Osprey Porter 46 vs. Exped Cloudburst 25

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
Dimensions56×36×23 cm
Airline fit47%
Price$150

Feature by feature

Osprey Porter 46FeatureExped Cloudburst 25
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 2
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
H Backpack S
H Hip Belt R
H Sternum Strap S
Inside
1 Laptop 0
3 Main Compartments 1
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
Nylon70 D taffeta nylon, PU coated, 10'000 mm water column

Exped Cloudburst 25

Front facing view of the Exped Cloudburst 25
Capacity25 L
Weight0.3 kg
Dimensions54×28×21 cm
Airline fit98%
Price$69

The Osprey Porter 46 and the Exped Cloudburst 25 are both highly competent carry-on backpacks that cater to the needs of different kinds of travelers. When it comes to size and weight, The Osprey Porter 46 is significantly larger and a bit heavier than the Exped Cloudburst 25, with dimensions of 23x46x56 inches and a weight of 1.5 pounds. This gives it a larger carrying capacity, making it perfect for long trips where you need to pack a lot. It is outfitted with a laptop compartment and even designed to be compatible with 47% of airlines. However, its colossal size might be too much for a weekend getaway or a day trip.

Conversely, the Exped Cloudburst 25 possesses a more compact design, measuring at 21x28x54 inches and weighing a mere 0.3 pounds. This backpack might not be able to handle the luggage for a week-long trip, but its lightweight design and higher airline compatibility at 98% screams convenience for brief journeys. Its compact size doesn't support a laptop compartment, but its durability is unmatched thanks to its 70D taffeta nylon material with 10,000mm water column PU coating.

Here is a list of their differences:

The Osprey Porter 46 has garnered several positive reviews. The reviewers rave about its roominess, the practical clamshell opening, good suspension, and its lightweight and durableness for its size. One even claims it to be a considerably useful backpack for an urban traveler considering its smart features.

Meanwhile, the Exped Cloudburst 25 was lauded for its durability, water-resistance, and functional external bungee system that lets you store extra items. It's lighter yet undeniably robust. It also stood out for its exceptional waterproof feature, which saves worries when unexpected weather strikes during your trip.

Deciding between the two boils down to evaluating your travel needs — length of trip, volume of stuff to pack, kind of travel activity, and even preferred pack weight. You can either go for a larger size and larger capacity with a little more weight, or for a smaller, more compact, and more lightweight backpack with less volume. Choose wisely!