Osprey Porter 46 vs. Fjallraven Vardag 28
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Fjallraven Vardag 28 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | 2 |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 4 |
| top | Passport | top |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | removable |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | 15in |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 3 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | 100% polyester 600D (recycled) |
Fjallraven Vardag 28
| Capacity | 28 L |
| Weight | 0.8 kg |
| Dimensions | 50×29×18 cm |
| Airline fit | 92% |
| Price | $100 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Fjallraven Vardag 28
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Top zip on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; 15in on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 3 on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 2, side on the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
Both have: compression straps, passport pocket, 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 57 accept only the Fjallraven Vardag 28.
Only the Fjallraven Vardag 28 fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Boliviana de Aviacion, Bulgaria Air, Cayman Airways, China Eastern, Croatia Air, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, flybe, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Pakistan International, Qatar Airways, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Scoot, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sky Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
The Osprey Porter 46 and Fjallraven Vardag 28 take different approaches to the carry on-backpack design, each with its distinct advantages. The Osprey Porter 46 is larger and more robust, aimed at those who prefer the 'one and done' approach to packing. It's a hefty bag, constructed with Nylon, very tough, good suspension, and remarkably lightweight for its size. It's noted for its large capacity - a whopping 46 liters - and it handles bulky items with aplomb. However, its size does affect its airline compatibility – with a compatibility rate of just 47%.
In contrast, the Fjallraven Vardag 28 trends towards the compact and chic. As its "28" moniker implies, this backpack opts for a 28-liters capacity. The slim-fit design isn’t just for aesthetics, it bolsters a higher compatibility with different airlines (83%), meaning you could carry it on-board without much hassle. Despite its smaller size, the bag’s organic and recycled polyester and cotton blend make it as durable as it is easy on the eyes. Furthermore, its unique feature of accommodating a 15-inch laptop clinches the deal for tech-savvy travelers.
Here’s a quick bullet-point comparison to sum up the major differences:
- Size: The Osprey Porter 46 (23" tall, 36" wide, 56" deep) is sizably larger than the Fjallraven Vardag 28 (16.5" tall, 32" wide, 44" deep).
- Weight: The Osprey Porter 46 weighs more (1.5 pounds) than the Fjallraven Vardag 28 (0.59 pounds).
- Capacity: The Osprey Porter 46 offers a larger capacity (46 liters) than the Fjallraven Vardag 28 (28 liters).
- Airline Compatibility: The Fjallraven Vardag 28 is compatible with more airlines (83%) compared to the Osprey Porter 46 (47%).
- Material: The Osprey Porter 46 is made of tough Nylon, whereas the Fjallraven Vardag 28's eco-friendly G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S: 65% polyester, 35% cotton assures durability with a nod to sustainability.
- Laptop Compartment: Both backpacks have laptop compartments, but the Osprey Porter can only fit a 1-inch laptop, while the Fjallraven Vardag 28 can house a 15-inch laptop.
Reviewers’ take on both backpacks has been generally positive. Many appreciate the Osprey Porter 46 for its volume, durability and practicality, with one stating, "For better or worse, the Osprey Porter 46 is a big pack with a big capacity." Others laud it for the sophisticated urban design and value for money. On the other hand, the Fjallraven Vardag 28 scores major points for being made of eco-friendly materials, comfortable to use and specifically for its separate and padded laptop compartment. To wrap it up, both backpacks have their shine. Osprey Porter 46 suits more for those who're willing to sacrifice size for extra space, while Fjallraven Vardag 28 leans towards stylish, compact, and environmentally friendly design.