Osprey Porter 46 vs. Patagonia Guidewater Backpack 29L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Patagonia Guidewater Backpack 29L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| H | Hip Belt | S |
| 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 | |
| Material | |
| Nylon | 00% recycled nylon plain weave |
Patagonia Guidewater Backpack 29L
| Capacity | 29 L |
| Weight | 0.96 kg |
| Dimensions | 54×35×23 cm |
| Airline fit | 65% |
It's not hard to see why the Osprey Porter 46 and the Patagonia Guidewater Backpack 29L are two of the most sought-after carry-ons in the market. Each brings its own unique strengths to the table. Let's start off with the Osprey Porter 46, a behemoth of a backpack with ample space. Its 46-liter capacity can swallow up enough gear, clothes, and gadgets to last you a few days. It's relatively light for its size, weighing in at just 1.5 pounds. The Porter is built to withstand the rigors of travel, thanks to its reliable nylon construction. And for the digitally-inclined, it can fit a laptop of up to 15 inches.
On the other hand, the Patagonia Guidewater Backpack 29L is a masterclass in streamlined, efficient design. It's light and compact, clocking in at under a pound and providing 29 liters of storage. You'll marvel at how many things you can fit inside this seemingly small bag. The Guidewater is made of 100% recycled nylon, making it not just durable but eco-friendly too. The laptop compartment is absent in this bag, prioritizing a lightweight and adventure-ready design. The standout feature, though, is its complete waterproofing.
Comparison Points
- Size: The Osprey Porter 46 is significantly bigger than the Patagonia Guidewater, offering 46 liters of capacity against the latter's 29 liters.
- Weight: The Guidewater is lighter, weighing in at 0.96 pounds, while the Porter weighs 1.5 pounds.
- Material: Both backpacks are made of nylon, but the Guidewater has a slight edge with its recycling-conscious 100% recycled nylon plain weave.
- Compatibility: The Guidewater is compatible with 65% of airlines, beating out the Porter's 47%.
Conclusively, both backpacks have their respective strong points. If you're the traveller who likes to bring everything but the kitchen sink, the Osprey Porter 46, with its large size, durability and impressive gear-hauling ability, will suit you best. But if you prefer a minimalist approach to travel, bring the Patagonia Guidewater Backpack 29L with you on your next adventure. It's lightweight, eco-friendly, and best of all, fully waterproof. In the end, the best backpack will largely depend on your needs and how you travel. Happy packing!