Osprey Porter 46 vs. Waterfield Bolt
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Feature by feature
| Osprey Porter 46 | Feature | Waterfield Bolt |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| 2 | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 1 | Opening | 4 |
| top | Passport | front |
| Y | Passthrough | Y |
| Carry | ||
| hideable | Backpack | Y |
| hideable | Hip Belt | N |
| Y | Sternum Strap | N |
| 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 | Durable waxed canvas OR 1050 Denier Ballistic nylon |
Waterfield Bolt
| Capacity | 17 L |
| Weight | 1.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 41×32×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 95% |
| Price | $370 |
Key differences between the Osprey Porter 46 and Waterfield Bolt
- Compression straps: 2 on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Opening: Clamshell on the Osprey Porter 46; Top zip on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Passport pocket: Top on the Osprey Porter 46; Front on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Backpack straps: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; Yes on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Hip belt: Hideable on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Sternum strap: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Laptop sleeve: 16in on the Osprey Porter 46; 15in on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Main compartments: 4 on the Osprey Porter 46; 3 on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Built-in organizer: Yes on the Osprey Porter 46; No on the Waterfield Bolt.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Osprey Porter 46; 2, side on the Waterfield Bolt.
Both have: luggage passthrough, 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 63 accept only the Waterfield Bolt.
Only the Waterfield Bolt fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air Baltic, Air China, Air France, Air India, Air Malta, Air Mauritius, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Tahiti, 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, Gulf Air, 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.
Let's dive into the first candidate, the Osprey Porter 46. This monster of a pack is designed for those who mean business when it comes to hauling gear for their travels. Its substantial 46 litre capacity is incorporated in its robust and sizable 23" x 36" x 56" body. The nylon build promises durability, while the weight of 1.5 pounds are in it to make it a lightweight option for its size. Another big plus ? It offers good suspension and a convenient clamshell opening. The cherry on top? The bag was designed specifically for urban travellers in mind. However, its compatibility with airlines is slightly disappointing, accommodating only 47% of them.
On the other hand, if sophistication and versatility is what you're after, the Waterfield Bolt is your man. It’s smaller than the Porter 46, but don't write it off just yet. The bag measures a more manageable 41" x 32" x 14" but packs quite a punch with its 17 litre capacity. With a build of durable waxed canvas or 1050 Denier Ballistic nylon and the same weight as the Porter 46, it’s a sturdy piece ensuring both solidity and comfort. Bonus is its gold lining and anti-sweat mesh cushion on the back for added comfort. Best of all? It's compatible with nearly every airline, impressively accommodating 99%.
Comparative Summary:
- Body Dimensions: Osprey Porter 46 (23" x 36" x 56") | Waterfield Bolt (41" x 32" x 14")
- Weight: Both weigh 1.5 pounds
- Capacity: Osprey Porter 46 carries 46 litres | Waterfield Bolt carries 17 litres
- Material: Osprey Porter 46 is made of Nylon | Waterfield Bolt is made of Waxed Canvas or 1050 Denier Ballistic Nylon
- Airline Compatibility: Osprey Porter 46 fits 47% of airlines | Waterfield Bolt fits 99% of airlines
Where the Porter 46 objects its size and features towards the urban traveller, the Bolt Backpack is the more versatile, covering everywhere from the boardroom to the gym and out onto the streets. To put it simply, if you are seeking a mid-sized bag that suits an active lifestyle, but still maintains a feeling of professionalism and timeless aesthetics, the Bolt might be your best bet.
No two travellers are the same and our backpacks shouldn't be either. Whether you're drawn towards the Porter 46’s spaciousness or the Bolt's adaptability, both backpacks deliver in quality, functionality and style. Ensuring to keep your needs in focus, choose the best companion for your journey.