Osprey Porter 46 vs. Ortlieb Packman Pro2
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Ortlieb Packman Pro2 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 2 |
| 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 | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | Nylon fabric, PU coated |
Ortlieb Packman Pro2
| Capacity | 25 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 47×28×15 cm |
| Airline fit | 93% |
| Price | $160 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Ortlieb Packman Pro2
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Ortlieb Packman Pro2.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Rolltop on the Ortlieb Packman Pro2.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Ortlieb Packman Pro2.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Ortlieb Packman Pro2.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Ortlieb Packman Pro2.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Ortlieb Packman Pro2.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Ortlieb Packman Pro2.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the Ortlieb Packman Pro2.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Ortlieb Packman Pro2.
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. 116 accept both. 0 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 60 accept only the Ortlieb Packman Pro2.
Only the Ortlieb Packman Pro2 fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Bulgaria Air, Cayman Airways, China Eastern, Croatia Air, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
The Osprey Porter 46 and the Ortlieb Packman Pro2 are both significant players in the world of carry-on backpacks. The Porter 46 is a versatile and robust piece from Osprey. Designed with the urban traveler in mind, it showcases excellent suspension, a sizable capacity of 46 liters, a laptop compartment, and a unique clamshell opening that enables swift packing and unpacking. Weighing 1.5 pounds and made of stringent nylon, it's a comfortable and solid pack that's compatible with roughly 47% of airlines.
In contrast, the Ortlieb Packman Pro2 is a lean, mean, packing machine. It brags about being entirely waterproof with features such as a hydration bladder and secure opening for the drinking hose. Its simpler design uses a rugged, PU-coated nylon fabric to ensure durability. Weighing only 1 pound, it undoubtedly rolls with significantly lesser weight. It dwarfs its counterpart in airlines compatibility, boasting of a compatibility rate of 99%.
A summarized comparison between the two packs looks something like this:
- Size: Porter 46 has bigger overall dimensions, with the Packman Pro2 taking the lead in height.
- Weight: The Packman Pro2 is slightly lighter, weighing only 1 pound.
- Capacity: Porter 46 has almost double the capacity of Packman Pro2.
- Material: Both use a Nylon base, but Packman Pro2 has an extra PU coating.
- Airlines Compatibility: Packman Pro2 is more airlines friendly.
- Laptop Compartment: Only Porter 46 has this feature.
The reviewers' quotes edge towards a common conclusion: both backpacks have their unique merits. While the Porter 46 is favorably viewed as a trustworthy gear-hauler with commendable organization features, the Packman Pro2 is perceived as a rugged, water-resistant pack ideal for bike trips. The former shines for its spaciousness, lightweight design, and ease of packing, while the latter is appreciated for being straightforward, adequately roomy, and incredibly waterproof.
So, if you're an urban traveler hauling a generous amount of gear with the occasional need for a laptop, the Porter 46 might be your best bet. But if you're leaning towards more rugged adventures where weatherproofing and durability are important, the Packman Pro2 could just be the fitting companion for you.