Osprey Porter 46 vs. Kifaru Urban Ruck
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Kifaru Urban Ruck |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | 27L |
| 1 | Opening | 3 |
| top | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| 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 DWR | 500 Denier CorduraLined with 400 D packcloth |
Kifaru Urban Ruck
| Capacity | 22.9 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×29×17 cm |
| Airline fit | 94% |
| Price | $231 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Kifaru Urban Ruck
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Kifaru Urban Ruck.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Top flap on the Kifaru Urban Ruck.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Kifaru Urban Ruck.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Kifaru Urban Ruck.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Kifaru Urban Ruck.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Kifaru Urban Ruck.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Kifaru Urban Ruck.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Kifaru Urban Ruck.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 3 on the Kifaru Urban Ruck.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 2 on the Kifaru Urban Ruck.
Both have: built-in organizer, 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 62 accept only the Kifaru Urban Ruck.
Only the Kifaru Urban Ruck fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Bulgaria Air, Cayman Airways, China Eastern, Croatia Air, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, 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), Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
The Osprey Porter 46 is a substantial bag, boasting a 46 liter capacity. The nylon build makes for a durable pack that can withstand the rigors of travel. Unique to the Porter is its laptop compartment, perfect for the digital nomad or business traveler. However, at 1.5 pounds, it's a bit on the heavier side compared to some other carry-on backpacks. One downside to this pack is its bulky size, which some might find a hindrance. It's compatible with 47% of airlines, which may limit its usability compared to other bags.
On the other hand, the Kifaru Urban Ruck shines in its lightweight build. At just 0.8 pounds, it packs a decent 22.9 liter capacity into a compact, manageable size. The 500 Denier CorduraLined with 400 D packcloth material assures a high-quality build and sturdiness. Unfortunately, it lacks a laptop compartment, which may be a problem for those needing to transport electronics safely. Its major selling point is its incredible airline compatibility, boasting a compatibility with 99% of airlines.
Comparison:
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Osprey Porter 46:
-
Capacity: 46L
-
Material: Nylon
-
Weight: 1.5 lbs
-
Airline Compatibility: 47%
-
Laptop Compartment: Yes
-
Dimensions: 23" x 36" x 56"
-
Kifaru Urban Ruck:
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Capacity: 22.9L
-
Material: 500 Denier CorduraLined with 400 D packcloth
-
Weight: 0.8 lbs
-
Airline Compatibility: 99%
-
Laptop Compartment: No
-
Dimensions: 46" x 29" x 17"
The higher capacity and laptop compartment of the Osprey Porter 46 make it a solid choice if you're looking for a bag to carry more. The Kifaru Urban Ruck is a good option for a more lightweight and universally airline compatible bag.
Moving onto reviews, the Osprey Porter 46 was described as "a big pack with a big capacity" and praised for its ability to be a durable gear-hauling travel backpack. The Kifaru Urban Ruck, while smaller, is admired for its classic top-loading aesthetics and high-quality build.
Final considerations include the Osprey Porter 46's good suspension, spaciousness, fast and convenient packing, looks, and lightweight nature. The Kifaru Urban Ruck's high-quality build, secure water bottle pockets, and optional organizational features are big draws. At the end of the day, it will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Both are winners in their own right.