Osprey Porter 46 vs. Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L

Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.

Osprey Porter 46

Front facing view of the Osprey Porter 46
Capacity46 L
Weight1.5 kg
Dimensions55×36×23 cm
Airline fit61%
Price$185

Feature by feature

Osprey Porter 46FeatureKathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L
Storage
2 Compression 4
None Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 1
top Passport top
Y Passthrough Y
Carry
hideable Backpack hideable
hideable Hip Belt N
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
16in Laptop 17in
4 Main Compartments 4
Y Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly N
N Water Bottle Holder 1, side
Y Water Resistant N
Material
bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR100% RENU recycled polyester.

Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L

Front facing view of the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L
Capacity38 L
Weight1.4 kg
Dimensions57×33×25 cm
Airline fit15%
Price$300

Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L

Both have: passport pocket, luggage passthrough, backpack straps, sternum strap.

Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on

We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 29 accept both. 87 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 0 accept only the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L.

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, Caribbean Airlines, 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.

The Osprey Porter 46 and the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L each bring unique strengths to the table when it comes to compatible, high-quality travel options. As carry-on backpacks, both abide by general flight size regulations and are promising travelers' choices.

However, there are some key differences to note. The Osprey Porter is rugged, large, and an excellent choice for those needing ample space. It measures a roomy 23 inches tall, 36 inches wide, and 56 inches deep, and is compatible with 47% of airlines. Accommodating a laptop of up to 1 inch, it's built from durable Nylon and known for its load-bearing strength. However, its size can be big for some airlines, meaning you'll need to check it in.

The Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 38L has a minimalist, professional aesthetic. Its robust construction with 100% Nylon and Polyester allows for worry-free travel. Though its capacity and size details lack here, it's worth noting that the pack is compatible with 100% of airlines, beating Osprey Porter 46 in flight compatibility. For the tech-savvy traveler, this bag comes equipped with a sleek laptop compartment, comfortably fitting devices up to 17 inches.

While both bags are well-reputed for their build and design, it's clear they serve different functions. So whether you're a tech-focused business traveler who needs a sleek, professional pack that protects your laptop like the Kathmandu Litehaul 38L, or if you need max space and durability for longer, more rugged trips like the Osprey, each pack will serve its owner well. Ultimately, your choice will come down to individual need and personal preference.