Osprey Porter 46 vs. GORUCK GR1 21
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | GORUCK GR1 21 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| H | Hip Belt | N |
| H | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 1 | Laptop | 0 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Nylon | 1000D Cordura |
Stepping into the world of carry-on backpacks, two in particularly demanded consideration. Those being the Osprey Porter 46 from Osprey and the GORUCK GR1 21 from GORUCK. These packs, both weighing in at a mere 1.5 pounds, are impressive feats of ergonomics and design, but each brings something unique to the table. For ease and simplicity, let's tackle each one individually before gathering our thoughts for a side-by-side comparison.
Beginning with the Osprey Porter 46, you've got a backpack that stands 23 inches tall, spanning 36 inches wide and 56 inches deep. Housing 46 liters of capacity, this backpack lives up to reviewers' praise as a "big pack with a big capacity." Constructed from nylon and offering compatibility with 47% of airlines, this bag also caters to tech-savvy travelers with its 1-inch laptop compartment. It's safe to say, this is a durable option for those who tend to carry more.
- Osprey Porter 46:
- Bigger size: 23"x 36" x 56"
- Larger capacity: 46 Liters
- Made from Nylon material
- Compatible with 47% of airlines
- 1-inch laptop compartment
The GORUCK GR1 21 offers a smaller, more compact design. It's 14 inches tall, 46 inches wide, and 30 inches deep, housing a more modest 21 liters of capacity. But what it lacks in size, it makes up for in compatibility, boasting a 99% airline acceptance rate. Constructed of 1000D Cordura, GR1 preach a rugged durability that's favored among the best travel packs. Unfortunately, the GR1 21 lacks a laptop compartment, leaving tech travelers at a bit of a disadvantage.
- GORUCK GR1 21:
- Smaller size: 14" x 46" x 30"
- Lesser capacity: 21 Liters
- Made from 1000D Cordura material
- Compatible with 99% of airlines
- Lack of laptop compartment
In wrapping things up, the Osprey Porter 46 is your bigger, higher capacity bag that's slightly less airline friendly than its counterpart. The GORUCK GR1 21, on the other hand, stands as the smaller, more airline friendly option, with rugged 1000D Cordura construction. Each pack offers its own distinct strengths, from the Porter 46's laptop compartment to the GR1's durable build. Ultimately, the pack you end up choosing will highly depend on your specific needs and preferences in a travel backpack.