Osprey Porter 46 vs. Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | 41L |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | Y |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 17in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| 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 | 820D Ballistic Nylon |
Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 2.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 56×36×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 45% |
| Price | $400 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; 17in on the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 2 on the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack.
Both have: built-in organizer, 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 Nomatic Navigator 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.
Osprey Porter 46 is a formidable contender when compared with the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack. It's lighter at 1.5 pounds, which provides less strain on the back during long haul travels. Built from durable nylon, it can withstand rough handling and diverse weather conditions. Not to forget, its gigantic 46-liter capacity can accommodate a significant amount of gear. However, the Porter 46 is compatible with fewer airlines, meaning it doesn't always meet the carry-on criteria. A fascinating feature is the laptop compartment that fits a 17-inch laptop, making it a hit among digital nomads.
In contrast, the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack is built from sturdy 820D Ballistic Nylon, with a slightly heavier weight of 2.4 pounds. With a 32-liter capacity, it's smaller than the Porter 46 but compensates with excellent compatibility with 97% of airlines as a carry-on. It just edges out the Porter 46 in terms of the laptop compartment, able to comfortably fit a 17-inch laptop. Reviewers love its additional features: functional organization, RFID pocket, and external carry straps.
Comparison Bullet Points:
- Dimensions and size: Same for both
- Weight: Porter 46 (1.5 lbs) vs Nomatic Navigator (2.4 lbs)
- Material: Porter 46 (Nylon) vs Nomatic Navigator (820D Ballistic Nylon)
- Laptop Compartment: Porter 46 (1-inch laptop) vs Nomatic Navigator (17-inch laptop)
- Capacity: Porter 46 (46 Ltr) vs Nomatic Navigator (32 Ltr)
- Airline Compatibility: Porter 46 (47%) vs Nomatic Navigator (97%)
The Osprey Porter 46 steals the show, particularly among heavy packers and budget-conscious travelers. It's a big pack with a big capacity, revered for its durability and enormous volume, essential for those who tend to carry more. It doesn't stop here. The Porter is not only comfortable but super solid to withstand anything thrown at it. It offers amazing looks, a structured shell, expandable capacity, and comfortable straps.
However, it's not game over for the Nomatic Navigator Travel Backpack. Overwhelmed with functional organization pockets throughout the bag, it's praised for its ability to keep things tidy during travel. This combined with the RFID pocket for protecting personal digital information and external carry straps for attaching additional items, it makes the Navigator a hugely practical bag, deserving of a place on any shortlist. It shines bright with a well-padded and secured laptop compartment, making it a preferred pack for the tech-savvy adventurer.