Osprey Porter 46 vs. Exped Core 25
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Exped Core 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 3 |
| top | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | 1680 D Ballistic nylon, PU coated, 1'500 mm water column |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Exped Core 25
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Core 25.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Top flap on the Exped Core 25.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Core 25.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Core 25.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Exped Core 25.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Exped Core 25.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Core 25.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the Exped Core 25.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Core 25.
Both have: sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 116 accept both. 0 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 51 accept only the Exped Core 25.
Only the Exped Core 25 fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Bulgaria Air, Cayman Airways, China Eastern, Croatia Air, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Pakistan International, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
We put the Osprey Porter 46 and the Exped Core 25 to the test, investigating every nook and cranny to see how they perform as daily carry on backpacks. Right off the bat, the Porter 46 comes with a generous 46 liters capacity. It's compatible with 47% of airlines, which is satisfactory, but a few more inches shaved off of its 36x56x23 inch size would have added to its travel-friendly score. But where it lacks in proportions, it repays with its nylon makeup and a weight that stands at a comfy 1.5 pounds. Osprey's attention to detail has also ensured the Porter 46 a snug laptop compartment that can accommodate up to a one-inch laptop. Reviewers across the board have praised this pack for its massive capacity and rugged durability.
On the other hand, leanness and durability take center stage with the Exped Core 25. The name says it all, it has a lean 25 liters' storage capacity. We liked its compatibility with a whopping 98% of airlines, thanks to its more manageable 20x54x27 inches dimensions. We were impressed by the resilience of its tough 1680 D Ballistic Nylon, PU coated to resist upto 1'500 mm of water column. It's also one of the lightest options on the market weighing a mere 0.1-pound. Unfortunately, this doesn't come with a laptop slot. This backpack dazzled reviewers with its minimalist versatility, weather resistance, and comfort during day-long activities.
Comparison Bullet Points:
- The Osprey Porter 46 offers a bigger capacity of 46 liters as compared to the Exped Core 25's 25 liters.
- Osprey Porter 46 measures 23x36x56 inches, making it significantly larger than the 20x27x54 inch Exped Core 25.
- The Porter 46 is made entirely out of nylon while the Core 25 flaunts a sturdier 1680 D Ballistic nylon, coated with PU for superior resistance to water.
- The Porter 46 weighs 1.5 pounds, significantly heavier than the 0.1-pound Core 25.
- While the Porter is compatible with 47% of airlines, the Exped Core 25 can be brought on board for 98% of airlines.
- The Porter 46 features a laptop compartment for a 1 inch laptop, whereas the Core 25 does not.
To wrap things up, both backpacks have their pros and cons. The Osprey Porter 46 would be your guy if you are looking for a heavier but more spacious pack with a snug laptop compartment. It's reliable, versatile, made for the urban traveler, and won't break the bank with a price of $140.
In contrast, the Exped Core 25 shines for the outdoor enthusiast. It's lightweight, compatibility with almost all airlines, and waterproof build makes it a top choice for out-of-city escapes. Despite its lack of a laptop compartment, it manages to impress with its resilient construction and essential practical features.