Osprey Porter 46 vs. Exped Whiteout 30
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Exped Whiteout 30 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 2 |
| top | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | removable |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | Dyneema® composite fabric (150 D polyester face fabric, Dyneema® fiber grid, TPU film inside), 20'000 mm water column |
Exped Whiteout 30
| Capacity | 30 L |
| Weight | 0.685 kg |
| Dimensions | 57×27×22 cm |
| Airline fit | 17% |
| Price | $279 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Exped Whiteout 30
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Whiteout 30.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Rolltop on the Exped Whiteout 30.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Whiteout 30.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Whiteout 30.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Exped Whiteout 30.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Exped Whiteout 30.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Whiteout 30.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the Exped Whiteout 30.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Whiteout 30.
- Rain cover: No on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Exped Whiteout 30.
Both have: sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 30 accept both. 86 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 2 accept only the Exped Whiteout 30.
Only the Osprey Porter 46 fits
Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Asia, Air Astana, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air Macau, Air Nostrum, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, All Nipon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, ANA, Atlas Global, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Copa Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EL AL, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Flair Air, Garuda Indonesia, Gol Linhas Aereas, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, Interjet, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Japan Airlines, Jet2, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, Kuwait Air, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Mesa Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Norwegian, Onur Air, Peach, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, SAS Scandinavian, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, Spirit Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Thai Airways, Trans States, Travel Service Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WOW Airlines.
Only the Exped Whiteout 30 fits
Cayman Airways, Croatia Air.
The Osprey Porter 46 and the Exped Whiteout 30 are two top-of-the-line carry-on backpacks. Each boasts a unique set of features catered to different individual needs. While the Porter 46 by Osprey is more substantial, with a backpack-style design and considerable carrying capacity, the Exped Whiteout 30 is a lightweight, compact pack engineered with outdoor utility and light packing in mind.
The Porter 46 shines as the larger of the two, boasting a capacity of 46 liters compared to the Whiteout 30's 30 liters. Indeed, the Porter's dimensions are greater overall, with a height of 23 inches, width of 36 inches and depth of 56 inches. The Whiteout's sleeker frame measures 22 inches tall, 27 inches wide, and 57 inches deep. Despite its smaller size, the Whiteout manages to outweigh its counterpart, tipping the scales at 0.685 pounds to the Porter's sturdy 1.5 pounds.
- Comparison bullet points:
- Size & Capacity: The Osprey Porter 46 is larger than the Exped Whiteout 30 and offers more capacity (46 liters vs. 30 liters).
- Weight: The Osprey Porter 46 is heavier than the Exped Whiteout 30.
- Material: The Porter 46 is made of Nylon, while the Whiteout 30 employs an advanced Dyneema® composite fabric for maximum durability and water resistance.
- Compatibility: The Porter 46 is compatible with 47% of airlines, compared to the Whiteout 30's compatibility with 30% of airlines.
- Laptop Compartment: The Porter 46 can hold a 1 inch laptop, while the Whiteout 30 does not have a dedicated laptop compartment.
Quotes from reviewers suggest that the Porter 46 is top-notch for its sheer carrying capacity, and its budget-friendly price, making it ideal for the urban or the heavy-packing traveler. Alpinists and outdoor enthusiasts, on the other hand, may find the Whiteout 30 more appealing, primarily for its lightness, waterproof quality, and extreme durability.
Considering each of these models' reputable features might be difficult. But by knowing your needs and preferences, whether you value maximum carrying capacity and urban-friendly design with the Osprey Porter 46 or lightness, durability, and outdoor utility with the Exped Whiteout 30, you'll be one step closer to selecting the perfect backpack for your travel adventures.