Osprey Porter 46 vs. Ortlieb Messenger Bag
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Ortlieb Messenger Bag |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 2 |
| 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 | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | PD620, PS620C |
Ortlieb Messenger Bag
| Capacity | 39 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×39×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 59% |
| Price | $140 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Ortlieb Messenger Bag
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Rolltop on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
Both have: water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 77 accept both. 39 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 34 accept only the Ortlieb Messenger Bag.
Only the Osprey Porter 46 fits
Air Asia, Air Macau, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Avianca , Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EVA Air, Garuda Indonesia, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Trans States, United Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic.
Only the Ortlieb Messenger Bag fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, Croatia Air, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, Icelandair, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
The Osprey Porter 46 and the Ortlieb Messenger Bag are two popular backpacks designed for travel. They’re comparable in practicality, but each one offers unique features that can help inform your purchasing decision.
The Osprey Porter 46 is a well-rounded and durable backpack, made of Nylon. Significantly larger than the Ortlieb, it has a heftier weight of 1.5 pounds, versus the Ortlieb's 1.3, so naturally the Porter offers more capacity. A sizable 46 liters compared to the Ortlieb's 39 liters. Included in the Porter's design is a roomy laptop compartment, ready to hold up to a 1 inch thick laptop. However, because of the size, it is only compatible with 47% of airlines, so be aware when planning your trips.
- Bag Comparison
- Osprey Porter 46
- Material: Nylon
- Weight: 1.5 lbs
- Dimensions: 23" tall x 36" wide x 56" deep
- Capacity: 46 liters
- Laptop Compartment: Fits up to a 1 inch thick laptop
- Airline Compatibility: 47%
- Ortlieb Messenger Bag
- Material: PD620 and PS620C
- Weight: 1.3 lbs
- Dimensions: 15" tall x 39" wide x 50" deep
- Capacity: 39 Liters
- Laptop Compartment: Does not have one
- Airline Compatibility: 63%
- Osprey Porter 46
The Ortlieb Messenger Bag, made of durable PD620 and PS620C, is slightly smaller but offers a fully waterproof solution and a charming simplicity. The bag edges out the Porter on airline compatibility, with a 63% acceptance rate for its 15-inch tall, 39-inch wide and 50 in depth dimensions. Weighing just 1.3 pounds, it's slightly more lightweight than the Osprey bag, but it does lack a dedicated laptop compartment.
In conclusion, the right choice between the two depends on your specific needs. The Osprey Porter 46 is unrivaled in capacity and versatility, while the Ortlieb Messenger Bag, with its waterproof design and lighter weight, wins in terms of durability and airline friendliness. Both have received positive reviews, making it clear that either would be a great addition to any traveler's arsenal.