Osprey Porter 46 vs. ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | hideable |
| hideable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | Polyester |
ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack
| Capacity | 48 L |
| Weight | 4.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×36×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 45% |
| Price | $220 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 2 on the ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack.
Both have: backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 85 accept both. 31 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 0 accept only the ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack.
Only the Osprey Porter 46 fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, All Nipon Airways, ANA, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, Czech Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Mesa Airlines, Norwegian, Peach, Porter Airlines, SAS Scandinavian, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Turkish Airlines.
The Osprey Porter 46 and the ebags Mother Lode Rolling Travel Backpack are two high-quality carry on backpacks with similar exterior dimensions (23x36x56 inches), but differing weights, capacity, material, and airline compatibility.
The Osprey Porter 46 tips the scales at a featherweight 1.5 pounds, compared to the heavier Mother Lode at 4.3 pounds - an essential difference for frequent travelers conscious of weight limits. The Porter offers 46 liters of storage, slightly less than the 48 liters from the Mother Lode. Remarkable, too, is the difference in airline compatibility. The Porter, at 47%, is significantly less than the nearly universal acceptance of the Mother Lode at a whopping 97%.
- Size: Both 23x36x56 inches, identical measurements
- Weight: Osprey Porter is much lighter at 1.5 pounds vs 4.3 pounds for the Mother Lode
- Capacity: Mother Lode packs an additional 2 liters, 48L vs 46L of the Osprey Porter
- Material: The Porter uses Nylon, while the Mother Lode opts for Polyester
- Airline Compatibility: The Mother Lode wins with 97% compatibility vs 47% for the Osprey Porter
- Laptop Compartment: Only the Porter has a functional laptop compartment
Despite their difference, both garner praise in reviews. The Porter is lauded for its large capacity, resilient build, backpacker aesthetic, excellent value, smart design, and its potential to be an "urban traveler's" dream. The reviewer notes of its convertible suitcase design, delivering versatility and practicality.
On the other hand, the Mother Lode is loved for its sturdy build quality, versatility, and convenience. It transitions seamlessly from backpack to rolling luggage, and the stowable backpack straps are a bonus for overhead or under-seat storage. The reviewers of both backpacks appreciate their respective features and unique selling points, making the decision a truly subjective one - a matter of personal preference based on the needs and style of the traveler.