Osprey Porter 46 vs. The North Face Borealis Backpack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | The North Face Borealis Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | S |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 4 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| H | Hip Belt | R |
| H | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 1 | Laptop | 15 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Nylon | 600D Polyester Toile, 500D Nylon Oxford Slub, 420D Nylon, 210D Cordura® Nylon Ripstop, Polyester Jacquard Camo |
The North Face Borealis Backpack
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 1.22 kg |
| Dimensions | 50.2×33.7×24.8 cm |
| Airline fit | 47% |
| Price | $89 |
When you're packing for an impromptu adventure, the right kind of backpack makes all the difference. Consider the specifications of both the Osprey Porter 46 and the North Face Borealis Backpack.
The Osprey Porter 46 is a sturdy unit made of nylon, measures 23 inches in height, 36 inches in width, with a depth of 56 inches. This backpack comes in a bit hefty, weighing 1.5 pounds, but with its size, you get 46 litres of packing capacity. You'll find it easy to accommodate this pack on your flights too, as it's compatible with a remarkable 47% of airlines. Inside the pack, you will find a generous laptop compartment, roomy enough for a 15 inch laptop.
The North Face Borealis Backpack is a different beast altogether. This backpack is lighter, weighing in at 1.22 pounds and is made up of a blend of materials including 600D Polyester Toile, 500D Nylon Oxford Slub, 420D Nylon, 210D Cordura® Nylon Ripstop, Polyester Jacquard Camo. While it's slightly taller at 24.8 inches, it's narrower and not as deep as the Osprey at 33.7 inches wide, and 50.2 inches deep. The capacity on the Borealis Backpack is smaller - 28 litres. The laptop compartment can comfortably fit a 15 inch laptop as well. For those frequent flyers, this backpack also has the same airline compatibility rate as the Osprey at 47%.
Comparative bullet points:
- The Osprey Porter 46 measures 23 x 36 x 56 inches, weighs 1.5 pounds, and has a whopping 46 litre capacity.
- The North Face Borealis is lighter at 1.22 pounds, with dimensions of 24.8 x 33.7 x 50.2 inches, and a smaller capacity of 28 litres.
- Both backpacks can store a 15 inch laptop and have 47% airline compatibility.
- The Borealis is made with a blend of high-quality materials, including polyester and several types of nylon and the Osprey is made of nylon.
The Osprey Porter 46 is better suited to those who prefer a larger bag with strong durability and plenty of storage. Reviewers praise its ample size, describing it as a 'travel backpack' and a 'deluxe duffel'. The compression strap keeps things neat, and its clamshell opening is a particular favorite, making packing and unpacking fast and convenient.
On the other hand, the North Face Borealis Backpack clearly stands out for its comfort and functionality. With the FlexVent™ suspension system, it's really easy on the shoulders and back, making it a hit for professional and academic users. It offers excellent weather resistance and has an array of colors to choose from, making it pleasing aesthetically. The slightly lower price point also adds to the charm of this backpack.
Both offer tremendous value in their own unique ways and cater to different needs, making both great purchases.