Osprey Porter 46 vs. Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack

When you're preparing for a trip, you want a backpack that is not only spacious but also sturdy and convenient to carry around. Two backpacks that should be on your radar are the Osprey Porter 46 and the Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack. Here's an in-depth comparison.

The Osprey Porter 46 is a spacious bag, perfect for those who tend to carry more. Constructed of nylon, and boasting a sizeable 46 liter capacity, this backpack is the quintessential 'carry more' bag, ready to swallow all your travel needs. Specifically designed for the urban traveler, the Osprey Porter 46 is superbly durable with smart features such as a 1-inch laptop compartment. However, it's important to note that its compatibility with airlines isn't the most expansive at 47%, so it's better suited for ground travel or airlines you know it's compliant with.

Conversely, the much lighter Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack is constructed from 30D Cordura® ripstop nylon and provides terrific longevity. Its waterproof casing is a definite selling point, promising to keep your possessions dry in the wettest conditions. This backpack is significantly smaller, offering 32 liters of capacity, but makes up for it with a whopping compatibility rate of 98% with airlines. However, the lack of laptop compartment might be a deal-breaker for digital nomads.

• Size: Osprey is 56" deep and provides 46L of volume. Matador is 51" deep and holds 32L.
• Weight: The Osprey weighs 1.5 lbs, while the Matador weighs a mere 0.3 lbs.
• Material: Osprey is made of Nylon, Matador of Waterproof 30D Cordura® ripstop nylon.
• Laptop Compartment: A 1-inch laptop can fit into the Osprey, while the Matador has no laptop compartment.
• Airline Compatibility: Osprey is compatible with 47% of airlines, Matador with 98%.

When it comes to choosing between these two, it really depends on your travel needs and style. The Osprey Porter 46 is the better option for those requiring a sturdy, spacious bag with decent airline compatibility. In contrast, the Matador Freerain32 Waterproof Packable Backpack is superb choice for lightweight travel and significantly broad airline compatibility, as long as you don't need a laptop compartment. With either choice, you'll be investing in quality and durability.