I checked out LordHamster's video ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JR-y...ature=youtu.be ) and went and got a new Osprey Porter 46. I had literally JUST bought the older model, and returned it for the 2017. Like it a lot better. Just little touches, the one-color instead of mismatching two-tonedness, and the front organization pocket is way better than the old model.

With the REI sale going on right now, it's like $112, down from the $140 list.


I took it walking around Cinque Terre and Barcelona for a week, really zero complaints on performance.

I noticed an error on the REI site - it says the front organization pocket has lockable zippers. It doesn't. The lockable parts are now the back (laptop) and main large pockets. Which is weird, as the old one had locking zippers on the organizer. Not a deal killer - I don't lock my pack when I'm walking around with it, I only put a lock on it when leaving it in hotels or otherwise out of my sight. I toss my valuables into the back or main, lock it, and go. But I keep my passport and wallet in the organizer... so I have to just pop those in the lockable section before heading out.

Nice pack. I've got an Osprey Ozone 46 as well - better straps / backpack, but it doesn't open up as well as the Porter.

I should mention - just in case anyone else goes through the downselect I did - that in the store, empty, the Porter series always bothered me. Those padded "wings" seemed extraneous and got in the way. But when I got it home and started FILLING it, it made sense and I really warmed to it. Now I flip between the two (Ozone and Porter) whereas at first I thought the Ozone was the best, and the Porter fussy, I now realize the Porter is a great bag too. I just wish I could hybrid the two!



TDM