Review on Osprey Packs Porter Travel Backpack by Richard Miller

Almost perfect. It is unusual for me to give an overview with this level of detail. First let me say if you have any doubts about getting this bag, go get it. 100%. Second, I bought this bag for a recent two week trip to China. The trip involved quite a few moves across the country and not too many nights in a row in the same place. I also had to take a few trains and domestic flights in addition to my round trips. However, I was looking for something that would do a lot of things, be easy to put on and take off, and work well on the plane without having to test it. And this bag fits incredibly well. This bag is amazing! It's an almost perfect carry-on bag AND an almost perfect backpack. How I used it: I took this bag along with a regular sized backpack on my 2 week trip. When I traveled from place to place by train, plane or bus. that's what wore most of my stuff. On the days when I was sightseeing or walking, I pulled out my clothes and everything and used it as a daypack to carry around a water bottle, camera, lenses, first aid, toilet paper (China), etc. because it was more convenient. on the back than my normal backpack. I have always used this bag as hand luggage on my flights and it always fits perfectly in the overhead compartment. What I like about this bag: 1. Backpack straps and big. Since Osprey mainly makes backpacks, I'm not surprised that they're good, but they're really great. In my two weeks in China I ran almost 100 miles and almost always had this bag on my back. It's handy when it's heavy, when it's light, and for long periods and distances. The chest strap is always comfortable, but the best touches are the top adjustment and waist strap. They may be too small for the capacity of the bag, but I was really impressed with how comfortable this bag is to carry. (ps I'm athletic build, 5ft 10", 32" waist and 170 lbs). 1.5 The fact that the straps are hidden in a separate special compartment is just amazing. This made it very easy to manipulate the bag when getting on and off a plane and getting in and out of a taxi without worrying about the straps flying all over the place and snagging on things. Even when this backpack was full, the straps were still easy to store and take out.2. Straight jacket buckles. They serve two purposes. The first is more obvious when you pack the bag full or even not full. it compresses it less and eliminates bulging or sagging of the fabric. I also love how it takes the pressure off the zippers when it's too full (although the zippers seem very strong and I have no qualms about them). But the second feature is that it is a security level. Carrying this pack as a day pack, I didn't have to worry about someone getting behind me and going through my back without my knowledge because it would require extra steps to open it. I found it very calming and comforting as I could focus on the mountains and cities instead of worrying about things on my back. Bonus: They're also super handy for storing your jacket in your backpack when it gets warm outside and you need to shed a layer.3. The laptop bag is not only suitable for laptops. It also has a zippered mesh pocket on the inside which is perfect for storing extra cash or similar when traveling as it's impossible to get in while carrying your bag. Also, the laptop sleeve itself is perfect for storing my light raincoat in case I got caught in the rain and need quick access without taking everything out or even opening the bag. I also see that it would be very handy to use as a laptop sleeve when going through airport security. Pads This is not a skinny bag. The sides are well padded, as are both sides of the laptop sleeve. This is PERFECT for those who carry around a lot of camera gear and want to protect it from bumps and such when traveling. The top compartment is somehow magically still useful even when the bag is stuffed full. It's the perfect spot for sunglasses, lip balm, hand sanitizer, or any other item that is needed often or should be easily accessible. Good. but how much can it hold? For my trip I packed it with the intention not to wash it. What included (more or less): 16 athletic t-shirts 1 long sleeve shirt 19 pairs of underwear 16 pairs of socks 3 pairs of pants 2 pairs of shorts 1 pair of sweatpants 1 raincoat 1 down jacket 1 swimwear 2 knee pads .) Miscellaneous such as airplane earplugs, passport case, sunglasses in case etc. Why only 4 stars? I'd really like to have some sort of external water bottle holder when using it as a daypack. I realize that doesn't quite fit the concept of this bag, but I think the Osprey guys are resourceful enough to come up with something nifty. Although it's actually not a determining factor.2. The side handle is too far from the back of the bag to be comfortable. When in use, it tends to carry the bag at an awkward angle, resulting in it bumping / rubbing / getting in the way of your foot as you walk (see image). Simply moving it so it's closer to the center of the bag could fix that. Not much, but less useful in bag form than backpack form.3. That's the main reason I deducted a star. Just add the shoulder strap! I wasn't surprised that it wasn't included after purchasing it as I saw it was sold separately before I bought it, but oh well. The clips look great, but whatever the cost of a shoulder strap, it doesn't justify not having one. Even if the bag cost $10-20 more and included a strap for convenience, that would be great. I just find it ridiculous to have to find and buy a strap separately.