Osprey Porter 46 vs. Aer Flight Pack 2

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 46FeatureAer Flight Pack 2
Storage
2 Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 1
top Passport top
Y Passthrough Y
Carry
hideable Backpack hideable
hideable Hip Belt N
Y Sternum Strap N
Inside
16in Laptop 16in
4 Main Compartments 4
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 DWR1680D Cordura ballistic nylon

Aer Flight Pack 2

by Aer
Front facing view of the Aer Flight Pack 2
Capacity21 L
Weight1.3 kg
Dimensions46×31×13 cm
Airline fit94%
Price$160

Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Aer Flight Pack 2

Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, laptop sleeve, 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 61 accept only the Aer Flight Pack 2.

Only the Aer Flight Pack 2 fits

Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, 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 and the Aer Flight Pack 2 are two top dogs in the world of carry on backpacks. Both are worth considering, but differences in size, compatibility and material might sway your preference one way or another. Let's dig into the specifics.

The Osprey Porter 46 is a big, robust backpack that seems to never run out of space with a height of 23 inches, width of 36 inches, depth of 56 inches, and weight of 1.5 pounds it boasts 46 liters of capacity. Although it’s tough as nails, built from durable Nylon, it’s compatibility with airlines is limited to 47%. On the plus side, it can a fit a 1 inch laptop handily. Reviewers rave about its durability, vast organization options, and rugged appeal. It’s something that holds its own value for any journey, and comes with a very competitive price tag of only $140.

The Aer Flight Pack 2, on the other hand, is sleek, light, and compact. It measures 46 inches tall, 31 inches wide, and 13 inches deep, lightly tipping the scale at 1.3 pounds. What this pack lacks in sheer capacity (providing 21 liters), it makes up in adaptability -- accepted by a whopping 98% of airlines. Constructed out of 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon, it’s also tough and durable. Impressive is its ability to hold a 16 inch laptop along with being adaptable, it can switch roles as a briefcase, backpack, or messenger bag. Critics commend its variety of organization options, adaptability and modern look.

Summary of differences:

To sum things up, your selection between the two will likely boil down to your travel needs. If you’re keen on carrying more and don’t mind limited airline compatibility, the Osprey Porter 46 is your sturdy companion. Alternatively, for lighter travel with versatility, the Aer Flight Pack 2 proves to be an adaptable and organized carry-on.