It is the right size for the max load I would ever want to carry-on my back (about 10kg). The load lifters make the carry so much more balanced than the older Porter 30 but at the expense of making the laptop compartment a bit hard to access (you have to unbuckle load lifters).
Thanks for this video. I always enjoy your travel bag reviews. I think you have captured most of the important feature changes. I have a still older version of the Porter 30 before they "upgraded" to the recycled fabric of the "old" version that you are comparing against the new Sojourn version. After examining the Sojourn at a local store I still think that I prefer the two generations older one that I have. Since I'm taller I find that I am often carrying the bag over my shoulder with an accessory shoulder strap (since the hip belt sits too high on me in backpack mode). The hardware on my older bag seems better suited for this mode of carry than both of the newer versions. Also in this carry mode the relatively hard back doesn't matter much. I also prefer the organization pockets, and laptop compartment of the one I have now to the newer ones. The only issue with the Porter 30 that I have is the weight, and this newer version doesn't seem to be an improvement in that area. either. But even at 2.8 lbs. I find the extra organization (hey, I use that verticle slash pocket on the front side) nice for travel on longer train trips, etc.
Thanks for sharing a tall guy's perspective. I'm 6'9" and looking to downsize from my original-model 22-inch Porter 46 to something in the 18 to 20-inch, 30-ish liter range; you've confirmed my biggest concern--that the highly-desirable hipbelt feature will end up being useless for my long torso. If you've run across any bags that are better fits, I'd love to know about them.
i bought the Osprey Porter Sojourn 30 and I like it very much. I like that it is smaller than the previous version and that there is a water bottle pocket. I can still attach a lock to the main compartment.
nice comparison! I'm recently looking at the Osprey's Proxima 30 and Aoede Airspeed Backpack, would u like to review those as well? The former one seems to be a lighter version of Porter, while the latter one looks nice for carry-on.
Ironic that the smaller Airspeed bag is actually listed as heavier than the Proxima when it looks like a simplier pack. I haven't tested either of these but you're right, the Proxima looks like a mini version of the Porter, but with a top load opening rather than a duffel/panel opening zipper.
fantastic review, I want to buy this for a personal item bag to travel with this summer for my first trip. do you think they will allow that tight squeeze? (I wont be packing it fully of course)
It depends how full it was packed and which airline, some of those budget companies make money off charging extra fees. Probably most airlines wouldn't say anything, but you could get caught if you over pack it.
You will most likely get away with it as a carry-on if you don't over pack it, however the packed dimensions are a little too fat in the width and depth dimensions so probably won't fit in the sizer box if they make you test it at the gate.
I don't have the newer 46 but I don't see why it wouldn't still fit. I just tried the 14" wide cube in the Sojourn 30 and it's tight, it will fit but will push the bag out a little, a 12" wide cube on the 30 would be better.
Could you talk about how the upgraded harness compares for the same weight vs the Farpoint, which has the wire frame? In previous years you said the Farpoint did weight transfer better.
The Porter Sojourn is better than the regular Porter, but it's still a very basic carry system, flat back with some padding. Farpoint is always going to be better, it has the frame structure, and the new version has adjustable height on the shoulder straps.
@@OneBagTravels Does the Sojourn still keep the rigid support from the previous version, but with more padding on top? I have a much older Porter without a rigid frame sheet, and I hated how it collapsed under its own weight with larger loads. Thanks for all your help!
Thanks for the detailed review! I bought the Porter 46 few months ago and was somehow disappointed when I saw the new model announced. But now, after this review, even if I did appreciate the few improvements, I also did not like some worsening (e.g. side handles, zippers with no locker holes -even if the locker is not very helpful 😂- the handle obstructing the computer zip, front compartment removed). And now I am pretty sure I will stay with the previous model!
Removing the front compartment is a step backwards.. I put some stuff in there that I want to quickly get in and out without opening the outer compartment of the main pack
I’ve seen a review for the 30L Peak Design travel backpack that says it will fit under the seat (personal item) on most airlines (we use Southwest 99% of the time). Will this Osprey 30L also fit as a personal item?
It isn't about whether it will fit under the seat or not, it's about whether it will fit in the sizer box at the gate. Once on the plane they aren't going to check your ticket and make you put your bag under the seat. That being said, many bags larger than the personal item dimensions listed on a companies website will fit under the seat. Depending on the airplane and which seat you are in, the space varies widely, even within the same row. The Porter 30 is small enough to fit under most seats and in many airlines personal item sizer box if it's not overpacked. The PD Travel Backpack 30 is much longer, it probaby it would fit under a lot of airplane seats, but if they call you out at the gate and check the size, if it doesn't fit in their sizer box then you may get charged extra.
Had my porter 30 broken into yesterday :/ they cut into it making a two inch hole right on the main zippier up top, slid a pen inside and bust through the zip from the inside. Thankfully they only took a packing cube of clothing 😂 buuuuut the bag is kinda busted now. The zip ain't the same. Teeth have seperated due to the pen, and it gets caught very often. Will see how ospreys all mighty warranty covers this 🤞
Lol, I don't even know what they're talking about here. I'm assuming the fabric loops on the front of the pack, that's where you can attach a second daypack.
@@OneBagTravels Thanks. Good to know cause my 45l wheeled sojourn has an add a bag strap, but haven't found anything on my 30l sojourn, and was getting really confused.
Wished they had add a water bottle pocket to other side. I have 2 Monos .750 bottles that filters the, expensive but a 18 hour flight to Cebu philippines. Perfer not to drink the water from the aircraft tanks. As an A&P mechanic on airlines rarely do they sanitize the tanks and bacteria grows in them most airlines stopped using bottled water and coffee and tea use tank water. When flying the cabin air is very dry and about 500 ml an hour also helps to prevent jetlag. Most people are sucking down alcohol which contributes to jetlag. I wished airports and airlines would ban alcohol but some people have to drink to able to fly. I love flying on foreign air lines as not as many disruptions as US domestic flights. I am a private pilot with many hours but for a severe head not allowed to now.
If they serve water in a glass or a drink with ice it comes from on board tanks. Many airlines are doing away with bottle water as the green movement they have on board ice makers also. I enjoyed working on the aircraft and learned things other than mechanical. Retired now. Travel to Asia on Asian airlines. The only US airline I use is Alaskan. Have flown several on American business class but usually it is has 2 changes and always the longest part they place me in economy section on a business ticket. I am going to South America. I have several times but no answer so avoid domestic airlines.
Is there a way to use a shoulder strap for shoulder carry. Many Asian airlines have a carry-on weight of 7kg/15 lbs so shoulder carry is great. You video reviews miss so many things but you have very little crappie but not important things. The Osprey site does not show this either.
Bro as i want to start travel abit to Australia and Asia. (6 months) I want to get one of those hand bags. So either farpoint 40 or this new bag sojourn porter 46. I got a notebook to take with me, but I’m minimaslist. What’s your advice?
I have the Porter 46, few days ago got the Farpoint 40, actually the same size on the outside. Farpoint also has a rigid frame so it’s unable to be jammed into an overhead (regional flights like Rex, Qantas, aircraft like saab340 or dash8). Porter 30 doesn’t look much smaller. Nice bags but not small enough for Australian regional flights, the search continues
That's a tough decision! I like both bags, Porter has a great compression system that holds a ton, Peak Design bags look better, stowable straps, and great features that incorporate into their other gear like camera accessories. If you're a photographer or want a nice looking pack PD is the easy choice. If you want a bag you can beat up, toss gear into and cinch down without having to worry about over packing, I'd go Porter.
The way you close the straps is not correct, you have them upside down. If you look, on the opposite side of the bottle pocket there are two loops to attach the straps so that they do not stay loose, as shown in the photos on the official Osprey website.
Good point, those second side buckles are for when the bag is squished down a lot, I probably could have used them here and not had such long straps. But you have to switch to the other buckles when the bag gets fuller.
Excellent review. And thank you for revealing the ballpoint pen trick. I never knew about that!
It's a good one to know
Thank you for the detailed comparison.
Thanks for watching!
Nice breakdown of the differences. Thanks!
Glad you liked it!
very good review… i think i'll go with Osprey Porter Sojourn thanks
My first trip with my sojourn 30 was great and i am convinced it is pretty much the perfect bag for me.
Niccceeee
It is the right size for the max load I would ever want to carry-on my back (about 10kg). The load lifters make the carry so much more balanced than the older Porter 30 but at the expense of making the laptop compartment a bit hard to access (you have to unbuckle load lifters).
Great video! Best description I’ve seen and I now want one… Can you use the shoulder straps without using the waist belt?
Yep, you can tuck the waist belt behind the back padding and just use the shoulder straps
Thanks for this video. I always enjoy your travel bag reviews. I think you have captured most of the important feature changes. I have a still older version of the Porter 30 before they "upgraded" to the recycled fabric of the "old" version that you are comparing against the new Sojourn version. After examining the Sojourn at a local store I still think that I prefer the two generations older one that I have. Since I'm taller I find that I am often carrying the bag over my shoulder with an accessory shoulder strap (since the hip belt sits too high on me in backpack mode). The hardware on my older bag seems better suited for this mode of carry than both of the newer versions. Also in this carry mode the relatively hard back doesn't matter much. I also prefer the organization pockets, and laptop compartment of the one I have now to the newer ones. The only issue with the Porter 30 that I have is the weight, and this newer version doesn't seem to be an improvement in that area. either. But even at 2.8 lbs. I find the extra organization (hey, I use that verticle slash pocket on the front side) nice for travel on longer train trips, etc.
I can see that, they made improvements in the carry system but changed some of the organization.
Thanks for sharing a tall guy's perspective. I'm 6'9" and looking to downsize from my original-model 22-inch Porter 46 to something in the 18 to 20-inch, 30-ish liter range; you've confirmed my biggest concern--that the highly-desirable hipbelt feature will end up being useless for my long torso. If you've run across any bags that are better fits, I'd love to know about them.
i bought the Osprey Porter Sojourn 30 and I like it very much. I like that it is smaller than the previous version and that there is a water bottle pocket. I can still attach a lock to the main compartment.
Same, upadate is much better.
nice comparison! I'm recently looking at the Osprey's Proxima 30 and Aoede Airspeed Backpack, would u like to review those as well? The former one seems to be a lighter version of Porter, while the latter one looks nice for carry-on.
Ironic that the smaller Airspeed bag is actually listed as heavier than the Proxima when it looks like a simplier pack. I haven't tested either of these but you're right, the Proxima looks like a mini version of the Porter, but with a top load opening rather than a duffel/panel opening zipper.
fantastic review, I want to buy this for a personal item bag to travel with this summer for my first trip. do you think they will allow that tight squeeze? (I wont be packing it fully of course)
It depends how full it was packed and which airline, some of those budget companies make money off charging extra fees. Probably most airlines wouldn't say anything, but you could get caught if you over pack it.
Great review! Just bought the 30L model.
Nice!
hi hi, I wonder if the 30L is good enough for 4-5 days trip for simple travel. The 43L is kinda big when I checked out in the store.
Nice video. Very informative. I’m thinking to buy this pack for a trip I’m making in December. Would the 46 liter version work as a carry on bag?
You will most likely get away with it as a carry-on if you don't over pack it, however the packed dimensions are a little too fat in the width and depth dimensions so probably won't fit in the sizer box if they make you test it at the gate.
Great video.Traveling in October to Italy going there on American Airlines, coming back on ITA will the 46l fit for the carry-on.Thank you again
Niccceee, enjoy your trip!
This is an awesome review!!! Just what I wanted to see! Can you compare the new and old farpoint 40? Or farpoint 55? 😃
Thanks! I did a 40 vs 55 comparison of the updated models: th-cam.com/video/8nkQuNZMnMA/w-d-xo.html
@OneBagTravels I've seen that one and loved it! I own the old 55. I'm considering buying a farpoint 40, I think, lol! 😆 🤔
I have the very old Porter 46 that I bought in 2015 and thinking of upgrading. Do 14x10 packing cubes still fit given its slightly narrower?
I don't have the newer 46 but I don't see why it wouldn't still fit. I just tried the 14" wide cube in the Sojourn 30 and it's tight, it will fit but will push the bag out a little, a 12" wide cube on the 30 would be better.
I bought the sojourn 80L 2023 version. does it have ykk zippers ? any upgrades from the previous version ?
Thanks !
That's a big one! I'm assuming the 80L has similar updates to the 40L but I haven't seen it in person.
Could you talk about how the upgraded harness compares for the same weight vs the Farpoint, which has the wire frame? In previous years you said the Farpoint did weight transfer better.
The Porter Sojourn is better than the regular Porter, but it's still a very basic carry system, flat back with some padding. Farpoint is always going to be better, it has the frame structure, and the new version has adjustable height on the shoulder straps.
@@OneBagTravels Does the Sojourn still keep the rigid support from the previous version, but with more padding on top? I have a much older Porter without a rigid frame sheet, and I hated how it collapsed under its own weight with larger loads.
Thanks for all your help!
@@mistsrider Yes, the Sojourn is still quite ridgid. It doesn't have a frame sheet, but the back padding is pretty stiff and firm.
Thanks for the detailed review! I bought the Porter 46 few months ago and was somehow disappointed when I saw the new model announced. But now, after this review, even if I did appreciate the few improvements, I also did not like some worsening (e.g. side handles, zippers with no locker holes -even if the locker is not very helpful 😂- the handle obstructing the computer zip, front compartment removed). And now I am pretty sure I will stay with the previous model!
It's a little weird that they improved the bag in many ways, but some of the changes made some aspects of the design worse 😆
Removing the front compartment is a step backwards.. I put some stuff in there that I want to quickly get in and out without opening the outer compartment of the main pack
Hi! What’s them clips on the opposite side of the water bottle? I haven’t seen anyone talking about them and it’s driving me mad!
I'm not sure which clips you're referring to, can you give me a timestamp?
@@OneBagTravels no worries I’ve realised they’re to compress the backpack even more! Thank you for replying anyway!!!
I’ve seen a review for the 30L Peak Design travel backpack that says it will fit under the seat (personal item) on most airlines (we use Southwest 99% of the time). Will this Osprey 30L also fit as a personal item?
It isn't about whether it will fit under the seat or not, it's about whether it will fit in the sizer box at the gate. Once on the plane they aren't going to check your ticket and make you put your bag under the seat. That being said, many bags larger than the personal item dimensions listed on a companies website will fit under the seat. Depending on the airplane and which seat you are in, the space varies widely, even within the same row. The Porter 30 is small enough to fit under most seats and in many airlines personal item sizer box if it's not overpacked. The PD Travel Backpack 30 is much longer, it probaby it would fit under a lot of airplane seats, but if they call you out at the gate and check the size, if it doesn't fit in their sizer box then you may get charged extra.
Had my porter 30 broken into yesterday :/ they cut into it making a two inch hole right on the main zippier up top, slid a pen inside and bust through the zip from the inside.
Thankfully they only took a packing cube of clothing 😂 buuuuut the bag is kinda busted now. The zip ain't the same. Teeth have seperated due to the pen, and it gets caught very often.
Will see how ospreys all mighty warranty covers this 🤞
Lmk how it goes, I just bought one now but their site is very broken and they don't reply to emails, which makes me a little uncomfortable tbh
Hopefully they get back with you soon, Osprey is known for having good customer service and a great repair and return policy.
The website says it has an add a bag strap, to connect it to your luggage.... Where is that?
Lol, I don't even know what they're talking about here. I'm assuming the fabric loops on the front of the pack, that's where you can attach a second daypack.
@@OneBagTravels Thanks. Good to know cause my 45l wheeled sojourn has an add a bag strap, but haven't found anything on my 30l sojourn, and was getting really confused.
Wished they had add a water bottle pocket to other side. I have 2 Monos .750 bottles that filters the, expensive but a 18 hour flight to Cebu philippines. Perfer not to drink the water from the aircraft tanks. As an A&P mechanic on airlines rarely do they sanitize the tanks and bacteria grows in them most airlines stopped using bottled water and coffee and tea use tank water. When flying the cabin air is very dry and about 500 ml an hour also helps to prevent jetlag. Most people are sucking down alcohol which contributes to jetlag. I wished airports and airlines would ban alcohol but some people have to drink to able to fly. I love flying on foreign air lines as not as many disruptions as US domestic flights. I am a private pilot with many hours but for a severe head not allowed to now.
Interesting, I didn't realize airlines used tank water for coffee 😬
If they serve water in a glass or a drink with ice it comes from on board tanks. Many airlines are doing away with bottle water as the green movement they have on board ice makers also. I enjoyed working on the aircraft and learned things other than mechanical. Retired now. Travel to Asia on Asian airlines. The only US airline I use is Alaskan. Have flown several on American business class but usually it is has 2 changes and always the longest part they place me in economy section on a business ticket. I am going to South America. I have several times but no answer so avoid domestic airlines.
@@danielpearson4972 Good to know thanks! Enjoy South America
Salute 🫡
Is there a way to use a shoulder strap for shoulder carry. Many Asian airlines have a carry-on weight of 7kg/15 lbs so shoulder carry is great. You video reviews miss so many things but you have very little crappie but not important things. The Osprey site does not show this either.
Thank you for the comparison. Too heavy for 30 liters :(
Medium heavy
I agree. I would much rather have a lighter bag for European trips where they weigh them.
Bro as i want to start travel abit to Australia and Asia. (6 months) I want to get one of those hand bags.
So either farpoint 40 or this new bag sojourn porter 46.
I got a notebook to take with me, but I’m minimaslist.
What’s your advice?
I think both those bags are good, I think just pick one and go with it. I like the Porter design better but that's just me.
I have the Porter 46, few days ago got the Farpoint 40, actually the same size on the outside. Farpoint also has a rigid frame so it’s unable to be jammed into an overhead (regional flights like Rex, Qantas, aircraft like saab340 or dash8). Porter 30 doesn’t look much smaller. Nice bags but not small enough for Australian regional flights, the search continues
Disregarding price. This or the Peak Design Travel 30?
That's a tough decision! I like both bags, Porter has a great compression system that holds a ton, Peak Design bags look better, stowable straps, and great features that incorporate into their other gear like camera accessories. If you're a photographer or want a nice looking pack PD is the easy choice. If you want a bag you can beat up, toss gear into and cinch down without having to worry about over packing, I'd go Porter.
@@OneBagTravels thanks for the reply. I think Porter it is! also heard it's more comfortable.
too bad there is no luggage strap on the back to carry on top of rolling suitcase
But if you can fit all your gear in one bag then you don't need one 😁
The new porter looks cheaper,still prefer the old porter,looks more durable
They're pretty similar quality but yes the fabric is different and I think the old has a more classic duffel look
The way you close the straps is not correct, you have them upside down. If you look, on the opposite side of the bottle pocket there are two loops to attach the straps so that they do not stay loose, as shown in the photos on the official Osprey website.
Good point, those second side buckles are for when the bag is squished down a lot, I probably could have used them here and not had such long straps. But you have to switch to the other buckles when the bag gets fuller.