Back Pack advice

hi, if the porter 45 is the smaller of the 2 then i got that one. i like mine alot since can use it as a carry on and if i have to hoof it alot, i will break out the shoulder straps and use it as a backpack. If you have a chance go look at one and try it out. for what it worth, 2, 3 or 4 week, it makes do dif to me. Its all how you pack and what you pack. happy trails.

What two?

hi again, there are 2 versions of the Porter. One is larger than the other. when i was REI to look at the Porters, they showed me 2 sizes. They were both good for air travel, but when i asked them why 2, they told me, that the USA allows one size and the rest of the world, the other. i choose the smallest size since in theory, i should be able to use it anywhere, right? i think the one i have is: 22x14x9 in (56x35x23 cm) hope this helps, happy trails.

Porters come in two sizes: 46 and 65. The numbers denote capacity in liters - - the size.

@ Ed, thanks, i didnt now that. Learned something new today! @ Jason So my Porter calculated to a 46. happy trails.

Regulation size for most European airlines is 55 cm x 40 cm x 20 cm. That's 44 liters. So, a true 46 L won't cut it. However, because it is non-rigid, if it's not packed full, it should fit. The cross section is 14" wide by 9" high, 126 si. Regulation Europe is 15.75 x 7.875 or about 130 si. As long as the sides aren't bulging, it should deform to fit. And as long as you can compress the length 3/8", from 22" to 21.625" (55 cm), that will fit too. And I like the weight, 2.8#!

Anything made by Osprey is damn near indestructible. I've got two big ones and one small one, plus some other stuff. The Porters have hundreds of thousands of miles on them and have been tossed into the back of trucks, scuzzy boats, pack animals, and everything else. They're essentially my mild expedition packs. The problem with using them for casual touring, however, is that even the 46 is too large. It's to easy to chunk in 'maybe', 'nice to have', and 'just in case' stuff - - then you've really screwed yourself.

hi again, just an fyi, so far, ive been to: Dublin UK France Amsterdam
Hawaii ive NEVER been called on my Porter 46, yet! knock on wood the only time ive had to check in any one of my baggage is when i flew aer lingus/ryan air and they had a 1 bag carry on limit and i had a brief case size bag. happy trails.

I am sure these are well made. They are also, from my point of view, huge. I am used to fast-paced sightseeing. Who wants to drag that much stuff around? I feel the same way about the Back Door bag, by the way. I'm aware that not everyone shares my opinion!

Jason, If you're able to travel with a 45L. Pack, then Osprey would be a great choice. One of my Packs is an Osprey Waypoint 85 and I've found that the quality and functionality are excellent. You could also have a look at the Eagle Creek Packs, as they're good quality (despite the fact that they're made offshore in places like Vietnam, which is also true of many other brands). I've never had a problem checking luggage, so don't have a problem travelling with a larger Pack and checking it. I use the detachable Daypack for carry on. If you do decide to check your Pack, one good feature to look for is a stowable harness system, which allows the straps to be stored behind a zippered panel so that they're not damaged by airport conveyor systems. Also, if you decide to buy a larger Pack, BE SURE that you're properly fitted according to torso length. Most of the weight should rest on your hips (via the waist belt) and NOT on your shoulders. Happy travels!

@ Adam, Im not sure what you use to carry your stuff in and i would be interested in knowing what. also, just so you know the Porter 45 mentioned will fit in those luggage checkers you see at the gate/ticket desk. i used 2 older style samsonite suitcases for my travels 10 years ago and went from that to my Porter. i had to downsize alot, but i would rather carry/use my porter than the 2 or one samsonite! happy trails.

I love my osprey porter 46. Keeps me from overpacking. Even when full, it is comfortable and ergonomic on the back. Only once was I told my bag was too big; on granada spain airport, it was a bit stuffed, so I had to swap a few things in my messenger bag, and then they let me carry it on. We have used it for the past 3 years, still holding up very well.

@Ray, unfortunately I can't recommend my main bag because it's no longer made. It's the Eagle Creek Solo Journey, about 2k cu in (33 liters?), but with an internal frame. The frame is arguably not needed, and does add a pound or two, but is a nice touch. I've also used a generic convertible bag, basically a rucksack with a hideaway for the shoulder straps, that was probably about 1800 cu in when stuffed to the gills. That was on a 3-week trip. Travel styles vary, but I (for one) do not need a 46-liter bag.

Actually, the EC Solo Journey is 3000 cu in (generally listed at 10x15x20) vs Osprey 46L at ~2800 cu in (9x14x22)...but who's counting ;-) My husband has used an EC SJ for about 15 years now. FWIW, the Osprey 46L is very popular with Helpline contributors.

http://www.ospreypacks.com/en/web/faqs Site FAQ indicates that the pack meets carry-on dimension limits: Which of your packs are carry-on compatible? In our Travel series, the Meridian 22, Vector 22, and Porter 46 all meet maximum legal carry-on requirements.
Among our daypacks, most of the bags below 40 liters will meet carry-on requirements. Follow the 22" x 14" x 9" or 45 linear inch total for standard carry-on dimensions, or call your airline for specific guidelines. Just don't over stuff it.

@eileen: No, my Solo Journey was listed at 21 x 14 x 8 exterior, with a smaller interior than that because of the internal frame. Rick Steves sold them as a smaller alternative to his backdoor back. You may have found specs for a later, larger model. They all got supersized, and its hard to find a bag in that niche today, but we were lucky and got ours before that happened.