Osprey Porter 46 vs. Away The Zip Backpack

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Osprey Porter 46

Front facing view of the Osprey Porter 46
Capacity46 L
Weight1.5 kg
Dimensions56×36×23 cm
Airline fit47%
Price$150

Feature by feature

Osprey Porter 46FeatureAway The Zip Backpack
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 4
N Passport Y
N Passthrough Y
Carry
H Backpack S
H Hip Belt N
H Sternum Strap N
Inside
1 Laptop 14
3 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder 1
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
NylonNylon with leather

Away The Zip Backpack

by Away
Front facing view of the Away The Zip Backpack
Capacity20 L
Weight1.1 kg
Dimensions45×30.5×15 cm
Airline fit84%
Price$236

Looking at the Osprey Porter 46 and the Away’s The Zip Backpack, two carry-on backpack comparisons can be made. Designed for the avid traveler who needs carrying capacity, the Osprey Porter 46 is a beast. Sporting a dimension of 23 x 36 x 56 inches, it's considerably larger than the Zip Backpack, which is 45 x 15 x 30.5 inches. The Porter 46 has a sizable 46-liter capacity, allowing you to store more of your essentials. Compared to this, the Zip Backpack offers a much modest 20-liter capacity. The Porter models itself as a deluxe duffel bag designed for gear-hauling, earning rave reviews for its ample storage and durable construction.

In contrast, The Zip Backpack by Away serves the minimalist well. It offers sleek lines and leather accents, appealing to those who prefer a sophisticated aesthetic. Although smaller than the Porter, it’s feature-packed: an external back hidden zip pocket to secure your valuables and well-organized interiors that keep contents tidy. These design considerations have made Away's backpack a favorite among tidy packers and the style conscious. The plus point is the high airline compatibility of this backpack, at a whopping 84%.

In the end, the decision to go with the sizable and rugged Osprey Porter 46 or the sleek, minimalist Away’s The Zip Backpack depends almost entirely upon your traveling preferences. If you're out to fit everything but the kitchen sink in your bag, the Porter 46 is the way to go. But if a smaller, stylish carry-on that fits just your essentials sounds more appealing, Away's The Zip Backpack would make a fantastic choice. Either way, these bags promise a hassle-free journey packaged into a modern design.