Osprey Porter 46 vs. Patagonia Arbor Linked Pack 25L

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Osprey Porter 46

Front facing view of the Osprey Porter 46
Capacity46 L
Weight1.5 kg
Dimensions56×36×23 cm
Airline fit47%
Price$150

Feature by feature

Osprey Porter 46FeaturePatagonia Arbor Linked Pack 25L
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 0
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 1
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
Nylon600-denier 100% recycled polyester, 200-denier 100% recycled polyester

Patagonia Arbor Linked Pack 25L

Front facing view of the Patagonia Arbor Linked Pack 25L
Capacity25 L
Weight0.45 kg
Dimensions49×27×13 cm
Airline fit82%
Price$79

Two backpacks in the carry-on genre that have caught our attention are the Osprey Porter 46 and the Patagonia Arbor Linked Pack 25L. Right out of the gate, it's clear that these are two completely different beasts, owing to each brand's unique focus and approach to design. Yet, despite their distinctive features, they somehow manage to overlap in the market. Let's delve into the specifics.

The Osprey Porter 46 is the bigger sibling, weighing in at 1.5 pounds with a whopping 46 liters of capacity. It stands tall at 23 inches, making it compatible with 47% of airlines. One of its most notable features is its nylon body and a laptop compartment that can fit a 1-inch laptop. The Patagonia Arbor Linked Pack 25L, on the other hand, is a more compact offering. It's significantly lighter at 0.45 pounds and offers 25 liters of capacity - perfect for light travels. It's made of 100% recycled polyester and can fit a 15-inch laptop. Not to mention, its compatibility with 82% of airlines gives it a substantial edge over the Porter 46.

Here is a summary of the differences:

The overriding consensus among reviewers is that the Osprey Porter 46 is a great gear-hauling bag. It has excellent suspension, is spacious and convenient to pack, stays sharp with a compression strap, and it has a level of durability that urban travelers will appreciate. On the other hand, the Patagonia Arbor Linked Pack 25L impresses with its adaptability, lightweight comfort, and timeless design.

Ultimately, your pick between the two will likely come down to your specific needs. If you're looking for a rugged, roomy, and reliable option, the Osprey Porter 46 might be your best bet. But if ease of movement, flexibility, and sustainability are high on your list, then the Patagonia Arbor Linked Pack 25L would be hard to beat.