Osprey Porter 46 vs. ILE Default XL
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | ILE Default XL |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 2 |
| top | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| 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 DWR | Durable Cordura or XPAC Sailcloth exterior |
ILE Default XL
| Capacity | 40 L |
| Weight | 0 kg |
| Dimensions | 55.9×30.5×20.3 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $280 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and ILE Default XL
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the ILE Default XL.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Rolltop on the ILE Default XL.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the ILE Default XL.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the ILE Default XL.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the ILE Default XL.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the ILE Default XL.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the ILE Default XL.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; 15in on the ILE Default XL.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the ILE Default XL.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the ILE Default XL.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 2 on the ILE Default XL.
Both have: water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 86 accept both. 30 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 2 accept only the ILE Default XL.
Only the Osprey Porter 46 fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, All Nipon Airways, ANA, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Mesa Airlines, Norwegian, Peach, Porter Airlines, SAS Scandinavian, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Turkish Airlines.
Only the ILE Default XL fits
Cayman Airways, Croatia Air.
The Osprey Porter 46 is a popular choice among travelers with its impressive 46 liters of carrying capacity. Constructed with nylon, it is tough and intended to handle heavy loads. Standing tall at 23 inches, it's slightly larger than the ILE Default XL, which may influence airline compatibility. Not to mention, it has a larger laptop compartment that can hold up to a 1-inch laptop. Reviewers praise its durability, spaciousness, and its function as a hybrid backpack-duffel. The Porter also prides itself on its sleek design features such as the clamshell opening system and compression straps that streamline the bag preventing it from looking bulky.
On the other side of the spectrum is the ILE Default XL. It trades raw capacity for weightlessness, coming in with a carrying capacity of 40 liters, yet weighing a surprising zero pounds. Made from Durable Cordura or XPAC Sailcloth exterior, this pack emphasizes resilience and waterproofing, ideal for unpredictable weather. This also means there’s plenty of protection for your laptop which can fit up to a 15 inch one in the dedicated compartment. Reviewers appreciate its waterproof main compartment, comfortable fit when fully loaded, top-drawer workmanship, and its versatility that suits actions and settings of all sorts.
Here's a breakdown of key differences:
- Size: The Osprey Porter 46 is larger than the ILE Default XL.
- The Osprey Porter 46 is made of Nylon. The ILE Default XL is made of Durable Cordura or XPAC Sailcloth exterior.
- Weight: The Porter 46 is heavier than the ILE Default XL.
- Laptop compartment size: The Porter 46 can accommodate a larger laptop than the ILE Default XL.
- Waterproofing: The ILE Default XL has a waterproof main compartment and laptop sleeve.
- Use: The Porter 46 is more suitable as a gear-hauling bag, while the ILE Default XL serves a range of activities and settings.
In terms of sheer size and capacity, the Osprey Porter 46 has the edge. It's a bag designed for heavy-duty use and it has the space to accommodate all your gear. Meanwhile, the ILE Default XL wins for its waterproof properties and zero weight design. It's the perfect companion for the minimalist traveler who values utility and comfort above all else. All in all, both bags have their strengths, so the best choice would rely solely on your specific needs and preferences.