Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Exped Skyline 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| H | Hip Belt | S |
| H | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 1 | Laptop | 0 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | S |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Nylon | 210 D Robic HD Ripstop nylon, PU coated, 1'500 mm water column |
The Osprey Porter 46 and the Exped Skyline 25 are both excellent choices for carry on backpacks, but there are a few key differences that could tip the scale in favor of one over the other, depending on your specific needs.
The Osprey Porter 46 lives up to its name with a hefty 46 liter carrying capacity, dwarfing the Skyline 25's 25 liter volume. This means that if you're in the market for space, the Porter 46 wins by a clear margin. However, if you are more focused on having a light pack, the Skyline 25 is lighter, weighing only 1.03 pounds compared to the Porter's 1.5 pounds.
- Size: Osprey Porter 46 (46 liters) vs Exped Skyline 25 (25 liters)
- Weight: Osprey Porter 46 (1,5 pounds) vs Exped Skyline 25 (1.03 pounds)
- Laptop Compartment: Porter 46 (fits a 1 inch laptop) vs Skyline 25 (no laptop compartment)
- Material: Porter 46 (Nylon) vs Skyline 25 (210 D Robic HD Ripstop nylon, PU coated)
- Price: Porter 46 ($140)
When it comes to durability and weather resistance, the Skyline also comes out on top. Made of 210 D Robic HD Ripstop nylon and PU coated, it boasts a 1,500 mm water column, making it a great choice if you're planning to use it in harsh environments. The Porter 46 is made of nylon, but lacks the PU coating of the Skyline. This means that while the Porter 46 is still a sturdy pack, the Skyline might weather the storms a bit better.
In conclusion, the Porter 46 is the pack to go for if size is your main concern, while the Skyline 25 would make an excellent choice if you are looking for a lighter and more weather resistant option. Both are reasonably priced and made of durable materials, meaning you can't go wrong with either choice.