Osprey Porter 46 vs. Macpac Rapaki 25

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
Dimensions55×36×23 cm
Airline fit61%
Price$185

Feature by feature

Osprey Porter 46FeatureMacpac Rapaki 25
Storage
2 Compression
None Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 4
top Passport N
Y Passthrough N
Carry
hideable Backpack Y
hideable Hip Belt removable
Y Sternum Strap Y
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 DWR200D Recycled Polyester, 420D Oxford Nylon

Macpac Rapaki 25

Front facing view of the Macpac Rapaki 25
Capacity25 L
Weight0.91 kg
Dimensions52×30×25 cm
Airline fit39%
Price$140

Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Macpac Rapaki 25

Both have: sternum strap, water resistant.

Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on

We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 61 accept both. 55 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 12 accept only the Macpac Rapaki 25.

Only the Osprey Porter 46 fits

Aer Lingus, Air Asia, Air Canada, Air Macau, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Brussels Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, Garuda Indonesia, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Mesa Airlines, Norwegian, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, SAS Scandinavian, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Trans States, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.

Only the Macpac Rapaki 25 fits

Aerolineas Argentinas, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, Boliviana de Aviacion, Croatia Air, Indigo, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Sky Airlines.

Taking a look at the Osprey Porter 46 and the Macpac Rapaki 25, both carry on backpacks are distinctively high-quality. First off, the Osprey Porter 46 stands tall at 23 inches, while the Macpac Rapaki 25 measures slightly taller at 25 inches. While the Porter holds a gracious offering of 46 liters, the Rapaki offers a more modest 25 liters. This generous discrepancy in size is echoed in the Porter's weight - a solid 1.5 pounds against the Rapaki's featherweight 0.91 pounds.

The materials for both backpacks are robust. The Porter prefers nylon, which is known for its tough, wear-resistant characteristics. On the other hand, the Rapaki boasts a blend of recycled polyester and Oxford nylon. This combination suggests a more eco-friendly backpack that doesn’t skimp on quality. To top it off, both backpacks are compatible with roughly the same amount of airlines - about 47%.

Reviewers heap praise on the Porter, focusing on its ample size, durability and organization. The Porter seems ideal for more substantial loads given its spaciousness and rapid pack and unpack capability with the clamshell opening. Also, it stays looking neat with its compression strap, even when puffed to full capacity. Contrarily, reviewers remain tight-lipped for now about the Rapaki, placing it at a slight disadvantage in consumer preference.

Finally, the selling point for the Porter isn't just about being a roomy, durable gear-bearer. It also has excellent suspension and despite being ample, is rather lightweight for its size. Trust that your things will be secure and easily accessible. As for the Rapaki, the potentials are still up in the air. However, its lean physique and peculiar combination of eco-friendly materials might be its ace. Consider your needs, your lifestyle, and how you'll use each backpack when deciding between the two. Either way, you're looking at a good investment.