There are so many travel backpacks on the market it’s almost overwhelming.
But in all of that noise, there are two backpacks that always seem to come up again and again.
These two backpacks are very similar. But in our opinion, one reigns supreme over the other.
Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the epic showdown! Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Osprey Porter 46. Let the games begin!
With the help of this epic buyer’s guide, you’ll be able to quickly and confidently pick which of these two awesome backpacks is for you.
So, without further delay let’s get this Osprey Porter 46 vs Osprey Farpoint 40 party started yo!
Osprey Farpoint (40 Liter)
- Cost > $$$
- > 100% carry on compliant
- > Backpack and duffelbag
- > Can double as basic hiking bag
Osprey Sojourn Porter (46 Liter)
- Cost > $$
- > Great for organizing gear
- > Backpack and duffelbag
- > Plenty of space
We show you everything you need to know so you can easily pick the bag that suits your style and your budget.
Let’s dive in our review of the Osprey Farpoint 40 vs the Osprey Porter 46!
*LADIES* – The Farpoint 40 is a “male“ backpack, but the female version (the amazing Osprey Fairview) is nearly identical but uses women’s specific sizing. All opinions expressed about the Farpoint also apply to the Fairview 🙂 But hey, why not just forget oppressive gender stereotypes and try both on and see which fits your body best?
- Quick Answers – Which bag is for you?
- Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Porter 46: And the winner is…
- The Osprey Farpoint 40 is perfect for you if…
- The Osprey Porter 46 is perfect for you if…
- Why the Osprey Farpoint 40 is awesome
- Why the Osprey Porter 46 is awesome
- Osprey Farpoint 40 vs. Porter 46 – Our Final Verdict
Quick Answers – Which bag is for you?
Before we begin this Osprey Farpoint vs Porter deathmatch, let’s do a quick analysis:
- If you want a bag that is always carry-on compliant – go for the Farpoint
- If you need something bigger and love Osprey – go for the Porter
- But if you are looking for the better bag out of the two – the Farpoint clearly wins
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Join REI Today!Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Porter 46: And the winner is…
Plain and simple, we think that the Farpoint 40 is the overall better option of the two.
The Farpoint 40 backpack is a pack-sterpiece, and is not only the best option out of the two, but one of the greatest backpacks ever made… ever!
This is due to the Farpoint’s build, comfort, versatility, and durability. It’s a badass bag that will carry your stuff, keep it safe – all while lasting a lifetime.
BUT!
But that’s not to say that the Porter 46 is a bad backpack.
In fact – quite the opposite! The Porter 46 is a great bag, and for certain travelers we would recommend it over the Farpoint 40. For example. If you’re looking for one of the best hybrid backpack-duffels, then this is a great choice.
It really just comes down to you and your personal wants and needs. Some people will benefit more from traveling with the Farpoint, and others will benefit more from traveling with the Porter.
Let’s dive deeper so you can figure out which of these bad-boys best fits your needs.
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is perfect for you if…
We think the Farpoint 40 is the better of the two bags because of many factors – but mostly for its durability and versatility. This backpack can literally do it all which is why it came out narrowly on top in the battle royale that is the Porter 46 vs Farpoint 40!
Here’s who will benefit most from the Farpoint 40
- The Farpoint 40 is perfect for travelers looking for an amazing light backpack
The Farpoint 40 is the perfect backpack for anyone who travels light/minimalistic. If you are in the market for a 40 liter backpack – this and the AER Travel Pack 3 are our two highest recommendations. Period.
But remember – 40 liters is not a lot of space and won’t be enough to cater to every type of traveler. This means no camping gear, no hiking gear, and/or very little Digital Nomad gear.
Trekking through the Andes mountains? This is not the bag fo you.
Need room for your epic drone-photography setup? This is not the bag for you.
This is because the Osprey Farpoint is a 40 liter bag, and while it’s more than enough space to pack your stuff for a long trip… it’s still going to be tight, and there’s no room much extra.
That’s why we only recommend this backpack if you travel light.
If you are interested in traveling light, but haven’t tried it yet – we highly recommend it! Traveling light with the Osprey Farpoint 40 (and a nice companion daypack) means no checked bags, no baggage fees, no lost luggage, and less stuff weighing you down – all accented with a lovely of peace of mind!
- The Osprey Farpoint 40 is perfect if you want a travel backpack that can double as a basic hiking backpack
Like we said – if you are trekking the Andes, summiting Mount Kilimanjaro or camping through the Amazon… this is NOT the backpack for you.
While the Farpoint 40 has that hike-look to is, it simply isn’t big enough for these sort of epic trek-trips… and to be honest, it’s not intended to.
But that’s not to say you can’t camp with this backpack – you totally can! Osprey builds bags that are great for camping, and the frame, features, and overall build make this backpack a very adequate camping backpack.
But just remember, this is a travel backpack FIRST and a hiking backpack second. If you are in the market for a hiking backpack, check out this epic list.
- The Osprey Farpoint 40 is perfect for you if you want a backpack that is always carry on compliant
While we mentioned this in the first point, it deserves it’s own shout out.
Simply put – whether you a weekend warrior or a world-backpacker, some travelers just prefer to travel with carry on luggage.
And this backpack will never get checked.
That’s because at 40 liters, the Osprey Farpoint 40 is universally considered to be carry on size. It doesn’t matter what airline you fly, even those pesky European budget airlines will allow you to carry this backpack onto your plane.
This sort of peace of mind is awesome. Checked bag fees can really add up, and the ability to maneuver them all together is a HUGE perk of the Farpoint 40.
Read our in-depth Osprey Farpoint 40 review!
Now that we’ve gone over some of the best perks of the Farpoint 40, let’s take a look into the Osprey Porter 46… I mean, it’s not much of a fair Farpoint 40 vs Porter 46 comparison if we don’t, right?!
The Osprey Porter 46 is perfect for you if…
- The Osprey Porter 46 is great for you if you want an Osprey backpack, but need something bigger than the 40 liter
At the end of the day, the Osprey Farpoint just isn’t big enough for everyone. When it comes to a straight-up comparison between an Osprey 40 vs 46, the later wins every time if you need more storage!
So if you are a traveler that needs some extra storage space and you LOVE Osprey packs – this is a great option for you.
A roomy 46 liters, the Porter 46 feels a lot bigger than the Farpoint 40 liter does – and that extra 6 liters can go a long way!
But we want to make one important point…
We think that the Farpoint 40 (along with the AER Travel Pack 3) are the two best 40-liter backpacks on the planet. But we wouldn’t go as far as saying the Farpoint is the best 45-liter backpack on the planet.
If you are looking for a bigger backpack than the Farpoint… there are other really great options on the market.
Our favorite is the Tortuga Outbreaker. This backpack is a 45 liter bag and is an organizational masterpiece (not to mention it’s made out of the same material that sails are made of – it’s indestructible!). Take a look at our full Outbreaker review here.
But! As we said, some people just LOVE the way Osprey packs look, and the Tortuga isn’t the sexiest looking backpack. The Porter 46 is great if you love Osprey and need that little extra storage space.
- The Osprey Porter 46 is great if you love Osprey Backpacks and are a Digital Nomad or traveling professional
While the Osprey Porter 46 was not created for Digital Nomads… it actually works quite nicely for them.
This is for a few reasons.
First off – 46 liters is a great size for Digital Nomads. Some Digital Nomads can make it work with a 40 liter, but 46 liters gives you a little extra ‘gear room’.
Second off – the Osprey Porter 46 has a ton of organization options for your gear – even more than the Farpoint 40! There are tons of pockets that will enable you to organize your gear in a way that works for you and your style.
But, while this is a fine bag for a Digital Nomad… it wasn’t designed for Digital Nomads. If love are absolutely in love with Osprey, then go for it! But otherwise we’d be slightly more inclined to recommend the Tortuga Outbreaker or AER Travel Pack 2 to Digital Nomads.
You can read our entire breakdown of the Osprey Porter here.
Still unsure which backpack is best for you? Let’s have another look at some straight-up facts when it comes to to Osprey Farpoint 40 or Porter 46 debate!
Osprey Farpoint (40 Liter)
- Cost > $$$
- > 100% carry on compliant
- > Backpack and duffelbag
- > Can double as basic hiking bag
Osprey Sojourn Porter (46 Liter)
- Cost > $$
- > Great for organizing gear
- > Backpack and duffelbag
- > Plenty of space
Let’s break down the pros and cons of each bag so you can figure out which one is perfect for you when it comes to the Osprey Porter vs Farpoint debate!
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Buy on REI!Why the Osprey Farpoint 40 is awesome
The Osprey Farpoint 40 has a ton going for it. Let’s look at some of its most important features so you can get a better idea of why this backpack kicks so much ass.
Big Primary Compartment
For a 40 liter bag the Osprey Farpoint 40 feels big. The primary compartment is designed in a way to maximize space, and to make it as easily accessible as possible.
There isn’t a ton of pockets/organization options in this main compartment – but for some travelers that simplicity is the key ingredient! What you lose in features in this compartment, you compensate for with a hefty amount of packing space.
Stowaway Straps
Don’t sleep on this feature – it’s freaking awesome.
The Osprey Farpoint 40 can act as either a backpack or a duffel bag (which is awesome!), and the ability to completely stow the strap away makes it even awesome-er!!
The straps are surprisingly easy to stow, and the backpack looks and feels great when they are.
Laptop Compartment
While a laptop compartment is better than no laptop compartment… this is one of the cons of the bag for us.
Here’s why…
The best laptop backpacks all have designated laptop sleeves, and all of those laptop sleeves are located in the same area – the BACK of the bag (aka – where it belongs!).
Why put the laptop compartment in the back? Two reasons. First, it helps distribute weight better when it’s pressed against your back. Second, when the laptop is in the front it’s more vulnerable to the gear that is pushing against it – leaving it more vulnerable to being pushed against and maybe cracking the screen.
Now don’t get us wrong, your screen most likely won’t crack, and a laptop compartment is better than no laptop compartment… it’s just an odd decision on Osprey’s part.
Mesh Pockets
Always nice to have – especially when traveling. Mesh pockets will enable you to carry water with you.
This is great as carrying a water bottle will help you save money, be hydrated all the time, and help reduce the amount of plastic water bottles you’ll need to buy 🙂
Secret Stash Pocket
This pocket is well designed, easily accessible, and is made from materials that won’t scratch your shades or glasses.
It’s also a nice pocket to keep your passport, wallet, or spare change.
Why the Osprey Porter 46 is awesome
While we aren’t enchanted by the Porter 46, it’s still a phenomenal backpack. The Porter packs a serious punch in it’s great design, nice features, and bigger size.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the specific features that makes the Osprey Porter 46 special.
Super organized
Remember, one of the more unique features of the Porter 46 is its organization. This bag is more gear-friendly than previous Osprey bags, and more so than the Farpoint 40 – which is why we recommend it for Digital Nomads.
But remember – as nice as the organization is, it’s not the best-organized backpack on the market. The Osprey Porter 46 can’t hold a candle to the organizational abilities of Tortuga or AER.
But still – compared to the Farpoint, it’s certainly got more options.
Straps can stow away
We are big fans of stow away straps. Having the option gives your backpack the ability to morph into a sleek duffel bag in under 30 seconds. It’s awesome!
Both the Farpoint 40 and the Porter 46 have stow away straps and we think they are equally well designed.
The difference? Technically the Osprey Porter 46 is a duffel bag. So this enables you to put it into its normal form and be the duffel bag it was meant to be!
Compression Straps and Sidewalls
This is one of the coolest features of the Osprey Porter 46 – it’s build!
This backpack has a system of side walls and compression straps that enable you to compress your bag and keep your gear extra safe.
The side walls are very well designed, and although they are a bit bulky, they aren’t heavy and the bulk is eliminated once the bag is compressed. The compression straps are super easy to use and are very effective in condensing the size of the backpack.
Laptop/Tablet Sleeve
The Osprey Porter 46 is a really nice option for those traveling with tech-gear, and this is shown by them placing the laptop compartment in the back of the backpack.
The designated laptop sleeve is well designed, very protective, and most importantly it’s easy to access.
This compartment is also lockable, which is a nice additional security feature.
Grab Handles
Simple, but always appreciated.
The Porter’s grab handles are made of great material and feel awesome. When you need to make a quick grab for the backpack, these hand-les are super hand-y 🙂
Front Panel/Pocket
All backpacks in this price range are going to have an awesome front pocket – and the Osprey Porter 46 is no exception!
This pocket is easily accessible and is well protected. Whether you need to place your passport, your wallet, a journal or a book in there – the front pocket has got you covered!
Top Pocket
Top zippered pockets are awesome. They offer the quickest access and are great for toiletries, wallets, phones and books.
Did you know....?
- All Osprey Packs come with the Lifetime All Mighty Guarantee. This means that if the pack breaks during its lifetime, then Osprey will fix it for free (exceptions apply).
- For every pack sold online, Osprey will plant 2 trees!!
Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…
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Osprey Farpoint 40 vs. Porter 46 – Our Final Verdict
Osprey Farpoint (40 Liter)
- Cost > $$$
- > 100% carry on compliant
- > Backpack and duffelbag
- > Can double as basic hiking bag
Osprey Sojourn Porter (46 Liter)
- Cost > $$
- > Great for organizing gear
- > Backpack and duffelbag
- > Plenty of space
Hopefully, you enjoyed our epic Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Osprey Porter 46 guide!
We know that with the help of this guide you’ll know exactly which of the two bags is best for you and your travel needs.
While we like the Porter 46 a lot, we definitely think the Farpoint 40 is a masterpiece and difficult to beat. The Porter is great, but if you are looking for this style of bag there are some competitors who do it just as well… if not slightly better.
But both backpacks are truly amazing so no matter which one you pick you can be confident that you’ll be traveling with one of the coolest backpacks on the market!
What are your thoughts? Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Porter 46 – which do you think is better? Let us know in the comments below!
Just remember, the Osprey Farpoint or Porter debate isn’t as simple as these two sizes either, as both bags do come in a wider range. So check them out too.
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
