Osprey Porter 46 vs. Exped Impulse 20
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Exped Impulse 20 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | Y |
| 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 | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Nylon | Body: 210 D Robic HD ripstop nylon Carbonate PU, 2500 mm water column, Oeko-Tex 100 certified, PFC-free |
When it comes to carry on backpacks, the market is chock-full of options. Two standout models are the Osprey Porter 46 and the Exped Impulse 20, each offering its own unique strengths and features. The Porter 46 is a monster of a backpack, dwarfing the Impulse 20 in both size and carrying capacity. Despite its larger dimensions (23x36x56 inches), it only weighs a slight 1.5 pounds, lighter than you'd expect for its behemoth dimensions. Its cavernous 46 liters of storage space is more than double what its Exped counterpart offers, but in terms of material composition, it fails to match the water-resistant, rip-stop nylon carbonate used in the Impulse 20.
- Size: The Osprey Porter 46 (23x36x56 inches) is considerably larger than the Exped Impulse 20 (18x27x52 inches).
- Weight: The Porter 46 weighs significantly more (1.5 pounds) than the Impulse 20 (0.88 pounds).
- Capacity: The Porter 46 boasts 46 liters of capacity, more than double the Impulse 20's 20 liters.
- Airline Compatibility: The Impulse 20 emerges as the winner with a compatibility of 79% airlines, while the Porter 46 is only compatible with 47%.
- Material: The Impulse 20 boasts a water-resistant, rip-stop nylon-carbonate construction, PFC-free and Oeko-Tex 100 certified. The Porter 46, however, is made simple with Nylon.
- Laptop Compartment: Porter 46 can fit a 1 inch laptop, while Impulse 20 has no laptop compartment.
Delves into reviews and multiple praises emerge for the Porter 46. One reviewer highlights its tremendous capacity, built sturdy to handle the bulk. It’s referred to as a gear-hauling champ, with multiple handle and D rings for flexible carrying options. The bag's superb organization and old-school backpacker look are admired. An important mention: this bag is designed with the urban traveler in mind, packed with smart features. More reviewers laud its comfort under heavy loads and its multifunctional design for versatile gear attachment. One clear consensus - the Porter 46 combines functionality and aesthetics, and despite heavy use, holds up incredibly well over time.
There’s no shortage of reasons to buy these backpacks. The Porter 46 offers excellent suspension, ample space, and is designed with a convenient clamshell opening. Its lightweight for its size and its compression strap maintains an organized and neat appearance. As for the Impulse 20, its removable hip belt is a convenience, featuring storage for small items and a well-thought internal organization. It’s highly durable, setting it apart for outdoor use. Ultimately, the choice between these remarkable packs will depend on individual use case and preference.