be good for most situations.
  • Multiple access points:

    The Porter backpacks have multiple access points to the main compartment. This allows you to reach into the backpack while carrying it on your back, or simply having it by your feet and not wanting to open the main compartment all the way.
  • Straitjacket compression straps and padded side walls:

    Having the compression straps along the sides of the Porter helps with tightening up the content and making it so that it doesn’t slosh around as you move. It also cinches down the dimensions the backpack for easier storing in the overhead compartment.
  • Large U-zip opening:

    In order to make it super easy to access the main compartment, there is a large U-zip opening. There is no more need to fumble around from the top of your backpack in order to reach items that are too deep into the backpack to access quickly.
  • Front panel pockets:

    For easy access to frequently use items, there are zippered front panel pockets on each porter backpack.
  • Stowaway shoulder straps and hip belt:

    One of the great features of the Porter is that stowaway the shoulder straps and hip belt into the back panel. The benefit of this is that you can place it in the overhead compartment or the back of a bus were easily. And in order to conveniently carry it into storage, there is a padded side handle.
  • Made from durable material:

    The material on the Porter is second to none for the price of these backpacks. All around, the Porter is made of 420HD Nylon. This is twice as thick as most cheaply made backpacks. The Porter will definitely be lasting you for several years without fraying.

Comparing The Osprey Porter 30 vs 46

When it comes to telling the difference between the Porter 30 and the Porter 46, there is really just one major take away. The Porter 46 is simply larger than the Porter 30. But to be more specific, we have listed the dimensional and weight differences below.

  • Osprey Porter 30 specifications: The Porter 30 can carry 30 liters of gear and measures 19.5H X 13W X 10D inches. It weighs significantly less than the Porter 46 at only 2.8 pounds.
  • Osprey Porter 46 specifications: The Porter 46 can carry 46 liters of gear and measures 22H X 14W X 11D inches. In contrast to the Porter 30, the Porter 46 weighs in at 3.4 pounds.

Beyond the dimensions of the Porter 30 and 46, there are no other significant differences.

Comparing The Prices

As you might expect from a larger backpack, the Osprey Porter 46 is slightly more costly than the Porter 30. Prices will vary depending on where you make your purchase. The slight difference in cost is very justifiable if you need a larger backpack that will last you for years and years.

For the best prices on the Osprey Porter backpacks, please follow the links below:

Osprey Porter 30 vs 46: The Verdict

For most travellers, the No products found. is the backpack of choice. This is because it offers plenty of gear capacity for several days of travelling. While you could do this with the Porter 30, you would really have to pack very light. But for those daily commuters who do not want to be carrying a bulkier backpack, the Porter 30 a sufficient.

We are interested in hearing from you and what you think of the Porter and the differences between the two sizes. Please leave your comment below and let us in on which of these backpacks you would be most inclined to choose.

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