Osprey says “the Transporter is a brilliant all-round travel pack,” so let’s dive right in and find out. The Patagonia Black Hole, Gregory Alpaca, Gregory Supply Duffel, The North Face Base Camp, Cotopaxi Allpa Duo, and the REI Big Haul also have reasonably comfortable shoulder straps for carrying heavy loads over longer distances. It quickly converts from a briefcase-style bag to a backpack and also to a messenger-style bag with a cross-body shoulder strap. Although its durability and versatility are compromised compared to the more robust products mentioned above, its lightweight and affordable design makes it a good choice for general use and an excellent value product.

Osprey Transporter 40 Travel Backpack Review | Pack Hacker

The load securing straps inside also keep the contents from sloshing around excessively inside, no matter how bumpy a journey you've just had. Perfect for gear-intensive weekends or overnight trips, it can be worn as a backpack with a stowaway harness or handheld, and comes with multiple pockets to keep items organised, as well as compression straps to reduce bulk. The main reason it got knocked down is due to some subtle but powerful updates from Osprey for their Porter 46. The highly-rated Sea to Summit and the Mountain Hardwear Expedition also include a convenient shoulder sling carry option with adjustable strap systems. It’s easy to pack and maximize all the space inside, but we’d still recommend using packing cubes to compartmentalize everything and increase organization.An overlapping rain flap protects the zippered from the elements, and also includes an ID window to stash a business card or your contact info. Osprey’s Transporter 40 Duffel Bag is a dependable, robust sidekick to various adventure activities.

Transporter 40 | Travel | Osprey Europe

It is not cheap but it's not the most expensive model we tested among similar high-end expedition packs. The StraightJacket compression system is also not a favorite feature, but some testers really seem to like it. Like your favorite suitcase, this oversized bag has a retractable handle, sturdy handles on all four sides, and plenty of internal and external organization to keep your smaller items from getting lost.The Transporter is quite comfortable in backpack mode, but it lacks the traditional briefcase-style carry handles found on most duffel bags. There’s also a detachable sternum strap with a whistle, in case you ever need it in an emergency (hopefully you won’t). If you don't need such a fancy backpack harness and you'd like the extra versatility of a few additional carrying methods, then another duffel may be a better option. The Thule Chasm, REI Big Haul, the Mountain Hardwear Camp 4 Duffel, and Mountain Hardwear Expedition are all also noteworthy with their sturdy, reinforced daisy chain loops that are thicker and stronger than most.

The Best Travel Backpacks and Carry-On Alternatives - OutdoorMiks

It would've been nice to have a key clip here, as it's the obvious place to carry your keys, and as it is they just slide around loose. The Transporter's construction quality and fit and finish are top-notch, as we've become accustomed to with Osprey products. For instance, you can put this cube at the bottom of your one bag travel pack, and then fill it up with gifts for friends (or yourself) and check it in on your way back home.Ending on a few positive notes, we’ll first mention that we are digging the hideaway harness system. The main compartment is plenty big enough to fit even the largest of laptops, but there’s no protection and it’s a pain to take out if it’s under a load of gear. They state, "Osprey will repair any damage or defect for any reason free of charge — whether it was purchased in 1974 or yesterday.

Osprey Packs Travel Duffel Bags - Carry-ons, Luggage - Osprey Packs

There are a ton of plastic buckles on the Osprey Transporter, and they’re all from different manufacturers—such as ITW, Nifco, Woojin, and YKK. This isn't a criticism of the Rolling Transporter in particular, just an acknowledgement that this type of luggage has limits.

It converts seamlessly from “expedition duffel” (which is how Osprey markets it) to travel backpack, and even to an easy-access shoulder bag that carries almost as well as a messenger bag. Consistently one of the top pieces of luggage on the market, the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel just misses out on our top ranking with its high-quality design and top-notch performance.