Osprey Porter 46 vs. Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 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
Dimensions55×36×23 cm
Airline fit61%
Price$185

Feature by feature

Osprey Porter 46FeatureArc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack
Storage
2 Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 1
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 Y
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 DWR420d HD nylon plain weave

Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack

Front facing view of the Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 Backpack
Capacity32 L
Weight0 kg
Dimensions53×32×30 cm
Airline fit12%
Price$120

The Osprey Porter 46 is built for those who like to carry ample amounts of gear. With a spacious frame that sits 23 inches tall, 36 inches wide and 56 inches deep, it is known as a "big pack." Constructed with durable Nylon, it's meant to withstand rigorous use. It’s compatible with almost half of all airlines, making it a good choice for regular travelers. Notably, the Porter 46 has a neat laptop compartment that accommodates a laptop up to 1 inch.

The Arc'Teryx Mantis 32, on the other hand, strikes a balance between durability and lightness. It's slightly taller but not as wide as the Osprey Porter 46, with dimensions of 30 inches by 32 inches by 53 inches. Made of a 420d HD nylon plain weave, it offers more resilience against wear and tear. Despite offering a smaller capacity of 32 liters, it's lighter on the scales, weighing a whopping 0 pounds. However, it only fits with 30% of airlines, meaning it may not be the best pick for intercontinental globetrotters. Surprisingly, the Mantis 32 doesn’t come with a dedicated laptop compartment.

Let's recap the significant points:

The Osprey Porter 46 and Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 both have their unique selling points. The Osprey Porter 46 seems to be an all-rounder, great for those who require space and durability and appreciate thoughtful features like a laptop compartment. Its compatibility with numerous airlines and strong suspension makes it a great option for international travelers. On the other hand, the Arc'Teryx Mantis 32 is perfect for those who value lightness and durability. Despite its lack of a laptop compartment, it suggests versatility with a hydration bladder that could double as a laptop sleeve. In essence, both options serve specific traveler needs, and you can't go wrong choosing either based on your personal requirements.