Wheeled backpacks are an excellent way to ease up on a heavy load. By incorporating wheeled backpacks into your travels, you may find that you get a sense of relief and generally feel more comfortable.
While not all backpacks are created equal, Osprey is a high-end backpack company that delivers on its promises. It has backpack models for practically any occasion. In fact, it has so many of them that it can be difficult to decide which is actually the best for you.
The Sojourn and the Meridian were designed to accommodate for those long treks where you just don’t feel like having something heavy on your back. But what is the real difference between them? That is what we are going to outline here.
This Osprey Sojourn vs Meridian comparison is aimed at those who really like what these backpacks have to offer, but do not quite understand all of the differences.
Interested in Osprey Sojourn Backpacks? Find out what size is best for you in our Osprey Sojourn 60 or 80 review!
Osprey Sojourn vs Meridian
Common Features in the Sojourn and the Meridian
As you might have guessed, these wheeled backpacks have many advantages over other travel backpacks. The fact that they are convertible in the sense that they can be rolled on the ground makes them very appealing to some. Here are just a few of the great features that these backpacks have in common:
- Detachable daypack:
The Sojourn and the Meridian accommodate for detachable daypacks. Having the ability to convert some of the room you have for extra gear into a separate day pack gives you the ability to travel light when you need to. Just remove your daypack and take a roam into the city or go for a short cycling trip on the trails. - Almost identical on the inside:
Apart from the outside attachments, the main compartment of these backpacks are almost identical. They have the same zippered pockets and organizational abilities so that there is no guesswork in this regard. - Side and top pockets: For more organization, there are side and top pockets on both of these backpacks.
- Compression straps: Although the compression straps on these backpacks are placed differently from each other, they are made in the most efficient way. Compression straps will help prevent the sloshing of your gear when your backpack is only half full.
Sojourn vs Meridian Comparison
Now we are getting into what the real difference is between the Sojourn and the Meridian. To really help you understand which backpack would be best for you, we have outlined their most unique features below.
What Makes the Sojourn Unique
Like the Meridian, the Sojourn has large wheels that allow you to have plenty of mobility around sharp corners and rough terrain. While this is likely one of the most important features of the Sojourn, there are a few features that are often overlooked:
- Daylite pack compatible: Although the Sojourn is compatible with a detachable daypack, it does not actually come with one. You would need to purchase the Osprey Daylite pack separately.
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More space: The Sojourn gives the impression of having a lot more space without looking larger than the Meridian. This is due to the fact that the removable daypack of the Meridian is located on the inside, and actually looks integrated into the backpack. If you are going to be purchasing the Daylite pack for the Sojourn, you will have more gear capacity than the Meridian.
- Made for the backpacker: If you are going to be doing a lot of backpacking, the Sojourn is likely your better choice. Its backpanel is actually a full harness that has all of the comforts as a regular hiking backpack. It is much more comfortable to wear on your back for long periods of time than the Meridian. For your convenience, the entire suspension system is removable to expose only the wheeled backpack.
- Does not have a laptop sleeve: If you would like to carry your laptop in the Sojourn, you will need to purchase the Daylite detachable daypack. Since this daypack rests at the front of the Sojourn backpack, you may find that the center of gravity feels different than with the Meridian.
- Daisy chain: The Sojourn has daisy chain to allow you to carry extra gear on the outside.
- Adjustable backpanel: The backpanel of the Sojourn is adjustable to the height of your torso.
What Makes the Meridian Unique
The Meridian is the most professional looking of the two. In fact, it is highly optimized for inner city treks and commutes. It is ideal for the frequent traveler, as well as those who need to carry a lot of business gear on a daily basis. Here are the unique features of the Meridian:
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Internal laptop sleeve: The main compartment of the Meridian has a laptop sleeve, while the Sojourn does not.
- Integrated removable daypack: While the Sojourn removable daypack needs to be purchased separately, the Meridian daypack is integrated within it. Also, in comparison to the Sojourn, the daypack on the Meridian does not appear to stick out as much.
- Heavier and bulkier: The Meridian is just not quite as light as the hike-ready Sojourn.
- Does not have a hip belt: Since the Meridian is made for city travel, it does not have a hip belt like the Sojourn.
Price Comparison
To compare the prices of the various Sojourn and Meridian models, please see below:
Osprey Sojourn vs Meridian: The Verdict
As you can see from the features above, the Sojourn is the most versatile. While it is just as useful as a wheeled backpack, it also converts into a fully functional hiking backpack with a very comfortable harness. The main drawback is that it does not come with the removable daypack, as it must be purchased separately. However, if you do happen to purchase the Daylite along with the Sojourn, you will get more gear capacity than the Meridian.
A great advantage of the Meridian over the Sojourn is that it comes with a laptop sleeve in the main compartment. This means that you do not have to resort to putting your laptop within the removable daypack. But if you will be using your laptop on days where you just want to travel with your daypack, the Sojourn would be the most useful.
Overall, deciding between these backpacks involves careful consideration of the specific features. Which do you feel the most inclined to use? Please leave your comment below.