Osprey Porter 46 vs. Exped Verglas 40

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 46FeatureExped Verglas 40
Storage
S Compression S
None Expanded Capacity None
4 Opening 3
N Passport N
N Passthrough N
Carry
H Backpack S
H Hip Belt R
H Sternum Strap S
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
Nylon210 D Robic HD Ripstop Nylon Carbonate PU, 2'500 mm water column

Exped Verglas 40

Front facing view of the Exped Verglas 40
Capacity40 L
Weight1.14 kg
Dimensions63×32×26 cm
Airline fit19%
Price$205

Let's dive into the world of carry-on backpacks, with a comparison of two well-regarded models: the Osprey Porter 46 by Osprey and the Exped Verglas 40 by Exped. When it comes to dimensions, the Osprey Porter 46 stands at 23 inches tall, with a width of 36 inches and a depth of 56 inches. On the other hand, the Exped Verglas 40 stands a bit taller at 26 inches, is narrower at 32 inches wide, and deeper with a 63 inches profile. There's a noticeable weight difference between the two as well. The Porter 46 comes in at 1.5 pounds while the Verglas 40 is a tad lighter, weighing just 1.14 pounds.

Comparison Points:

Both backpacks serve different purposes based on their capacity. The Osprey Porter 46 offers you a generous 46 liters of space, making it an excellent choice for those who tend to carry more. In contrast, the Exped Verglas 40, with its 40-liter capacity, might be a better option for the lighter traveler or anyone seeking a compact, yet robust backpack.

When considering the materials, the Verglas 40's build seems more suited for outdoor activities and rougher travels, given its stronger 210 D Robic HD Ripstop Nylon Carbonate PU, which boasts a 2'500 mm water column. Meanwhile, the Porter 46, crafted from Nylon, also offers robust durability. One key difference is that the Porter 46 has a laptop compartment that can fit a 1-inch laptop, while the Verglas 40 doesn't offer such a feature.

Looking at compatibility with airlines, the Osprey Porter 46 outpaces the Exped Verglas 40 significantly. It's compatible with 47% of airlines, compared to just 19% for the Verglas 40. This could be crucial for frequent air travelers. In the end, both backpacks come with their own unique strengths. The Porter 46 seems more suited for the urban traveller - those who pack more and possibly carry a laptop. Whereas, the Verglas 40, with its outdoor-oriented build, may be a better fit for adventurers.