Osprey Porter 46 Review (My Honest Take After 61 Countries)

If you are looking for an honest Osprey Porter 46 review, 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 46 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?

Disclosure: Travel Lemming is an independent reader-supported blog. You can support us by purchasing via the affiliate links on this page, which may earn us commissions. Thank you!

Osprey Porter 46 Review Summary

👉 My bottom line on the Osprey Porter 46: the Osprey Porter is 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 luggage size, or it can expand to hold more volume than most of its competitors. If you’re on the fence, don’t overthink it. You can’t go wrong buying the Osprey Porter.

✅ 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.

❌ Who is it NOT right for: It 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. If you’re in this boat, I’d check out the Salkan Backpacker instead.

💵 Pricing: Most importantly to me, the Osprey Porter is very affordable considering how long it will last you.

🎒 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

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, this backpack 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:

• Cost: affordable (Check best price direct from Osprey, or on Amazon).
• Gender: Unisex
• Colors: Black, Castle Grey, Diablo Red, Mineral Teal
• Pockets: top pocket, laptop sleeve (up to 15 inch), stowaway pocket for straps
• Features: straitjacket compression for packing, stowaway hip belt and shoulder straps for better weight distribution, side grab handles
• Adds ons: D-ring attachment for adding an additional shoulder strap, Osprey Daylite backpack compatibility

Technical Details and Specifications

• Size: 46 liters, 2,807 square inches
• Dimensions: 25 x 15 x 13 inches
• Weight: 3.3 lbs (1.5 kgs)
• Materials: Recycled 500D Nylon Packcloth PFC
• Warranty: Backed by the Osprey “All Mighty Guarantee”

Pros of the Osprey Porter

• Carry-on size (if not over-packed)
• Affordable
• Lightweight
• Rugged design 
• Lifetime guarantee 
• One very large and easy to use pocket 
• Simple and stylish look 
• Convenient straitjacket compression 
• Easy to attach daypack 

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.

It 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 straps or hip belt
• Minimal pockets 
• Zippers can get caught 

There’s not a whole lot that I would change about the it, 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.

Alternative Backpacks to the Osprey 46

I love the Osprey Porter, 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:

Salkan’s The Backpacker

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.

Read more in my full Salkan Backpacker review.

Topo Designs Global Travel Bag

One downside to the Osprey Porter is the relative lack of compartments. If you’d prefer a backpack with more pockets and storage spaces, the Topo Designs Global Travel Bag might be a good alternative to consider.

Travel Lemming writer Sky recently tested it out on a 3 month trip to Portugal, and loves the handy organization features. She also commented on the backpack’s sturdy construction and comfortable carrying system. You can read her full Topo Designs Global Travel Bag Review for more information on whether this might be the right bag for you.

Tortuga Setout

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.

Osprey Atmos 50

Like I said, if you plan on doing a lot of outdoor stuff, the Osprey Porter maybe is NOT for you. Instead, check out the Osprey Atmos 50 backpacking backpack:

• Same Osprey quality as the Porter 46
• Built specifically for camping and hiking
• Tons of pockets, organizers, and compartments
• More comfortable harness

Osprey Fairpoint 55

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

🧳Read Next: Best Carry On Sized Suitcases

Recommended Addition: Osprey Daylite Daypack

If you buy the Porter, 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.

It 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 About the Osprey Porter

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What do you think? Have you tried out the Osprey Porter? 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? Check out my post on the best backpacks for Europe to see if there is something else that suits your needs!

I hope my Osprey Porter 46 review has helped you!