Osprey Porter 46 vs. Pacsafe Venturesafe X40 Anti-Theft Backpack

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 46FeaturePacsafe Venturesafe X40 Anti-Theft Backpack
Storage
S Compression S
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 4
N Passport Y
N Passthrough N
Carry
H Backpack S
H Hip Belt S
H Sternum Strap S
Inside
1 Laptop 15
3 Main Compartments 2
N Organizer Y
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder 2
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
Nylon210D Nylon diamond ripstop, 200D Polyester

Pacsafe Venturesafe X40 Anti-Theft Backpack

Front facing view of the Pacsafe Venturesafe X40 Anti-Theft Backpack
Capacity40 L
Weight1.73 kg
Dimensions56×30×22 cm
Airline fit47%
Price$300

The Osprey Porter 46 and the Pacsafe Venturesafe X40 Anti-Theft Backpack are two formidable contenders in the market of carry-on backpacks. Both offer solid features backed by respected brands. Their similar patina of function and style sets them apart from conventional travel bags. However, beneath the surface, each bag carries distinctive characteristics worth noting.

The Osprey Porter 46 is a workhorse, with noble dimensions and a considerable ballistic nylon build. Tipping the scales at a lightweight 1.5 pounds, and dedicating a generous 46 liters to payload, this bag offers more packing space. Moreover, its fortress-like laptop compartment easily shelters a 19" tech beast. Reviewers cheer its ever ready expandability remarking, "For better or worse, the Osprey Porter 46 is a big pack with a big capacity".

On the other hand, the Pacsafe Venturesafe X40 Anti-Theft Backpack is no less impressive. Constructed with a robust 210D Nylon diamond ripstop and 200D Polyester, it escorts your belongings safely, regardless of rummaging or mishandling. Weighing at 1.73 pounds, it offers a 40-liter chamber - a tad smaller than the Porter. However, what it lacks in size, it makes up for in anti-theft features, such as RFID blocking pockets, lockable zippers, and an eXomesh slashguard.

In the final analysis, both the Osprey Porter 46 and the Pacsafe Venturesafe X40 Anti-Theft Backpack are professional standards in backpackology. But it narrows down to your specific requirements - if bulk-carrying, laptop size, and budget are your top priorities, the Porter 46 is your companion. But if anti-theft and additional material durability are non-negotiables, the Venturesafe X40 is the best bang for your buck. Either way, it's a win-win, you cannot go wrong with both of these fine carriers by your side.