Osprey Porter 46 vs. KS Ultralight Tao
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | KS Ultralight Tao |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | X-pac VX 07YKK "waterproof zip" |
KS Ultralight Tao
| Capacity | 35 L |
| Weight | 0.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 71×30×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 1% |
| Price | $150 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and KS Ultralight Tao
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the KS Ultralight Tao.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Other on the KS Ultralight Tao.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the KS Ultralight Tao.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the KS Ultralight Tao.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the KS Ultralight Tao.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the KS Ultralight Tao.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the KS Ultralight Tao.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 2 on the KS Ultralight Tao.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the KS Ultralight Tao.
Both have: passport pocket, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 2 accept both. 114 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 0 accept only the KS Ultralight Tao.
Only the Osprey Porter 46 fits
Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Asia, Air Astana, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air Macau, Air New Zealand, Air Nostrum, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, All Nipon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, ANA, Atlas Global, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Azul Linhas, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Caribbean Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Southern, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Cubana de Aviacion, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EL AL, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Flair Air, Frontier Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Gol Linhas Aereas, Hainan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, Interjet, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Island Air, Japan Airlines, Jet2, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Korean Air, Kulula, Kuwait Air, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Mesa Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Norwegian, Onur Air, Peach, PenAir, Philippine Airlines, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, Royal Air Morocco, SAS Scandinavian, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, Southwest Airlines, SpiceJet, Spirit Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Country, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, Thai Airways, Trans States, Travel Service Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Ural Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WOW Airlines.
The Osprey Porter 46 and the KS Ultralight Tao are both top-tier carry-on bags, designed to meet the needs of travelers who are constantly on the move. The former, standing tall with dimensions of 23x36x56 inches, with a solid 46 liters of capacity, appears more suited for travelers who carry a bit more. The Porter 46 elegantly combines the bulk capacity of a duffel bag with features that are specifically designed for urban travelers, contributing to its versatility. One of its key distinguishing feature includes the space for a 1 inch laptop.
The KS Ultralight Tao, on the other hand, mesmerises us with its ultra-lightweight design, weighing in at a mere .3 pounds. With dimensions of 71x30x18 inches and a 35 liter capacity, the Tao is more streamlined and compatible with a higher percentage of airlines, 89% to be exact. Although it lacks a specific laptop compartment, the Tao's weight-saving feature undeniably makes it ideal for lightweight, minimalist travel.
Here are a quick summary:
- Dimensions: Osprey Porter 46 is 23x36x56 inches while the KS Ultralight Tao measures 71x30x18 inches.
- Weight: Porter 46 weighs 1.5 pounds whereas the Tao is a mere .3 pounds.
- Capacity: 46 liters for the Porter 46, 35 liters for the Tao.
- Airline compatibility: 47% for Porter 46, and 89% for the Tao.
- Material: Both are durable, with the Porter 46 constructed of Nylon and the Tao using X-pac VX, waterproof zip.
- Laptop compartment: Included in the Porter 46, but absent in the Tao.
Reviewers consistently advocate for the Porter 46, citing its large storage capacity, good suspension and smart design. It is praised to be a durable option for those who tend to carry more, especially at the affordable price of $140. The Tao, on the other hand, is loved for being an exceptionally lightweight, reliable option, with comfortable shoulder straps, suited for trekkers and minimalist travelers. It all really boils down to your personal travel needs, style and preferences. Both the Porter 46 and the Tao have their own unique merits that make them great options to consider for your next journey!