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 | ||
| 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 | R |
| 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 | |
| Nylon | PD620, PS620C |
Ortlieb Messenger Bag
| Capacity | 39 L |
| Weight | 1.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×39×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 63% |
| Price | $140 |
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.