Osprey Porter 46 vs. STM Dux 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
Dimensions55×36×23 cm
Airline fit61%
Price$185

Feature by feature

Osprey Porter 46FeatureSTM Dux Backpack
Storage
2 Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 4
top Passport Y
Y Passthrough
Carry
hideable Backpack Y
hideable Hip Belt N
Y Sternum Strap Y
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 DWR500D x 750D Polyester

STM Dux Backpack

by Stm
Front facing view of the STM Dux Backpack
Capacity30 L
Weight1.78 kg
Dimensions50.8×33×24.1 cm
Airline fit39%
Price$250

Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and STM Dux Backpack

Both have: 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. 61 accept both. 55 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 12 accept only the STM Dux Backpack.

Only the Osprey Porter 46 fits

Aer Lingus, Air Asia, Air Canada, Air Macau, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Brussels Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, Garuda Indonesia, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Mesa Airlines, Norwegian, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, SAS Scandinavian, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Trans States, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.

Only the STM Dux Backpack fits

Aerolineas Argentinas, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, Boliviana de Aviacion, Croatia Air, Indigo, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Sky Airlines.

When selecting the optimal travel backpack, details matter. Let's put two popular options head-to-head: the Osprey Porter 46 and the STM Dux Backpack.

The Osprey Porter 46 stands tall at 23 inches, with a width and depth of 36 and 56 inches respectively. It's a lightweight contender, hitting the scales at a modest 1.5 pounds, while offering a roomy 46 liters of storage capacity. Compatibility is decent with 47% of airlines accepting this bag onboard. Fabricated from sturdy Nylon and offering a laptop compartment that can fit laptops up to 19 inches, the Osprey Porter 46 is all about the balance between durability and utility. On the back of the impressive stats, various reviewers praised its capacity, durability, and value for money in differing travel situations. It also boasts an impressive arsenal of reasons to purchase, including great suspension, spaciousness, convenient packing design, refined aesthetics, and lightweight structure.

Now, let's flip to the STM Dux Backpack. Boasting a slightly taller profile at 24.1 inches, this backpack, however, falls short in width and depth, registering dimensions of 33 and 50.8 inches. At 1.78 pounds, it's a tad heavier than the Osprey Porter 46. It offers 30 liters of storage capacity - more compact, certainly, than the Osprey but sufficient for minimalist travelers. Compatibility with airlines mirrors that of the Osprey at 47%. The STM Dux Backpack features a durable build with 500D x 750D Polyester, and caters to most tech lovers with a laptop compartment that fits a 15-inch model. It scores highly for convenience, comfort, protection for gadgets, and organisational attributes.

To summarize, your choice boils down to what you prioritize more - space or compactness? Tough nylon or the gear-protecting polyester? At the end of the day, both backpacks offer excellent performance, durability, and versatility. They each sport clever design choices that make packing, carrying, and accessing your gear a breeze. It’s a head-to-head clash with no clear loser, but you, as the user, definitely stand to gain no matter which you choose.