Osprey Porter 46 vs Farpoint 40 Review

⚠️ This versionsof the Farpoint 40 is old!
See my NEW review here: • Video
► Osprey Porter 46 backpack: www.indietrave...
► Osprey Farpoint 40 backpack: www.indietrave...
► eBags slim packing cubes: www.indietrave...
Note: the above are affiliate links from which I can earn a small commission if you make a purchase. This doesn't affect what I say about the products, and this video isn't sponsored in any way.
In this review I look at the latest 2017 edition of the Porter 46 and compare it to the Farpoint 40. The way to know if you're looking at the NEW Porter 46 is to check the logo: if it's a monochrome outline of a bird with the word Osprey, it's the new and improved edition. If it has an oval shape around it then it's the old design.
Check out my other stuff as well:
► How much fits in a 40L bag? • Packing for Southeast ...
► My ultimate guide to packing light: www.indietrave...
► Review: Farpoint 40 vs Farpoint 55: • Osprey Farpoint 40 vs ...
For travel tips, destination guides & gear reviews, visit www.indietravel...
Facebook: / indietravellersite
Twitter: / indietravlr
Instagram: / indietravlr

[@zeriel0009]

Everyone always goes for the Farpoint because of the better straps but nobody ever mentions the Porter. The Porter is amazing because it has a lot more organization features, it has the laptop pocket in the back where it's a lot safer, it has the compression flaps that allow you to hide zippers and secure your bag, seriously it's like the Swiss knife of backpacks! The only downside is that it's not as comfortable for long durations as is the Farpoint and that it's BIG, seriously this is a badass Backpack that will get some attention. At the same time being big means you can use it to carry so much more than the Farpoint and at the same time pack it less and use it as Carry on. It's a shame Osprey doesn't give the Porter the Farpoint straps and get rid of the Farpoint, then you would have the ultimate Travel bag!

[@indietraveller]

So true! That would be 100% the perfect bag

[@backpackingtony1779]

I love my Porter 46! Been traveling with it since 2017. The check bag fees I’ve saved have paid for itself three times over.

[@fjs0419]

I liked how on point this video was and not just going over the same stuff for like 15 minutes. Very precise info. Thanks!

[@indietraveller]

Glad to hear that! I am trying to keep my videos concise whenever I can :)

[@SoCalDaveL]

As an owner of the Farpoint 40 I have to say... I'm jealous of the Porter's organizational features... but overall, I'd rather have my Farpoint. Suited me well for a weeklong cruise w/ the family, I take it on work trips (w/ a Timbuk2 Tuck Pack folded flat inside for when I reach my hotel) and it'll be with me heading to Hawaii later this spring. Great bag.

[@bobjohnson6131]

SoCalDaveL could you chime in on what the far point looks like when packed to the max.....lots of video review of the far point and porter but none shows what it looks like on back when packed fully. Just need to know if I’ll look like a turtle wearing one.....rather have a nice looking backpack

[@daves5026]

@@bobjohnson6131 I had the farpoint 40 for a month through SE Asia. Packed to the absolute brim. Amazing pack. It definitely gives you a bit of a turtle look since it juts out horizontally instead of stacking vertically. But every pack will do this to some extent. It is good looking. You won't regret buying it.

[@cenaculum1]

i bought that porter 46 and hate it! its a big heavy beast, like carrying a suitcase on your back. it lives in the attic.

[@2nuckinfuts]

This was more a review of the osprey porter than a comparison between the two bags.

[@Sendit123]

I've searched all over to buy the Osprey 46L 2017 model in black, but like you say it's hassle for us in Europe. I found them on ebay to be false advertising showing this pack but really selling the 2016 model after I'd contacted to them, others were advertising black but later found out to be grey. A German store sold me one but then refunded as it was out of stock, and others I just couldn't trust. Why people are so dishonest I don't know, it riles me. I think in my quest to purchase the pack I'll be be better having a holiday in the US to just buy it.

[@timlewis7087]

The Porter is now available in Europe from Osprey Europe direct

[@indietraveller]

Finally! That's great news

[@therealchickentender]

The old Waypoint series had the best of the Farpoint and Porter lines in one bag. Wish they still made it.

[@indietraveller]

Hmm I was unaware of the Waypoint but looking at the pics it does seem exactly like a combination of these two lines. I would totally want one.

[@piktip]

Hi, actually Osprey Porter 30 & 46 are now available in Indonesia. I don't know about other (South East) Asian countries.

[@brokenomad]

I'm looking for one. Where to get it?

[@sleddy01]

Your negatives are my positives but helped me decide. Thanks!

[@adhynugroho9424]

The Porter 46 is an absolute beast for backpacking. The protective "walls" are useful not only for protection, but it gives the inner organization a bit of structure as well. U will want to take with u a portable daypack though. U definitely do NOT want to carry that Porter 46 around all day.

[@indietraveller]

Yeah agreed, it's not comfy enough to carry for a long time!

[@backpackingtony1779]

Great video. You gave me inspiration to travel India with the Porter 46L. It was perfect for getting around trains, buses and planes with ease. Keep up the good work. I hear an accent. Where are you from?

[@indietraveller]

Thanks Tony! Glad the bag worked out for you. The accent you hear if from the Netherlands :)

[@annieg7090]

Did you ever have any trouble on an airline using the Porter 46 as a carry on? Technically, it does not fit the dimensions of carry-on size. I like the layout of the Porter 46 more. However, if I was forced to check it, that would defeat the purpose.

[@donesy125]

Anj L I’ve been on a lot of different flights (Norwegian, RyanAir, Transavia, Ukraine Air) and never had an issue as far as carry on. I have the older model so not sure if the dimensions are different tho

[@fch928]

The porter comes in multiple selection for size theres is the porter 30 which is smaller but still can pack a week worth of cloth inside.

[@bobjohnson6131]

If I pack a moderate amount of luggage which would look more sleek? I kind of care if it will stick out from my back too much since I don’t want to hit people accidentally

[@Cpsc111]

Your reviews have been very helpful in making our decision to go with porter46. Can you please do a review for day packs. Especially, osprey daylite plus. Please talk about side mesh pockets and carrying a water bottle in them. Because people complain about it and wondering if there is a solution for that. Thank you!

[@indietraveller]

Hey Mira! Glad to hear and I definitely plan to review day packs (I'll have a look at the daylite plus and also have another one in the pipeline). I'm setting up a new youtube studio so I can do videos more often!

[@teddrobles5901]

You could even strap things on the front straps ( tent, mat, jacket).

[@ceicli]

When I check the European Osprey-page today, it's available (but only online). Perhaps they listened to buyers.

[@indietraveller]

Yeah they've finally made it available!

[@alexgabriel534]

Farpoint 40 unbeatable for travelling in Europe and going lightweight through south east Asia

[@srihar7251]

I add my stuffs of about 10kg to this osprey porter 46 and I feel sick about my shoulder. It doesnt comfortable at all. Walking 20 minute with this bag really feels tired. I'm 180cm tall How many kg is the maximum recommendation of this bag?

[@MrEndi99]

Weirdly enough ive had the same problem with osprey backpacks. I bought a daylite+ and ended up returning it because of the pain in my shoulders. I bought the nebula and returned it because of the same problems. Osprey are stellar backpacks for organization but comfort sucks because they use cheap straps

[@Anettesb]

Osprey Europe do sell porter 46 now.

[@quentinrufin4025]

I think the reason why the Porter 46 is not really available in the EU it is because some EU airlines such Ryanair allow smaller carry on luggage.

[@danielpearson4972]

I have information on a couple EU low cost airlines they do not permit carryon. Here in the US there 3 that are very restrictive or even charge for it also. I haven't been but England to talk to sailboat broker and it hD been taken to Israel and I wasn't permitted in because I came from the Turkish part of Cyprus.

[@lucievargova9291]

Hello, I am really wondering why there are these diferences between EU and US Osprey. My new Fairview 55 is on the way but I was considering some other bags but... no posibility or really difficult and not so cheap to get it here in central Europe. Maybe in future. Let’ s see.

[@indietraveller]

Yeah it's definitely annoying! A while ago I asked Osprey Europe what's up and they just said 'unfortunately the European market is discontinuing the Porter so will not be receiving this' and then apologized for it not being available. Hmm.

[@FragRevel]

If you need to walk a lot with your backpack, Farpoint 40 is the best one.

[@jp2503]

Do you think there's any way to pack a solo tent like a rhino wolf into either of these bags?

[@JW-vg9ex]

Does the Porter 46 come with a rain cover? Or do they make one that fits it?

[@rafariver2882]

It is water proof

[@zeriel0009]

It's not water proof, it's water resistant. Osprey uses some kind of coating that repels water but I think ONLY the laptop compartment is completely waterproof and the rest is resistant. Osprey makes all kinds of rain covers or you could buy no brand name ones.

[@jesusdkn]

Hello, have you traveled with this backpack as a carry-on bag ?? Maybe with ryanair ??

[@DorsSeldon]

Hi Indie traveller, I have seen a couple of your videos, and I hope you can help me to decide with your knowledge and experience... I am use to travel with a carry-on suitcase and a day backpack around Europe (I'm from Spain). My trips doesn't usually have to move around much... And usually it's not more ten or twelve days. In October I'll go five days to Singapore (I'll stay in a friend's home), four days in Seoul (I am thnking to do Couchsurfing...) and two weeks in Japon staying in hotels (5 nights in Tokyo, 4 nights in Kyoto, 2 nights in Osaka, 1 night in Hakone)... I don't check in baggage in the flight from Spain to Singapore, but the rest I do. I plan to buy gifts and stuff in those places, and I was thinking to take a foldable bag with me (such as the osprey ultralight stuff duffel 30l). And here it goes my question, Would be better to go with the Farpoint 55l, farpoint 40l/porter 46 + fordable day backpack, suitcase + day backpack, another backpack + fordable day backpack (all with the fordable duffel), a big suitcase? What combination is best? I like to go with back pack in a daily base because I have my hands free... My first idea was to take the farpoint 55l with the foldable duffel, half full to be able to go without check in in the first flight, and also to be able to use the foldable duffel just in Japan. (I can keep in Tokyo one bag with the gifts until I come back for the last night there). Sorry for my longest message in KZbin ever, and thank you in advance.

[@indietraveller]

Heya! Hard to say but I would make the decision on which backpack to get not just based in this one trip but how you can use the pack on future trips. Since you normally use a backpack in combination with a suitcase that maybe points towards a farpoint 40 or porter 46 (in combination with an extra bag or suitcase), rather than the bigger farpoint 55. Check out the Tortuga Outbreaker as well (see video in my channel) as perhaps you might like this bag as it's a bit more of a city travel bag. It also has a pass-through at the back that lets you attach it to a rolling suitcase

[@DorsSeldon]

Hey! Thank you for your reply! I see one problem with this carry-on backpacks, they are too big to walk around the city... So if I choose the suitcase, I may change my day backpack for one with more pockets (and maybe a bit more water proof...) but more or less the same size. "which backpack to get not just based in this one trip but how you can use the pack on future trips." It's a good point. I thought about that too, but I haven't made my mind yet... That's also the reason I was thinking if I should buy or not the fordable bag... The good points about to take the 55l is: 1. you get the main backpack and a day one, all in, and it's possible to tie up both together make it easier and more comfortable to carry... 2. I will have one more option in my future trips. 3. I really like to have my hands free. 4. And comparing with taking just the 40l or similar: It has more storage (not just for the main backpack but also because of the day pack). This doesn't mean I am sure I want the 55l... I am only presenting all my mess! Thank you again!

[@MasumBillah81]

hello indietraveller for a person with height 5 ft 6 inch which farpoint 40 is better??S/M or M/L ?? please let me know. it will be very helpful for me to decide.

[@rafariver2882]

S/M because the torso length for the M/L is way larger I am 5'7

[@matthias7569]

Beautiful thank you short is perfect

[@guidoahsam8043]

yuo can buy 46 in australia

[@pablojc]

Hello! Did you try to pass the porter 46 as a carry on backpack in a domestic flight in Italy? I’ve heard they are very strict about weight and dimensions and charge you a lot in case you have to check the luggage. Thanks.

[@indietraveller]

Not flown with it in Italy, sorry!

[@itzpayday1238]

Is the Porter 46 good for school? I have a ozone 45 currently and it lasted a while, but now it's starting to fall apart. Thanks!

[@mononoke457]

Contact Osprey, they can replace it for you, awesome company policy!

[@gummybear41283]

you said you have tried better backpacks, which one is it??!!

[@indietraveller]

I keep a list here: www.indietraveller.co/best-backpacks-for-travel/

[@sup_orthobro]

Can the porter 46 go on the plane with me

[@khaledmalas8491]

Hey, can you remove the hip belts?

[@indietraveller]

You can't detach them however they are stowable (you tuck them into a dedicated little space)

[@MattAlexanderMe]

No, but I wish that you could remove them from the Porter 46. They are thin and useless for carrying any vertical weight, since they aren't low enough to be hip level. After a bunch of travel, during which I kept the hip belt stowed the whole time, I am considering cutting them off, along with some of the other things that I found that I don't ever use, like the handle on the side.

[@martincarvallo6955]

Hi! If I want to go backpacking Europe or the US the Porter 46 it’s still carry on size for budget airlines?

[@indietraveller]

It's just slightly larger (I think by like an inch or 2,5cm). But I've still taken it on budget airlines as it just looks like it should be carry-on size

[@samuraicrunch]

Hi, great video! I want to buy one backpack to travel tojapan a month, i was lookimg at these 2 models. Is the porter 6ltr make the difference? I will be using this mostly from train to hotel/hostel/acommodation will this hurt my back? Is the farpoint 40 enought?

[@indietraveller]

I think the Porter 46 is pretty well suited for that kind of urban backpacking/hostel travel. At least, it didn't hurt my back when I was just wearing it during transit etc. The 6 extra liters are definitely nice but it's probably not a make-or-break thing... you can always also use a tote bag, mini daypack, or purse for storing a few extra things (on a flight you can usually carry that as second personal item). I always travel with bags of around 40 ~ 45 liters and I find this sufficient as long as I pack somewhat minimally (no unnecessary clothes, only 2 pairs of shoes, etc.) Hope this helps

[@samuraicrunch]

indietraveller what kind of daypack or another oack can I use for the trips around the city once I store my backpack on acomodation? Mainly for mirrorless camera,gopro and maybe something to eat,drink. Thanks

[@indietraveller]

There are tons of options, though I recently bought this one and like it a lot: geni.us/caselogictbc411 Quite small and light, and I use it to store my mirrorless + 3 lenses + gorillapod (plus snacks or other small things).

[@chickenandwaffles09]

Straps were to thin. Thus couldn’t do the 46

[@dansugardude2655]

Which country are you from mate? Your accent sounds Dutch for some reason but I’m not 100% sure

[@indietraveller]

Hah you guessed correctly! :) But I also lived in the UK for 8 years and adopted quite a bit of American so it's all over the place now

[@dansugardude2655]

Indie Traveller ahah I could definitely tell it was from a West Germanic language but not Ireland or the UK. That’s crazy that it was so difficult just to get a backpack all because it’s not available in Europe!

[@juniorphoenixterrier9116]

where is the ACTUAL review if the Fairpoint??????

[@indietraveller]

Review links: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gqK2nYNvjJWritk www.indietraveller.co/osprey-farpoint-40-vs-55/ www.indietraveller.co/farpoint-55-review/

[@ChrisChong1]

@indietraveller Great video! Could you tell us what color Porter 46 that is at 0:29 is? thank you!

[@ChrisChong1]

nevermind, i watched till the very end

[@indietraveller]

Yep that's the Castle Grey edition. It can have a different appearance depending on the light!

[@jackru9639]

i'm huge person so which will suits me 40 or 46

[@indietraveller]

I'm kind of a non-huge guy so can't say from experience! But I'd go Farpoint 40 as it has a better harness and more adjustment straps, so you have a better chance of making it fit well on your body.

[@theunknownrider2392]

I am doing a 3 months trip to Thaïland and Europe and I was wondering if it was a good idea to take the Osprey Farpoint 40. I'll be alone about 2/3 of the trip (in Europe) and I want to keep my bag with me as much as possible. The two things that bugs me is the quantity of liquids I can have in my bag when I transport it as a carry on and the impossibility to carry a knife. That being said, is one liter of liquids divided into 100mL compartments enough to travel? Also, I know 40L is not a lot of space but do you think I'll be ok with that size knowing that I will be minimalist? Thank you!

[@indietraveller]

Hey Gab. I travelled with the Farpoint 40 in both Thailand and Europe. If you're minimalist then yes it'll be fine - especially if you're travelling Europe in summer when you don't need lots of winter clothing. This video might give some sense of how much fits in that bag: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJqWl4iDopWXnK8 If you want to have the bag with you a lot then the Farpoint 40 probably has the edge as it's a bit more padded and comfortable. I'm not aware of any total maximum on the liquids you can have as carry-on... the important thing is that the containers are under 100ml. The knife thing though isn't something you can really get around without having your luggage checked in! Hope this helps

[@kennethboehnen271]

Why would carry a bunch of 100ml containers of water??that's inviting a lengthy inspection. Carry an empty water flask through security and then fill it with bottled water. You don't need a knife, especially while overseas, unless you want an extended "vacation".

[@zeriel0009]

@@kennethboehnen271 Sharp sticks and broken beer bottles work just as well too

[@webbryan1]

What is that item you put in @2:04? Link please thank you!

[@whengrapespop5728]

ryan webb That is either a sleeping bag or a stuff sack with straps.

[@teddrobles5901]

Is there an external lace on this?

[@indietraveller]

Sorry, not sure what you mean by that. A lace for what?

[@jaymeez]

I love my Farpoint 40

[@SolarSailor]

Do you think the 40 would be good for my trip to Europe? I'll be gone for a bit over a months and am torn between the 40 and 55

[@Littusoblivion]

Wich one do you recomend? i'm thinking to buy one of these, my first election was farpoint, but somebody can helo me wiht his recomendation.

[@indietraveller]

It depends on what's important to you... they both have pros and cons. I like the organization of the Porter 46 more, but I think the Farpoint 40 has a better harness.

[@Fmblogger04]

How does it compare to the Ozone 46?

[@indietraveller]

I've not tried the Ozone 46 in person yet, so not sure. Sorry!

[@danielpearson4972]

The farpoint as I saw on new reviews has the laptop placement next to your back which makes a better balance. Also there is the fairpoint which is designed for women's body shape. I do carry a laptop but a tablet ad it is lighter with a Bluetooth keyboard. I have had the farpoint for 4 years and been to Portugal and Tuekey on Turkish Air. And the Ukraine before the war. and Grece. Mostly to Asian countries. It is great bag but almost to long especially on forgoing air lines. Here in the US when on domestic flughts it is not an issue. I fly on Singapore Air and Eva Air and they restrictive on size and weight of 7kg. I use business class as more room on those 13 hour flights. Also Turkish are long hours also. Avoid US domestic flights as here there are many violent issues as Americans drink and cause problems and race and political issues. Looking at relocating. Thank you for the review on the porter as had seen one.