Osprey Porter 46 vs. Timbuk2 Uptown
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Timbuk2 Uptown |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 4 |
| 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 | |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Timbuk2 Uptown
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Timbuk2 Uptown.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Other on the Timbuk2 Uptown.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Timbuk2 Uptown.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Timbuk2 Uptown.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Timbuk2 Uptown.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Timbuk2 Uptown.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; 15in on the Timbuk2 Uptown.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 2 on the Timbuk2 Uptown.
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 57 accept only the Timbuk2 Uptown.
Only the Timbuk2 Uptown fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Bulgaria Air, Cayman Airways, China Eastern, Croatia Air, 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, 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), Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
The Osprey Porter 46 and the Timbuk2 Uptown are both top-notch carry-on backpacks, but with subtle differences that make each unique. The Osprey Porter 46 has size on its side with dimensions of 23 inches tall, 36 inches wide, and 56 inches deep, making it significantly larger than the Timbuk2 Uptown that stands at 50 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 17 inches deep. The extra size gives the Osprey Porter 46 a total capacity of 46 liters, compared to the Uptown's 30 liters. Despite its size, the Porter 46 remains lightweight, weighing in at 1.5 pounds.
However, the real battle is between utility and airline compatibility. Although the Porter 46 has 16 liters more carrying capacity, the Uptown triumphs in terms of airline compatibility, boasting compatibility with 98% of airlines as opposed to the Porter 46's 47%.
Next, take a look at how they compare in terms of their specifications:
- Dimensions: Osprey Porter 46 at 23" x 36" x 56", Timbuk2 Uptown at 50" x 30" x 17"
- Weight: Porter 46 weighs 1.5 pounds, Uptown weighs 1.1 pounds
- Capacity: Porter 46 has 46 liters of capacity, Uptown has 30 liters
- Airline Compatibility: Porter 46 compatible with 47% of airlines, Uptown with 98%
- Material Construction: Porter 46 made of Nylon, Uptown does not specify
- Laptop Compartment: Porter 46 fits a 17" laptop, Uptown fits a 15" laptop
One reviewer mentioned, "For better or worse, the Osprey Porter 46 is a big pack with a big capacity," alluding to the backpack's robust space which may be a pro or con depending on one's packing style. The Porter 46 is also lauded for its overall durability and versatility, being described as "the backpack of your dreams". On the other hand, the Uptown is celebrated for its compactness for the minimalist traveler and its resilience, proving its value over the years.
In conclusion, the choice between the Osprey Porter 46 and the Timbuk2 Uptown comes down to personal preference and travel needs. The Porter 46's larger capacity and rugged design make it the perfect choice for those who like to carry a lot, while the Uptown's sleek design and airline compatibility more than compensate for its smaller capacity, making it the ideal choice for the minimalist traveler.