Osprey Porter 46 vs. Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 2 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| H | Hip Belt | N |
| H | Sternum Strap | N |
| Inside | ||
| 1 | Laptop | 15 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Nylon | Black Waxed Canvas |
Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack
| Capacity | 20.5 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×31×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 99% |
| Price | $302 |
When it comes to choosing a sturdy carry on backpack, Osprey Porter 46 and the Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack are two strong contenders. Both backpacks offer enough space and compartments for convenient travel and daily use. However, they vary significantly in size, weight, capacity, airline compatibility, and material.
Compared to the Osprey, the R6 Arkiv appears petite. Specifications for the Osprey Porter 46 by Osprey are 23" tall, 36" wide, and 56" deep, the bag weighs 1.5 pounds and has a capacity of 46 liters. It is made of Nylon and boasts a laptop compartment suitable for a 15" laptop. Its use is approved by 47% of airlines. On the other hand, the Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack measures 13" in height, 31" in width, and 46" in depth, weighing a tad lighter at 1.4 pounds, and offering 20.5 liters of loading space. It is composed of Black Waxed Canvas and can carry a laptop of up to 1" easily. Plus, it is compatible with a whopping 99% of airlines.
The pragmatic nature of both backpacks is appreciated by reviewers. With the Osprey Porter 46 one stated "For better or worse, the Osprey Porter 46 is a big pack with a big capacity. Bulk it up or cinch it down, the Porter is a durable option for those who tend to carry more" and another one source considered it “a mid-sized bag with great organization and an old-school backpacker look”, claiming it as their dream backpack. Meanwhile, the Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack was reviewed as "Flexible and innovative" with "highly flexible" design. One reviewer even declared it as a bag that "will draw attention…in a good way" thanks to its unique look and design.
Ending it with a final thought, while both backpacks offer a multitude of features, the Osprey is a tad more spacious and lightweight making it ideal for individuals who like to carry more for their travels. On the contrary, the Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack provides more customization options which, paired with its near-universal airline acceptance, makes it a great choice for someone who values adaptability and versatility.