Osprey Porter 46 vs. Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L

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 46FeaturePatagonia Tres MLC® 45L
Storage
2 Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 1
top Passport N
Y Passthrough Y
Carry
hideable Backpack hideable
hideable Hip Belt N
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
16in Laptop 15in
4 Main Compartments 1
Y Organizer Y
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 DWR630-denier nylon, 200-denier 100% recycled polyeste

Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L

Front facing view of the Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L
Capacity45 L
Weight1.5 kg
Dimensions54×41×18 cm
Airline fit26%
Price$179

The Osprey Porter 46 and the Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L are two carry-on backpacks geared towards avid travelers. Both of them have unique qualities that make them convenient for various travel necessities. The Porter 46, from renowned manufacturer Osprey, is slightly larger with its 23-inch height and 46-litre capacity. It's a spacious pack that boasts of good suspension and a fast and convenient clamshell opening, as well as a compression strap to prevent it from looking untidy. It's a backpack that's large for its size but remains lightweight at 1.5 pounds.

The Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L, on the other hand, is a versatile travel companion that can be transformed into a messenger bag, a duffle bag, or a backpack. At 18 inches high and 45 litres in capacity, this versatile and functional pack boasts of an ergonomic shoulder strap that makes it comfortable to carry. It also sports a spacious main compartment and maintains the same weight of 1.5 pounds as the Osprey Porter 46.

Despite differences, both packs stand out for their superior usability and quality. The Osprey Porter 46 receives radiant reviews for being a durable, roomy pack with good organization and an appealing old-school backpacker look. It's particularly recommended for the urban traveler who needs a hardy bag that can withstand the rigors of the journey. The Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L, on the other hand, impressed reviewers with its versatile usage options, functional organization throughout and boasts a clamshell opening that makes packing easy.

In conclusion, each of these backpacks offer their own remarkable features that cater to different preferences and needs. Whether you prioritize space, compatibility with airlines, versatility, or material, either the Osprey Porter 46 or the Patagonia Tres MLC® 45L carry-on backpacks could make your traveling adventures more convenient and enjoyable.