Osprey Porter 46 vs. Osprey Nebula
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Osprey Nebula |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | MAIN: 420HD Nylon Packcloth BOTTOM: 420HD Nylon Packcloth |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Osprey Nebula
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; 4 on the Osprey Nebula.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Osprey Nebula.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Osprey Nebula.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Osprey Nebula.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; 15in on the Osprey Nebula.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 3 on the Osprey Nebula.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 2, side on the Osprey Nebula.
Both have: passport pocket, sternum strap, built-in organizer, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 24 accept both. 92 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 1 accept only the Osprey Nebula.
Only the Osprey Porter 46 fits
Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Asia, Air Astana, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air Macau, Air Nostrum, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, All Nipon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, ANA, Atlas Global, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EL AL, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Flair Air, Frontier Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Gol Linhas Aereas, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, Interjet, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Island Air, Japan Airlines, Jet2, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, Kuwait Air, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Mesa Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Norwegian, Onur Air, Peach, PenAir, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, SAS Scandinavian, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Country, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Thai Airways, Trans States, Travel Service Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WOW Airlines.
Only the Osprey Nebula fits
Croatia Air.
There's a lot to love about both the Osprey Porter 46 and the Osprey Nebula backpacks. Yet, they surprisingly fit into different niches despite both being from the same manufacturer. The Osprey Porter 46, a Nylon-made stout beast, promises a carrying capacity of 46 liters and prides itself on its substantial dimensions of 23 inches tall, 36 inches wide, and 56 inches deep. This pack offers space, but it does pay a bit with its weight at 1.5 pounds. Its compatibility with 47% of airlines can be limiting for some frequent travelers.
The Osprey Nebula, on the other hand, is a tad leaner. It stands tall at 49 inches, with a breadth and depth of 31 and 28 inches, respectively. The smaller size correlates to its storage limit of 34 liters, but it shaves off a bit of weight at a lean 1 pound. However, what really shines is its compatibility with 89% of airlines, making it a more versatile travel companion. Moreover, its material - MAIN: 420HD Nylon Packcloth BOTTOM: 420HD Nylon Packcloth - promises durability and protection for your belongings.
- Size: Osprey Porter 46 is larger in terms of depth and width, Osprey Nebula is taller.
- Weight: Osprey Porter 46 is heavier.
- Capacity: Osprey Porter 46 offers more liter capacity.
- Airline Compatibility: Osprey Nebula is compatible with more airlines.
- Material: Both packs are made from durable Nylon, with the Nebula featuring 420HD Nylon Packcloth both in its main and bottom sections.
- Laptop Compartment: Both offer laptop compartments, but while the Osprey Porter 46 can fit a 1-inch laptop, the Nebula can accommodate a 15-inch laptop.
If you value being able to carry more, the Porter 46 offers more liters of capacity, as the name suggests, and its clamshell opening makes packing and unpacking a breeze while offering good suspension. However, the Nebula, with its TSA-approved strap, makes traveling especially through air travel, quite convenient. Plus with its well-thought pockets and good organization, it's perfect if you appreciate finding places for all your essentials. Ultimately, both the Porter 46 and Nebula have their strengths, and your choice would hinge on what you prioritize: size and carrying capacity or weight and travel convenience.