The Osprey backpacks on this page Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Porter 46 is a comparison between two very good backpacks. But which one is the best choice for you? These nylon constructed heavy-duty backpacks have many similar features, so it’s understandable why you would want to find more information about these packs before you spend your hard-earned money on one. Bu the differences between these two are very important and will definitely influence your purchase decision. Read on below to determine which you should get.
Osprey Farpoint 40 – Click here to check price
Osprey Porter 46 – Click here to check price
Osprey Farpoint 40 VS Porter 46: Which of these Backpacks is Best for you...?
Construction
However, some users prefer the Porter 46 because it is made of a much thicker and stronger nylon material than the Farpoint 40. Despite their fears that the Farpoint 40 wouldn’t prove to be as durable as the Porter 46, it has continued to exceed their expectations and prove their fears false. Users of both, say that the Farpoint 40 is just as strong and durable as the Porter 46.
Gear Capacity, Space and Size
The Osprey Farpoint 40 comes in two sizes: S/M and M/L. The S/M is sized for those with a torso length around 18” and having a height below 5’6’’. The M/L is better suited for individuals above 5’6” with a torso length greater than 18”.
The Osprey Farpoint 40 has a gear capacity of 38L for the S/M-sized bag and 40L for the M/L-sized bag. The Osprey Porter 46 comes in just one size with an impressive gear capacity of 46L.
Invariably, the Porter 46 has way more space and depth than the Farpoint 40.
Colors
Both backpacks have three different color options. The Farpoint 40 can be found in red (Jasper Red), grey (Volcanic Grey) or blue (Persian Blue). The Porter 46 could be either black, green (Nitro Green) or red (Voodoo Red).
Carry-On Compliance
Both bags satisfy the carry-on requirements of most airlines, and thus are carry-on compliant. Most users claim that when packed to the hilt, both backpacks are still certified as carry-on size even in airlines having strict luggage restrictions.
Padding and Comfortability
Both of these Osprey backpacks come with chest (or sternum) straps, shoulder straps, and hip straps or hip belts. The chest straps help with stability, the shoulder straps help to adjust the tension over your shoulders while the hip straps aid in the transfer and distribution of weight from your shoulders to your hips.
While the Porter 46 excels in the area of gear capacity and space, it is no match for the Farpoint 40 when it comes to comfortability. The shoulder straps of the Porter 46 are minimally padded and are more prone dig into your shoulders, causing an uncomfortable chafing sensation after extended periods of time. Its hip belt is not different as the general consensus is that it doesn’t do an effective job of properly distributing the bag’s weight. Some users even claimed that their Porter 46 backpacks came with only attachment points for the shoulder straps and not the shoulder straps themselves.
Click here to get more details on the Osprey Farpoint 40
Click here to get more details on the Osprey Porter 46
The Farpoint 40 comes with well-padded shoulder straps, an effective hip belt, and even a back panel with mesh covering to help in ventilation. At list price, the Farpoint 40 is more expensive than the Porter 46. Nevertheless, most users would agree with me when I say that for a backpack that is comfortability defined, the extra dollar is worth it (a sale can make this the opposite depending on when you actually purchase).
Compartments and Security
On opening the Osprey Farpoint 40, you would discover a main compartment, laptop and tablet sleeves, and a zipped pocket. It also has two external mesh pockets that can serve as water bottle holders and a zipped pocket at the top of the bag for keeping stuff you might want to access quickly. The main compartment has a large access panel that can be zipped and locked to secure the contents of the bag. While this bag’s security feature has been praised, its lack of smaller compartments to aid organization of personal effects has been seriously condemned, with most users wishing the sole internal pocket had been split into two or three sub-pockets. Some customers claimed that when packed to the hilt, it becomes impossible to put water bottles into the bag’s external mesh pockets.
Like the Farpoint 40, the Porter 46 has the main compartment, zippered access panel and the laptop and tablet sleeves. But that’s where the similarities end. The Porter 46 boasts of two internal pockets to help with organization when packing. It has no external mesh pockets for water bottles and no easy-access top pocket. The external top pocket can be found in the older Porter 46 model.
Several users claim not to be comfortable with the placement of the laptop and tablet sleeves at the front of the bag. If placed at the back, the electronic devices would be better protected and even help in the bag’s weight distribution.
Limitations of Use
The Porter 46 is more of a travel bag than a backpack. In simple terms, it is not supposed to be carried on the back for more than one hour due to its barely-there padding. The Farpoint 40, on the other hand, is a backpack that can be used for both travelling and hiking. However, it is a not-so-good choice for long trekking spanning more than 5 hours.
Convenient features
Both bags possess very convenient features that help in improving user experience. They both have sturdy, well-padded carry handles that help in transporting the bag from one point to another if you don’t want to carry it on your back. Shoulder, chest and hip straps can be stowed away in a back panel to give your bag a slimmer profile. There are whistles in their chest straps for emergency situations. Internal compression straps ensure your stuff doesn’t move around in the bag once you are in motion. Just like your normal travel suitcases, these bags are designed as front-loaders. This loading style is infinitely preferable as it helps you quickly access the contents of the bag when you need to.
The Porter 46 has an additional attachment point for daypacks, as well as foam-stiffened walls to prevent sagging and give the bag a streamlined look.
Durability and Warranty
Both bags are rip-resistant and their zippers rarely snap or snag. However, if in the course of usage, the bag develops a tear or a defect, Osprey offers you a lifetime warranty. This warranty simply means you can return the damaged bag to the nearest store and get a new one instantly without paying a dime. If that’s not an incentive to buy these bags, I don’t know what is.
Pros and Cons of the Osprey Farpoint 40
Pros
- Well padded
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Lifetime warranty
- Mildly water resistant
- External front pockets for easy access
Cons
- Slightly heavier due to its padding
- Lesser gear capacity and space than the Porter 46
- Rain covers have to be purchased separately
- Pockets are not well-compartmentalized to aid organization
Pros and Cons of the Osprey Porter 46
Pros
- Greater gear capacity and space than the Farpoint 40
- Pockets are well-compartmentalized to aid organization
- Durable
- Lifetime warranty
- Mildly water resistant
Cons
- Minimal padding
- Not comfortable when worn for more than an hour
- Rain covers have to be purchased separately
- No external front pockets for easy access
Osprey Farpoint 40 – Click here to check ratings and reviews
Osprey Porter 46 – Click here to check ratings and reviews
Summary and Recommendation
The Osprey Farpoint 40 vs Porter 46 comparison comes down to capacity vs comfort. While both of these backpacks are well-designed with lots of convenient and thoughtful features, what separates the two is very important.
According to customer reports and design information available, the Farpoint 40, with its more padded shoulder straps is the more comfortable of the two backpacks. If I were choosing, I would go for the Farpoint 40 because, well, comfort trumps capacity. And you can still fit a lot of gear into the 40.