Osprey Porter 46 vs. Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| H | Hip Belt | N |
| H | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 1 | Laptop | 15 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Nylon | G-1000® HeavyDuty Eco: 65% polyester, 35% cotton |
Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.96 kg |
| Dimensions | 44×28×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 84% |
| Price | $180 |
The Osprey Porter 46 and the Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium are both versatile backpacks, but they cater to different sorts of needs. The Osprey Porter 46 is bigger and heftier, justifying its name 'Porter'. It's designed for those weekend getaways or busy travel itinerary where you pack a lot, but still need to move swiftly. Being compatible with 47% of airlines, it doesn't fit all airline carry-on measurements but does offer a whopping 46 liters capacity. For the tech-savvy adventurer, it can hold a laptop up to 17 inches.
On the other hand, the Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium is smaller and lighter, making it easier to carry around for daily use or for those seeking simplicity. Despite its smaller size - 13 inches tall, 28 inches wide, and 44 inches deep - it's airline friendly, being compatible with 84% of airlines. It carries 20 liters, but the focused design offers great organization with each pocket designed purposefully. It’s made from Fjallraven’s signature G-1000® HeavyDuty Eco material which is 65% polyester, 35% cotton, giving it both durability and style, not to mention the highly-rated comfort. And, if you have a smaller laptop (up to 15 inches), it will fit just fine.
Compare their features below:
- Size: Osprey Porter 46 (23x36x56 inches) vs Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium (13x28x44 inches)
- Weight: Osprey Porter 46 (1.5 pounds) vs Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium (0.96 pounds)
- Capacity: Osprey Porter 46 (46 liters) vs Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium (20 liters)
- Airline compatibility: Osprey Porter 46 (47%) vs Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium (84%)
- Material: Osprey Porter 46 (Nylon) vs Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium (G-1000® HeavyDuty Eco: 65% polyester, 35% cotton)
- Laptop compartment: Osprey Porter 46 (fits 17 inches) vs Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium (fits 15 inches)
The reviews for both backpacks reflect the differences in their design and intended use. The Osprey Porter 46 emerged as a spacious, durable backpack, well-suited for heavy packing and rough handling. On the other hand, the Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium was loved for its sleek design, comfortability, and its ability to keep belongings organized, while still offering a charm of high durability thanks to their G-1000® HeavyDuty Eco material.
Ultimately, the choice between the two comes down to what you're looking to get out of your carry-on backpack. If you prefer a spacious backpack with excellent suspension that can save time with its easy clamshell opening and compression straps, yet retains a light feel despite its size - the Osprey Porter 46 could be your go-to. On the other hand, if you seek a compact, durable choice with an atmosphere of timeless design and clever pocket functionality that is highly comfortable and a good friend of airlines, the Fjallraven Rucksack No. 21 Medium could top your list.