Osprey Porter 46 vs. Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 4 |
| top | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | N |
| 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 | N |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | 100% Polyester |
Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack
| Capacity | 26 L |
| Weight | 0.82 kg |
| Dimensions | 46×28×16 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $80 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Top zip on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; 15in on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 2 on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 2 on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
- Water resistant: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
Both have: sternum strap.
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 63 accept only the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack.
Only the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Niugini, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, 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, Icelandair, Indigo, InselAir, Jet Airways, Juneyao Airlines, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Liat Airlines, 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, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), Tiger Airways, TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Virgin Australia, Volotea, WestJet, Xiamen.
When it comes to carry-on backpacks, two options frequently rise to the top: the Osprey Porter 46 from Osprey and the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack from Kathmandu. Both these packs share certain key attributes, including being lightweight and offering storage compartments specifically designed for laptops. However, their dimensions, capacities, and airline compatibility differ quite a bit, not to mention the materials they are made from.
The Osprey Porter 46 is a substantial pack, clocking in at 23 inches high, 36 inches wide, and 56 inches deep. It weighs a reasonable 1.5 pounds, and its 46-liter capacity provides ample space for all your gear. Unfortunately, this size is compatible with just 47% of airlines, which may limit its usefulness for frequent air travelers. Made from durable Nylon, it features a laptop compartment suitable for a 1-inch laptop. Reviewers often highlight its durability, spaciousness, and handy compression strap that prevents the pack from looking sloppy.
On the other hand, the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack is smaller and much lighter. Its dimensions are 16 inches high, 28 inches wide, and 46 inches deep, and it weighs just 0.82 pounds. With a 26-liter capacity, it's compatible with a generous 83% of airlines and is made from 100% Polyester. Its laptop compartment can house a 15-inch laptop. User feedback often mentions the pack's functional internal organization and innovative kidsFIT technology, which adjusts the ergonomic harness as the user grows.
Here's the summary:
- Dimensions: Osprey Porter 46 is larger.
- Weight: Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack is lighter.
- Capacity: The Osprey Porter 46 has a larger capacity.
- Airline Compatibility: Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack is compatible with more airlines.
- Material: Osprey Porter 46 is made of Nylon, while Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack is made of 100% Polyester.
- Laptop Compartment Size: Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack can accommodate larger laptops.
Given the above, both these backpacks do have their strengths. If size and solo-travel compatibility is your priority, the Osprey Porter 46 is an ideal choice with excellent suspension, spacious compartments, and a stylish appeal. On the other hand, the Kathmandu Parker Youth Pack’s higher airline compatibility, adjustability, and eco-conscious design make it an unbeatable contender for the family traveler. We recommend analyzing your personal travel needs and preferences before making a decision.