Osprey Porter 46 vs. Millican Smith 18L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Millican Smith 18L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 2 |
| top | Passport | side |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| 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 | Weatherproof Bionic Canvas |
Millican Smith 18L
| Capacity | 18 L |
| Weight | 0.9 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×28×10 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $130 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Millican Smith 18L
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Rolltop on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; Side on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; 15in on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 3 on the Millican Smith 18L.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Millican Smith 18L.
Both have: 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 58 accept only the Millican Smith 18L.
Only the Millican Smith 18L 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, Great Lakes Airlines, 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 Millican Smith 18L are two excellent travel partners, but with distinctly different advantages. The Porter 46, true to its name, carries a whopping 46 liters of capacity, easily accommodating anyone with a heavier travel load. This robust capacity pairs smoothly with a compression strap which keeps things from looking untidy. Interestingly, reviewers attach words like "durable," "organised," and "great value" to the Porter 46, hinting at its mesh of capacity and quality. On the other hand, the Smith 18L is widely compatible, checking boxes for 99% of airlines, way ahead of the Porter 46's 47%.
- The Porter 46 is larger in dimensions than the Smith 18L
- The Porter 46 weighs more than the Smith 18L
- The Porter 46 has more capacity than the Smith 18L
- The Smith 18L is more widely compatible with airlines
- The Porter 46 is made up of Nylon whereas Smith 18L boasts a weatherproof Bionic Canvas
- The Porter fits only a 1 inch laptop, while the Smith accommodates a more common 15 inch laptop.
Following the more technical bits, the Smith 18L firmly stands its ground in its dedication to the environment, as it features recyclable materials. Apart from its eco-friendliness, the Smith 18L does not sacrifice on comfort. This is attributed to its excellent shoulder and back padding. This 18L rambler comes highly recommended for those who prefer a minimal and streamlined carry-on that offers comfort and hassle-free air travel compatibility.
In conclusion, both the Osprey Porter 46 and the Millican Smith 18L are crafted with the adventurous spirit in mind. Despite the Porter 46's larger capacity and Smith 18L's attention to comfort and eco-friendly design, the choice essentially boils down to personal travel style and needs. Whether it be wider capacity or better airline compatibility, the right backpack can enhance one's travel experience immensely.