Osprey Porter 46 vs. Exped Serac 35
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Exped Serac 35 |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 2 |
| top | Passport | N |
| Y | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | removable |
| Y | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 16in | Laptop | N |
| 4 | Main Compartments | 1 |
| Y | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | N |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| bluesign®-approved Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC Free DWR | 400 D HD ripstop nylon, TPU film laminated, 10'000 mm water column |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Exped Serac 35
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Serac 35.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Rolltop on the Exped Serac 35.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Serac 35.
- Luggage passthrough: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Serac 35.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Exped Serac 35.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Removable on the Exped Serac 35.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Serac 35.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 1 on the Exped Serac 35.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Exped Serac 35.
Both have: sternum strap, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 24 accept both. 92 accept only the Osprey Porter 46, and 0 accept only the Exped Serac 35.
Only the Osprey Porter 46 fits
Aegean Airlines, Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Aeromexico, Air Asia, Air Astana, Air Canada, Air Caraibes, Air Macau, Air Nostrum, Air Wisconsin, AirAsiaX, Alaska Airlines, All Nipon Airways, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, ANA, Atlas Global, Austrian, Avianca , Azerbaijan Airlines, Bahamasair, Bangkok Airways, Biman Bangladesh, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cambodia Angkor Air, Caribbean Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Cebu Pacific, China Airlines, CommutAir, Conviasa, Copa Airlines, Czech Airlines, Delta Airlines, Dragonair, EL AL, Ethiopian Airlines, Eurowings, EVA Air, Fiji Airways, Finnair, Flair Air, Frontier Airlines, Garuda Indonesia, Gol Linhas Aereas, Hawaiian Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Iberia, Interjet, Iran Air, Iran Aseman Air, Japan Airlines, Jet2, jetBlue Airways, Jetstar Airways, Jetstar Asia, Kulula, Kuwait Air, LOT Polish, Lufthansa, Mahan Air, Malaysia Airlines, Mango, Mesa Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Monarch Airlines, Norwegian, Onur Air, Peach, PenAir, Porter Airlines, Qantas Airways, Republic Airways, SAS Scandinavian, Skywest, Inc., South African Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, SriLankan Airlines, Sun Country, Swiss Int'l Air Lines, Thai Airways, Trans States, Travel Service Airlines, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, Uzbekistan Air, Vietnam Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, WOW Airlines.
When looking at carry-on backpacks, size, weight, and storage capacity all play significant roles. The Osprey Porter 46, a well-known brand in travel and outdoor gear, certainly caters to those looking for a larger bag. Measuring at 23 by 36 by 56 inches and capable of carrying 46 liters, there is little doubt this bag can handle some serious gear. And at 1.5 pounds, it's not overly burdening. But special attention should be paid to this backpack's compatibility with airlines. It fits carrier regulations for 47% of airlines, meaning over half will require it to be checked.
On the other hand, the Exped Serac 35 is a trimmer choice. It shares the same height as the Osprey at 23 inches, but is more slender in width and depth. With 35 liters of capacity, it's more suited to the minimalist traveler. Weighing less than a pound (.82 to be exact), it takes the cake for being light on your back. Its compatibility with airlines falls short, however, accepted by only 30%.
- Osprey Porter 46 offers a 46-liter capacity; Exped Serac 35 only 35 liters
- Osprey Porter 46 weighs 1.5 pounds; Exped Serac 35 .82 pounds
- Both bags are 23 inches tall; Osprey Porter 46 is broader at 36 inches wide, 56 inches deep; Exped Serac 35 is more compact at 30 inches wide and 62 inches deep.
- Under 50% of airlines accept the Osprey Porter 46 as a carry-on; under 30% accept the Exped Serac 35.
The materials used in these bags showcase their intended uses. The Osprey Porter 46 uses durable nylon suited for urban travel, whereas the Exped Serac 35 is made from 400D HD ripstop nylon, TPU film laminated, with a 10,000 mm water column—ensuring a level of weatherproofing that's perfect for outdoor excursions. The Osprey Porter 46 is a standout option for tech-savvy travelers, sporting a laptop compartment that can fit a 1" laptop. The Exped Serac 35, however, lacks this feature.
Despite their differences, both backpacks boast positive reviewer feedback. Reviewers highlight the Porter 46's big capacity, gear-hauling capabilities, and its value for the price. Meanwhile, the Exped Serac 35 received praise for its weatherproof construction and durability, enjoying favor for alpine missions and ski mountaineering expeditions.