Osprey Porter 46 vs. Exped Black Ice 30
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Exped Black Ice 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 2 |
| top | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | 400 D HD ripstop nylon, TPU film laminated, 10'000 mm water column |
Exped Black Ice 30
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 0.1 kg |
| Dimensions | 57×27×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 17% |
| Price | $175 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Exped Black Ice 30
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Black Ice 30.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Rolltop on the Exped Black Ice 30.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Black Ice 30.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Black Ice 30.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Exped Black Ice 30.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Exped Black Ice 30.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Black Ice 30.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the Exped Black Ice 30.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Black Ice 30.
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. 30 accept both. 86 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 2 accept only the Exped Black Ice 30.
Only the Osprey Porter 46 fits
Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Asia, Air Astana, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air Macau, Air Nostrum, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, All Nipon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, ANA, Atlas Global, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Copa Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EL AL, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Flair Air, Garuda Indonesia, Gol Linhas Aereas, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, Interjet, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Japan Airlines, Jet2, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, Kuwait Air, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Mesa Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Norwegian, Onur Air, Peach, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, SAS Scandinavian, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, Spirit Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Thai Airways, Trans States, Travel Service Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WOW Airlines.
Only the Exped Black Ice 30 fits
Cayman Airways, Croatia Air.
The world of carry on backpacks is vast, with options stretching from the lightweight to the heavy duty. In this comparison, we're looking at the Osprey Porter 46 and the Exped Black Ice 30, two backpacks that are top of their class but could not be more different. The Osprey Porter 46 has the advantage of space, a whopping 46 liters, making it perfect for those longer trips or for the traveler that needs just a bit more room. Its nylon composition gives it a solid, durable composition. Plus, a decent laptop compartment size allows safe transportation of tech gadgets. However, its compatibility with airlines is not as high as its counterpart.
On contrast, the Exped Black Ice 30 is lighter than a feather, weighing in at just 0.1 pounds. The smaller capacity of 30 liters is compensated by its high compatibility with airlines and the very durable material, a ripstop nylon that won't let you down in adverse conditions. Though it doesn't hold a laptop, its robust material and weatherproof build makes it ideal for adventurous travels.
To summarize:
- Osprey Porter 46 is heavier; Exped Black Ice 30 is ultra-light.
- Osprey Porter 46 offers more space; Exped Black Ice 30 has lesser.
- Exped Black Ice 30 is compatible with more airlines.
- Osprey Porter 46 is made of Nylon; Exped Black Ice 30 of durable ripstop nylon.
- Osprey Porter 46 has a laptop compartment; Exped Black Ice 30 doesn't accommodate a laptop.
Both packs enjoy rave reviews. Where the Osprey Porter is praised for its suspension and spaciousness, the Exped Black Ice is lauded for its lightness, durability and weatherproof features. The Osprey Porter's clamshell opening and compression strap are particularly popular features, while the minimalistic functionality of the Exped Black Ice appeals to those seeking simplicity.
When deciding between the two, it all comes down to what suits your travel needs best. The Osprey Porter 46 screams urban traveler, perfect for longer trips and heavier loads. But if you're hitting the trails, seeking adventure, or constantly on the move, the lightness and durability of the Exped Black Ice 30 may just be the ally you need. Whichever you choose, know that you're investing in quality, functionality and clever design.