22.12.2019

I am a backpacker (urban travel).I have tried several Osprey bags for this purpose.I started with the Osprey Porter 46. Then I moved onto the Osprey Farpoint 40. And now, I am using this Osprey Transporter.Who am I and what do I need the bag for?I work in different cities, and have free time in between to explore. I typically bounce around in urban areas, i.e. no hiking, no climbing, and commute on cabs/trains/buses/planes. I pack about 7-10 days worth of clothes, gym shoes, a laptop, and a camera. I don't need a deluge of straps or bells and whistles. I need a bag that can hold as much as possible, is sturdy, and has decent padding and support for urban carrying.So that said,here has been my progression:The Porter 46 is way too bulky with the "straightjacket" design. I don't understand what circumstances I would need the bulletproof-esque protection it provides. After 2 trips of lugging around the Porter 46, it just felt too awkward, excessive, and heavy. Compared to my 40L bags, I honestly didn't sense the extra 6L whatsoever, due to it being so rigid, it is hard to really STUFF things in.With these issues, I decided to move onto the well-reviewed and highly recommended Farpoint 40. I did about 4 trips with this bag (PNW USA, Southeast Asia, Central Europe, and Western Europe). And there is good reason why this is such a popular bag. It has a good balance of protection, sturdiness, organizational pockets, and large main compartment. It also sports a very good frame, a good hip strap and outer straps to cinch the bag down.With so many pros, why did I decide to move onto the Transporter 40L?It's because the FP40 had too many pockets that I didn't make use of. It has 1 large bulky & padded outer pocket for a laptop, and little pen slots and a mesh pocket. I only ever use it for my laptop, and it is way too much real estate taken away just for my laptop. The name of the game for my needs is VERSATILITY. I could have used that space to pack at least another 4-5 shirts, when need be.So here I am, landing on my next trial to find the best bag to fit my needs: the Transporter 40. It has 1 giant compartment, which I am able to make better use of than Porter 46L and the Farpoint 40L, for my needs. It boils down to just being a giant, very sturdy duffel bag with backpack straps.On my most recent trip, I was able to fit about 12 T-shirts, 1 flannel, 1 hoodie, 10 pairs of socks, 10 pairs of underwear, 2 pairs of pants, my toiletry bag, a laptop, a camera. My Porter 46 and FP40 could fit about the same amount, minus the camera. So it definitely has a bit more space.My initial take on this bag when it arrived at my door was.. well.. apprehension. It came rolled up in a little packing cube. I really didn't understand the need for this. At what point would I possibly need to roll up and pack up my main-travel-bag????Also, it was very soft and malleable, and I thought it meant a lack of structure and a lack of padding. I was VERY close to just returning it because it was absolutely not what I expected.But having unpacked it, and my flight was the very next day... I decided to just take the plunge and give it a shot.I did 2 months in Europe with this bag, and just got back today.My thoughts on this bag are:Pros:* Duffel bag strap AND backpack strap. This feature is actually a BIG pro for me. For my travel style, I tend to switch back and forth between shoulder carry and backpack carry. With the other bags, I end up holding it with my arms, which sucks. This duffle bag style carry has proven very helpful for me on this past trip, getting on and off planes/buses and into tight spaces was made so much easier.* holds more than the Porter and Farpoint in the main compartment. If you don't have a need for little organizational pockets, this doesn't waste space on that.* on the flip side, it lacks organization, so if you need a laptop slot, a space for little knick knacks, this bag is not good for you. However, the pro is there is ONE pocket on the top and it IS pretty sizable. I was able to fit my wallet, keys, bar of soap, phone, power bank, watch, and 4 clif bars. It is a pretty decently sized pocketCons:* Again, only 1 top pocket and 1 main compartment. you will NOT have much organization pockets.* NO OUTER STRAPS to cinch down your stuff!! Only INTERIOR straps, which works fine. But it really made me miss the Farpoint 40's outer straps. The one thing I would love to see in the next iteration would add outer straps.

1.12.2018

I've got a few products from Osprey and most have been very good. The Talon 22 and the Atmos AG50 are two of my favourites. However, duffel bags were never their thing. Ospreys previous generation of the transporter was so rubbish, I completely ignored it and the only brands I entertained was Patagonia. I have the Patagonia Black Hole 90L which, imo, is far superior to the North Face Base Camp duffel.This time, I was looking for carry-on luggage and was surprised to find a contender from Osprey. It's typical Osprey, they learn from their mistakes and make something great. I bought this for £67 which was much cheaper than the Patagonia Black Hole 45L. The bag is water resistant and lined with hard wearing material at the base.

7.12.2018

This is a very sturdy and good looking carry-on bag. If you don't need the wheels, this is one of the best options out there in my opinion. Compared to a quality backpack of similar size, this one has several advantages and disadvantages. Your own needs will decide if this is the bag for you or not.Advantages:- This basically has one main compartment (and a small one on top). This means you can stuff it with a lot more stuff.- It can be carried as a duffel bag or a backpack. (the straps for the backpack can be tucked away when not needed, same with duffel bag strap).- You can fold it (comes with own carrying bag for when you fold it)Disadvantages:- No compartments.

21.12.2018

This is a fantastic bag! I’m someone who definitely over researches nearly every purchase I make, and I’m happy to say that I made the right call with this bag. I own many osprey products but was torn between this and a Patagonia black hole duffel but the price is so much lower for this than the comparable Patagonia that I decided to let that be the deciding factor. I already owned a Patagonia black hole MLC, it’s great, and I honestly thought I would use it way more than this osprey for my frequent weekend travels, However, this osprey is just such an excellent bag that the MLC is basically relegated to the closet these days. If you’re looking for a simple, durable, and exceedingly flexible duffel bag,

15.7.2020

I went reviewing multiple bags. I looked at Mormont, Eagle Creek, The North Face and Osprey among others and found that this Transporter series bag is beyond all else. The quality of the bag is fantastic. I got the 40L which is perfect for carry on. I got this at a bargain but worth it at all varying prices. I love the colors, the quality, the spaciousness, the features and convertibility, the comfortable straps and the overall design.The one thing I wish they would have on something like this would be a water bottle holder and maybe a few more pockets. That doesn’t detract from my 5 star rating all around.I looked at this bag for weeks and decided to pull the trigger... I’m glad I did.

15.12.2019

This pack exceeded my expectations and is one of the best purchases I’ve made for travel. I travel extensively, and previously carried a roller, but grew tired of constantly having to gate check my bag and sometimes miss connecting flights.This bag allows me to carry several days of clothing and gear, as well as my laptop and other electronics, and still stash it overhead in the smallest of planes.Beyond being a perfect size and extremely sturdy, it has a number of carry options - including the ability to stash away all but one strap and carry it on a single shoulder.My only complaint: I wish it had more than one small exterior pocket...however, small consolation.

29.6.2019

Just returned from Spain and am very happy with this duffel.Perfect as a carry-on; way more volume than my old backpack, but fit under the seat no problem and still felt like I had plenty of foot room. Big end-to-end flap made it easy to pack and access stuff inflight. Ended up using the shoulder strap and backpack straps equally; both worked great. No internal frame or waist belt was a selling point for me b/c my use involves lots of short term on-and-off as I transition from plane, train, and car. So for urban and short outdoor excursions this is excellent.If you’re looking for a good carry-on/weekend bag this is a solid and well constructed performer.

3.11.2018

This is the best bag ever. The quality is absolutely amazing. I live out of my gym bag and I just used it as a carry on for a weekend trip. I'm obsessed with this thing. There's a million ways to carry it and you can grab it quickly from any angle! It was handed to me quickly after being pulled from the overhead bin and I was able to grab it fast without the awkward re-orientation that holds up the line. Not to mention I'm NOT a light packer and it fit all my stuff! Even my knee high boots! I'll be a lifelong customer.

22.7.2019

Bought this in April 2019 before a heavy duty road trip to New Zealand. It worked wonders and gave me the space for carrying all that you need for tough hikes including being water proof and dirt resistant.Only thing I would say would have been a good addition is an extra net pocket outside for holding a water bottle. Did not want to knock off the Star for that but it is a big missing feature so please consider your options before buying.

11.11.2019

Great bag, definitely well constructed and will be great for camping or hauling gear for MTN biking. The ability to wear it as backpack is definitely a plus for traveling. You can really load up with multiple days' clothes and shoes. Fits perfectly under the seat on a plane for carry on, even loaded. Straps and clasps are heavy duty and work well. Great looking too.

14.4.2019

Overall, this is a great pack, but it is skinny on features, notably, the external water bottle sleeve and maybe a laptop/tablet sleeve. The duffel strap and backpack straps enable multiple carry options, while the internal zippered pocket keeps small items organized. The waterproof coating has helped while traveling through precipitation.

2.10.2016

I got this bag by accident and what a happy accident! I was after another bag but the reviews were poor with reviewers recommending the Osprey so I went for that and so glad I did! The best gym bag I have ever owned but would also be ideal as a weekender or carry on for a short break. The quality is second to none! Top marks Osprey!

23.12.2019

Purchased this pack for a week long trip to use as a carry on. Combined with packing cubes to keep my items organized. The ability to switch between duffle and backpack modes was vital throughout the trip. Was able to handle the loads without a problem. No problems with overhead space on plane either.

21.8.2019

Bought this to bring with us to Europe as a way to carry clothes on the way back and use suitcases for souvenirs. It packed relatively flat in my suitcase and held about 30 lbs of clothes/shoes on the way back. We checked it on the way home and it survived TSA and two different transfers. Great bag!

27.10.2018

Love this duffel. I took it plus a small daypack for 3 weeks in Patagonia. It was perfect. It can be used as a carryon or checked, no problem. It’s easy to carry as a pack while in airports and towns, and it is very easy to open and find your stuff.

Osprey Transporter 40 (2019) - Reviews

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