Osprey Porter 46 vs. STM Prime
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | STM Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 13in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | Polyester |
STM Prime
| Capacity | 15 L |
| Weight | 0.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 42×26×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 96% |
| Price | $80 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and STM Prime
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the STM Prime.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Other on the STM Prime.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the STM Prime.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the STM Prime.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the STM Prime.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; 13in on the STM Prime.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 2 on the STM Prime.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the STM Prime.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 2, side on the STM Prime.
Both have: passport pocket, 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 65 accept only the STM Prime.
Only the STM Prime fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Bulgaria Air, Cayman Airways, China Eastern, Croatia Air, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, 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), Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
We're breaking down the key differences between two top-of-the-line backpacks today, the Osprey Porter 46 and the STM Prime. Both packs have their strengths, but they appeal to different types of travelers.
The first competitor in the ring is the Osprey Porter 46, a behemoth of a bag that provides plenty of space for those who can never pack light. The main compartment clocks in at a hefty 46 liters of capacity, and the design is hotel-friendly. It's made of durable nylon and features a laptop compartment that can accommodate up to a 15" laptop. However, with larger size comes greater weight (1.5 lbs) and a reduced compatibility with airlines (47%).
- Comparison :
- Size: Osprey Porter 46 is 23" x 36" x 56", while STM Prime is 42" x 26" x 13"
- Weight: Osprey Porter 46 weighs 1.5 lbs, STM Prime comes in at a lighter 0.7 lbs
- Capacity: Osprey Porter 46 has 46 liters of capacity, the STM Prime 15 liters of capacity
- Compatibility: The Porter is acceptable on 47% of airlines, while the STM Prime has full compatibility with 100% of airlines
- Material: The Osprey Porter 46 is made of Nylon, compared to the STM Prime's Polyester make
- Laptop Compartment: The Porter can fit a 15" laptop, where the STM Prime fits a 13" laptop
The STM Prime is our second contender, significantly smaller and lighter than the Porter. The Prime offers a capacity of 15 liters, ideal for light packers or short trips, and is made of polyester. This pack offers 100% compatibility with airlines and can house a 13" laptop in its dedicated compartment. Its reduced size doesn't significantly sacrifice features; however, it cannot match the Porter's spaciousness.
Both backpacks have received glowing reviews, with users highlighting the Porter's impressive capacity and durability, and the Prime's lightweight design and supreme compatibility. When making your choice, consider what's more important: space or weight and portability. Overall, both bags have strong perks, and it all depends on what type of traveler you are.