Osprey Porter 46 vs. Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 3 |
| top | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | Y |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | optional |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | N |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | 100% Polyester |
Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack
| Capacity | 32 L |
| Weight | 1.04 kg |
| Dimensions | 62×29×26 cm |
| Airline fit | 3% |
| Price | $200 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Top flap on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
- Rain cover: No on the Osprey Porter 46; Optional on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 2 on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
- Water resistant: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
Both have: sternum strap, built-in organizer.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 5 accept both. 111 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 0 accept only the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack.
Only the Osprey Porter 46 fits
Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Asia, Air Astana, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air Macau, Air Nostrum, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, All Nipon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, ANA, Atlas Global, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Azul Linhas, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Caribbean Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Southern, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Cubana de Aviacion, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EL AL, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Flair Air, Frontier Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Gol Linhas Aereas, Hainan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, Interjet, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Japan Airlines, Jet2, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Korean Air, Kulula, Kuwait Air, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Mesa Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Norwegian, Onur Air, Peach, PenAir, Philippine Airlines, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, Royal Air Morocco, SAS Scandinavian, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, Southwest Airlines, SpiceJet, Spirit Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Country, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, Thai Airways, Trans States, Travel Service Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Ural Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WOW Airlines.
Built to accommodate bigger hauls, the Osprey Porter 46 stands strong with its spacious interior backed by durability. Swathed in Nylon, this bag weighs a mere 1.5 lbs and yet manages to offer a substantial 46 liters of capacity, making this a favorite among the heavy packers. With dimensions of 23" tall, 36" wide, and 56" deep, the Porter 46 provides a noteworthy compatibility rate with 47% of airlines, covering a wide range of travel options. The thoughtful inclusion of a laptop compartment accommodating up to 1-inch adds to its appeal, making it a versatile option for urban and adventure use.
In contrast, the Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack is a study in compactness and lightweight convenience. Born of 100% Polyester fabric, this bag steals the limelight with a nominal weight of just 1.04 lbs while offering 32 liters of ample storage capacity. The Nowaki rules with dimensions of 26" tall, 29" wide, and 62" deep, although the compatibility rate with airlines is less at 19%. Sadly, the lack of a laptop compartment restricts its usage to more outdoor-centric trips.
Comparison Bullet Points:
- Material - Osprey Porter 46: Nylon; Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack: 100% Polyester
- Weight - Osprey Porter 46: 1.5 pounds; Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack: 1.04 pounds
- Capacity - Osprey Porter 46: 46 liters; Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack: 32 liters
- Dimensions - Osprey Porter 46: 23 inches tall, 36 inches wide, & 56 inches deep. Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack: 26 inches tall, 29 inches wide, & 62 inches deep
- Airline Compatibility - Osprey Porter 46: 47%; Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack: 19%
- Laptop Capacity - Osprey Porter 46: 1-inch laptop; Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack: No laptop compatibility
Despite the Porter 46's larger size, it garners thumbs-up for a good suspension system, copious storage space, facile packing through its clamshell opening, and tidy appearance courtesy the compression straps. The lightweight factor despite its size leverages its appeal further.
The Kathmandu Nowaki 32L Pack, on the other hand, shines with its ultra-comfortable, breathable Air Pod System harness. The smartly added multiple attachment loops enhance functionality, while the quality workmanship ensures durability, making it your stalwart outdoor accomplice.