Osprey Transporter 65L Assessment | CleverHiker

Backside Line

Maybe not surprisingly, The Osprey Transporter, one of many extra capacious duffels we examined this yr, tops the listing for probably the most comfy duffel to hold as a backpack. It’s, in any case, designed by a model that makes a speciality of making backpacking packs. In consequence, whereas there could also be fewer carry choices general, these hauling gear totally on their backs will discover the padded straps (with sternum strap) extremely cozy for longer durations of time. 

However even in case you don’t plan to have it in your again for prolonged durations, when testing it over a weekend of bikepacking in Utah, we cherished how simple it was to pack and unpack every evening and morning and slide out and in of rooftop cargo containers within the assist automobile.

Persistent overpackers are sure to like this bag, too, thanks to 2 inside compression straps that assist preserve gentle items cinched down so you may shut the burly zips on the lid with ease. Bonus: two medium-sized accent pockets assist preserve small objects simple to seek out.

Carry Consolation

In case you are in the hunt for a duffel that you simply at the start plan to hold as a backpack versus over the shoulder, the Osprey Transporter is for you. Maybe not surprisingly, provided that this bag is from a model identified for its backpacks, this one is among the most comfy duffels we examined for backpack carry.

The straps are padded and adjustable and embody a sternum strap to assist handle heavy masses and are stowable in a devoted lid pocket when not in use. They’re the primary method to carry this bag, however you possibly can additionally handle an over-the-shoulder carry in a pinch. There’s no seize deal with on high, although. There are sturdy and cozy cargo handles on every of the 4 sides, nonetheless, which makes pulling it out and in of a rooftop cargo provider simple.

Compressibility & Packability

When it got here time to load up the bag with all the pieces we would have liked for a multi-day bikepacking journey in Utah, it held all of our necessities, thanks partially to 2 inside compression straps that helped cinch down gentle items like clothes and sleeping luggage. It was simple to pack and unpack because of a spacious wide-mouth opening that hinges at one of many quick ends. And even when the pack straps had been connected, they didn’t get in the way in which when digging round inside.

When empty, the duffel packed pretty simply into its personal separate sack for simple storage. The presence of loads of exterior lash factors means the bag is straightforward to safe or connect to anchors or different duffels.

Sturdiness

Even after dragging this bag across the desert full of substances, there was hardly a scratch or scuff on it. The outer materials, product of bluesign permitted recycled supplies with a TPU coating, is extremely sturdy and strong and even resisted dust and dirt, so by the point we introduced it house after a protracted weekend, it nonetheless regarded practically as brilliant and contemporary as if it had been new.

What’s extra, the seize handles are a lot heavy responsibility, and the burly zippers had been clean and straightforward to make use of. We had no drawback zipping the bag shut even when it was packed to the brim.

Climate Resistance

Whereas the bag wasn’t probably the most waterproof, its efficiency on this space was nonetheless spectacular sufficient to rank this duffel extremely. One exterior pocket stored issues utterly dry, and the primary compartment solely dampened a bit alongside the edges after the bag was ignored within the rain for an hour. Expansive rain flaps stored out many of the moisture, so many of the inside of the bag stayed dry. Packing delicate gear in waterproof packing cubes is probably not a nasty concept.

Group

Whereas this bag is probably not an organizational powerhouse, compression straps inside the primary compartment are a welcome addition for power overpackers. They had been a god-send on one journey the place we needed to cram in cumbersome winter sleeping luggage and puffy jackets alongside loads of different gear.

There are not any giant separate compartments for footwear or soiled clothes and just one small accent pocket on the skin and one inside. They had been useful for stashing headlamps and toilet kits, however it took slightly longer to seek out smaller objects throughout the bag because of this.

Ought to You Purchase the Osprey Transporter Duffel?

The Osprey Transporter could also be on the pricier finish of the duffels we examined, however for these on the lookout for a duffel bag with loads of cupboard space that’s additionally comfy to hold as a backpack for lengthy durations of time–say when touring throughout Europe or hopping on and off trains or planes from one expedition to the following–this one shines brilliant among the many relaxation.

On the flip aspect, in case you favor a duffel bag with extra carry choices, organizational pockets, or separate compartments for soiled gear, chances are you’ll discover your new favourite duffel elsewhere.

What Different DuffelS Ought to You Contemplate?

If you happen to’re undecided the Osprey Transporter is best for you in any of the accessible sizes, chances are you’ll need to take into account one of many different stand-out duffels we’ve examined.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Assessment: Fabricated from extremely sturdy supplies and extra giant pockets for cumbersome gear like boots or helmets, this bag remains to be simple to pack, a lot spacious, and cozy to hold.

Cotopaxi Allpa Duo Assessment: One giant major compartment and detachable shoulder straps make it just like the Osprey Transporter, however with the addition of a backside zippered compartment for soiled clothes.

Patagonia Black Gap Assessment: For a extra conventional duffel, take into account the basic Patagonia Black Gap. The big single opening, restricted pockets, and a number of other carry choices make it a strong alternative for a lot of vacationers.