Osprey Porter 46 vs. The North Face Surge
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | The North Face Surge |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 0 |
| N | Passport | |
| N | Passthrough | |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | |
| H | Hip Belt | |
| H | Sternum Strap | |
| Inside | ||
| 1 | Laptop | |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | |
| Y | Water Resistant | |
| Material | |
| Nylon | |
The North Face Surge
| Capacity | 31 L |
| Weight | 1.26 kg |
| Dimensions | 50.8×30.5×17.8 cm |
| Airline fit | 80% |
The Osprey Porter 46 and The North Face Surge are two competing options when it comes to carry-on backpacks. The Osprey Porter 46, noted for its larger size, offers more storage with a 46-liter capacity. Made of durable nylon, it also includes a laptop compartment, a unique feature not available in The North Face Surge. However, the Porter 46's hefty size reduces its airline compatibility to 47%, although its reviewers consistently praise it for good suspension, spaciousness, fast packing and unpacking feature, and lightweight characteristics for its size.
The North Face Surge, on the other hand, takes a different approach. With a smaller capacity of 31 liters, it manages to make up for reduced space with greater compatibility among airlines at 80% acceptance rate. However, it does not include a laptop compartment, which might be a downer for some users. The Surge has yet to receive any specific commendations from reviewers, and it is also marginally lighter than the Osprey Porter 46 at 1.26 pounds.
- Size: Osprey Porter 46 is 23" (L) * 36" (W) * 56" (D) vs The North Face Surge is 50.8" (L) * 17.8" (W) * 30.5" (D)
- Weight: Osprey Porter 46 is 1.5 pounds vs The North Face Surge is 1.26 pounds
- Capacity: Osprey Porter 46 has a 46-liter capacity vs The North Face Surge has a 31 liters’ capacity
- Airline Compatibility: Osprey Porter 46 is compatible with 47% of airlines vs The North Face Surge is compatible with 80% of airlines
- Material: Osprey Porter 46 is made of Nylon vs The North Face Surge
- Laptop Compartment: Osprey Porter 46 has a laptop compartment that fits a 1 inch laptop vs The North Face Surge has no laptop compartment
While there's no definitive winner between the Osprey Porter 46 and The North Face Surge, your selection will heavily depend on personal preference and specific travel needs. The Porter 46 is all about maxing out storage and being a reliable bag for the packrat traveler. The North Face Surge, on the other hand, appeals to the minimalist traveler valuing lightness, sleek character, and airline compatibility. In both alliances, there is undeniable value. It's a matter of picking the one that suits your travel style the most.