Most anthropologists would agree that 3 of mankind’s greatest and most technologically cataclysmic innovations are fire, the wheel and of course the duffel bag. Well, the Osprey Transporter is setting the world of travel gear firmly on fire by combining the last 2 of these great innovations (you can add the third if you so feel inclined!)
In the ultra-competitive world of travel gear, the Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel stands out as a rugged, versatile companion designed to handle anything from weekend getaways to some seriously LOOOONNGG ass adventures. Combining the best features of a duffel bag and a piece of rolling luggage, this bag offers durability, ease of transport, and efficient storage.
Let’s dive into what makes the Osprey Transporter a top choice for travellers seeking reliability and style.
Image: Aiden
About The Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel
Here’s the credos – The Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel is basically a duffel bag on wheels! It’s a beautiful hybrid between a duffel and a wheeled luggage so you can carry it or ride it depending on where you are and how you feel.
There are 4 different size versions including the 40L carry-on compatible one and a mammoth 120L one. However when compiling this review I used the 60L version so will focus mostly on this size.
- Capacity: 60 litres
- Size: 14 x 36 x 37 cm
- Weight: 2.8 kg
- Price: $250 USD
Size, Weight and Capacity
For the purpose of this review, I got my hands on the 60l version and I can say that despite its generous 60L capacity, the Transporter Wheeled Duffel is designed to strike a balance between spaciousness and portability. If you know how to pack efficiently, 60L of storage can be enough for a backpacker doing a 6-month trip or even a whole family doing a long weekend getaway.
The 60L is not officially a carry-on size for most airlines due to its dimensions, but it’s incredibly efficient for checking in. If you want carry-on luggage only, then the 40L version is accepted by most airlines. Then if you are immigrating to Australia or something, the 120L offers a serious amount of storage.
In terms of size, when I stand the 60L up from the ground, it almost reaches my hips. It’s pretty much perfectly rectangular shaped and is a lot less bulky than other rolling luggage pieces I’ve used before. This makes it easy to slot into cabins, car boots, or play Tetris with. Note that the 120L is a bit of a behemoth.
Coming in at under 3KG the weight is on the lighter side for wheeled duffels, ensuring it doesn’t add unnecessary heft. Still, this pack is a lot heavier than 60L backpacks and is heavier than the Osprey Sojourn 60L (a rolling backpack made from lighter material).
Remember that when you are not using the wheels, you will need to carry the Transporter pack so do take this into account. I was able to carry it up and down stairs but would not fancy carrying it for too long across a busy city on a hot day if you know what I mean.
If it’s not for you, maybe you should consider a backpack or suitcase instead.
Storage, Packing and Access
Image: Aiden
The Osprey Transporter Rolling duffel uses a pretty classic and simple packing access system. It features a large, lockable U-zip opening to the main compartment, making packing and accessing your belongings straightforward. Basically (almost) everything is in one main compartment.
If you invest in a few decent packing cubes, then you will be able to pack and unpack the Transporter neatly and easily. This is a real standout feature for me – after years of digging into backpacks, such an efficient access feels like a new paradigm.
Internal organisation pockets and compression straps help keep everything in place, while external pockets provide quick access to essentials. The design is thoughtful, catering to both neat packers and those who prefer to stuff their bag to the brim. There is also a little lip zip pocket in the top of the pack but that’s it.
Note that there is NO laptop compartment inside this pack. For that, you might be best looking at the Peak Design Duffelpack.
Materials, Durability and Aesthetics
Constructed with highly durable, water-resistant fabrics, the Transporter is built to withstand the rigours of travel. As soon as you touch the smooth, sleek, water-resistant outer material you can feel the ruggedness of the bag.
This piece was clearly built to last and it’s hard to ever imagine it tearing or splitting. I have also tried the (brilliant) Osprey Sojourn Wheeled Backpack and can tell you that the material on this one feels a lot more hard-wearing. Of course, it’s heavier too but we already talked about weight and will touch on it again in the next section.
When it comes to any form of rolling travel gear (suitcases, carry-ons, whatever) the weak points are usually the handle and the wheels. I haven’t punished this pack enough to really comment here but have to mention that Osprey offers their All Mighty Guarantee which is a lot more robust than a standard guarantee so that should put your mind at ease just a wee little bit.
Its rugged design doesn’t compromise on aesthetics either. The Transporter is a good-looking pack and is available in several colours all of which maintain a professional and sleek style.
In summary, the attention to detail in the construction ensures that this bag not only looks good but is also built to last so it passes this test.
Carrying Comfort
Let’s now examine how the Transporter Rolling Duffel feels to carry.
There are 3 grab handles on this pack – one at the top and one on either side. They are perfectly comfortable to grip but could perhaps start to sweat and chaffe over long periods in testing circumstances or warm weather.
Note that there is no shoulder strap like you get with more standard duffels so when it comes to carrying this, it’s all down to your biceps, which might be a good idea if you want to keep fit whilst travelling!
If you are using the wheels to roll the pack, then the trolley handle has 2 height settings and the rolling motion feels super smooth, even on the cobbles of Yorkshire.
However, let’s be honest. Once packed, this wheeled duffel made from strong but heavy materials could have some hefty weight to it and carrying it by the side handles over long distances could get tiring. I would not really want to have to carry it too far for too long. I must make clear, this is not a shortcoming but is a reality of this kind of travel pack and this is why I still usually stick to backpacks or hybrid duffel backpacks.
Image: Aiden
Price
The 60L version retails for around $250. While this is not cheap, it is not especially expensive either. I know that you can pick up something from Walmart or Amazon for a 5th of that and if you are desperate then this is what you should do.
But take it from us, travel gear (especially luggage and bags) is in the same category as boots in that buying quality gear always pays dividends in the long term. Our favourite travel gear isn’t cheap, but it does want you want it to do.
If you do buy that $50 roller duffel then just be prepared for the wheels to break at a shitty moment so get used to carrying the bloody thing sooner rather than later.
Best Uses
The Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 60 is ideal for a wide range of travel scenarios. I think it’s best for weekend breaks, short trips or with the 60+ versions, destination vacations or cruises. The 120L version could be used for packing up all your gear and starting a new life if that bank heist goes to plan!
I would also recommend this pack for people travelling with lots of gear such as camera equipment, drones or even travelling DJs. To be honest, I could have made a whole other section about how these packs are great for market traders who need to carry their wares, and touring musicians etc but this is perhaps getting a bit niche.
What I would NOT use this pack for though, is backpacking, camping, or going outdoors. Instead, you might want to check out some of the other Osprey backpacks out there built for these specific purposes.
Image: Aiden
Final Thoughts
The Osprey Transporter Wheeled Duffel 60 is a robust, stylish, and thoughtful travel solution that lives up to the demands of modern travel. With its durable construction, ample storage, and easy manoeuvrability, it stands as a top contender for those in search of a reliable travel companion.
All in all, it is a great product and a lovely piece of travel gear. It surpassed my expectations and opened my mind up to maybe one day using it as opposed to my beloved backpacks. The only limitations are that it is not suitable for carrying long distances, backpacking, hiking, camping or getting outdoors. But for my next vacay to lay on the beach in Turkey, it’s coming!
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!
