Osprey Porter 46
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CLE
Posts: 1,886
Arrived Today
My Osprey 46 arrived today. It is Matte Grey and Black in color. As I'm at work, I won't be able to play with it until I arrive home. I must say that I am impressed. This is a very solid pack. I actually think it is lighter than my previous eBags and it's not bulky at all. In fact, it seems streamlined and contoured for me.
#18
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,271
Giggleswick it always amuses me when people take ONE example and hang their hat on it as if it were an absolute. Buying online doesn't preclude buying in a bookshop. It's an ALTERNATIVE.
I shop in brick and mortar book stores but I ALSO shop online. For example, the two books I referred to and linked to above, were books I originally saw IN Scotland. I could have bought them and carried them home or had them shipped OR I could have done what I did. Checked abebooks, found them available in my home country and bought them online.
I do buy books when travelling and bring them home as well. The anachronism is someone who thinks there is ONLY one way to do something.
Tchotchkes (or something more worthwhile) can be bought from the IWM online as easily as anything else. I like this item: http://www.iwmshop.org.uk/product/18..._Flying_Jacket
Now that's a lot better than a tchotchke.
I shop in brick and mortar book stores but I ALSO shop online. For example, the two books I referred to and linked to above, were books I originally saw IN Scotland. I could have bought them and carried them home or had them shipped OR I could have done what I did. Checked abebooks, found them available in my home country and bought them online.
I do buy books when travelling and bring them home as well. The anachronism is someone who thinks there is ONLY one way to do something.
Tchotchkes (or something more worthwhile) can be bought from the IWM online as easily as anything else. I like this item: http://www.iwmshop.org.uk/product/18..._Flying_Jacket
Now that's a lot better than a tchotchke.
#19
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AA, UA lowly commoner
Posts: 780
But, if it will make you happy, here's what you want to hear: You're right. You're always right. The rest of us are silly geese.
Bye-bye.
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CLE
Posts: 1,886
Oy vegh I've created a nightmare. Of course I know I can buy books on line. I just may happen to come across something I've never seen...there is that possibility. I have seen that leather flight coat, I'd love it but it's way above what I can afford.
I also buy a lot online and even from other countries. Sure it costs more to ship....it is what it is.
I was planing to buy one of the Kipling cross body bags. I did my research for one that would fit my iPad. The only store local to me that sold them was Maycs. So I went there, and yes it fit my iPad just fine, but the strap was of poor quality and not long enough. My gym bag as a better quality strap. The purse was 25% off, so it was less than on Amazon, even with tax. So I schlepped over to TJMAXX and found a nice black leather cross body bag with a vey long and well made leather strap for $59USD and is perfect. I can be very hard on purses. Also there they had a red Tumi roll aboard for clearance of $250. It looked a bit shopworn though.
Also I didn't mention that I collect original travel posters and WWI and WWII war posters.
I also buy a lot online and even from other countries. Sure it costs more to ship....it is what it is.
I was planing to buy one of the Kipling cross body bags. I did my research for one that would fit my iPad. The only store local to me that sold them was Maycs. So I went there, and yes it fit my iPad just fine, but the strap was of poor quality and not long enough. My gym bag as a better quality strap. The purse was 25% off, so it was less than on Amazon, even with tax. So I schlepped over to TJMAXX and found a nice black leather cross body bag with a vey long and well made leather strap for $59USD and is perfect. I can be very hard on purses. Also there they had a red Tumi roll aboard for clearance of $250. It looked a bit shopworn though.
Also I didn't mention that I collect original travel posters and WWI and WWII war posters.
#21
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: everywhere
Posts: 55
I have looked at the Osprey Porter 46 and like it. I've never traveled with a backpack before but I think it would suit me because I travel regularly for leisure and I run around the airport a lot.
But this new Porter 46 does not have the D-rings to carry it like a duffle bag. To me that is a big letdown and I do not know why they would have removed that feature. Well, I guess I do know, it is so they can sell a separate duffle (the Transporter). But I have no interest in it after that change. Even though I travel for leisure there are a lot of times I wear a sport coat, so at those times I would rather carry it as a duffle and just wear it as a backpack when I am dressed more casually. That is no longer possible with this year's design. I have seen the older models (e.g. pre-2013 I believe) sold on eBay and they fetch a premium.
But this new Porter 46 does not have the D-rings to carry it like a duffle bag. To me that is a big letdown and I do not know why they would have removed that feature. Well, I guess I do know, it is so they can sell a separate duffle (the Transporter). But I have no interest in it after that change. Even though I travel for leisure there are a lot of times I wear a sport coat, so at those times I would rather carry it as a duffle and just wear it as a backpack when I am dressed more casually. That is no longer possible with this year's design. I have seen the older models (e.g. pre-2013 I believe) sold on eBay and they fetch a premium.
#22
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,271
Yes that was a change for the worse I think SpartanTraveler. Of course the issue is cost and saving on manufacturing costs. They don't have to provide a shoulder strap with it now either.
Personally, I prefer the Osprey Farpoint 40 because it has a far better back pad and hip belt for hiking. It just depends on how any individual will use something doesn't it.
The other issue is 'multi-use'. I really don't believe in that to any great extent. Sure one bag may meet several uses adequately but for every truly different use there is a best answer.
For wilderness hiking, even the Farpoint 40 is never going to be as good as a proper backpack designed for wilderness travel. The wilderness backpack is never going to be as good as the Osprey 46 or 40 for airport carousels though is it. For someone going to a 'Sandals' all-inclusive resort for a week, a wheeled suitcase is no doubt more appropriate. For that reason, trying to find a 'one size fits all' answer really does have limits.
I own 3 wheeled suitcases ranging in size from medium to carry-on (26/24/22) as well as 2 'duffle' type bags. I also own 6 backpacks and daypacks for hiking/backpacking. In fact, most of my travel for pleasure is done with a 29L backpack (Vaude Triset) whether for 3 days or 3 months. But I own all those so that whatever type of travel I am doing, one will be the most suitable.
Back to your problem with no shoulder strap, why not just solve the problem? Two nylon webbing belts around the pack with a shoulder strap clipped between them.
http://www.rei.com/product/737207/bi...s-ellipse-belt
http://www.rei.com/product/828029/re...shoulder-strap
Cinch the belts tight around the pack. Run them in throughone side of the compression straps to the other on the pack and it will keep them in place. (Hope I've made this clear enough) The 1 inch webbing will fit in the shoulder strap clips without any real problem.
If you really like the Porter 46, there is no need to forget it just because it doesn't have the D rings. Where there's a will there's a way.
Personally, I prefer the Osprey Farpoint 40 because it has a far better back pad and hip belt for hiking. It just depends on how any individual will use something doesn't it.
The other issue is 'multi-use'. I really don't believe in that to any great extent. Sure one bag may meet several uses adequately but for every truly different use there is a best answer.
For wilderness hiking, even the Farpoint 40 is never going to be as good as a proper backpack designed for wilderness travel. The wilderness backpack is never going to be as good as the Osprey 46 or 40 for airport carousels though is it. For someone going to a 'Sandals' all-inclusive resort for a week, a wheeled suitcase is no doubt more appropriate. For that reason, trying to find a 'one size fits all' answer really does have limits.
I own 3 wheeled suitcases ranging in size from medium to carry-on (26/24/22) as well as 2 'duffle' type bags. I also own 6 backpacks and daypacks for hiking/backpacking. In fact, most of my travel for pleasure is done with a 29L backpack (Vaude Triset) whether for 3 days or 3 months. But I own all those so that whatever type of travel I am doing, one will be the most suitable.
Back to your problem with no shoulder strap, why not just solve the problem? Two nylon webbing belts around the pack with a shoulder strap clipped between them.
http://www.rei.com/product/737207/bi...s-ellipse-belt
http://www.rei.com/product/828029/re...shoulder-strap
Cinch the belts tight around the pack. Run them in throughone side of the compression straps to the other on the pack and it will keep them in place. (Hope I've made this clear enough) The 1 inch webbing will fit in the shoulder strap clips without any real problem.
If you really like the Porter 46, there is no need to forget it just because it doesn't have the D rings. Where there's a will there's a way.
#23
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: everywhere
Posts: 55
Back to your problem with no shoulder strap, why not just solve the problem? Two nylon webbing belts around the pack with a shoulder strap clipped between them.
http://www.rei.com/product/737207/bi...s-ellipse-belt
http://www.rei.com/product/828029/re...shoulder-strap
Cinch the belts tight around the pack. Run them in throughone side of the compression straps to the other on the pack and it will keep them in place. (Hope I've made this clear enough) The 1 inch webbing will fit in the shoulder strap clips without any real problem.
If you really like the Porter 46, there is no need to forget it just because it doesn't have the D rings. Where there's a will there's a way.
http://www.rei.com/product/737207/bi...s-ellipse-belt
http://www.rei.com/product/828029/re...shoulder-strap
Cinch the belts tight around the pack. Run them in throughone side of the compression straps to the other on the pack and it will keep them in place. (Hope I've made this clear enough) The 1 inch webbing will fit in the shoulder strap clips without any real problem.
If you really like the Porter 46, there is no need to forget it just because it doesn't have the D rings. Where there's a will there's a way.
I guess I could just add D-rings to it. I've read reviews of various Red Oxx bags and I know on the small aviator I've read reviews where guys said they took the bag to a local cobbler who sewed D-rings to it. I don't know anything about sewing and wouldn't do it myself, but since the Red Oxx bags are canvas it might be easier to sew D-rings to it than it would be on nylon like the Osprey is made out of.
#24
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,271
The problem with the D rings is that it puts a lot of stress on a very small area of the bag. All the weight hanging off them. That may even be part of the reason why they did away with them.
To distribute the weight you really need a band that goes all the way around the bag and to which the D ring is then attached. Not so easy to do with a front opening bag.
To distribute the weight you really need a band that goes all the way around the bag and to which the D ring is then attached. Not so easy to do with a front opening bag.
#25
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Northern VA
Posts: 229
My osprey 46 had it's first REAL test last January.
1 rt flight from iad <-> nrt and another rt flight from nrt <-> mnl (manila, philippines). the pack handled like a champ and I'm sure I got some looks as if i was a well travelled person.......
Packed just enough so that I'd have room on the flights back to stuff last minute items in the backpack!
1 rt flight from iad <-> nrt and another rt flight from nrt <-> mnl (manila, philippines). the pack handled like a champ and I'm sure I got some looks as if i was a well travelled person.......
Packed just enough so that I'd have room on the flights back to stuff last minute items in the backpack!
#26
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Lower 48 States
Posts: 58
I'm a recent convert to the "one bag" movement and am 98% sold on purchasing the porter 46 for my next trip. We looked at the newest model at a store and were impressed with the quality.
We're more than willing to pay Tom Bihn or Red Oxx prices to reward USA manufacturing; but those travel packs lack external compression straps and lockable zippers that the Osprey has. And the MEI Voyageur can't be window shopped in person.
I am probably only bringing 40 liters of stuff, but my spouse thinks I should get the Osprey porter 46 instead of the Osprey farpoint 40: the 46 has a super-duper compression option where you can plug the external straps into an additional socket provided on the edge of the bag, which will make the bag super slim. Also, more room for bringing home souvenirs! Glad to read positive feedback on this bag.
We're more than willing to pay Tom Bihn or Red Oxx prices to reward USA manufacturing; but those travel packs lack external compression straps and lockable zippers that the Osprey has. And the MEI Voyageur can't be window shopped in person.
I am probably only bringing 40 liters of stuff, but my spouse thinks I should get the Osprey porter 46 instead of the Osprey farpoint 40: the 46 has a super-duper compression option where you can plug the external straps into an additional socket provided on the edge of the bag, which will make the bag super slim. Also, more room for bringing home souvenirs! Glad to read positive feedback on this bag.
#27
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA ExPlat, UA Silver, Marriott Lifetime Gold
Posts: 715
As I mentioned before here, I think the Osprey Porter is a TERRIFIC bag and the organizational features of the new version are great, but the position of the laptop is awkward and messes up the balance since the compression straps become less effective (unless you want to crush your laptop). Test pack it if you can!
#28
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Lower 48 States
Posts: 58
Yes, I've heard that, but I don't carry a laptop! I usually use a carry-on sized hardsided rollaboard as my only bag, but plan to transition to a wheel-less travel pack with backpack straps, for easier boarding of metro and trains etc.
I would be interested in any of the Tom Bihn bags, but there are too many zippered pockets on the outside that are of no use to me, and might attract pickpockets.
My main goal is to not check a bag. But if I was forced to check the Porter due to full overhead bins, it seems sturdy enough. Again I'm still considering the smaller Osprey Farpoint 40. Thanks!
I would be interested in any of the Tom Bihn bags, but there are too many zippered pockets on the outside that are of no use to me, and might attract pickpockets.
My main goal is to not check a bag. But if I was forced to check the Porter due to full overhead bins, it seems sturdy enough. Again I'm still considering the smaller Osprey Farpoint 40. Thanks!
#29
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LAX, BUR
Programs: UA, AA, IHG, SPG, CC
Posts: 82
My Osprey 46 arrived today. It is Matte Grey and Black in color. As I'm at work, I won't be able to play with it until I arrive home. I must say that I am impressed. This is a very solid pack. I actually think it is lighter than my previous eBags and it's not bulky at all. In fact, it seems streamlined and contoured for me.
I took a similar trip to the one you mentioned earlier about a month ago: two weeks in the UK and Paris. I used an Osprey Farpoint 55, and it worked out pretty great. The detachable day pack was super convenient.
Packing cubes were a must, but it held everything I needed.
It did feel heavy when we got lost trying to find our hotel in Edinburgh, but overall I was pretty happy with it. I didn't bring a laptop or tablet, but if I had, it would've definitely needed it's own protection.
I hope you've grown to love your pack!
#30
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CLE
Posts: 1,886
Have you taken your trip yet, happymom2008? I'm eager to hear how your pack held up!
I took a similar trip to the one you mentioned earlier about a month ago: two weeks in the UK and Paris. I used an Osprey Farpoint 55, and it worked out pretty great. The detachable day pack was super convenient.
Packing cubes were a must, but it held everything I needed.
It did feel heavy when we got lost trying to find our hotel in Edinburgh, but overall I was pretty happy with it. I didn't bring a laptop or tablet, but if I had, it would've definitely needed it's own protection.
I hope you've grown to love your pack!
I took a similar trip to the one you mentioned earlier about a month ago: two weeks in the UK and Paris. I used an Osprey Farpoint 55, and it worked out pretty great. The detachable day pack was super convenient.
Packing cubes were a must, but it held everything I needed.
It did feel heavy when we got lost trying to find our hotel in Edinburgh, but overall I was pretty happy with it. I didn't bring a laptop or tablet, but if I had, it would've definitely needed it's own protection.
I hope you've grown to love your pack!