Osprey Porter 46 vs. ILE Default
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | ILE Default |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 2 |
| top | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | Durable 1000D Cordura, waxed canvas, or XPAC sailcloth exterior |
ILE Default
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 99 kg |
| Dimensions | 50.8×30.5×15.2 cm |
| Airline fit | 89% |
| Price | $240 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and ILE Default
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the ILE Default.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Rolltop on the ILE Default.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the ILE Default.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the ILE Default.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the ILE Default.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the ILE Default.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the ILE Default.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; 15in on the ILE Default.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the ILE Default.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the ILE Default.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 2 on the ILE Default.
Both have: 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 53 accept only the ILE Default.
Only the ILE Default 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, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, 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, WestJet, Xiamen.
When it comes to carry-on backpacks, the battle between Osprey's Porter 46 and Inside Line Equipment's ILE Default often comes up. Both are top picks among travel junkies and digital nomads, primarily due to their carry-on compatibility, design, and durability. However, differences in size, weight, material, and features make comparing these two a must if you're in the market for a high-quality backpack for travel or commute.
The Osprey Porter 46, true to its name, offers a generous 46 liters of capacity. This size makes it an excellent choice if you need to carry more stuff for longer trips or if you're the type to bring your house with you wherever you go. On the other hand, the ILE Default is a bit more compact at 25 liters. Its minimalist design and smaller capacity make it suitable for light packers, or for daily commuting to work or school. The Osprey Porter also comes out a bit heavier at 1.5 pounds, while the ILE Default is impressively weightless at 0 pounds.
A summary of the distinct features between the two backpacks:
- Size: Osprey Porter 46 (46L) vs. ILE Default (25L)
- Weight: Osprey Porter 46 (1.5 pounds) vs. ILE Default (0 pounds)
- Airline compatibility: Osprey Porter 46 (47%) vs. ILE Default (80%)
- Material: Osprey Porter 46 (Nylon) vs. ILE Default (Durable 1000D Cordura, waxed canvas, or XPAC sailcloth exterior)
- Laptop Size: Osprey Porter 46 (1 inch laptop) vs. ILE Default (15-inch laptop)
The difference in materials used is also notable. The Osprey Porter 46 is made from the essential and common Nylon while the ILE Default uses a more premium and rugged combination of Durable 1000D Cordura, waxed canvas, or XPAC sailcloth exterior. The Osprey Porter, despite its more significant size and weight can only carry laptops up to 1 inch while the ILE Default can accommodate up to 15 inches. Also, the nylon in the Osprey Porter has been commented as very durable, while the ILE Default's Cordura is known for excellent abrasion resistance.
In the end, both the Osprey Porter 46 and the ILE Default come out as winners. The decision mostly boils down to personal preference. If you routinely carry more gear and require substantial space, the Osprey Porter 46 is an excellent travel buddy. However, if you prefer a compact, lightweight, and robust pack that can withstand daily beatings and stick with you through thick and thin, the ILE Default is a superb choice.