Osprey Porter 46 vs. Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L

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 48L
Storage
2 Compression removable
None Expanded Capacity None
1 Opening 1
top Passport N
Y Passthrough N
Carry
hideable Backpack hideable
hideable Hip Belt hideable
Y Sternum Strap Y
Inside
16in Laptop 17in
4 Main Compartments 1
Y Organizer N
Outside
× Hard Shell ×
N Rain-fly optional
N Water Bottle Holder 1
Y Water Resistant N
Material
bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR100% Nylon & 100% Polyester

Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L

Front facing view of the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L
Capacity48 L
Weight1.65 kg
Dimensions66×34×29 cm
Airline fit1%
Price$330

Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L

Both have: backpack straps, hip belt, sternum strap.

Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on

We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 2 accept both. 114 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 0 accept only the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L.

Only the Osprey Porter 46 fits

Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Asia, Air Astana, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air Europa, Air Koryo, Air Macau, Air New Zealand, Air Nostrum, Air Tahiti Nui, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, All Nipon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, ANA, Atlas Global, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Azul Linhas, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Caribbean Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, China Southern, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Cubana de Aviacion, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EL AL, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Flair Air, Frontier Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Gol Linhas Aereas, Hainan Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, Interjet, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Island Air, Japan Airlines, Jet2, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Korean Air, Kulula, Kuwait Air, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Mesa Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Norwegian, Onur Air, Peach, PenAir, Philippine Airlines, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, Royal Air Morocco, SAS Scandinavian, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, SilkAir, Silver Airways, Singapore Airlines, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, Southwest Airlines, SpiceJet, Spirit Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Country, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, TAAG Angola, TAM Airlines, Thai Airways, Trans States, Travel Service Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Ural Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WOW Airlines.

The Osprey Porter 46 and the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L are two of the hottest backpacks for serious travellers and outdoor enthusiasts. When you first set eyes on these packs, you'll notice that the Porter 46 from Osprey is slightly smaller in height, width, and depth than the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack, but still manages to pack a punch when it comes to carrying your gear and essentials. This bag is characterized by its durable nylon construction and commendable compatibility with airline requirements, managing to fit with 47% of airlines. On the other hand, the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack bears a slightly heftier weight and bigger dimensions, and is made from 100% Polyester and 100% Nylon. However, as a compromise for its bigger size, the compatibility percentage drops down to 18%.

The Osprey Porter 46 has been praised for its durability and high capacity, with various reviewers noting its utility for those who tend to carry more. Osprey even dubs it a deluxe duffel, adding to its versatility. This backpack manages to strike a fine balance between maintaining a solid, sturdy build and being lightweight. Additionally, it boasts clever features designed with the needs of urban travelers in mind. On the other side of the ring, the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack offers excellent stowable straps, a minimal aesthetic suitable for all kinds of settings, and an attachment feature for Litehaul Plus 1 and RFID POD, thus enhancing security as well as style.

At the end of the day, both the Osprey Porter 46 and the Kathmandu Litehaul Pack 48L prove to be formidable travel companions, each with its own strengths and unique selling points. The former impresses with its substantial storage and good suspension system, while the latter excels in comfort and enhanced attachments. It all hinges on personal preferences and specific requirements, be it the need for a larger bag with padded straps or one with compact yet efficient storage. Indeed, both are brilliantly engineered pieces of travel gear deserving of their rave reviews. Choose wisely, and your journey will be made immeasurably better.