Osprey Porter 46 vs Ricks carry on with expansion zipper

I have always carried Osprey bags. 3 years ago, I sold my Ariel hiker back pack for an Osprey Porter. I love it. I miss being able to top load a bunch of stuff, as the Ariel does hold more, but it keeps me from over packing. I have never tried a RS bag. I have never seen them in person and that is a stipulation for me. I need to try the bag before I buy. My local sporting outfitter will pack up a pack with weights and I walk around with it before I buy it. I personally do not like the look of RS bags but that does not mean it is not better. I am sure other people will give you feedback on the pack. I find the osprey bag comfortable to wear, with suspension straps and a waist belt. I have a bad back so I need to make sure the bag will be ergonomic enough for me. So far it has been pretty durable.

We were looking at both of those bags too. We ended up with the RS bags for a couple reasons: The price was good. We purchased them when they were doing a 20 or 30% off sale which saved up a little bit. I like how they opened up like a suitcase for easy rummaging. The porter pack was more backpack style where I couldn't open the whole bag flat while I packed. Personal pet peeve. And I didn't like the flaps that went over the front (something I couldn't tell about the bag looking at it online until I saw it in person). That said, I think the Osprey pack has much better materials and construction. The RS bag feels a litlle cheap to me. However, we don't plan on doing intense backpacking so for us it's fine. I would definitely try to view the bags in person if possible. Or order the osprey pack from some place reputable so you can return it if you don't like it. And try it on. That may make or break your choice.

We just purchased the Osprey 46, one for my husband and one for myself for our upcoming trip to Italy.
They have a lifetime warrantee, and seem very well built. One thing I love is the compression straps- they are fabulous- it also has some more straps making it easier to carry. Like another poster, I wasn't going to spend money before trying something on. I have a bad neck and my husband has a bad back, so for us, the Osprey was the easy choice, with better straps for a more dispersed weight on the body. Although, I have not tried the RS bag. My best recommendation would be to try them out if you can!

I have been using the Osprey 46 all of last year for travel in the US. i bought 2 more for my sons for a month-long trip to Europe we are going on next week. The Backpack is extremely well made and the straps can expand or contract depending how much you stuff into the bag. Very comfortable to wear loaded up. I wouldn,t think of using anything else. I have ready many reviews aboit the Osprey and everyine raves about it. Buy this bag!

I have been using the Osprey 46 all of last year for travel in the US. i bought 2 more for my sons for a month-long trip to Europe we are going on next week. The Backpack is extremely well made and the straps can expand or contract depending how much you stuff into the bag. Very comfortable to wear loaded up. I wouldn,t think of using anything else. I have ready many reviews aboit the Osprey and everyine raves about it. Buy this bag!

Is the Osprey 46 considered a "carry-on"?

We have used it as a carryon with no issues. However this may change from different airlines that you travel on. I have had no problems with Air Canada, Luftansa and British Airways.