Osprey Porter 46 vs. OPPOSETHIS Ark - 2020
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | OPPOSETHIS Ark - 2020 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 1 |
| top | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | N |
| hideable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 16in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| 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 | 800x600D lightweight waterproof nylon-polyester blend |
OPPOSETHIS Ark - 2020
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 0.95 kg |
| Dimensions | 49×30×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $244 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and OPPOSETHIS Ark - 2020
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the OPPOSETHIS Ark - 2020.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the OPPOSETHIS Ark - 2020.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the OPPOSETHIS Ark - 2020.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the OPPOSETHIS Ark - 2020.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the OPPOSETHIS Ark - 2020.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the OPPOSETHIS Ark - 2020.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the OPPOSETHIS Ark - 2020.
Both have: sternum strap, laptop sleeve, built-in organizer, 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 57 accept only the OPPOSETHIS Ark - 2020.
Only the OPPOSETHIS Ark - 2020 fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Bulgaria Air, Cayman Airways, China Eastern, Croatia Air, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
The Osprey Porter 46 and the OPPOSETHIS Ark - 2020 are sturdy backpack options for the modern traveler. The Porter 46, as its name suggests, offers a whopping 46 liters of carrying capacity, nearly twice the Ark's 25 liters. For those who bag heavier, this is an advantage. It's made of durable nylon and features a 1" laptop compartment. The carry-on is compatible with 47% of global air carriers. To sum up, it is a bag designed for heavy-duty use and would serve those who pack a significant deal well.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Ark-2020, while more compact, comes with its own set of perks. It is only 0.95 pounds, making it noticeably lighter than the 1.5 pounds Porter 46. This backpack is also more likely to fit within airline cabin size regulations—a whopping 82% compatibility. It's made with a formidable blend of 800x600D lightweight waterproof nylon-polyester. Plus, it fits 16 inch laptops in its compartment, making it a better choice for those who ferry bigger laptops.
Here are the key differences summarized:
- Size: 46L (Porter) vs 25L (Ark)
- Dimensions: 23x36x56 inches (Porter) vs 17x30x49 inches (Ark)
- Weight: 1.5 pounds (Porter) vs 0.95 pounds (Ark)
- Material: Nylon (Porter) vs 800x600D lightweight waterproof nylon-polyester blend (Ark)
- Laptop compartment: fits 1" laptop (Porter) vs fits 16" laptop (Ark)
- Airline compatibility: 47% (Porter) vs 82% (Ark)
Going back to the reviews, there's intense praise for both. The Porter's most notable aspect is its size and convenient clamshell opening described as ‘really spacious’ and ‘lightweight for its size.’ While the Ark-2020 shines for its ‘functional organization,’ ‘weatherproof construction,' 'minimalist design,' and also sporting a ‘clamshell opening.’
Given these considerations, it all boils down to your personal needs and preferences. For the voluminous, durable packer who doesn't have a large laptop or mind a heavier bag, the Porter 46 may be a perfect match. Conversely, the Ark-2020 serves those who subscribe to minimalist packing, need to carry a larger tech device, and fancy a lighter, more waterproof design that goes well with surrounding decor.