Osprey Porter 46 vs. Tom Bihn Brain Bag
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Tom Bihn Brain Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 4 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 4 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 6 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 1, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | 525 Ballistic Nylon |
Tom Bihn Brain Bag
| Capacity | 36 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×36×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 66% |
| Price | $240 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Tom Bihn Brain Bag
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; 4 on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Top zip on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 6 on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 1, side on the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
Both have: passport pocket, 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 9 accept only the Tom Bihn Brain Bag.
Only the Tom Bihn Brain Bag fits
Croatia Air, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Royal Jordanian, Scoot, Tiger Airways, WestJet.
When it comes to the right carry-on backpack, everyone has their own needs to consider. One might prefer larger, roomy storage, while others lean toward lightweight and easily transportable. Two widely chosen carry-on packs, the Osprey Porter 46 and the Tom Bihn Brain Bag, offer unique features that distinguish them from the competition.
Designed for the gear-toting traveller, the Osprey Porter 46 translates simplicity into functional prowess. This backpack hits all the high notes for the unfussy, straight-to-business individuals out there, with it's rigid and durable form. A notable feature includes a laptop compartment specifically designed for a 1-inch laptop. It's slightly heavier than its Bihn counterpart, but its 46-liter capacity makes it an excellent choice for those who tend to carry extra gear or those long stays.
On the other hand, the Tom Bihn Brain Bag offers a more versatile approach. This bag is a little lighter, making it ideal for those who place portability above all else. The Brain Bag does fall short in capacity with only 36 liters, but stays ahead in terms of airline compatibility, and it's built from certified 525 denier 2x2 Ballistic nylon, ensuring its durability and longevity.
Here is a nutshell rundown of the key difference between the two:
- Size: Porter 46 is smaller at 23" x 36" x 56", while the Brain Bag is larger at 46" x 36" x 24"
- Weight: Porter 46 is heavier at 1.5 pounds compared to Brain Bag's 1.3 pounds
- Capacity: Porter 46 offers greater capacity at 46 liters versus Brain Bag's 36 liters
- Compatibility: Brain Bag is found to be compatible with 92% of airlines, substantially more than Porter 46's 47%
- Material: Porter 46 is made of Nylon, while Brain Bag is made of certified 525 denier 2x2 Ballistic nylon
- Laptop Compartment: Porter 46 can fit a 1-inch laptop, while Brain Bag has no laptop space
- Reviews: The Porter 46 receives consistent praise for its durability, value, and size. The Brain Bag is applauded for its comfort and functional setup.
Both backpacks have been praised for their functional design and utility. But the deciding factor between the Osprey Porter 46 and the Tom Bihn Brain Bag will, at the end of the day, depend on your unique travel goals and packing needs.