Osprey Porter 46 vs. Osprey Quasar 28L
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Osprey Quasar 28L |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | Y |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 0 |
| top | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | Y |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | 210/420/630D Nylon Dobby Blend |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Osprey Quasar 28L
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Osprey Quasar 28L.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Other on the Osprey Quasar 28L.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Osprey Quasar 28L.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Osprey Quasar 28L.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Osprey Quasar 28L.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Osprey Quasar 28L.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; 15in on the Osprey Quasar 28L.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 2 on the Osprey Quasar 28L.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Osprey Quasar 28L.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 2 on the Osprey Quasar 28L.
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 71 accept only the Osprey Quasar 28L.
Only the Osprey Quasar 28L fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Bulgaria Air, Cayman Airways, China Eastern, Croatia Air, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Great Lakes Airlines, Gulf Air, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , LC Perú, Liat Airlines, Lion Air Group, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Regional Express, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Spring Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, VivaColombia, Volaris, Volotea, WestJet, Wizz Air, Xiamen.
If you're in the market for a sturdy, reliable carry-on backpack, the options can be overwhelming. Two standouts from Osprey, however, the Porter 46 and the Quasar 28L, consistently rank as favorites. Both bags are built for practicality and longevity with unique features to each that make them stand out in a crowded market. How you travel and what you need to bring will dictate which one is best for you.
The Osprey Porter 46 is a robust bag that can handle heavy gear and a large volume of items. It's compatible with 47% of airlines and features a laptop compartment that can accommodate a 1-inch laptop. A slightly heavier option, it weighs in at 1.5 pounds. Reviewers often highlight its spaciousness, good suspension and durability. The Porter 46 is built with high performance nylon and provides multiple carrying options offering versatility to the contemporary traveler.
Brief comparison between the two:
- Size: Osprey Porter 46 (23" x 36" x 56"), Osprey Quasar 28L (28" x 34" x 6")
- Weight: Osprey Porter 46 (1.5 pounds), Osprey Quasar 28L (0.8 pounds)
- Capacity: Osprey Porter 46 (46 liters), Osprey Quasar 28L (28 liters)
- Airline Compatibility: Osprey Porter 46 (compatible with 47% of airlines), Osprey Quasar 28L (compatible with 100% of airlines)
- Material: Osprey Porter 46 (Nylon), Osprey Quasar 28L (210/420/630D Nylon Dobby Blend)
- Laptop Compartment: Osprey Porter 46 (Fits 1-inch laptop), Osprey Quasar 28L (Fits 15-inch laptop)
The Quasar 28L, on the other hand, offers a lighter alternative with solid organization options. This bag weighs only 0.8 pounds and is compatible with 100% of airlines making it the perfect companion for the constant traveler. It can fit a 15-inch laptop and is commended for its numerous pockets and quality materials. Its comfortable straps and back panel offer users good support for day-long trips.
So whether you're seeking a hardy companion for long haul trips or a lightweight everyday pack, between the Osprey Porter 46 and the Osprey Quasar 28L, there's bound to be a backpack to meet your needs. Consider your carry-on priorities, whether they be capacity, compatibility or weight, and weigh up your options. Rest assured, both carry-ons deliver on quality and durability.