If you are looking for an honest review of the Osprey Porter 46 liter backpack, I promise you won’t find a more experienced Osprey Porter tester than me.
How can I be so sure?
Because over the past decade, I’ve taken my Osprey Porter 46L backpack to more than 60 countries across 6 continents. I’ve taken the bag through the Amazon jungle, over the hills of Nepal, backpacking Europe’s hostel scene (4 times), through the beaches of Mexico, over the Andes in South America, on a road trip in Tasmania, on safari in Kenya, to a wedding in Nigeria … I could go on, but you get the point.
I travel full time for a living, so I’ve really put my Osprey porter through some serious hands-on, real-world testing!
So, after all that testing, and after comparing it to the best travel backpacks and bags I could find, how does the Osprey Porter backpack hold up?
Read on for my detailed review of the Osprey Porter 46 backpack:
Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support my work by purchasing through the affiliate links on this page, which may earn a commission for this site. Thank you!
I've personally taken this bag to over 60 countries, and it's held up remarkably well! A timeless design and durable construction, backed by Osprey's famous "All Mighty Guarantee," is why this is the popular bag you will see in Europe's hostels. If on a budget but can't sacrifice quality, choose the Osprey Porter.
For sizing perspective, consider I am very tall (6 foot, 3 inches)
My bottom line on the Osprey Porter 46: it’s a solid all-around backpack for travelers who need more space, including long-term travelers, and digital nomads. It offers the versatility and functionality of a backpack but the style and ease of a porter bag or suitcase. It can be strapped down to carry-on size, or it can expand to hold more volume than most of its competitors.
Who is it right for: I would personally highly recommend this backpack to most travelers looking for a good all-around backpacking backpack that fits in the overhead space of a plane. The Osprey Porter 46 honestly might not be a good fit for hardcore hikers who need a little more serious backpack for handling the wilderness, given the relatively thin padding on the shoulder straps.
Alternatives: With that said, there are other backpacks out there. Travel Lemming’s writers have tested other travel bags that offer newer designs that arguably beat the Osprey Porter in some respects. Chief among these is the Tortuga Setout, which is our overall top-rated backpack as of 2021. I have also recently traded out my Osprey Porter for the Salkan Backpacker, which is more of a hiking backpack that offers more comfortable carrying straps. To consider these bags further, jump to the section below Osprey Porter Alternatives.
Full Osprey Porter Review
I took this photo of my bags while waiting for my hostel bed to free up in Amsterdam
After 60+ countries across six continents, I have a lot to say about the Osprey Porter 46 backpack! So let’s dive right into the nitty gritty of why I think this is the best casual travel bag out there:
Features
For such a simple-looking bag, the Osprey Porter 46 is loaded with features you’d usually find on much more high-end backpacks. Here’s a quick rundown of the key features and specs:
Look, there is a lot to love about this backpack. And in the six years I’ve been using it, Osprey has continued to make improvements over the model I purchased (e.g., by adding a laptop sleeve in the 2021 edition).
First, it’s a perfect size. Just check out my around-the-world packing list to see how much stuff I managed fit inside it. The compression straps really help!
Second, my absolute favorite thing about the Osprey Porter 46 liter backpack is that it easily and quickly converts from a backpack that you can comfortably carry on your shoulders to a porter bag.
Why is that important?
Well, for one thing, it means you can check this bag, put it under a bus, or store it somewhere without worry that your backpack straps are going to snag something. But it is also the perfect bag for those times when you don’t want to “look” like a dirty backpacker who just rolled out of a hostel dorm bed with a huge bag on your back.
I also love that you can attach any Osprey Daylite daypack to the back of the bag and carry them together. It’s a perfect and affordable complement to the porter backpack.
The Osprey Porter is also an enormously rugged pack and I’ve really put it through the ringer. I’ve taken it through the jungles of South America, the mountains near Denver, Colorado, backpacking through Europe, and hundreds of other places! Heck, I even had it with me when I was doused with water during Thailand’s Songkran festival (and I still managed to keep my electronics dry!).
Cons of the Osprey Porter
Not built for hiking/camping
Very minimal harness
Not much padding on shoulder strapsor hip belt
Minimal pockets
Zippers can get caught
There’s not a whole lot that I would change about the Osprey Porter 46, but no backpack is perfect. For one thing, the fact that the shoulder straps and hip belt hideaway carries a downside. The shoulder and waist straps by necessity don’t have as much padding as you might find on a more serious hiking backpack.
This means that, while the bag is comfortable for general carrying or even short distance hikes, after a few kilometers the straps start to pull at my back a bit. So if you’re just planning to walk around cities or do some very light hiking, it’s fine. For anything more hardcore, you need a more serious backpack. That’s the price you pay for the hideaway feature, though!
Another drawback of the Osprey bag is that it doesn’t have a bunch of pockets. You’ll find a thin zippered mesh pocket on the flap for the main compartment, a laptop compartment in the newer models, an easy-access top pocket (perfect for quick access to shoes or an umbrella), and another thin zippered front pocket on the exterior. There is also a back panel pocket to hideaway the straps. Besides that, the main compartment is where you will store 90% of your stuff.
Compared to the many great organization features on a bag like the Salkan Backpacker, that’s pretty minimalistic. Personally, I find it easier to pack my bag with one big pocket, but it does mean you have to pay more attention to organizing your stuff. If you’re the type who likes to stay highly organized, I suggest picking up a set of Osprey’s packing cubes. Using packing cubes can give you the best of both worlds.
Lastly, the only annoyance I’ve ever had with this bag is that sometimes the zippers catch on the little slip of material that’s meant to protect them. It can be a pain to get them uncaught, but it’s only happened a few times in six years of traveling.
Compare to Alternative Backpacks
I have tested many backpacks so I could compare them for you!
I love the Osprey Porter 46, and have for years. But a lot changes in a decade, and since I started traveling, we’ve seen some newer and more innovative backpack companies put out some pretty awesome alternatives to the Osprey Porter.
I stand by my Osprey Porter 46 review, and still think it is the best option for those on a budget. But, if you have the cash to splash, here are some alternative travel backpacks to consider instead, based on your reason for not choosing the Osprey Porter 46:
I use Salkan now because it's THE most comfortable backpack I've ever found. The straps and weight distribution are unbelievable - it barely feels like I'm carrying it! Perfect for those long walks between hostels. I also love that it's BOTH front and top loading, the built in laundry bag, and the customizable colors. For a serious backpacker like me it's worth the investment. Note: You can get the main bag alone, or the "Backpacker" bundle with Salkan's stylish daypack.
I recently switched out my Osprey Porter to try out this bag instead. Like Osprey, Salkan offers a very solid 2-in-1 backpack/daypack combo system. In a lot of ways, it’s pretty similar to the Porter, but I find that Salkan is much easier to carry because of all that comfortable padding. If you’re just going for a minimalist look or are on a budget, though, the Osprey Porter is probably still you’re best bet.
You can definitely tell that the Setout was designed by travelers. Its perfect organization lets you can pack everything you need for Europe into one bag. Plus, the super durable construction and timeless style means this bag is built to last. If we could only choose one bag, this would be it.
If you’re looking for a high quality premium backpack that is carry-on compliant for most airlines, look no further than the Tortuga Setout. My staff writer did a full review of the Tortuga Setout and was blown away by how super practical this little backpack is.
Tortuga seemingly thought of everything when they designed it – it loads like a suitcase but carries like a backpack (and looks stylish to boot!). Oh, and it even comes in separate designs for men and women – making it one of the most ergonomically comfortable backpacks on the market.
Like I said, if you plan on doing a lot of outdoor stuff, the Osprey Porter 46 is NOT for you. Instead, check out the Osprey Atmos 50 backpacking backpack:
You've got plenty of space to add some extras to your pack! Though I prefer to travel light, for travelers who want more space, this is the best travel backpack for Europe. Men's and Women's versions available. Plus, it comes with Osprey's lifetime guarantee.
I’m a big believer in packing minimally, but some people just have more stuff to carry! Need a little more room than what the Osprey Porter 46 has to offer? Then I suggest upgrading to the Osprey Farpoint 55:
Tons of space for all your stuff
Osprey’s lifetime guarantee
Solid construction
Also combines with Osprey Daylite Daypack
Recommended Addition: Osprey Daylite Daypack
I actually own two of these day bags – one blue and one orange!
If you buy the Osprey Porter 46, I strongly suggest also purchasing Osprey’s Daylite Daypack, which is designed as a companion to the Osprey Porter.
I’ve traveled with this pack + day bag combo for 6 years and I love it! The Daylite Daypack can be strapped into the Osprey Porter 46 through the proprietary Osprey locking system so that you can carry them as a single unit.
Second, it’s an awesome daypack in its own right. Here are some of its great features:
Can be strapped into Porter bag!
Super lightweight
Slip pocket for laptops
Water resistant coating
Affordably priced
Lots of space (I fit my drone, laptop, and a full size camera inside!)
If you’re taking the Osprey Porter 46 traveling, you’ll also need a daypack for your days out exploring, so this is the perfect combo.
Final Verdict
The Osprey Porter 46 is a really solid backpack for most travelers who need a casual bag that they can carry on their backs.
I’d call it more of a “flashpacker” backpack than a traditional backpack, since it sort of straddles the line between a normal backpacking backpack and a porter bag or suitcase.
The Osprey Porter 46 is a great backpack for solo travelers, long travelers, families traveling with kids, or just about anyone doing casual international travel.
About the only people I would not recommend this bag for are hardcore outdoor enthusiasts. The bag simply isn’t made for multi-day long hikes through the wilderness. For that, you should get a more full-featured hiking backpack.
But for just about everyone else, after 60+ countries and some serious memories, I still am in love with this backpack.
FAQs
How much can you fit in Osprey Porter 46?
The Osprey Porter 46 fits 46 liters worth of volume, hence the name. To understand how much this is, consider that a standard carry-on roller suitcase fits about 35-40 liters. I took the Osprey Porter to over 60 countries, and managed to fit all my clothes, 3 pairs of shoes, a jacket, and more into the bag, making it one of my favorite travel backpacks.
Can you carry on the Osprey Porter 46?
The Osprey Porter 46 is carry-on friendly. If overstuffed, it may struggle to fit in some airplane overhead bins, but if packed properly using the included compression straps, it should comply with most airline carry-on requirements. I have personally carried the Osprey Porter 46 onto more than 100 flights.
Is Osprey a good backpack?
Overall, the Osprey line of backpacks is very high quality and Osprey packs generally receive high marks in customer reviews. I have taken my Osprey Porter backpack to more than 60 countries over a decade, and it has proved remarkably durable and timeless.
How do you attach an Osprey Daylite to a Porter 46?
The Osprey Daylite daypack can be attached to the Osprey Porter 46 backpack by connecting the Tri Glide Slider buckles to the attachment points and then tightening the straps.
How do you pack an Osprey Porter 46?
Packing an Osprey Porter 46 backpack is easy, as there is only a single main compartment. You open it from the long side of the backpack (laying it flat like a suitcase) and then pack it with your clothes and items. Overall, the Osprey 46 packing experience is relatively similar to packing a carry on suitcase, with minimal pockets. For more organization, consider getting a set of Osprey’s packing cubes.
***
What do you think? Have you tried out the Osprey Porter 46 L? Or are you thinking about one of the alternative travel backpacks I mentioned?
Scroll down and leave me a comment to let me know your experience.
Don’t like the Osprey Porter 46? Check out my post on the best backpacks for Europe to see if there is something else that suits your needs!
Osprey Porter 46
The Osprey Porter 46 is a solid option for backpackers looking for a lot of space while remaining carry on compliant. The bag offers a timeless minimalist design and durable constructions backed by the Osprey All Might Guarantee. It lacks the pockets and organizational features of competitors, but in comparison is priced affordably. Overall, it is a very well rounded travel backpack.
Nate Hake is a digital nomad from Denver, Colorado who has been traveling the world full time since 2016. He has traveled to 65+ countries across six continents around the world and writes about emerging travel destinations at TravelLemming.com. His travel advice and musings have been featured in high-profile publications like NBC News, Lonely Planet, Mic, and many more.
