Osprey Transporter 65L Review | CleverHiker

Bottom Line

Perhaps not surprisingly, The Osprey Transporter, one of the more capacious duffels we tested this year, tops the list for the most comfortable duffel to carry as a backpack. It is, after all, designed by a brand that specializes in making backpacking packs. As a result, while there may be fewer carry options overall, those hauling gear mostly on their backs will find the padded straps (with sternum strap) ultra comfy for longer periods of time. 

But even if you don’t plan to have it on your back for extended periods, when testing it over a weekend of bikepacking in Utah, we loved how easy it was to pack and unpack each night and morning and slide in and out of rooftop cargo boxes in the support vehicle.

Chronic overpackers are bound to love this bag, too, thanks to two interior compression straps that help keep soft goods cinched down so you can close the burly zips on the lid with ease. Bonus: two medium-sized accessory pockets help keep small items easy to find.

Carry Comfort

If you are in search of a duffel that you first and foremost plan to carry as a backpack as opposed to over the shoulder, the Osprey Transporter is for you. Perhaps not surprisingly, given that this bag is from a brand known for its backpacks, this one is one of the most comfortable duffels we tested for backpack carry.

The straps are padded and adjustable and include a sternum strap to help manage heavy loads and are stowable in a dedicated lid pocket when not in use. They are the main way to carry this bag, but you could also manage an over-the-shoulder carry in a pinch. There’s no grab handle on top, though. There are sturdy and comfortable cargo handles on each of the four sides, however, which makes pulling it in and out of a rooftop cargo carrier easy.

Compressibility & Packability

When it came time to load up the bag with everything we needed for a multi-day bikepacking trip in Utah, it held all of our essentials, thanks in part to two internal compression straps that helped cinch down soft goods like clothing and sleeping bags. It was easy to pack and unpack thanks to a spacious wide-mouth opening that hinges at one of the short ends. And even when the pack straps were attached, they didn’t get in the way when digging around inside.

When empty, the duffel packed fairly easily into its own separate sack for easy storage. The presence of plenty of external lash points means the bag is easy to secure or attach to anchors or other duffels.

Durability

Even after dragging this bag around the desert full of gear, there was hardly a scratch or scuff on it. The outer material, made of bluesign approved recycled materials with a TPU coating, is incredibly durable and robust and even resisted dirt and mud, so by the time we brought it home after a long weekend, it still looked nearly as bright and fresh as if it were new.

What’s more, the grab handles are plenty heavy duty, and the burly zippers were smooth and easy to use. We had no problem zipping the bag shut even when it was packed to the brim.

Weather Resistance

While the bag wasn’t the most waterproof, its performance in this area was still impressive enough to rank this duffel highly. One exterior pocket kept things completely dry, and the main compartment only dampened a bit along the sides after the bag was left out in the rain for an hour. Expansive rain flaps kept out most of the moisture, so most of the interior of the bag stayed dry. Packing sensitive gear in water resistant packing cubes may not be a bad idea.

Organization

While this bag may not be an organizational powerhouse, compression straps inside the main compartment are a welcome addition for chronic overpackers. They were a god-send on one trip where we had to cram in bulky winter sleeping bags and puffy jackets alongside plenty of other gear.

There are no large separate compartments for shoes or dirty clothing and only one small accessory pocket on the outside and one inside. They were helpful for stashing headlamps and bathroom kits, but it took a little longer to find smaller items within the bag as a result.

Should You Buy the Osprey Transporter Duffel?

The Osprey Transporter may be on the pricier end of the duffels we tested, but for those looking for a duffel bag with plenty of storage space that’s also comfortable to carry as a backpack for long periods of time–say when traveling across Europe or hopping on and off trains or planes from one expedition to the next–this one shines bright among the rest.

On the flip side, if you prefer a duffel bag with more carry options, organizational pockets, or separate compartments for dirty gear, you may find your new favorite duffel elsewhere.

What Other DuffelS Should You Consider?

If you’re not sure the Osprey Transporter is right for you in any of the available sizes, you may want to consider one of the other stand-out duffels we’ve tested.

Eagle Creek Cargo Hauler Review: Made of highly durable materials and more large pockets for bulky gear like boots or helmets, this bag is still easy to pack, plenty spacious, and comfortable to carry.

Cotopaxi Allpa Duo Review: One large main compartment and removable shoulder straps make it similar to the Osprey Transporter, but with the addition of a bottom zippered compartment for dirty clothing.

Patagonia Black Hole Review: For a more traditional duffel, consider the classic Patagonia Black Hole. The large single opening, limited pockets, and several carry options make it a solid choice for many travelers.