Osprey Porter 46 vs. Aer Travel Pack 2 Small
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Aer Travel Pack 2 Small |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | top, side |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | optional |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 5 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | 700D Cordura |
Aer Travel Pack 2 Small
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
| Dimensions | 48×33×19 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $229 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Aer Travel Pack 2 Small
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; 4 on the Aer Travel Pack 2 Small.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; Top, side on the Aer Travel Pack 2 Small.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Aer Travel Pack 2 Small.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Optional on the Aer Travel Pack 2 Small.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Aer Travel Pack 2 Small.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 5 on the Aer Travel Pack 2 Small.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 1, side on the Aer Travel Pack 2 Small.
Both have: luggage passthrough, laptop sleeve, 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. 116 accept both. 0 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 58 accept only the Aer Travel Pack 2 Small.
Only the Aer Travel Pack 2 Small fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Bulgaria Air, Cayman Airways, China Eastern, Croatia Air, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
First up is the Osprey Porter 46, a hefty backpack that doesn't shy away from carrying a load. Its nylon material makes it a durable option, ready for any kind of adventure or city commute. With 46 liters of space, you have the ability to pack more than just the basics. Despite its size, the Porter 46 is surprisingly lightweight at just 1.5 pounds, easing the burden on your shoulders. You might face limitations in terms of airline compatibility, as this carries only 47%, but its laptop compartment accommodating a bulkier 1-inch laptop offers a trade-off.
Enter the Aer Travel Pack 2 Small, a compact and sleek backpack that belies its endurance. This bag boasts a 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior, built for longevity. Although it only offers 28 liters of capacity, its small size is deceiving. This bag is heavier, weighing in at 3.3 pounds, yet it supersedes the Porter 46 in airline compatibility with 82%. Plus, its laptop compartment is designed for a 15-inch laptop, a more common size for travelers and commuters.
Comparatively:
- Both the Osprey Porter 46 and Aer Travel Pack 2 Small are made of durable nylon-type materials, although the Aer offers a more rugged exterior.
- The Porter 46 surpasses the Travel Pack 2 in carrying capacity, but is designed for a larger, bulkier laptop.
- The Travel Pack 2 excels in airline compatibility, fitting into overhead compartments on 82% of airlines, significantly more than the Porter 46.
- Despite the significant difference in size, the Travel Pack 2 is heavier than the Porter 46.
Like any product, the final user review is subjective and dependent on personal needs and preference. If carrying capacity and lightweight quality are paramount, the Osprey Porter 46 is a top contender. However, if you place great importance on airline compatibility and robust, long-lasting material, the Aer Travel Pack 2 Small delivers on those fronts. Either way, it’s clear that both are excellently crafted bags with their unique strengths lending them toward different types of users.