Osprey Porter 46 vs. Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L

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 46FeatureTom Bihn Aeronaut 45L
Storage
S Compression N
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 1
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
H Backpack H
H Hip Belt R
H Sternum Strap R
Inside
1 Laptop 0
3 Main Compartments 5
N Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
0 Water Bottle Holder 0
Y Water Resistant Y
Material
Nylon1050 denier ballistic nylonOR ultralight 400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop 200 denier Halcyon/nylon ripstop fabric lining

Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L

Front facing view of the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L
Capacity45 L
Weight1.4 kg
Dimensions56×36×24 cm
Airline fit92%
Price$295

When comparing carry-on backpacks, two stand out: the Osprey Porter 46 by Osprey and the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L by Tom Bihn. Unlike your typical rucksack, carry-on backpacks are designed with the air traveler in mind. They’re compact, feature-packed, and robust enough to withstand the rigors of modern travel.

The Osprey Porter 46, a product of American outdoor gear company Osprey, boasts a generous 46 liters of storage capacity, slightly edging out the Tom Bihn Aeronaut's 45 liters of space. This isn't the only area where the Porter 46 takes the lead. This bag features a 1-inch laptop pocket, whereas the Aeronaut 45L lacks this entirely. Construction quality is key in these products, and the Porter 46 doesn't disappoint. Made of durable nylon, it's built to last.

Points of comparison:

In contrast, the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L, is a product of the eponymous Seattle-based company. This bag avoids the nylon conventionally used in backpacks for higher grade materials, namely 1050 denier ballistic nylon and ultralight 400d Halcyon/420d nylon ripstop with a 200d Halcyon/nylon ripstop lining. The bag weighs slightly less than its Osprey rival, coming in at 1.4 pounds while the Porter 46 weighs 1.5 pounds. However, the Aeronaut excels in terms of compatibility with airlines, being accepted by 92% compared to the Porter's 46% compatibility.

In conclusion, while the Osprey Porter 46 prioritizes storage capacity and laptop carriage, the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45L places a higher emphasis on material quality and airline compliance. Ultimately, the buyer's choice depends on personal preference and travel needs. Both backpacks are outstanding in their own right and command a high degree of respect in the crowded field of carry-on luggage.