Osprey Transporter 65L Evaluate | CleverHiker

Backside Line

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

However even should 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 straightforward it was to pack and unpack every evening and morning and slide out and in of rooftop cargo containers within the help automobile.

Persistent overpackers are certain to like this bag, too, thanks to 2 inside compression straps that assist preserve mushy items cinched down so you’ll be able to shut the burly zips on the lid with ease. Bonus: two medium-sized accent pockets assist preserve small gadgets straightforward to seek out.

Carry Consolation

In case you are seeking a duffel that you just before everything plan to hold as a backpack versus over the shoulder, the Osprey Transporter is for you. Maybe not surprisingly, on condition that this bag is from a model identified for its backpacks, this one is among the most snug duffels we examined for backpack carry.

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

Compressibility & Packability

When it got here time to load up the bag with the whole lot we wanted 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 mushy items like clothes and sleeping luggage. It was straightforward to pack and unpack due to a spacious wide-mouth opening that hinges at one of many quick ends. And even when the pack straps have 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 straightforward 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 drugs, there was hardly a scratch or scuff on it. The outer materials, made from bluesign authorised recycled supplies with a TPU coating, is extremely sturdy and strong and even resisted filth and dirt, so by the point we introduced it house after a protracted weekend, it nonetheless regarded almost as vivid and contemporary as if it have been new.

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

Climate Resistance

Whereas the bag wasn’t essentially the most waterproof, its efficiency on this space was nonetheless spectacular sufficient to rank this duffel extremely. One exterior pocket saved 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 saved out many of the moisture, so many of the inside of the bag stayed dry. Packing delicate gear in waterproof packing cubes might not be a nasty concept.

Group

Whereas this bag might not be an organizational powerhouse, compression straps inside the primary compartment are a welcome addition for persistent overpackers. They have 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 surface and one inside. They have been useful for stashing headlamps and toilet kits, however it took somewhat longer to seek out smaller gadgets inside 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 in search of a duffel bag with loads of cupboard space that’s additionally snug 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 subsequent–this one shines vivid among the many relaxation.

On the flip facet, should you choose a duffel bag with extra carry choices, organizational pockets, or separate compartments for soiled gear, you could discover your new favourite duffel elsewhere.

What Different DuffelS Ought to You Contemplate?

If you happen to’re unsure the Osprey Transporter is best for you in any of the obtainable sizes, you could need to contemplate one of many different stand-out duffels we’ve examined.

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

Cotopaxi Allpa Duo Evaluate: One giant foremost 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 Evaluate: For a extra conventional duffel, contemplate the basic Patagonia Black Gap. The big single opening, restricted pockets, and several other carry choices make it a stable alternative for a lot of vacationers.