Osprey Porter 46 vs. Exped Metro 30
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Exped Metro 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 | hideable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| 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 | 600 D ripstop polyester, PU coated, 1'200 mm water column |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Exped Metro 30
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Metro 30.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Rolltop on the Exped Metro 30.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Metro 30.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Metro 30.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Exped Metro 30.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; 15in on the Exped Metro 30.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the Exped Metro 30.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Metro 30.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 2 on the Exped Metro 30.
Both have: hip belt, 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. 86 accept both. 30 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 2 accept only the Exped Metro 30.
Only the Osprey Porter 46 fits
Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, All Nipon Airways, ANA, Austrian, Azerbaijan Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Czech Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, Fiji Airways, Flair Air, Gol Linhas Aereas, Iberia, Interjet, Iran Air, Japan Airlines, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Mesa Airlines, Norwegian, Peach, Porter Airlines, SAS Scandinavian, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Turkish Airlines.
Only the Exped Metro 30 fits
Cayman Airways, Croatia Air.
We're taking a look at two carry on packs today: The Osprey Porter 46 and the Exped Metro 30. The Porter 46, as the name suggests, is a beefy beast with a staggering 46-liter capacity, far surpassing the Metro 30's more modest 28 liters. Despite the size difference, both packs share a common depth of 56 inches, though the Porter's height and width exceed the Metro by several inches. The Porter's heft is also reflected in its weight of 1.5 pounds versus Metro's feathery 0.8 pounds.
Surprisingly, despite their differences, both packs have the same airline compatibility; a fairly low 47%. Where they really diverge, though, is in their construction. The Porter 46 sports a rugged nylon exterior, where the Metro 30 features a sharp 600 D ripstop polyester that's both PU coated and boasts a 1,200 mm water column. Each also accommodates a laptop compartment, the Porter's championing a slight win with a 1-inch size advantage.
Here's a quick summary:
- Size: The Osprey Porter 46 is larger in terms of height, width, and volume.
- Weight: The Exped Metro 30 is lighter.
- Airline compatibility: Both have 47% compatibility.
- Material: The Porter 46 is made of nylon whereas the Metro 30 utilizes ripstop polyester.
- Laptop Compartment: Both can fit laptops, but the Porter's can accommodate a slightly larger model.
Reviewers have plenty to say about both packs. Praise for the Porter 46 centres around its ample size, durability, design, and value. One reviewer commented, "Bulk it up or cinch it down, the Porter is a durable option for those who tend to carry more." Indeed, the Porter's abundant space, clamshell opening, and suspension system make it a viable option if you're travelling heavy.
The Metro 30 receives accolades for its ease of access, sleek aesthetics, and sustainable construction. It's pegged as an ideal fit for the urban setting, praised for its laptop compartment and Bluesign Certification. The general consensus indicates that if you're looking for a lighter, simpler, and greener pack, the Metro 30's your bag.