Osprey Porter 46 vs. Bellroy Apex Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Bellroy Apex Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | N |
| 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 | 1 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | Recycled Baida Nylon and premium, environmentally certified leather |
Bellroy Apex Backpack
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 1.4 kg |
| Dimensions | 55×33×20 cm |
| Airline fit | 86% |
| Price | $449 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Bellroy Apex Backpack
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Other on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; 15in on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
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. 116 accept both. 0 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 47 accept only the Bellroy Apex Backpack.
Only the Bellroy Apex Backpack fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Bulgaria Air, Cayman Airways, China Eastern, Croatia Air, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, flybe, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Pakistan International, Royal Brunei Airlines, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
When it comes to carry on backpacks, two names often pop up - the Osprey Porter 46 and the Bellroy Apex Backpack. These two have their fair share of differences and similarities which may leave you in indecision. I'm here to break it down for you.
The Porter 46, as you may have guessed, boasts a whopping 46 liters of storage space. With dimensions of 23 inches tall, 36 inches wide, and 56 inches deep, it makes for a true gear-hauler that's pretty ground-breaking. However, its size isn't its only high spot. The Porter 46 is shrewdly designed and is made from robust Nylon. It's also airline friendly, compatible with 47% of airlines. Overall, it's an impressively spacious pack, despite its hefty 1.5-pound weight.
Here's a brief comparison between the two:
- Dimensions: Porter 46 is larger (23x36x56 inches) than Apex (20x33x55 inches)
- Capacity: Porter 46 holds 46 liters compared to Apex’s 26.
- Weight: The Apex’s 1.4 pounds makes it slightly lighter than the Porter 46 that weighs 1.5.
- Material: While Porter uses Nylon, the Apex is made from recycled Baida nylon with certified leather.
- Airline compatibility: Apex is compatible with 78% of airlines, significantly more than the Porter’s 47%.
On the other side, the Bellroy Apex backpack is both eco-friendly and stylish, made from recycled Baida nylon and certified leather. It's excellently organized with a sleek design. The Apex is slightly lighter, at 1.4 pounds, and considerably smaller, with just 26 liters of capacity. Despite being smaller and providing less capacity, the Apex is compatible with a wider range of airlines, garnering a compatibility rate of 78%.
Both options possess laptop compartments; the Porter 46 can fit a one-inch laptop while the Apex can house a 15-inch laptop. Both backpacks have received glowing reviews for their durability and functionality. However, some note that the Porter 46 is somewhat bulky, while others appreciate the Apex’s innovative magnet and zip combination. Both these backpacks are compelling choices with distinct appeal; it's up to you to choose a favorite. Which, after all, will meet your unique needs and taste? Do you prefer the marine-like capacity of the Porter 46, or do you favor the sleek, eco-friendly design of the Apex? I hope this brief comparison gives you a clearer perspective.