Osprey Porter 46 vs. Exped Torrent 30
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Exped Torrent 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| H | Hip Belt | R |
| H | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 1 | Laptop | 0 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Nylon | 840 D Oxford nylon, TPU film laminate, >10'000 mm water column |
From the adventurer's brand, Osprey, comes a pack that delivers the goods in grand style - the Osprey Porter 46. From its imposing size of 23 inches tall, 36 inches wide, and 56 inches deep, to its 46-liter capacity, this heavy-duty sack earns its keep within its weight of 1.5 pounds. Crafted from durable Nylon, this backpack stands out with its airline compatibility, comfortably fitting into the overhead bin of 47% of airliners. The Porter 46 also boasts a tech-savvy edge, with a laptop compartment primed to fit devices up to a generous 1 inch thick.
Take a step towards the Exped Torrent 30, and you'll find a brew of efficient design and high-tech construction. With measurements of 20 inches tall, 27 inches wide, and 55 inches deep, it presents a lighter footprint at 1.13 pounds while offering 30 liters of capacity. The Torrent 30 is constructed from 840 D Oxford nylon, with a TPU film laminate that pushes the water barrier well past the 10'000 mm mark. However, it falls short when it comes to tech storage, offering no specific compartment for laptops.
Comparison Bullet Points:
- Size: The Osprey Porter 46 is larger than the Exped Torrent 30.
- Weight: The Porter 46 weighs slightly more than the Torrent 30.
- Capacity: The Porter offers more storage with a capacity of 46 liters compared to the 30-liter Torrent.
- Airline Compatibility: The Torrent 30 is airline friendly, fitting into the overhead compartments of 77% of airlines while the Porter 46 fits into 47% of them.
- Material: While both are made of Nylon, the Torrent 30 boasts of an additional TPU film laminate for its water resistance.
- Laptop Compartment: The Porter 46 includes a compartment for laptops which the Torrent 30 lacks.
Transitioning from form to function, both backpacks stir up impressive praises among reviewers. The Porter 46 is valued for its massive capacity, durability, and nifty compression strap. Additionally, its "old-school backpacker look" and smart design features make it an ideal choice for urban travellers. On the flip side, the Exped Torrent 30 earns plaudits for being "absolutely waterproof" and cradling a "superb suspension system". The numerous attachment loops also set it apart, making it compatible with a myriad of utilities.
Both packs have impressive features. The Porter 46's spacious design, convenient clamshell opening, and solid frame make it a valuable investment. It perfectly combines practicality and luxury, with an attractive price tag of $140. In contrast, the Exped Torrent 30 delivers top-tier comfort with its suspension system and exceptional durability due to its waterproof nature. Each has its unique strengths – making the final decision a question of personal needs and aesthetic preferences.