Osprey Porter 46 vs. Exped Serac 25
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Exped Serac 25 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| S | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 3 |
| N | Passport | N |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| H | Backpack | S |
| H | Hip Belt | R |
| H | Sternum Strap | S |
| Inside | ||
| 1 | Laptop | 0 |
| 3 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| 0 | Water Bottle Holder | 0 |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Nylon | 420 D ripstop nylon, TPU film laminate, >10'000 mm water column |
When it comes to backpacks, the Osprey Porter 46 and the Exped Serac 25 are both highly rated in terms of design, durability, and functionality. The Osprey Porter 46, with its 46L capacity, surpasses the Exped Serac 25, which offers 25L of storage space. The Porter 46 is a bit heavier, weighing in at 1.5 pounds, but offers extra carrying capacity and features that some might see as worth the additional weight. The Exped Serac 25, however, stays surprisingly light at 0.765 pounds, more appropriate for light travel and day trips.
The key differences are as follows:
- Osprey Porter 46 is larger overall, with a height of 23 inches, width of 36 inches, and depth of 56 inches. The Exped Serac 25 measures 21x25x55 inches.
- Porter 46 weighs almost twice as the Serac 25 (1.5 pounds vs 0.765 pounds).
- The Porter 46 is made of Nylon, while the Serac 25 features 420D ripstop nylon with TPU film laminate, making it highly water-resistant.
- The Porter 46 offers space for a 1-inch laptop, while the Serac 25 lacks a similar feature.
- The Porter 46 is compatible with 47% of airlines, but Serac 25 ups the game with compatibility with 63% of airlines.
When considering travelers' reviews, the Porter 46 received praise for its durable construction, substantial capacity, and urban-friendly design. On the other hand, the Serac 25 got nods for its lightness, waterproof build, and practical use in extreme climates.
The decision between the Osprey Porter 46 and Exped Serac 25 truly boils down to personal preference and purpose. If you're a heavy packer looking for a travel bag that can take a beating and doesn't mind the lack of thorough waterproofing, the Porter 46 might be your winner. However, if lightweight carrying, waterproof protection, and convenience for outdoor activities outweigh the need for capacity, you might find the Serac 25 a better fit. In any case, both bags offer rugged durability, smart designs, and reasonable pricing, making them worthwhile investments for any travel enthusiast.