Jet-Set Bug-Out-Bag

Frequent travelers all have one thing in common: a favorite go-to travel pack for unexpected trips. Osprey has made a name for themselves with their backpacking packs (see our recent post on the Atmos AG packs), but more and more their expertise is going into luggage and clever carry on packs. Enter the Porter 30.

Osprey Porter 30

The Porter series has three sizes: 30L, 46L, and 65L, the 46L being the largest maximum carry on size. Fully loaded the 30L is plenty for a few days on the road, and it's a more convenient size for overhead bins and international carry on restrictions. The back panel hides a surprisingly comfortable hip belt and harness to use as a backpack. The handle for normal carrying is super plush...a nice feature. There's plenty of padding in all the right places for carrying a tablet or laptop. Once you've unclipped the compression straps, the front panel opens very much like a traditional backpack with a wide variety of organizational pockets. On an actual trip I think I'd use almost every pocket, but for the sake of this "showcase" we've only partially packed it out. In the front panel we've stocked a selection of everyday travel essentials. If the water is questionable at your destination, by all means get yourself a SteriPen! The "Ultra" model is awesome for travel because it's USB rechargeable. Conveniently, we've also got the 150 Lumen Black Diamond Ember flashlight stowed away which doubles as a 2,600 mAh portable USB charger. In our front panel is also included a GSI Cutlery Set (you never know when you'll need 'em), and a nifty stowable Ultra-Sil Daypack in case you want to leave your Porter 30 at the hotel. On the front side of that panel I tucked away a PackTowl Personal and a Sea-to-Summit X-Set. A pillow, sleeping bag liner, hat, first aid kit, and a selection of soaps round out the accessories.

All that's left now is clothes, so I picked a few changes of mix-and-matchable low maintenance pieces that are perfect for travel. After all, we need to see how this thing looks packed, and what better way to do it than with a quick peek at some of my apparel favorites.

I like to think I've covered all the bases here. We've got our rain shell in the form of the Arc'Teryx Beta SL (one of our most popular jackets), a Black Diamond Tangent Hoody soft shell, Prana Stretch Zion Pants, the BD Chambray Modernist button-up, Marmot Arch Rock Shorts, ExOfficio and Icebreaker boxers, and Icebreaker Anatomica Leggings. Some SmartWool socks and a SmartWool NTS Micro 150 Tee too...because you can never have enough merino. I also tossed in a casual cotton Tee from Prana for dressed down comfort.

So how does it all fit? Easily! There was definitely more room in the pack, especially for clothes. If you're looking for a do-it-all carry on, I can't imagine a better product.