Osprey Transporter 40 Unisex Duffel Bag

Product Information

We like to keep this strap in the hideaway harness sleeve so it’s always there if we need it, but you can opt to leave it at home if it’s not your thing. If you regularly haul your high-capacity luggage on your back over longer distances and can live without the extra handles or straps, then the Transporter is very likely worth the compromises. At the time of this review, we’ve been testing the Osprey Transporter for four months, and it’s seen use on planes and trains in Portugal and road-trips around the UK. The straps are not very well-padded though, so if you plan on hiking with your pack, you should consider a different option.

Osprey Rolling Transporter 40 - UKClimbing UKC Gear - REVIEW: Osprey Rolling Transporter 40 - UKClimbing

A zipped pocket on top of the main lid houses a backpack harness which allows you to carry the load comfortably through airports and train stations. If you're heading to a rainy climate or need to roll your bags through puddles, the REI Big Haul Rolling Duffel can't guarantee your belongings stay dry. The top of the bag—the part that sits against your back—has TPU coating on the outside, whereas the bottom of the bag has the coating on the inside. And finally, Osprey provides an attachable shoulder strap that can turn the Transporter 40 into a messenger bag. An overlapping rain flap protects the zippered from the elements, and also includes an ID window to stash a business card or your contact info.We haven’t been easy on it either, as it’s been in thrown in the trunk of a car, placed in overhead storage on a train, crammed into a locker at the gym, and even checked into the hold of an international flight. Moving on to the materials, the Osprey Transporter is made of 800D Nylon that’s been coated with TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) for additional weather resistance. We also love the Marmot Long Hauler's large external zippered pocket on each end and two internal zippered pockets.

Osprey Europe Rolling Transporter 40 Unisex Durable Wheeled Osprey Europe Rolling Transporter 40 Unisex Durable Wheeled

The backpack straps are comfortable and easy to remove, and we appreciate high-end design details like an external zippered pocket, two internal zippered pockets, internal luggage compression straps, and external daisy chain attachment points. Even the pocket that stows the shoulder straps for travel or provides a slightly stiffer panel which rests flush on the back, contouring gently while holding its shape.

The main compartment is plenty big enough to fit even the largest of laptops, but there’s no protection and it’s a pain to take out if it’s under a load of gear. We’re not going to lie, plain “black” is disappointing, but you better believe the likes of “sub lime” and “ruffian red” make up for it. Ultralight, packable bags like the REI Stuff Travel likely can't stand up to the prolonged abuse of the heftier expedition duffels, but these types of bags have different design applications.

Transporter® Wheeled Duffel 40 - Osprey Packs Transporter® Wheeled Duffel 40 - Osprey Packs

The entire backpack harness stows away in a zippered compartment for low-profile transport through the airport baggage handling process.It is an impressively comfortable backpack, a very useful duffel with messenger bag style carrying comfort, and an over-the-shoulder bag that allows easy access to the main compartment.

GearLab The 6 Best Duffel Bags of 2023 | Tested by GearLab

It includes contoured shoulder straps with comfortable mesh padding, an adjustable chest strap with an emergency whistle, and additional load lifter straps that help you optimize the pack's position on your body.Depending on your preference, they can be used either as backpack straps, shoulder sling, or traditional briefcase-style carry handles.